The Face Of Silence!

INTRODUCING

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019

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THE FACE OF

$2.00

SILENCE! Will Kenny Anthony, who secretly initiated the Jack Grynberg fiasco in 2000, assist the government in defending the oil speculator’s recently revived breach of contract lawsuit?

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

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02 LOCAL

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

Frankfurt

By Michael Walker

I

t must have been 1971 when we first attended the Frankfurt Book Fair at the invitation of our Swedish publishers who had signed us on just four years earlier to produce our very first series of English Language textbooks called This Way that covered the seven years from grade three to nine of basic school. From the very outset the books had been a success and we soon had about ninety per cent of the market. For each grade of 100,000 pupils there was a textbook, a workbook, a teacher’s guide, a set of tapes for everything in the textbook and a separate set of tapes for all the exercises in the workbook.

Everything had worked in our favour.

The year the books first started to appear, the Ministry of Education had decreed that English was to be taught from grade three instead of grade four, as had been the case until then, so we were the first to provide material for the extended period. In addition, all schools were to be provided with language laboratories with tape recorders so that kids could work individually to improve their language skills, and ours was the only course that provided tapes for every exercise in the workbooks. Some might say we were lucky, others might agree that we were way ahead of our time and saw the direction education was heading in. Within the short space of four years our publisher had progressed from a maths-only producer of textbooks to the leading language-publishing house in Scandinavia. We were selling over three million books a year in Sweden alone, and that was before Denmark, Norway, Finland and Holland joined in.

If this was not enough, this was the time of unbridled optimism when Sweden had more money than it could deal with.

Incredibly, every child received, free of charge, a new set of books each year, courtesy of the Swedish government, which meant that if a school adopted your book it would remain loyal to you for at least the first seven years of the cycle, after which they almost always opted for another two cycles, which meant 21 years of sales in all.

Given that it took us about five years to write a complete series of books, we “renewed ourselves” by starting a new series immediately upon completing the previous one based on what we had learnt during that

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time—instant renewal, each time improving the product we had to offer, feeding off the experiences gained at home and abroad.

Of course, all this was paid for through the tax system which for many foreigners was horrendous but, for Swedes, who knew all the benefits they were receiving, high taxes seemed a fair exchange. Even today, health care is almost free for everyone. Just recently, I underwent a colonoscopy that, after I had paid the initial EC $27 for the first examination, was completely free of any additional charges, and the nurse even brought me a cup of coffee and a cheese sandwich when I was in the recovery room. My wife had a double hip replacement for the same small fee, all paid for by our taxes.

As part of our after-sales policy we guaranteed any teachers who had issues that we would visit their school and even hold lessons with the kids to help solve any problems. This meant that we spent two to three days on the road each week and, before long, I knew every school, large or small, in every community in Sweden. In 1972 I began flying and soon realized that I needed all-weather capability, good or bad, in order to meet my commitments. Decades later, I can still recall some of the horrendous winterweather conditions at some of the out of the way, isolated grass landing strips situated deep in the forests and the faithful publishing reps who would be waiting on the ground to whisk me away to the nearest school.

For over a quarter of a century we were producing a new book every six weeks — and by ‘producing’ I include writing, testing, checking layout and design, and instructing illustrators. I doubt that I slept more than four to five hours in any twenty-four hour period during that time. My work was my hobby. It was all-consuming. Once our coverage had extended outside Sweden, I found myself visiting schools all over Europe with the help of my own aircraft. I could comfortably leave home at five in the morning, fly down to Zurich in Switzerland, work there for a few hours and be home in the evening. Switzerland was no further away from home than some small town in Lapland above the Arctic Circle in the very north of Sweden.

Oh dear, I am almost out of space and I have scarcely mentioned Frankfurt and what took place at the Book Fair. Well, that will have to wait until next week! Suffice to say, for now, our already busy lives were about to get even busier.

Financial Action Task Force

Recommendation 16: Wire Transfers By: The Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

W

ire transfers are a very quick and convenient means for individuals and firms to transfer monies within and between jurisdictions. However, this medium has been found to be misused by terrorists and other criminals to transfer illegal funds seamlessly via the financial system. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) instituted Recommendation 16 on Wire Transfers specifies the need for financial institutions to provide accurate information not just about the originator of a payment, but also the beneficiary. Under this recommendation, banks also have an obligation to monitor the quality of data in the transactions they receive and ensure that the information remains with the wire transfer or related message throughout the payment chain.

Recommendation 16 also mandates that countries should ensure that financial institutions monitor wire transfers for the purpose of detecting those which lack required originator and/or beneficiary information, and take appropriate measures.

Consistent with Recommendation 6, which

deals with Targeted Financial Sanctions Related to Preventing and Suppressing Terrorism and Terrorism Financing, Recommendation 16 advises countries to ensure that, in processing wire transfers, financial institutions take freezing action and prohibit conducting transactions with designated persons and entities, per the obligations set out in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The aim of Recommendation 16 is to ensure that basic information on the originator and beneficiary of wire transfers is immediately available to financial intelligence units for analyzing suspicious or unusual activity and disseminating such intelligence as required; to support detecting, investigating, and prosecuting terrorists or other criminals, and tracing their assets; to ordering, intermediary and beneficiary financial institutions; to facilitate the identification and reporting of suspicious transactions; and to implement the requirements to take freezing action and comply with prohibitions from conducting transactions with designated persons and entities.

The Money Laundering (Prevention) Act (MLPA), Cap.12.20 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia has provisions implementing Recommendation 16. The Act commands that financial institutions undertake

customer due diligence measures when there is doubt about the veracity or adequacy of previously obtained customer identification data including identifying and verifying the identity of customers, in the circumstances that include: carrying out occasional transactions above $25,000 or that are wire transfers; on funds transfers and related messages that are sent; when transferred funds do not contain complete originator information and where there is a suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing. Section 16 (1) (c), as amended by Act 20 of 2016, mandates that financial institutions are required to report to the Financial Intelligence Authority transactions where the identity of a person involved in the transaction or the circumstances relating to the transaction gives an employee of the financial institution reasonable grounds to suspect that the transaction involves the proceeds of criminal conduct.

In keeping with the FATF Recommendations, the MLPA undergoes occasional amendments in order to continue to safeguard Saint Lucia’s financial system from abuse. In September 2019, the CFATF, utilizing a peer review system, will examine the policies, strategies, and laws that Saint Lucia has implemented, consistent with the FATF Standards.

Irie Kids Presents Library to Roseau Combined

I

rie Kids Inc children’s charity was last week pleased to announce the long awaited result of its national School Library Furnishings Giveaway competition. Thousands of people voted on Facebook but the Roseau Combined School located in Jacmel was victorious, winning 140 votes!

The presentation was made on Friday, May 3 at the school and it was welcomed with overflowing excitement of the students. Representatives from Irie Kids and the press were treated to a show of live music and wonderful singing from the pupils. Principal Ms. Joseph gave a special address which was followed by the anticipated presentation of books and materials, worth EC$7,000, from Irie Kids local representatives, Sue Beckwith and Kim William.

The US-based non-profit hopes to widen the scope of potential projects by encouraging donations via fundraising events and international volunteerism.

The group takes no salaries and 100 per cent of funds raised goes directly to helping children in need. The charity

Students enjoy the luxury of the new in-house library at the Roseau Combined School.

has contributed over $150,000 so far and continues to invest in programmes that promote the health and wellbeing of children in Saint Lucia.

Projects completed are: a new roof and other renovations for La Croix Combined School; school bus passes enabling pupils to get to and from school safely; nebulizers for children with asthma; water tank donations for families with young children; and assistance with tuition, uniforms and school supplies.

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MAY 11, 2019

03

New operators of Fish Marketing Corporation optimistic Joshua St. Aimee

D

uring his contribution to the Appropriation Bill on April 17, Minister For Agriculture Ezechiel Joseph sought once more to clear the air on the future of the St. Lucia Marketing Board and the St. Lucia Fish Marketing Corporation following the announced temporary closure of the entities in March. In the case of the marketing board, the minister said the organisation had been restructured, was under new management, and that government was very encouraged from early results.

Last November the Ministry of Agriculture, along with the Taiwanese government, announced the signing of an action plan for the implementation of a Food Import Substitution Project aimed at reducing the nation’s food import bill and increasing the production of nine food crops: tomato, sweet pepper, lettuce, cucumber, honeydew,

Patrons are greeted by this sign at the entrance of the Fish Marketing Corporation Facility in Sans Souci, Castries.

cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple and cabbage—at a cost of US$2.7 million. The marketing board provides a reliable market for farmers to sell their produce.

As for the St. Lucia Fish Marketing Corporation, Mr.

Joseph announced that a decision had been taken to privatize it and the facility was leased to Ms. Karen Fontenelle-Peter. The businesswoman currently serves as the president of the Chamber of Commerce.

This week the STAR spoke with her managing director Hilary Herman, concerning their plans for the entity. He said that the current facility in Sans Souci will need to be refurbished to create a better working environment, and to

get certified for exports. They are hopeful the refurbishment will be completed by early July.

Discussions with a contractor are on-going. In the meantime a temporary retail area has been set up not far from the facility.

An area of focus, going forward, is reducing operating costs. Said Herman: "I don't see us getting any near the level of the staffing of the former SLFMC. We have to do things more efficiently and be more productive." He disclosed that one of government's requests is that the price of ice to the fishers not be increased.

As for the price of fish to consumers, Herman does not expect that to change but the business must be competitive.

Since the market drives the price, he said, they "will need to stay within the price range of competitors”.

Herman says that in addition to supplying fish locally, the corporation intends to test the international waters.

The intention is to do a lot of exporting and the corporation

will focus its model mainly on this avenue. "Yes, we have a domestic market," he acknowledged, "but, as you would imagine, the domestic market is saturated. So we hope by us keeping our domestic prices down, we can make up the difference in our exports.

To enter that export market we need to get our facility HACCP certified.”

Time will tell whether the transition of the SLFMC to a private entity will prove to be the right decision. Herman pointed out that, in the past, there was greater concentration on social responsibility than on profit. "That does not mean that we do not have a social responsibility," he emphasised, "we do; we have to take care of the fishers."

Regarding the exact details of the lease agreement, such as the duration, cost and requirements, the involved parties are reportedly still fine-tuning an agreement.

Attempts to reach the Ministry of Agriculture for an update this week proved futile.

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Our choice is Clear Q U A L I T Y W A T E R • L O C A L LY P R O D U C E D • S O D I U M F R E E

04 local

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SAINT LUCIA SAINT LUCIA HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING PROJECT Credit No.: IDA Credit # 63160-LC Assignment Title: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Reference No. 004/ICS/HSSP/18 The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Health System Strengthening Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include • Providing secretarial support to the PIU and to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project.

• Administration of all the operations of the Project to include support to the Project Manager Procurement Specialist and Financial Management Specialist.

• Providing liaison services to the stakeholder, consultants, and the PIU to ensure effective communication.

• Creating and maintaining a Fixed Assets Register, Contracts Register and Leave Record for the Project Implementation Unit.

• Provide administrative and secretarial services/support during World Bank Missions and other project related meetings.

• Respond to emails and other correspondence when and where necessary on Project related matters.

• Provide general secretarial, administrative duties such as typing, filing and basic data entry in order to improve the quality of internal controls within the PIU. The consultancy is full time and substantially will be performed on site at the Department of Health and Wellness.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website; www.finance.gov.lc or can be obtained at the address given below The Department of Health and Wellness now invites eligible Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services; (Curriculum Vitae, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, clients’ references etc.).

The shortlisting criteria are: QUALIFICATION Minimum required education and experience Academic: - An Associate Degree or equivalent qualification in Business Administration, Secretarial Services or related subject.

Experience: - A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in administration or related functions.

Professional Experience: - Overall organizational skills for maximizing results -

Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised November 2017 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(0800 to 1630 hours).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by May 21, 2019.

Project Coordination Unit Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation Attn: Project Coordinator 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre Pointe Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: 1-758-468-2413 E-mail: slupcu@gosl.gov.lc

MAY 11, 2019 THE STAR

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Mary Francis regrets it’s Taxpayers who must pay for the Wrongs of Public Servants!

By Dean Nestor

T

he successful claim for damages filed by Sophia Louisy after the death of her son Mandy Louisy at the hands of police officers on August 9, 2013, apart from being just a small measure of comfort for the Louisy family, is a damning statement on police malpractice in this country—as if already the IMPACS fallout had not done enough to the image of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

According to Justice Kimberly Cenac-Phulgence, who presided over the matter: “I picked up some inconsistencies in the evidence . . . ” That included PC Ternis Mc Vane’s statement that the deceased was armed with a knife and lunged at him, leaving him no other choice but to shoot in self defence. It is a line often heard from the police, and just as often accepted as truth by juries. Not by Justice CenacPhulgence on the occasion.

In her judgment, she wrote: “Whereas I have no difficulty accepting that Mandy may have lunged at PC Mc Vane and they fell, and a struggle ensued, I have difficulty envisioning this scene with a knife in Mandy‘s hand . . . The knife just does not make sense in the sequence of events. I accept that there was a struggle. But I do not accept that Mandy had any knife. When I consider this along with other inconsistencies, I do not accept the evidence of the defendant as being totally credible.”

Several years ago, a disgraced police commissioner had, in his private capacity, shot and killed a young man at Reduit Beach. He later claimed the man had attacked him with a knife never presented in evidence.

Few were surprised by Justice Cenac-Phulgence’s ruling: “I therefore find that the police officers were negligent in their handling of the situation and that this ultimately led to the shooting of Mandy and his subsequent death.” Sophia Louisy, as administratrix of the estate of her deceased son,

Mary Francis, although pleased with the outcome of her client’s civil claim, decried the fact that taxpayers have to pay for the wrongdoings of the police and other public servants.

Mandy Louisy, was awarded a total amount of $14,838.98 plus interest.

Acting police commissioner Milton Desir’s reaction to the ruling: “It’s the court’s decision.

We have to abide by and respect it.” As for the future of the officer involved, Desir responded: “Well, it’s not up to the police what happens next.

It’s a decision to be made by the DPP’s office. If there’s no appeal then the sum will have to be paid.” The DPP was not available for comment at time of writing.

Representing the family of the deceased were Sandy John and Mary Francis, the well known human rights advocate from the office of the National Centre for Legal Aid and Human Rights Inc, a non-profit human rights organisation.

She described the decision as good and balanced: “When the incident took place six years ago, people were aware, true, but there was a lot of misinformation being spread.

There was one story from the police, and another story from the relatives and eyewitness.

But now the matter has been put right. I think justice has

prevailed.”

She added: “The lesson from all of this is that people must be persistent and access to justice must be provided.

Justice cannot be only for those with the money to pursue it. This decision arrived as a result of a civil claim. Still, who pays? The taxpayers pay for the wrong-doing of the police.

When damages are awarded it is taxpayers who foot the bill.

That’s why taxpayers should be concerned about their taxes paying for wrong-doing by police officers.”

Said Francis finally: “From time immemorial we have been living with a culture of impunity when it comes to lack of professionalism on the part of our police; some of them, at least. That is something Mr. Rick Wayne has devoted much time and countless pages to. As Sir Louis Blom-Cooper stated following an inquiry here several years ago, we have a culture that allows corrupt officials to get away with murder. The way this matter has turned out will, I hope, encourage a change in the way we look at our public officials.”

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MAY 11, 2019

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05

06 LOCAL

MAY 11, 2019 THE STAR

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Ubaldus Raymond shot down . . . now what?

Dean Nestor

C

hapter 8.14 of the Computer Misuse Act states: “A person shall not use a computer to send a message, letter, electronic communication or article of any description that— (a) is indecent or obscene; (b) constitutes a threat; or (c) is menacing in character, with the intention to cause or being reckless as to whether he or she causes annoyance, inconvenience, distress or anxiety to the recipient or to any other person to whom he or she intends it or its contents to be communicated.”

The consequences of contravening the above: “(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits

How many more lives willl be destroyed before government steps in with revenge porn laws and other legislation to protect citizens from cyber bullies and political guns for hire? Pictured (left to right): Castries South MP Ernest Hilaire; the former senator Ubaldus Raymond and education minister Gale Rigobert.

an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT SAINT LUCIA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

CLAIM NO. SLUHCV2009/0581 BETWEEN: FIRSTCARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK (BARBADOS) LIMITED Claimant and

1.

2.

GUILLAUME LAURENCIN ANN MARIE LAURENCIN

Defendants NOTICE OF HEARING TAKE NOTICE that the Application to Vary Upset Price filed in this matter has been scheduled for Chambers Hearing at the High Court of Justice, La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street in the city of Castries on Thursday, the 23rd day of May, 2019 at 9 o’clock in the forenoon before Justice Cadie St. Rose-Albertini.

DATED: this 24th day of April, 2019 (Sgd.) L. Soomer-James for REGISTRAR OF THE HIGH COURT To:

Fosters Legal Practitioner for the Claimant Robin Kelton Bldg, Choc Bay, Castries

Guillaume Laurencin Anne Marie Laurencin Defendant in Person Defendant in Person 19431 Stonebrook Street 19431 Stonebrook Street Weston Florida Weston Florida USA USA The Court Office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, telephone Number (758) 468-7500, fax number (758) 468-7543, Email: stluhco@eccourts.org The Office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Monday to Thursday and between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday except public holidays.

or both, and in the case of a subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.”

The very serious issues of revenge porn and the publicizing of surreptitiously secured audio and video recordings, have been largely ignored even in the wake of the Ubaldus Raymond episodes.

The secretly recorded Raymond tapes somehow made their way to the Allen Chastanet government’s best known detractors. They were also disseminated on Facebook and other Internet platforms, especially those that seem to exist solely for the purpose of bringing Chastanet down.

Ubaldus Raymond was turned into a weapon against the government he served as a Cabinet minister. Finally Raymond confirmed on Rick Wayne’s TALK what by then was common knowledge: he had resigned his position in the Chastanet administration.

Case closed. No one seemed to care how Raymond was forced out of office and the related implications for every other citizen, from fisherman to politician. Missing from the narrative that centred on Raymond’s morality was that a dangerous precedent had been established, the citizen’s right to privacy be damned!

It was encouraging to hear the gender relations minister Gale Rigobert say on Monday, in answer to a question about the disgraced senator: “When

we consider the ills meted against women and girls, and men as well, we recognise our legislative framework has not been able to keep in step or reflect new and emerging misdemeanours or crimes, especially as it pertains to cyber-based crimes.” She alone knows precisely what her words meant.

It remains to be seen what action will now be taken to protect citizens in their private and professional lives.

Already we’ve seen school kids performing sex on the Internet, some in their school uniforms.

Also, on daytime TV, what even the most tolerant among us would describe as disturbing. In the campaign against Raymond, images purporting to be the minister masturbating were regular fare, without official comment or police intervention.

And instead of taking steps to discourage the abuse of young girls by Internet pervs, more than one administration chose the cover-up route.

On Monday Rigobert stated the obvious: “We, as government, must exert some more effort to ensure that the legislation is reflective of the order of the day, the norms of the day and the emerging bad habits and crimes of the day.”

If only she had committed to enacting appropriate legislation truly protective of the citizen’s right to privacy, that might’ve been an encouraging start.

For his part, Dr. Ernest Hilaire told this reporter: “As to whether you should have legislation protecting people’s privacy and people’s personal information and data, that is a possibility. I mean I don’t know what exists in other countries

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and whether you can legislate or hold people responsible for putting out other people’s private business.”

Pointedly, he added: “I think there’s something fundamentally wrong with people having private conversations and somehow or the other these private exchanges become public information. I have a problem with that. And, like I said, you might be married, you and your wife have a conversation and tomorrow your private conversation is a topic for public discourse. It is wrong, morally and in every other way. People’s private information really ought not to come out into the public domain.”

He paused, then went on to say: “Where the information relates to the business of government, I think that’s a little bit different.”

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08 Health

may 11, 2019 THE STAR

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Authorities seek to protect Saint Lucia against Measles Outbreak MASS_NRG_A_Bleed_Mask_Op2

Claudia Eleibox Mc Dowell

A

visiting cruise ship made international headlines last week when it was quarantined in Port Castries.

Medical officials confirmed on Monday that local health authorities monitored the single case of measles reported from the vessel and no passengers were allowed to disembark.

The ship’s staff requested and received from Saint Lucia 100 measles vaccinations “in the interest of good public health practice,” according to the Chief Medical Officer, Merlene Fredericks-James.

A common misconception is that the measles virus was completely eradicated worldwide. However, the virus has had a recent upsurge: 22 American states have reported over 700 cases of measles so far this year, more than in any other full year since 1994.

The CMO announced on Monday: “In the event of these outbreaks going on in the rest

of the world, it is quite possible that the disease can enter the island whether by air, sea or other route. We know we are not adequately covered when it comes to our measles vaccination.”

Now that the cruise ship has left, the CMO points out it’s time to refocus on protection from the disease.

She said those who have been vaccinated against measles have nothing to fear. “But if, for one reason or the other, you have decided not to immunize your child with the measles vaccine, we would like you to know that you or your child are at risk. It can also be seen as negligence if we decide not to protect our children and place them at risk.”

Since 2016 the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been given to children in Saint Lucia in two doses: at 12 months of age and then 18 months. As of 2018, the vaccination coverage for the first vaccine, MMR1, was 86% and for the booster, MMR2, only 68% according to immunization manager, Julietta

Frederick-Cassius. The vaccine is ineffective if the booster shot is not administered.

While other countries struggle with groups that purposely decline vaccination, the CMO says: “We would like to think in Saint Lucia it’s because parents are forgetting. But we also know there are a few who deliberately make a decision not to immunize their children.”

Measles can cause blindness, meningitis, pneumonia and even fatality in children and people over 70 years of age. Most measlesrelated deaths are reported to be among children.

According to the Saint Lucia Public Health Act, there are vaccination exemptions for children with compromised immune systems and those who suffer from cancer, HIV or a similar disease. The standard 95% vaccination coverage of the population will enable the herd immunization effect—immunized people will protect those who cannot be vaccinated, since the virus would be significantly less likely to spread within the population.

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Chief Medical Officer, Merlene Fredericks-James (pictured) encourages Saint Lucians to reach 95% immunity against measles.

The Public Health Act also has an exemption for religious beliefs. “Some countries are actually reviewing their Acts and they are removing this exit clause for religious beliefs,” warned the CMO on Monday.

“It’s something we have to consider and we’ve been reviewing our Public Health Act for a while. It’s certainly something the Ministry of Health is considering, in terms of strengthening these laws.”

In April, New York’s mayor declared a public health emergency and threatened a $1,000 fine for families not vaccinated. The city’s measles outbreak counted most of its cases in close-knit Orthodox Jewish communities, which refuse vaccinations because of safety concerns. Other “antivaxxers” include people who believe the treatments have serious side-effects, including autism, and they prefer to either let the virus run its course or use natural remedies.

The autism claims have been debunked by numerous scientific research studies on vaccines, and vaccination side-effects have been reported to be minimal, according to Frederick-Cassius.

Said the CMO: “We have to know the websites we go to for information on vaccination are credible.”

However, unlike in New York, fines are not on the table in Saint Lucia. “The fees [sic] under our Public Health Act are very minimal but we are working. It’s at an advanced stage right now

and I think we’re going to use this opportunity to reiterate to our cabinet of ministers the importance of passing the changes to strengthen the Act,” said the CMO.

Meanwhile Saint Lucia boasted over 1.2 million tourist arrivals in 2018 and many citizens frequently travel to and from the US. Keeping in mind the cruise ship incident, local authorities are considering

protective measures. For aircraft, passengers sitting in the same row and two rows in front of and behind an infected person will be screened before entering the country. And if a Saint Lucian contracts measles at home, he or she will be quarantined at home unless they need to be hospitalized.

The CMO assured that during events such as Saint Lucia Jazz and Carnival, the screening process is more rigid to keep up with the influx of visitors.

However, there is no requirement for tourists to carry their health or immunization records when visiting. Also, the island has no resources to test for measles; samples are sent to Trinidad.

Added the CMO: “Saint Lucia is still measles-free. We had our last case in 1990. The measles vaccine is free and available at all public health facilities.”

Parents are encouraged to review their children’s immunization cards and bear in mind that Section 28 (1) (d) of the Education Act states: “No child shall be admitted to a primary school unless at the time of such admission — a certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner or the Public Health authorities is produced indicating that the child has been immunised as may be prescribed by regulations made under this Act.”

Senior Dental Surgeon Statement on Dental Comic Strip Competition

T

he Dental Services Unit of the Department of Health and Wellness launched the first ever Dental Comic Strip competition. This competition is an oral health promotion campaign, targeting young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 years. It is meant to encourage young people to take charge of their health in a positive way, and to have health as a priority as they plan for their future and begin to navigate through life, creating their own path to success.

Oral health takes precedence for this campaign to inform young people that they need to pay more attention to their oral hygiene and how changes in their breath can impact not only their lives but the persons around them. They must understand that poor oral hygiene can be a symptom of disease or can set the stage for undesirous outcomes, especially in social interactions.

The objective of the competition is to increase knowledge of halitosis, and to inform on what it means to have halitosis, how it can it be prevented, and what the condition might mean.

The competition will encourage participants to do their own research on halitosis and come up with a concept they think best encapsulates it, and highlight the associated impacts and how halitosis can be prevented or treated, by capturing it all in a comic strip. It’s a way for them to create their own vision of such an important issue in a fun and exciting way!

The Unit will conduct a survey afterwards to ascertain the impact this promotion activity has on the knowledge, attitude and practices of the public.

Please contact the Ministry of Health and Wellness for design and submission criteria for the competition. The deadline is May 31, 2019.

MASS_NRG_A_Bleed_Mask_Op2

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Renderings are for representational purposes. Final services and amenities subject to change.

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OH, WONDERFUL MASONS! Peter Josie

O

h, wonderful masons!” is a phrase that does not escape the lips of the vulgar and profane world where ignorance is bliss. It must therefore have come as a special surprise to the faithful of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Castries on Sunday, May 5 who witnessed the many regaled members of the Masonic fraternity march quietly and orderly into their reserved pews to honour God. The gospel reading of the transformation of Saul to Paul was most appropriate. It was further explained by Archdeacon Glasgow, the officiating priest, with candour and in a clear Caribbean diction unadulterated by foreign influences.

Church attendance is a new item introduced to the Masonic annual communications agenda by the new right worshipful district grand master for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. At least twice a year the brethren from this jurisdiction gather in a member territory to discuss

internal Masonic business and to enjoy each other’s company.

This year it was the turn of Abercrombie Lodge, Saint Lucia to host the district communications.

A day of Masonic business was followed by a superb banquet at Harbor Club in Rodney Bay. It must have taken great effort and discipline on the part of the brethren to rouse themselves early and to be ready to board their respective buses from hotels in the north in time for 8am church. Such discipline is sufficient reason for the perceptive mason to proclaim of his worthy brethren, “Oh wonderful masons!”

During the gospel reading we learned that Saul, who had persecuted the early followers of Jesus Christ, had received permission from his Jewish elders in Jerusalem to journey to Damascus to rid that city of what in today’s language would be referred to as ‘backsliders’ of Jewish teachings. The gospel informs us that Saul was struck blind and arrived at Damascus in a state of helplessness.

Something like scales covered Saul’s eyes. A Christian from

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAINT LUCIA CLAIM NO. SLUHCV2006/0704 BETWEEN: FIRSTCARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK (BARBADOS) LIMITED Claimant and

1. MONA DONAVAN

2. LUCIUS GERMAIN GIRARD Defendants TO: (1) MONA DONOVAN whose last known address was Sans Souci, Castries (2) LUCIUS GERMAIN GIRARD whose last known address was Sans Souci, Castries NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE that on the 16th day of April 2019, an order was granted against you in the High Court of Justice (Saint Lucia) in Claim No. SLUHCV2006/0704 in favour of the Claimant, FIRSTCARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK (BARBADOS) LIMITED.

PURSUANT to the CPR Rule 5.13 service of the order in this action being effected on you by this advertisement in two (2) consecutive issues of a local newspaper circulating in Saint Lucia.

A COPY of the order can be obtained at the High Court Office, La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Saint Lucia, Telephone Number 758 468-7500, Fax 758 468-7543 or Email: stluhco@eccourts.org. The office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays except public holidays.

THE order can also be viewed and/or copies of same can be obtained from the offices of FOSTERS, Robin Kelton Building, Choc Bay, Castries, Saint Lucia, Telephone Number (758) 453-1100, Fax Number (758) 4524940 or E-mail: contact@fosters.law. The office is open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays except public holidays.

Dated this 8th day of May, 2019 FOSTERS Ann-Alicia N. Fagan Legal Practitioners for the Claimant Presented for filing by: MESSRS. FOSTER, Legal Practitioners for the Claimant, whose address for service is: Chambers, Robin Kelton Bldg., Choc Bay, Castries, Saint Lucia or Suite #5, 1st Floor, 6 Bridge Street, Castries, Saint Lucia. Tel. No.: 758 453-1100, Fax No.: 758 452-4940, E-mail: contact@fosters.law The Court Office is at La Place, Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Tel. No.758 4687500, Fax No. 758 453-2071, e-mail: stluhco@eccourts.org. The Court Office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday except public holidays.

Members of the Masonic fraternity pose at their gathering last weekend. The author is in the back row, eighth from left.

Damascus named Ananias, who was directed by the Holy Spirit, went to the house of Judas where Saul was staying. He laid his hands upon Saul and imbued him with the power of the Holy Spirit.

As the scales fell from his eyes he became transformed from Saul to Paul, the most famous apostle of the New Testament.

That event in Damascus was only a small part of Paul’s life.

Those with the ability to search beneath that which the human eyes can only see, will ask: Why was Saul, an arch enemy of the followers of Jesus Christ, chosen to help spread the message of Jesus? Therein lies a most powerful message.

God does not care what we look like or what religion we profess.

If He desires to use us for His purpose, His will shall prevail.

The sceptics and the doubting Thomases will be challenged to fully understand. It is only by keeping God’s supreme power always before our mind’s eye that we may finally come to accept that the stone which the builders rejected can indeed become the head cornerstone of the building.

The clear implication of the Saul to Paul message serves to remind those who may have thought of the freemasons as less worthy of God’s grace, to revisit such thoughts. Sadly, the more extreme condemnation of the Masonic movement looks upon its adherents as doing the devil’s bidding. It was therefore with welcome relief that the celebrant added a few pointed remarks to the gathered brotherhood. He suggested that the time may be right for the fraternity to consider accepting women in its ranks. This brought enthusiastic applause from the women present. There are already Masonic lodges for women and, at the highest international level, one understands that there are moves afoot to invite women to discuss a participatory way forward. We believe that once God is in the mix, all things Masonic will work together for good.

Soon after his incisive sermon Archdeacon Glasgow invited the right worshipful district grand master to address the gathering. He was obediently brief as he gave a summarized

history of the Masonic fraternity.

The first lodges in the Caribbean were formed in the 18th century, beginning in Antigua.

Abercrombie Lodge, Saint Lucia was formed in 1900. He re-emphasized that the lodge is not a religion. It is the only institution wherein Christians, Jews and Muslims meet together as Masons under the same roof.

The most important consideration for membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. There are two remarkable modus operandi or approaches that Masonic lodges observe: they do not reply to criticisms, and they do not advertise the charity they practise. There are others but these are not relevant to this short report.

Before he ended his short address, the right worshipful district grand master mentioned some past and present Saint Lucians who were and are freemasons. He paid tribute to such greats as Sir Garnet Gordon, Sir Allen Lewis, Sir George Mallet, Worshipful Brother Wilfred St. Clair Daniel, Worshipful Brother George Noon, Sir John Compton

and, of course, former reverend Brother Eglon Braithwaite of the Anglican Church. Worshipful Brother Kenneth Monplaisir, Worshipful Brother Keith Weekes and Worshipful Brother Albert Daniels are active members of Abercrombie Lodge, the latter two being Anglicans.

After the service the brethren made their way out of the church as quietly as they had entered it.

There was a brief thank you from the right worshipful district grand master to the brethren and their spouses, after which pictures were taken to mark the occasion.

The gathering then headed to the assigned location for brunch and continued fraternal socializing.

The visiting brethren reportedly had a magnificent weekend in Saint Lucia and departed to their respective homes that Sunday afternoon.

Abercrombie Lodge, by all accounts, can take a bow for hosting a superb 327th Masonic district communications meeting and the brethren can be justly proud of the support they receive from their partners in their daily Masonic journey.

Has DPP dropped the Ball on the Quarry Explosion?

H

as newly appointed acting DPP taken on a Mission Impossible?” I posed the question in a STAR feature back on October 8, 2016. That same week, National Security Minister Hermangild Francis announced the appointment of attorney Daarsrean Greene as the new Director of Public Prosecutions.

The position had been vacant for several months following the angry departure of Victoria Charles Clarke. Greene was officially sworn in on October 17, for a 12-month term; he has since been reappointed. At the time the security minister had listed areas of concern, among them IMPACS, the Lambirds Academy saga, and a backlog of cases. Since then, more concerns

have arisen.

March 21 this year marked two years since the deadly quarry explosion at Cul de Sac that claimed the lives of four individuals and left many with life-changing injuries. Two months following the incident in 2017, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions acknowledged receipt of a report on the explosion. That same month, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said he was disappointed that resolution of the matter had not been realized, noting, “This is obviously something that’s very painful to the family members involved.” He promised pressure would be applied in hopes of arriving at a swift conclusion. For his part, Hermangild Francis told

reporters the government was very serious about getting to the bottom of what happened at Cul de Sac, but there should not be a rush to judgment. Since then, the silence has been deafening.

During an interview on Tuesday, May 7 Francis indicated that he had not spoken in five months to the DPP about the explosion. As far as he knew, Greene is still in the process of determining what to do, whether there is sufficient evidence to carry out a criminal prosecution.

“I think the matter has taken a long time and we need to come to a conclusion,” Francis added. The security minister nevertheless remains confident in the capabilities of DPP Greene.

He said: “I think that when the

No word yet from DPP Daarsrean Greene (pictured).

time is right for him to make decisions, he will make them. The Constitution affords him absolute discretion as to how he conducts his affairs.”

---Joshua St. Aimee

THE STAR

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Wishful thinking and desperate Hail Marys won’t make Grynberg go away!

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arlier this week one the more persistent species of Pthirus pubis—look it up!—deposited in a particularly hirsute corner of the Internet a few drops of contaminated goo, without which the parasitic FB inhabitants would perish: “When you see the 43 percenters all happy about Grynberg, just ask them what exactly are they happy about. Meanwhile Rick Wayne is so excited that his viewersheep will rise to at least 500/600 this Thursday. Well, not if Claudius J. Francis enlightens the nation before Rick does. Anywho, here’s a sneak peek. Ah la Grynberg: 1) All the ruling states is the tribunal had the authority to impose security costs. 2) The tribunal had the authority to discontinue the case because the costs were not paid. 3) Notwithstanding, it should not have done so ‘with prejudice’ as the case itself had never been heard. 4) That the case may, not must, be reopened but only upon Grynberg paying two thirds of the cost earlier set by the tribunal, with the other one third paid by the government.”

Even though I admit to being more than a teeny bit impressed with that “viewersheep” concoction (probably ‘play-geearized!’) still most of the above quoted is stale fish carried over from my article on Jack Grynberg’s successful recent appeal and retooled for Facebook, where the prevailing mindset is why bother to get things right when half right will serve just as well!

Actually, what I reported last week was that the ICSID’s ad hoc committee had restored to Jack Grynberg his right to have his lawsuit heard on the merits, a right that the ICSID tribunal had earlier taken away from him.

What really arrested my

curiosity, however, was this wholly unexpected line: “With Grynberg’s aversion to paying in the first place, the tribunal may never recommence!” Oh yes indeed, the mother of all Hail Marys—that Grynberg might abruptly decide no longer to pursue his decade-long ambition to squeeze out of Saint Lucia damages totaling US$500 million, about half this island’s GDP, because he is notoriously tightfisted. That’s a little bit like stepping into a zoo lion’s cage shortly after feeding time, convinced you’ll walk out again because you read somewhere on the Internet that lions don’t normally snack between meals!

The reasonable reader, that is to say, who reads other than the insane anonymous jottings reproduced in our opening paragraph, might ask: If the notorious Grynberg is too cheap, or too crooked and arrogant to pay court ordered bills, then why didn’t he simply walk away from his lawsuit in July 2016, after the tribunal dismissed it with prejudice? Why did he risk incurring further expense by challenging the tribunal’s decision before the ICSID’s ad hoc committee?

More questions abegging to be answered: Why did Kenny Anthony sign three agreements with a foreigner of ill repute including a universally publicized “aversion to paying” his bills?

But the Facebook spirochettes here cited have little interest in such questions. Why did Kenny Anthony see the need to keep even from his Cabinet colleagues and the governor general the surreptitious arrangement with Grynberg, whose sordid business history is easily accessible via the Internet? If he’d been less secretive—or gave a hoot about

due diligence—Kenny Anthony might’ve learned quite a lot about Jack Grynberg from the Grenada government, at the time confronted by an unconscionable Grynberg lawsuit.

I say Kenny Anthony could’ve researched Grynberg, but then I have no way of knowing he did not. He may well have looked up the oil speculator and decided, risks be damned, to jump into that lion’s den.

Then again it occurs to me that someone sworn to look after our nation’s best interests would not go out of his way to place in the hands of a notorious scoundrel eight million acres of Saint Lucia’s seabed, then instruct a disciple to keep related details to himself.

The chosen one was of course Earl Huntley. By his own published account, he it was who had divined while cavorting with a female fellow swimmer the oily secret under the sea at Dauphin. He who had headhunted Jack Grynberg, with a little help from another female friend well placed at Saint Lucia’s Washington D.C. embassy. Huntley had also delivered the notorious Colorado oilman into the hapless hands of Saint Lucia’s prime minister—or was it the other way around, that Huntley delivered a local patsy to be skinned alive by an internationally famous voracious scalper? This is the same Earl Huntley who, as Saint Lucia’s U.N. ambassador, illicitly transferred ownership of a multi-million-dollar government of Saint Lucia building to a friend, to be used as collateral in a dubious arrangement involving a New York loan shark—all of that ostensibly without the knowledge of his prime minister Kenny Anthony.

Silent knight, holey knight: Will former prime minister Kenny Anthony finally do the right thing and help the government put up a useful defense against Jack Grynberg’s US$500 million breach of contract lawsuit?

In his own defense (perhaps hubris was at the root of it) the career civil servant Huntley explained to the commissioner at a subsequent inquiry that he thought his job afforded him the authority to do as he pleased with the Saint Lucia government’s real estate. “If that were the case,” retorted the handpicked commissioner, a retired court of appeal justice, “it would mean you had the authority also to sell all of Saint Lucia to some Arab money launderer without a word to your prime minister!” Or something to that effect!

In his submitted report at the conclusion of his assignment the commissioner acknowledged Huntley had egregiously abused his office but did not directly profit from the exercise. Which

was like saying a robber who at gunpoint emptied the vaults of Bank of St. Lucia then handed over his loot to a police charity, should not be prosecuted as a thief since he had not personally profited from the heist. In other words, robbing banks is fine so long as you don’t spend the money on yourself!

As has been reported over at least eleven years, Kenny Anthony has never given an official account of his introduction and subsequent dealings with Jack Grynberg. In 2018 the current prime minister announced in parliament his intention to initiate an investigation into the Grynberg matter that was costing taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees. An angry Kenny Anthony reacted with an ominous warning that should

the prime minister actually move forward with his plan, Anthony would “make sure you reap the whirlwind.”

And now, with the ICSID’s ad hoc committee’s recent ruling confronting the country, more millions will have to be found to pay defense lawyers for lord knows how much longer. Still Kenny Anthony maintains his silence. Ah, but his feckless hacks and Facebook bugs are busy crawling out of the woodwork in a united, desperately misguided effort at convincing themselves that Jack Grynberg will prove too cheap to pursue the hardly remote possibility of finally winning his 10-year-old US$500 million breach of contract lawsuit against the largely uninformed people of this shortsighted and abused nation.

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SAINT LUCIA CARIBBEAN REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (CARCIP)

Nursing staff are vital for making progress towards universal health

IDA Credit # 5117 Assignment Title: Impact Assessment of the Unified Communications System Reference No. : SLU-CARCIP- CS-IC-TSUCS-01-19 Saint Lucia has received funding from the International Development Association (World Bank) towards the cost of the Caribbean Communications Infrastructure Program (CARCIP) towards consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include conducting an Impact Assessment of the Unified Communications System recently installed in Government Departments to determine operational efficiency, quality of the system installed in terms of using the system, receiving and making calls, cost derived and ease of use of the Unified Communications System. The Consultant will assess the UCS from a) Technical, b) Financial, c) Functional and d) Quality of the equipment / services delivered, Inspect and test various Hardware aspects of the implementation such as but not limited to; Fibre runs and Equipment Installations to determine Its efficiency and impact / effect on the overall system, Review services and strategies such as but not limited to Data Recovery and Business Continuity (DRBC), Incident reporting and escalation, Independent Monitoring of Services proposed or in use by the Client in and use of enhanced Telephony Services, Evaluate the impact / effect that the implementation of system as it relates to Operational Efficiency of Government agencies such as but not limited to improvements in the storage and manipulation of data, faster delivery of services and improved reporting on the use of Telecommunications services, Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Cost Savings in Telecommunications expenditure realised by the Government as a result of the implementation of the UCS and Evaluate the effectiveness of End User Training to assess the effective use of the available UCS services. Identify gaps and or deficiencies and areas where training may be required and Evaluate the effectiveness of Communications Strategy, where available and make recommendations for sensitization and orientation of the GOSL users that can be used for the development of a Change Management plan. The consultancy is to be undertaken over a period of six (6) months.

The Terms of reference may be obtained on the website of the Government of Saint Lucia (www.govt.lc/consultancy) or at the address below.

The Department of the Public Service now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultant”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information (Curriculum Vitae, including employment records, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.) demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The Shortlisting Criteria are: The minimum required qualifications and experience of the Consultant: Msc / Bsc in Information Systems, Statistics, Research Methods or equivalent professional qualification.

At least five (5) years of experience in carrying out impact assessments in ICT; evidence should be provided of the completion of at least one assignment within the last three years.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers January 2011 Revised July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) method set out in Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours [9:00a.m – 3:00p.m (0900 to 1500 hours).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by May 21, 2019.

Project Coordination Unit Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation Attn: Project Coordinator 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre Trou Garnier, Pointe Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: 758-468-2413 • E-mail: slupcu@gosl.gov.lc Website: www.finance.gov.lc

Nurses make the largest percentage of the medical work force, but are confined to poor working conditions.

A

t the launch of the Strategic Directions for Nursing in the Region of the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on countries to invest in nurses to improve their availability, distribution and roles in order to advance towards universal health.

Nursing staff represent the largest health workforce, accounting for more than 50% of health workers. Despite this, the lack of nurses in most countries in the region compromises the global goal of achieving health for all by 2030.

Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of PAHO, highlighted, “In many parts of the world, nursing professionals are the first, and sometimes only, human resource in contact with patients,” and she claims that “investing in nursing enables advancing towards access and universal health coverage, which will have a profound effect on global health and well-being”.

Gap in availability and access to human resources

The report on strategic direction describes the current situation regarding nursing in the region. It highlights that there is an important gap in the availability of and access to human resources for health, of which nurses are an important part. As well as this, there is also a current deficit of 800,000 health workers in the region, including nursing staff.

Mobility and migration, poor distribution, lack of regulation, insufficient incentives and professional advancement, lack of higher education, and inadequate working environments all increase the problems related to human resources for health all over the world.

To address the migration of nursing personnel, the report considers it necessary to invest in human resource retention strategies, particularly in lowincome countries and small island developing states.

adequate retention policies, investment in the workforce and promotion of professional autonomy.

“Only with an adequate number of motivated and welldistributed professionals with technical and scientific skills, will countries be able to achieve universal health coverage and access, as well as the SDGs,” said Silvia Cassiani, Regional Advisor on nursing and health technicians at PAHO, Regional officer for the Americas of the World Health Organization.

Low nurse to inhabitant ratio

The density of nursing staff, which includes licensed nurses, technicians and assistants, varies from country to country, and is generally low in the region. Therefore, while in the United States and Canada, there are more than 111 and 106 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants respectively, in Haiti, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, there are less than 4.

There are also discrepancies in the number of nurses per doctor. In the United States and Canada, there are 4 nurses per doctor. However, in the other 27 countries analyzed, there are less than 2, and 15 of them have less than 1.

According to the report, avoiding a deficit of nursing professionals requires the development of national strategies for the training of new professionals, as well as

Recommendations

The report also recommends expanding and regulating the role of licensed nurses in the first level of care to improve access and care in areas with a limited number of physicians.

The report also advocates for the better distribution of personnel in remote and rural areas; an increase in incentives for interprofessional practice, and an increase in the number of accredited training programs, particularly given that in most countries, there are few nursing schools and graduate programs.

The report, which is presented in the framework of the International Day of Nursing, is the product of an extensive consultation process and evidence analysis. It also addresses issues such as leadership, working conditions and the capacities, educative and distribution of personnel.

THE STAR

KIM’S KORNER

CARILEC GETS SAVVY ON ADVANCED MICROGRID DESIGN

Urinary Tract Infection: A

A Burning Issue S

ome topics are hard to talk about but it is vital that we do discuss them. One such topic is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a common condition that does not always have obvious symptoms. UTIs can affect your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, but most often it is the bladder and the urethra that are affected.

The purpose of the urinary system is to filter blood products, with urine being the waste byproduct. The most common cause of a UTI is bacteria which can enter the urinary tract, through the urethra, and move to the bladder where it multiplies.

UTIs are more common in women, mainly due to their anatomy. Women have a urethra that is shorter than men’s, shortening the distance the bacteria needs to travel to reach the bladder; but it is not the only factor. Women who are more sexually active or have a new partner, or those taking certain types of birth control, are also at a higher risk of contracting a UTI. Another risk factor is the decline in oestrogen at the time of menopause. Other risk factors are urinary tract abnormalities, blockages in the urinary tract caused by kidney stones, a suppressed immune system or the use of a catheter.

It is estimated that one in two women will experience a UTI in their lifetime. Although rare in men (it is estimated that only 3% of men will experience a UTI), it still can occur and tends to be more complicated. Many of the causes of a UTI for a man are the same as a woman but can also be caused by an enlarged prostate or not being circumcised.

The most obvious sign of a UTI is a burning sensation when urinating. This tends to indicate an infection of the urethra. However, there are other symptoms such as extreme tiredness, achy muscles, and a need to urinate suddenly and frequently, which sometimes produces very little urine. There are also specific symptoms indicating a UTI which differ depending on which part of the system is affected; these may also mimic other conditions, and consequently may at times not get the immediate treatment they need. When the infection is in the

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Many women will suffer the discomfort of a UTI but men are not immune to the condition!

kidneys the pain can be mistaken for back pain, and a bladder infection can often cause pain in the pelvis or abdomen. However, UTIs often have other symptoms that can make diagnosis easier.

The most common are:

Kidney (acute pyelonephritis) — Back and side pain, high fever, shaking and cold chills, nausea and vomiting.

Bladder (cystitis) — Pelvic pressure, lower abdomen discomfort, blood in urine and frequent, painful urination.

Urethra (urethritis) — Burning with urination, discharge.

Diagnosing a UTI is a relatively simple process and may require you to do nothing more than provide your healthcare giver with a urine sample; the earlier you diagnose a UTI, the better.

If left untreated it can lead to complications such as recurring infections, kidney damage and, in pregnant women, it may cause early labour or having a child with a below average birth weight.

In severe cases it can lead to sepsis — a life threatening condition.

For a simple (non-recurring) UTI the preferred choice of treatment is a course of

antibiotics. Pelvic floor exercises can also help where bladder control is a problem.

As well as medical remedies to treat and prevent a UTI, there are also things that you can do as part of your daily routine to keep your bladder healthy: • Drink plenty of water — this helps to dilute the urine and flush out bacteria that causes infections.

• Drink cranberry juice —this berry contains tannin which prevents e-coli from sticking to the walls of the bladder and so reduces the risk of an infection.

• When urinating after a bowel movement, wipe from front to back. This will avoid spreading harmful bacteria from the anus to the vagina (and up to the urethra).

• Avoid the use of feminine deodorants, douches and powders as these can irritate the urethra.

• Consider another method of birth control if you use diaphragms, spermicidal jelly or unlubricated condoms as they can contribute to the growth of bacteria.

Remember prevention is always better than cure. Follow these steps to minimize the risk of contracting a UTI.

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

s Caribbean economies explore pathways towards their Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11) targets for Sustainable Cities and Communities, electricity providers remain heavily focused on strengthening domestic grid infrastructure, and are exploring opportunities for the deployment of microgrid technologies to meet the energy needs of communities, support a diversified energy mix and increase supply reliability and sustainability.

In that regard Mr. Andrew Thorington, Technical Services Manager at the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) represented the organisation at a major energy workshop in Puerto Rico: Accelerating Caribbean Energy Resilience (ACER) Workshop on Fundamentals of Advanced Microgrid Design and Powering Critical Infrastructure. The May 2-3, 2019 event was hosted under the auspices of the US Department of Energy (US DoE), in partnership with the Organization of American States (OAS).

The workshop brought together technical experts and policymakers from the US and the Caribbean to discuss

tools and methodologies that can be leveraged to support energy resilience for critical infrastructure as well as to facilitate robust dialogue on the issue among the rich pool of global and regional participants.

Facilitators were drawn from the US Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Organization of American States, Inter-American Development Bank and the CARICOM Secretariat.

Mr. Thorington described the workshop experience as “very interactive, rich and meaningful in the context of today’s climate and market realities”.

Three key learning areas were: (1) understanding of the current design and operation of the electric power grid and how to think about incorporating resilience into future planning, including applications of microgrids, (2) assessing how to best deploy microgrids to meet specific resilience and/ or reliability objectives and to optimize the microgrid design, and (3) assessing the existing governance structure in their jurisdiction and being able to identify any existing policies or regulations that might limit

their ability to pursue microgrid resilience solutions.

A site visit to a community resilience microgrid project provided a case study which illustrated the technical, social, and environmental value of energy resilient solutions. The case study featured a solar project by a community seeking to meet its own energy needs, with feasibility research support and technical guidance from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.

“This project illustrated the microgrid planning and execution process—from an examination of the community’s motivation, challenges encountered, research and planning needs, and the progress towards implementing these resilient energy solutions,” Mr. Thorington concluded.

CARILEC’s participation in the energy workshop was made possible with funding support from the CARICOM Secretariat, Climate-Resilient Energy Supplies for the Caribbean (Cli-RES) Project, which is financed through the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

NOTICE INVITATION TO TENDER The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. is inviting proposals from qualified firms of certified accountants to audit its financial statements for the fiscal year 2018.

The proposal must be valid for at least 60 Days. The audit period is 01 January 2018 through 31 December 2018 (one year).

Tenders are to be submitted to: The Chief Executive Officer ECCO Inc. Julian Charles Rd. Sans Souci PO Box CP5380 Castries, St. Lucia Deadline for submission is: Friday, 17th May, 2019 ECCO operates within 6 OECS territories with its headquarters in Castries, St. Lucia.

Should you have any questions or queries feel free to contact us at the following numbers or email address below: Tel:- (758) 451 6436, Fax:- (758) 451 6437 Email:- ecco@eccorights.org

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THE STAR may 11, 2019

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MOTHER’S DAY

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5 Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas to show you care.

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other’s Day is one of the occasions when you can show your gratitude to your lovely and gorgeous mother. The oodles of happiness and incalculable bursts of jovial moments that she has given you over the years indeed call for celebration. She is the one who first showed you the world and now it’s your turn to show her the world.

A mother takes every pain simply for her child without uttering a single word of dissatisfaction. Nobody else can be as caring as a mother and therefore she deserves to be celebrated for the way she has made your life a celebration with her unspoken prayers and continuous efforts.

On this Mother’s Day, actions of love are sometimes more powerful than the words you can tell her. So here are a few Mother’s Day celebration ideas to rely on if you are

4. A whole day of rest for your mother This would probably be one of your mother’s most appreciated gifts. She has worked non-stop for the family all these years so the least she deserves is a day off from her duty. Let other members of the family prepare dinner and serve your mother her favourite meal on Mother’s Day. You should also encourage everyone around to let their mother take a rest on Mother’s Day.

planning to delight your mother this Sunday.

1. Delight your mother with breakfast in bed Plan something extraordinary for her! Since you were born you have seen your mother preparing breakfast for everyone in the family. Now that you can do it for her, let this occasion be a special one by preparing her favourite breakfast, and serving it for her to eat in bed. Make a point that she does not have to work for the rest of the day.

2. Plan a day out together Make it an exclusive day just for your mother, keeping no space for any other plans.

Make your mother feel as if she is the queen of the province for that day. Schedule a day out together, probably to a place where your mother has wanted to go for a long time but could not because of other obligations. You can go to a

Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere!

favourite beach, waterfall or restaurant together, or take the whole family. What actually counts is spending quality time together, be it gardening, going on a picnic or anything when you can spend time together.

3. A get-together of the generations Plan a celebration party and make sure that all the generations of the family are present. Gather greatgrandparents, grandparents,

uncles and aunts, cousins, neices and nephews, and anybody that your mother loves like her own family. If the weather permits then the perfect idea for the celebration would be a barbeque.

5. Help other mothers in need Mother’s Day came into existence to honour all the mothers who sacrifice for their children. And the effort of every mother is important!

This Mother’s Day, donate— with money, food, gifts or your time— to an organisation which helps children and mothers, so that you can help another mother.

18

MOTHER’S DAY

may 11, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

The Original Mother’s Day Proclamation

W

hile countries around the world celebrate their own Mother’s Day at different times throughout the year, several countries, including the United States, Italy, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland and Turkey celebrate it on the second Sunday of May.

In the United States, the origins of the official holiday go back to 1870 when Julia Ward Howe—an abolitionist best remembered as the poet who wrote “Battle Hymn of the Republic”—worked to establish a Mother’s Peace Day. Howe dedicated the celebration to the eradication of war, and organized festivities in Boston for years.

In 1907, Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia, began the campaign to have Mother’s Day officially recognized, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson did this, proclaiming it a national holiday and a “public expression of our love and reverence for all mothers”.

Today’s commercialized celebration of candy, flowers, gift certificates and lavish meals at restaurants bears

Julia Ward Howe’s abolitionist cry for a Mother’s Peace Day is far from how we celebrate today.

little resemblance to Howe’s original idea. There is nothing wrong with that. But here is the proclamation she wrote in 1870, which explains, in her own impassioned words, the goals of the original holiday.

“Arise, all women who

Wishing you all the Love, Health, and Happiness that you so deserve.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers of the world!

758-450-2309

possession.’ As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.

Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each learning after his own time, the sacred impress, not of

Cell: 758-725-5284 Fax: 758-450-3885 White Rock, Grande Riviere Gros Islet, St. Lucia LC01201 info@guidinglightcare.com www.guidinglightcare.com

Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and of humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality may be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM US! Star Publishing Company Ltd. wishes all of our STAR moms a wonderful Mother’s Day tomorrow. Whether you are a veteran in the parenting arena or are tending to a suckling babe, we want to express our appreciation for everything that you do.

We are grateful for the sacrifices you make to help the company function at its best but we respect even more the sacrifices you make during motherhood.

have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of tears! Say firmly: ‘We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our

Mother’s Day

Contact Us today!

sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.’

We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says, ‘Disarm, disarm! The sword is not the balance of justice.

Blood does not wipe out dishonor nor violence indicate

In the same vein, we extend well wishes this Mother’s Day to our readers who continue to support our publications for news, entertainment and quality journalism in-between coping with demanding motherly duties.

“Your arms were always open when I needed a hug.

Your heart understood when I needed a friend.

Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson.

Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.”

Happy Mothers Day to all mom!

From

THE STAR

PLANE TALK AND SAGGING SHORTS

By Tony Deyal

T

he first time I boarded a plane for a destination not Tobago, I wore a suit and tie. Many years and many flights later, when the management of BWIA gave me a first-class ticket to London, I was politely but pointedly informed by a very senior manager that appropriate dress for that company’s firstclass cabin was nothing less than a suit and tie. In other words, he made it very plain to me that I had to travel in “plane” clothes.

Earlier this week, I was travelling on a crowded Caribbean Airlines jet from Trinidad to Antigua when I received quite a jolt. It was not what we call an “air pocket” or turbulence that causes us to clutch at our seatmates as the plane begins an abrupt descent into the ocean. It was not the aircraft but my jaw that dropped as a young man, walking along the aisle back to his seat, showed off his own seat by wearing his white short pants at a lower level than his green underwear. I had heard about pilots flying planes by the seat of their pants, but this person was in the cabin displaying his cockpit.

Wikipedia and other sources refer to this particular style as “sagging”. This made the young man what we in the region would refer to as “saga” or “saggerboy”, defined by the Caribbean Dictionary as “a person boastful about his physical attributes”. While I am a little behind in my knowledge of fashion, I am not such a big behind as to dress like that, approve it or show mine off. As you grow older, your physical attributes sort of bottom out, like the Trinidad or Jamaican dollar in a recession.

It is said that “sagging” is a predominantly male fashion started in prisons by gay prisoners who wanted to make abundantly clear their abundance and availability to the other inmates. A Snopes fact-check acknowledges that the practice did originate behind bars, but it was caused by “ill-fitting, prison-issue garb”. Some of the prisoners were provided with clothing a few sizes too large and,

LOCAL

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MAY 11, 2019

Some airlines don’t mind passengers wearing plain clothes, but others require “plane clothes”.

with no belts (because of the risk of prisoners hanging themselves or being hanged by their inmates or jailors in their cells), the “oversizing, coupled with the lack of belts in the big house, led to a great number of jailbirds whose pants were falling off their arses.”

A gentleman sitting near to me who saw the young man’s display of his attributes angrily said that they should jail that body part together with the rest of the youth in some place where the other prisoners would recognize and accept his signal of readiness. In other words, they should “jail his arse”.

I recognize that, in the past, air travel was an event so infused with glamour and novelty that it forced passengers to dress up for the occasion. However, today it is all about comfort and not appearances. While there are people calling for a dress code on airplanes, others want it to go further and they insist that flying is no longer a special occasion; that it is very much like riding a bus. They ask why we insist on a dress code on airplanes but not buses, taxis or other public transport. The problem is that, while the idea sounds good, it is not all “plane” sailing.

I remember once a seatmate of mine, declining my offer of assistance, hurriedly lifted her carry-on to put it in the overhead locker, and her external covering, not exactly a dress, headed downwards to her ankles while her arms headed upwards. While not entirely “thong-tied”, I turned my back on her quickly to

deny the other passengers a view that might have pleased some of them but considerably embarrassed her. She pretended to read for the rest of the journey, eyes locked straight ahead.

These days there is passenger “shaming”. A few years ago, United Airlines made news when it denied boarding to a couple of teenagers in leggings. Recently, a woman on an American Airlines flight was not allowed on board because she was wearing distressed jeans. Emily O’Connor boarded a Thomas Cook plane heading to Tenerife while wearing what is called a crop top, or bra-let. She was told that she had to cover up the garment or be removed from the plane. Even though she borrowed a jacket, the airline announced the whole episode over the loudspeaker. In 2016, JetBlue refused to let a woman remain on board because of her thigh-high socks and shorts. In fact, Ellen DeGeneres featured the topic on one of her TV shows, and there is a Facebook page devoted to passenger shaming.

Recently, there were several posts of a woman drying her underwear using the plane’s air-vent. It clearly was not Victoria’s Secret. Another featured a Chinese woman using a chair in the passenger terminal at Chiang Mai airport to dry her underwear.

“Taking advantage of a chink of sunlight,” is how someone described it. An Australian news source reported: “Passengers have been caught on-camera engaging in some pretty disgusting in-flight

behaviour over the years. We’ve seen photos of passengers giving themselves in-flight pedicures—with passengers peeling off dead skin and being caught with hands down their pants. Others have completely disrobed in mid-air.”

I am not sure how I would have reacted to some of those episodes but I believe there should be limits to what you wear and how you behave while locked in a cramped space, sometimes with hundreds of other people. USA Today advises: “Choose comfortable and supportive undergarments.

Pick underwear without scratchy tags or uncomfortable seams. A thong and strapless bra might not be the best choice for a woman, since you can’t easily adjust these garments mid-flight if they start to irritate you.” What the newspaper didn’t say is how to deal with people whose use of the blower to dry underwear irritates you even more.

Tony Deyal was last observed recalling that when he recounted his experience with the young “saggerboy” on the plane, one of his friends remarked: “Well at least he had on underwear.”

Tony Deyal is from Trinidad.

He now runs a column in the Jamaica Gleaner, NationNews Barbados and the St Lucia Star. and runs a free literary magazine on mytrinidad.net.

Tony can be contacted at tdeyal@yahoo.co.uk or on1-868-351-1000.

19

KM2 SOLUTIONS JOINS THE GLOBAL IMPACT SOURCING COALITION

K

M2 Solutions is proud to announce that it has joined the Global Impact Sourcing Coalition (GISC). The GISC is a global network of businesses creating jobs for those most in need through the power of procurement and global supply chains. It is a coalition that recognizes inclusive employment practices creating access to opportunities in disadvantaged communities and regions.

Impact Sourcing is a business practice whereby companies prioritize suppliers that hire and provide career development opportunities to people who otherwise have limited prospects for formal employment, such as those who were previously longterm unemployed or living under the national poverty line.

“The GISC envisions a world in which all people have the opportunity to obtain productive employment and decent work,” says Sara Enright, Project Director of the GISC. “We are excited to welcome KM² to the GISC and commend their efforts to advance inclusive employment opportunities across the Americas.”

Through participating in GISC, KM2 Solutions will promote and advance widescale adoption of Impact Sourcing while sharing its own best practices with coalition members.

All GISC provider member companies are encouraged to adhere to the Impact Sourcing Standard which is the first globally recognized standard for the business practice of Impact Sourcing.

It defines the minimum

requirements and voluntary best practices for providers of business products and services to demonstrate their commitment to inclusive employment.

The GISC has also been developing guidance to help companies define, measure, and continually improve the outcomes that Impact Sourcing initiatives achieve for workers, their households and communities. The end goal is to create access to opportunities that enable better lives for employees while delivering better performance for clients.

KM2 Solutions firmly believes that the right to have a decent job should be universal. As a company, KM2 has been conducting inclusive and ethical hiring practices since its inception.

“KM2 operates in many countries where citizens have limited access to gainful employment and we have been able to create over 4,000 permanent jobs in these populations,” says President and CEO, David Kreiss. “Not only does KM2 provide meaningful career opportunities in these locations, but we also invest heavily into the development of knowledge training and community improvement plans through our KM2 Cares programme.”

The GISC resources, including the Impact Sourcing Standard and guidance on defining and tracking social impact, now helps put these initiatives into a measurable and actionable framework.

Globally, GISC members have committed to hire 100,000 impact workers by the end of 2020.

20 jazz

MAY 11, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

JAZZY THURSDAY 2019

T

he soothing sounds of jazz music infused the atmosphere all over the island’s north on Thursday evening with the hosting of events at Gros Islet Park, The Ramp on Rodney Bay and IGY Rodney Bay Marina.

This year Saint Lucia Jazz is produced in collaboration with New York-based Jazz at Lincoln Center. Thursday night began at the IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Dubbed an evening with the Saint Lucia School of Music, the students, faculty

and alumni graced the stage, unified in live performance. Over at The Ramp on Rodney Bay, a sold-out crowd of jazz lovers filled a tent and indulged in the music of Gregory Porter, Ledisi, Somi and Saint Lucian Augustin Duplessis. Gros Islet Park was where the night came to an end with performances by Russell Hall’s Family Band and Patrick Beverly’s Dreamwater Society.

Here are artists, young and old, local and international, promoting the joy of jazz!

Saint Lucia Jazz Now Tented

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his year’s Saint Lucia Jazz calendar presented some new venues throughout the festival, including for the mainstage events, now transferred from Pigeon Island to Gros Islet and Rodney Bay. The Ramp on Rodney Bay and Gros Islet Park left some, especially northerners, wondering about the mysterious notion that Saint Lucia Jazz might be held on the open beach.

But about four days before the most anticipated mainstage concerts, two massive structures were set up, ready to accommodate patrons. On Tuesday, Events Company of Saint Lucia presented the tents as its latest assets for mass gatherings.

“When we established the Events Company two and a half years ago,” said the minister for creative industries, Fortuna Belrose, “the objective was to ensure that we had venues

island-wide. As the agency grew, we recognized that there was need for more space in terms of delivery of events from an indoor standpoint.”

The structures will be temporary erections at the sites mentioned and can hold up to 850 people each in theatre-style seating. Belrose continued: “The investment in this by Events Saint Lucia, yes, is significant, but more importantly for us, it continues to assist us in our growth of the sector and, of course, to provide more opportunities for Saint Lucians to benefit from an industry that we believe is very strong and timely.”

Tourism minister Dominic Fedee asserted that the structures represent an investment into the event planning industry, especially for meetings and incentive business. He said, “If you ask our destination management companies, they would pitch to

These temporary structures are reserved not only for Saint Lucia Jazz but will be a resource for all event providers on island.

convention organisers and they would pitch Saint Lucia as a destination. But they are unable to compete on a regular basis

because we just don’t have the capacity. Our largest conference room is somewhere in the vicinity of four to five hundred,

theatre style.”

Contrary to suggestions in the press, Fedee emphasized to this reporter that the tents were

not rented for Saint Lucia Jazz but bought for approximately EC$2.2 million. The purchase is a long-term asset for the Events Company of Saint Lucia.

He assures that other local tent providers have nothing to worry about. “It doesn’t compete with anyone because no one on the island offers this facility.

We’re not trying to compete with any of our local tent providers.

In fact, what this does is it helps a lot of them because you do need supporting infrastructure.”

The company’s CEO, Thomas Leonce, said the structures can be expanded or reduced if necessary and other event organisers are already interested in renting as far as 2021. The structures are fully enclosed, with air-conditioning and lighting. Transparent wall sections offer a view outside, in this case of the ocean. Hundreds of people can be seated even with stage, sound and band set ups.

---CEM

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

MAY 11, 2019

INTERNATIONAL

21

US Soccer fires back against Grenada becomes fifth Lawsuit, says Women’s Team has shareholder ‘different obligations’ government in LIAT

By Anne Peterson

NBC 10 Philadelphia

G

renada has become the latest shareholder government of the cashstrapped regional airline, LIAT, saying that the island stands to benefit from the decision to become a shareholder.

“When we look at the figures from the number of passengers that LIAT brings to Grenada, of course the multiplier effect is great,” said Grenada’s CARICOM Affairs Minister, Oliver Joseph.

“LIAT brings in thousands of visitors to Grenada every year and therefore, from an economic and social point of view, Grenada had to support LIAT because not supporting LIAT will mean the loss of revenue and economic development to our country,” he told reporters at the end of the weekly Grenadian Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Official government data shows that last year, 44,072 passengers used the services of the airline to and from Grenada while for the first quarter of 2019 the number stands at 10,896. Joseph said that Grenada’s decision to become a shareholder had been made and accepted at the shareholders’ meeting in Antigua on April 30.

“I am pleased to announce that Grenada is now the fifth shareholder in the airline so, together with the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, at that meeting, is now accepted as the fifth main shareholder in LIAT,” he said.

Joseph, who is also the Trade and Industry Minister, said that Grenada has given an undertaking to continue supporting LIAT restructuring, and a number of models have been examined but a final decision is yet to be presented to shareholders.

“At the meeting, Grenada insisted that LIAT should operate as a business and the operations should be restructured and so as a shareholder we will make our voice heard at the board meeting so that we can see value for money from LIAT,”

Joseph said, adding that the investment made by the island to date is EC$1.3 million.

The shareholder governments have been asking other Caribbean governments to provide financial assistance to the Antigua-based airline that services 15 Caribbean countries. St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed last week that St Kitts and Nevis had joined Grenada in responding positively to the call for raising US$5.4 million to help the airline deal with its current financial problems.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has said that his government would not contribute any funds unless there’s a significant change to the airline’s structure.

Joseph told reporters, “I am not aware that Virgin has expressed any interest in LIAT but they are looking at various models, so if Virgin express interest, that is something that the LIAT board will consider because government maintains that you have to restructure LIAT, so if you get a partner I am sure that the board will consider it favourably.”

Gonsalves says he has received no formal indication from Virgin’s founder Richard Branson, saying: “As the chairman of the shareholders, I have not been aware of that.

Nobody has contacted me about that.

“Whether Branson said so in an off-hand way or in a serious manner, I don’t know.

You know something, rich people say something. I don’t usually jump like that when rich people make a suggestion until I see something really meaningful,” Gonsalves said.

Joseph said that one of the main restructuring formats under consideration is for governments to contribute to airlines through a Minimum Revenue Guarantee plan that will provide for non-profitable routes which need the service to provide financial support.

T

he U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is denying allegations of gender discrimination after the women’s national soccer team claimed unfair treatment in a lawsuit.

“U.S. Soccer’s challenged pay practices are not based on sex,” according to a response from USSF filed Tuesday in federal court. Rather, “any alleged pay differential” is due to “differences in the aggregate revenue generated by the different teams” and other factors, the response said.

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) suit alleged female players were treated unfairly on the field and in pay versus the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), which is less successful in competition.

The USSF, which also rejected the suit’s call for

class action status, attributed the differences in treatment, including why women flew commercial while men traveled on chartered planes, to differences between the teams.

“The USWNT and USMNT play at different times, in different locations, against different opponents, and are comprised of athletes who have different obligations, are compensated in fundamentally different ways, and enjoy different benefits; thus, USWNT players have no male ‘counterparts’ who play for the USMNT,” the response said.

A spokesperson for the suing USWNT athletes told ABC News in a statement, “There is no legal basis for USSF’s claim that it is anything other than a single employer operating both the men’s and women’s teams -- who face drastically unequal conditions and pay under their shared employer.”

The USSF claims the players on each team “receive fundamentally different pay structures for performing

different work under their separate collective bargaining agreements.” The men fall under a “pay-for-play” structure and are “only paid for individual match appearances” on tournament or tournamentqualifying rosters, the organization said, arguing male players’ compensation cannot be compared to the women “who earn guaranteed salaries and benefits.”

The USWNT “consistently rejected all proposals” for a pay-for-play structure, USSF said. The players’ statement said in response, “The USSF cannot justify its violation of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII by pointing to the teams’ separate collective bargaining agreements or any factor other than sex.”

USSF added that the “total prize money available” in the 2018 Men’s World Cup was $38 million compared to the $2 million for the last Women’s World Cup, which took place in 2015.

The USSF also said the women’s team makes less revenue from game ticket sales, although it noted that it “invested in marketing and promoting the USWNT.” The organization did, however, admit “the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final match broke the record for being the most watched soccer match shown on English-language television in this country” and that “the USWNT’s 2015 Victory Tour drew tens of thousands of fans to stadiums across the United States.”

The women will have a chance to beat that record at the next Women’s World Cup in early June. “Even as the most decorated American soccer team in history, USSF treats the women’s team as ‘lessthan’ equal compared to their male colleagues,” the USWNT statement said. “We look forward to a trial next year after the World Cup.”

The men’s team did not qualify for the last World Cup.

BAY GARDENS OFFERS “CARIBCATION” DEALS FOR CARIBBEAN RESIDENTS

C

aribbean residents can receive 25 per cent off all-inclusive rates from Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia this summer and autumn.

The Caribcation special offers bargain packages, with full meals for two guests, unlimited house brand drinks and free access to the popular Splash Island, Saint Lucia’s first open-water sports park, off the famous Reduit Beach, plus a complimentary daily spa treatment for each room.

Caribcation rates start at US$187 a night for a couple at Bay Gardens Marina Haven, US$194 at Bay Gardens Inn and Bay Gardens Hotel, and US$295 per night at Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa.

Sanovnik Destang, ---CMC Executive Director of Saint

Lucian-owned Bay Gardens Resorts, sees the region as an important market. “We see regional travel continuing to grow for our hotels, and we want more of our Caribbean neighbours to experience what our Saint Lucian hospitality has in store for them when they take a break from the stresses of life,” he said.

The resorts’ locations within and around Saint Lucia’s entertainment capital, Rodney Bay Village, make Bay Gardens Resorts the top choice for regional travellers.

“They come to us because of our unapologetic approach to serving authentic Caribbean cuisine and delivering warm Saint Lucian hospitality,” Destang added.

Guests taking advantage

of the MAP Plan (offering just breakfast and dinner) can enjoy rates starting at US$131 at Bay Gardens Marina Haven, Bay Gardens Inn and Bay Gardens Hotel, and US$219 per night at Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa.

Breakfast-only rates start at US$99 at Bay Gardens Marina Haven Hotel, Bay Gardens Inn and Bay Gardens Hotel, and US$133 per night at Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa.

In addition, the new and luxurious Water’s Edge Villas is offering a special “Caribcation” rate of US$700 per night, breakfast included, for up to eight guests, with a four-night minimum stay.

Each fully air-conditioned villa has a living room and four bedrooms with king and

double beds, and features its own private swimming pool, terrace and custom-designed separate amenities. The villas offer a dedicated concierge service, a private deck on the water and complimentary Wi-Fi access, while guests have privileges across all Bay Gardens properties.

These offers are available beginning in June and continue throughout September during the Caribbean Premier League cricket T20 tournament and up to the end of October for National Creole Heritage Month.

All prices include service charge and taxes. For more information on booking this offer, visit www.baygardensresorts. com/locals/caribcation, call +1 758 457 8006/07 or email info@baygardensresorts.com.

22

international

UN chief warns of ‘total disaster’ if global warming not stopped

T

he United Nations secretary-general said the world must dramatically change the way it fuels factories, vehicles and homes to limit future warming to a level scientists call nearly impossible.

That’s because the alternative “would mean a catastrophic situation for the whole world," António Guterres told the Associated Press in an exclusive interview.

Guterres said he’s about to tour Pacific islands to see how climate change is devastating them as part of his renewed push to fight it. He is summoning world leaders to the UN in September to tell them “they need to do much more in order for us to be able to reverse the present trends and to defeat the climate change.”

That means, he said, the world has to change, not in small incremental ways but in big “transformative” ways, into a green economy with electric vehicles and “clean cities.”

Guterres said he will ask leaders to stop subsidizing fossil fuels. Burning coal, oil and gas triggers warming by releasing heat-trapping gases.

He said he wants countries to build no new coal power plants after 2020. He wants them to put a price on the use of carbon.

And ultimately he wants to make sure that by 2050, the world is no longer putting more greenhouse gases into the air than nature sucks out.

Global temperatures have already risen about 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) since the industrial age began.

The issue is how much more the thermometers will rise. In 2015, the world’s nations set a goal to limit global warming to no more than 0.9 degrees from now. Most scientists say it is highly unlikely, if not outright

MAY 11, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

THE FUNNIES!

António Guterres, UN secretary-general.

undoable, to keep man-made climate change that low, especially since emissions of heat-trapping gases are rising, renewable energy growth is plateauing and some countries’ leaders and voters are balking.

A panel of scientists the UN asked to look at the issue ran computer models for more than 500 future scenarios and less than 2 percent achieved those warming limits. Guterres said the wholesale economic changes needed to keep the temperature from rising another degree or more may be painful, but there will be more pain if the world fails.

“If you don’t hang on to that goal, what you’ll achieve is a total disaster,” the secretary-general said in his 38th-floor conference room.

If countries only do what they promised in the 2015 Paris climate agreement, it would be catastrophic because the world would warm by another 4.5 degrees (2.5 degrees Celsius), Guterres said, adding “that is why we need to dramatically accelerate … what everybody knows needs to be done.”

Yet globally, the trends are going the other way. University of Michigan environment dean Jonathan Overpeck said it looks unlikely that the world could

prevent another 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) of warming, let alone 0.9 degrees. And in an odd way, that gives the UN chief optimism.

Because as disasters mount and deaths increase, the public, especially youths, will realize that warming is “a dramatic threat to the whole of humankind,” Guterres said.

So the worse it gets, the more people will demand change, he said.

That’s why he’s about to visit the islands of Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean, which he said is hit hardest by climate change.

Guterres said he wants to use the determination and moral authority of the people who live on the threatened islands to convince world leaders to make the necessary change.

Here are some excerpts from the 25-minute interview with Guterres, who said he used to love steak houses but now only goes once every three months because livestock contribute significantly to warming. The questions and answers have been edited for clarity and length:

How can you be optimistic?

That is the paradox. Things are getting worse. Temperatures

are rising faster than expected.

We see the Arctic melting. We see glaciers disappearing. We see corals bleaching. We see biodiversity being dramatically threatened.

So things are getting worse and worse. But the political will has been slow. We need to reverse this trend. We need to make people understand that this is not sustainable. And the reason why I’m optimistic is that I feel that more and more people are convinced of that.

And as more and more people are convinced of that, I believe governments will feel the need to increase their political will, which at this present moment is

still lagging behind.

You have seen the fantastic attitude of young girls and boys making a strike in favor of climate action. You see more and more business and communities assuming responsibilities.

Can you fight climate change and biodiversity loss at the same time?

Climate change is a major threat to biodiversity. It’s because of climate change that species are disappearing. So we need at the same time to be concerned with the climate action … with our oceans … to make sure that we keep the richness of a planet that

was created by God. And I don’t believe God would be very happy to see many of his creatures disappearing.

How do you see the United States and the Trump administration on climate?

In the United States, I disagree with the policies that the government has implemented.

But I see fantastic attitudes and fantastic developments in what is done by large businesses, by cities, by the civil society. I can see the United States, a country with an enormous potential to achieve what needs to be achieved for us, to be able to defeat climate change.

---Associated Press

Resorts International

is proud to applaud and recognise the amazing Moms who form such an integral part of our team in Saint Lucia.

May you have a Happy Mothers’ Day filled with love and joy.

THE STAR

Windward

and

Leeward

Brewery

Limited

prides

itself

Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited is embarking on the implementation of a global integrated business agility system. To support this project the following positions are required for a nine to twelve month period.

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

Sales & Operations Manager North SUMMARY

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Reporting to the Commercial Director, this key position is responsible for leading and driving the selling and distribution of the full portfolio of Windward and Leeward Brewery and DuBoulay’s Bottling Ltd. products and management of operations warehouse. Collaborating with the Category Managers and the Trade Marketing function to effectively develop and lead the Sales Team to achieve company targets, meet and exceed customer needs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES •

Effectively lead the team to achieve all Key Performance Indicators.

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Conducting of training and development activities to drive performance; ensuring the right people, with the right skills in the right positions.

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Assignment of distributors and volume targets for Salesmen.

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Achievement of the approved budget and yearly volumes target.

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Lead Excellent Outlet Execution in the assigned region.

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In collaboration with sales and marketing teams provide input and support into channel strategy and standards development.

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Work with and support distributors(s) and key retail outlets in meeting mutual objectives, to include resolution of concerns.

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Management of our Distribution Center in the North with a team of sixty (60) reporting to you.

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Management of the stock policy and warehouse function, adherence to all finance policies specifically relating to cash management, accounts receivables, credit management etc.

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Monthly reporting.

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Ensure adherence to all company policies especially safety at work.

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A Master’s Degree in Marketing, International Marketing and/ or Business Management or similar field of study.

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A minimum of five (5) years or more commercial and/or sales/marketing experience at a senior level leading a team of at least ten (10) persons.

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Strong communication skills, presentation skills and analytical skills,

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Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

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Ability to initiate and deliver in change and performance management.

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Must be a holder of a valid driver’s licence and passport valid for international travel.

A competitive compensation and benefits package is on offer with internationally developed training and development opportunities. This is an opportunity for a career driven professional seeking to continue their management, sales and people leadership experience.

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

By E-mail preferred:

HUMAN RESOURCE, CHANGE AND COMMUNICATIONS LEAD One Year Assignment

SUMMARY

By Mail: “Sales & Operations Manager North” Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited P O Box 237, Vieux Fort

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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Management of stakeholders on topics related to individual impact of project implementation

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Prepare and conduct individual assessments with Line Managers

Deadline for Submission is Monday May 20th 2019

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Establish, maintain and execute the Project HR Plan to include workload analysis, job analysis, updating of Job Descriptions and provide input on HR related activities during various stages of the implementation.

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Identifies change activities, development of a high level training plan, executes the change and communication plan to include coordinating and conducting change impact workshops with support from the Regional team.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Graduate degree in Finance, Economics or Business Administration

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Professional certifications including: ACCA/CGA/CA/CPA

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4-5 years experience in a senior reporting and accounting function

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Experience in leading and managing a diverse teams of individuals as well as organising and leading crossfunctional teams of individuals

Supervision of assigned team including monitoring for achievement of key performance indicators, • ongoing performance management and execution of development plans.

Experience in a commercial and/or financial environment would be an asset

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

By E-mail preferred: Email Titled - ‘‘PROJECT VACANCY - Human Resource, Change and Communications Lead” recruitment@wlbl.lc

By Mail: “PROJECT VACANCY - Human Resource, Change and Communication Lead’’

Participates in meetings with their Regional visit our website at http://www.wlbl.lc counterparts as well as the Project team meetings, and provide their updates on human resource, Deadline for Submission is Monday May 20th 2019 change and communication plan.

Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged

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

Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited is embarking on the implementation of a global integrated business agility system. To support this project the following positions are required for a nine to twelve month period.

PROCESS & CONTROL IMPROVEMENT LEAD One Year Assignment

SUMMARY

The Control Lead will be part of the Project Transition team reporting to the Finance Manager. This role works closely with the Global P&CI team and Regional Transition Teams to guide the Company through the transition. The Control Lead drives the deployment and enhancement of the HEINEKEN Risk and Control framework as part of the programme . This role is responsible for the deliverables of the Internal Control Workstream, mainly on Transition/Implementation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE •

University degree/Masters in Economics, Finance or Business Administration.

• Finance, Accounting, Internal audit background Professional certifications including: - ACCA/CIMA/RA/RE/CPA or - CIA/RO or - Six Sigma Green/ Black Belt/ PMP/ Prince 2 would be preferred • Working knowledge and understanding of process risk management, internal control, process management, fraud management & compliance.

• Working experience in the area of internal control, internal/ external audit or process management and improvement.

• Experience in organising and leading cross-functional teams of individuals, assessing process and information flows, performing cost/benefit analyses, tracking results, developing recommendations and implementing changes that benefit business performance.

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Lead and support the Internal Control work stream as part of the programme during Transition.

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Serve as first point of contact to the Company during deployment, as well as to Global Functions during Design and Construct.

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Plan and assist in planning for successive waves of the project transition.

up to date CV’s with certified copies of relevant qualifications and three listed references as

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Work closely with the wider Transition team to ensure that prior experience and learning is leveraged for future transition waves.

By E-mail preferred:

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Email Titled - ‘‘PROJECT VACANCY - Reporting and Accounting Manager”

recruitment@wlbl.lc

Support and coordinate execution of Transition Prepare, Sol ID, Transition set-up, Knowledge Transfer, Ramp-up and Stabilisation phases of the Project.

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Drive quality and consistency for all activities, materials and deliverables. Report to HEINEKEN stakeholders (incl.

Global BASE P&CI) on progress, risks and issues.

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Lead and support the Deployment of Risk & Controls and Segregation of Duties in keeping with Heineken requirements and manage mitigating activities for specific Segregation of Duties (SOD) violation.

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Support the development of tools and methodologies to support deployment activities with respect to Risks and Controls and Segregation of duties.

For further details on this employment opportunity,

Act as a change agent for relevant stakeholders.

Deadline for Submission is Monday May 20th 2019

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Ensuring the completeness, accuracy and reliability of • all general ledger, sub ledger and cost center data.

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Accurately and on time completing the monthly financial consolidation and reporting in the Heineken Interested applicants should apply submitting system (CIL).

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Coordinating the internal and external audits and take follows; ownership of any remediation identified

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Monitoring and ensuring adherence to business controls.

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Ensure that all accounting schedules and reconciliations are completed in a timely manner and according to Heineken standards.

By Mail:

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Provide oversight over all aspects of transactional finance: GL, fixed assets, purchase-to-pay, orderto-cash, cash management and forecasting, tax compliance, intercompany reconciliations and master data management.

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One Year Assignment

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Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited Executes the role in close cooperation with and in P O Box 237, Vieux Fort alignment to guidelines from Regional Change & Communications Lead For further details on this employment opportunity,

Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

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Graduate degree in Human Resources or Learning and Development or a related field.

Professional certifications including certification as a Certified Trainer or Learning and Development would be an asset.

A minimum of two (2) year Work experience in a Human Resource or Learning and Development role at a management or supervisory level.

Experience working within and implementing complex change projects, developing and delivering change strategy, plans and communications, and designing change interventions.

Excellent skills in relationship building and collaboration at all levels of the organization.

Excellent presentation skills and excellent written and verbal English.

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REPORTING & ACCOUNTING MANAGER Reporting to the Finance Manager this position is responsible for coordinating period closing activities to deadline, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the financial records, managing the financial reporting and consolidation, generating standard management reports and coordinating local statutory reporting.

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Present recommendation and findings to Head of Departments for decision making;

Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited is embarking on the implementation of a global integrated business agility system. To support this project the following positions are required for a nine to twelve month period.

SUMMARY

impact

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For further details on this employment opportunity, visit our website at http://www.wlbl.lc

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

A member of the Project transition team, reporting to the Transition Manager, this role plays a critical role in identifying and managing the people impact of the implementing the new system to achieve a successful transition of the HR challenges on the organisational adaptation. This role ensures “connection to” and “feedback from” all layers in the business through communications planning and delivery. Responsible for driving the change management process.

Email Titled “Sales & Operations Manager North” recruitment@wlbl.lc

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

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23

www.stluciastar.com

MAY 11, 2019

Highly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint

“PROJECT VACANCY - Reporting and Accounting Manager” Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited P O Box 237, Vieux Fort For further details on this employment opportunity, visit our website at http://www.wlbl.lc

Preparation and analysis of standard portfolio of management reports with interpretation of results and Deadline for Submission is Monday May 20th 2019 communication of insights.

Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged

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

•

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

By E-mail preferred: Email Titled - ‘‘PROJECT VACANCY - Process & Control Improvement Lead recruitment@wlbl.lc

By Mail: “PROJECT VACANCY - Process and Control Improvement Lead Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited P O Box 237, Vieux Fort

visit our website at http://www.wlbl.lc

Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited cherishes its culture in which Respect, Passion for Quality, Performance and Enjoyment are central values

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