Chastanet's Trump Card!

Chastanet’s Trump Card!

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

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OPIC CEO David Bohigian was a welcome visitor to Saint Lucia this week.

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REFLECTIONS

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

International Publishing

By Michael Walker

A

fter the initial trip to the Frankfurt International Book Fair at the invitation of our Swedish publisher, I spent each autumn for the next dozen years or so preparing for, attending and following up on the wild, hectic, frenetic week reserved each year for ‘the Book Fair’ that was attended by every publisher worldwide, each one eager to show new products and sign contracts to have their ‘babies’ sold in just about every corner of the world. That first year was no exception; our Swedish publisher had received a request from an American house for a meeting with us in Frankfurt. A little research had revealed that the American company was a world leader in the publishing of maths books and amazingly, voluminous, erudite scientific tomes authored by Nobel prize winners and the like. Most of these works ran into hundreds, if not thousands, of pages while our biggest book was only 144 pages long. We had no idea what they wanted from us.

For anyone who has never attended the Fair, its size is almost unimaginable. There are a number of halls (the number varying from year to year), each one dedicated to one discipline: literature, science, education, languages, pornography, scripts for movies, plays, television, etc. Each hall has, in addition to thousands of booths where publishers can present their wares, its own administration with conference facilities, eateries, etc. Some of theses booths were extravagantly ostentatious with amazing displays. The mornings are reserved for trade visitors while the afternoons are thrown open to the general public. In addition to the many fine wines, liquors and gourmet snacks on offer in the booths—publishing was, way back then at least, a very ‘boozy’ industry, and writers and authors were often quite pickled by the time the Fair closed for the day—there were, of course, Germany being Germany, dozens of stands where a hundred different brands of beer and dozens of different types of sausage were on sale. Normally speaking, meetings between publishers are held in their booths or in dedicated small conference rooms in their particular hall. Our meeting was different: we were to meet at the biggest, finest, most prestigious hotel in the city. The Americans, I later learned, always had the corner suite and adjacent guest rooms on the seventh floor reserved for their staff and associates. This never varied from year to year; it was a statement: We are important!

The meeting almost never happened.

Getting a hotel room was notoriously difficult

MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

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and, as it was our first year, we were late in getting rooms. We ended up in an almostcompleted hotel called the Caravelle that was owned by Air France. On the morning of the meeting I had left my room on the ninth floor in good time to walk to the Fair. I was alone in the elevator. The doors closed and the elevator had just begun its short fall to ground level when it jerked to a stop. For the next sixty minutes, despite my cries for help and futile attempts to get the emergency phone to work, the elevator continued to fall a few inches and then shudder to a stop until someone on the fifth floor realized what was happening and the maintenance crew was able to pry open the door and lift me out from between the fourth and fifth levels. It was an experience I shall never forget and I was immensely grateful for the tall, tubular ashtray (this was in the bad old days when smoking was permitted everywhere) which allowed me to relieve myself in my emergency.

Miraculously, the Americans were still waiting for us when we finally arrived. There were almost a dozen of them, men and women, feeding off a lavish buffet, which we were invited to join. One of them, Bob, introduced each of them to us, but the only other name I remember from the meeting was Peter who was, it turned out, the big honcho.

We finally sat down around a large conference table where we were grilled—there is no other way of putting it—for the next three hours on every aspect of our lives, ambitions, philosophies, educational experience, family backgrounds, hobbies, you name it, all without giving us the slightest inkling of what it was all about. Strangely, our Swedish books were never mentioned. Finally, they appeared to be satisfied. The representatives from Sweden, Carl-David and Jan-Olov, had sat silently throughout the whole proceedings and spent only a few brief minutes speaking to Bob and Peter before they left, leaving us alone with the Americans who, by this time, had retired to the bar that had miraculously appeared where the buffet table had been. Lars and I exchanged a few words in Swedish, which allowed us to discuss the events of the day privately without anyone else understanding.

We were both feeling equally mystified when Peter ordered champagne for everyone and, after we had all been furnished with a glass of bubbly, announced, “Mike, Lars, we have a deal. We’ll talk about the details later, but for now: Welcome aboard. Together, we’re going to conquer the world!” I did not know it then, but my life had just changed forever! Nothing would ever be the same. From that year on I always had my own suite on the seventh floor of their hotel each time I visited the Fair.

Saint Lucia National Trust supports more effective Management of Marine Turtles on-Island

he Saint Lucia National Trust’s mandate includes the protection of Saint Lucia’s flora and fauna. To this end, the Trust has supported the campaign for more effective management of marine turtles in Saint Lucia.

Globally and regionally, the protection of marine turtle species has become a major priority as many of the species are falling under either the ‘endangered species’ (e.g. the leatherback turtle) or ‘critically endangered species’ (e.g. the hawksbill) categories of the Red List of Threatened Species issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Many regional states, such as Barbados, Antigua and more recently Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, have either banned or are progressing towards banning the capture, slaughter, sale, consumption or use of marine turtle products.

While there is recognition that traditional use should be an important consideration regarding any decision that would limit access to this fishery, it cannot be ignored that there is overwhelming evidence to support the view that these marine animals are more useful socio-economically alive rather than dead. In addition, statistics from the Department of Fisheries (DOF) reveal that the number of fishers involved in turtle harvesting is minuscule compared to other fishing activities.

Moreover, the international thrust towards protection of marine turtles has resulted in diminishing demand for their by-products, while the demand and interest in interacting with live specimens in their natural habitat is extremely high. Nowhere is this more evident than in the tourism industry. Interestingly, the dining experiences at internationally recognised or marketed hotels do not include turtle meat.

It is the case that many of these establishments are quite enthusiastic to sell the idea that their guests are likely to have some kind of experience with a marine turtle; it has become that popular an attraction. This is not to say that there is no local demand for turtle meat as whatever is harvested, both legally and illegally, is consumed locally.

Mr. Vincent ‘Jeg’ Clarke (kneeling) demonstrating the relocation of a turtle nest on Sandy Beach, Vieux Fort.

Mr. Clarke is a volunteer with the SLNT’s Turtle Monitoring programme.

Within the last five years, the Trust has been involved in a series of activities that contribute to more effective management of marine turtles in Saint Lucia. These activities have been made possible through international grant funding and technical expertise as well as through collaboration with the DOF, the National Conservation Authority (NCA) and local volunteers. The main areas of focus have been: monitoring of turtle nesting activity; increased public awareness of marine turtle species; and facilitating policy review on the management of marine turtles.

In terms of monitoring activities, the Trust has had an active data collection programme for marine turtle nesting activity, particularly on nesting beaches within the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA).

This involves patrolling the beaches for nesting activity and recording the observations such as the number of nests, species involved and hatching occurrences. Monitoring also has the added objective of reducing poaching. The Trust has also sponsored training sessions to build local capacity so that monitoring can be expanded to other sites where nesting activity is known to occur.

Public awareness activities on marine turtles were, and continue to be, targeted at students at primary and early secondary school levels.

Research has shown that this age group tends to be highly influential in changing adult

behaviour. The education programme involves helping young people to identify the various species of marine turtles found in our waters; their nesting patterns and, of course, the behaviours or factors that can have a negative impact on these marine species and their habitats. The sessions are delivered through a combination of highly interactive school visits plus field trips to actual nesting sites. The young are also encouraged to follow best practice in order to contribute to a safer environment for marine turtles.

At the policy level, the Trust has been promoting a more progressive management regime for marine turtles, consistent with regional and international trends. It is noteworthy that the DOF has been considering a number of options which would more likely reflect a phased approach to stricter measures to support effective management of marine turtles. As a conservation agency and member of the WIDECAST2 community whose mandate is to protect marine turtles in the region, the Trust is in full support of this thrust. One of the more promising prospects is that a road map or action plan will be developed to bring about more effective regulation which can have the support of DOF, fishers, government and the public on the issue. Some public consultations have revealed that there is public appetite for a change but the Trust realizes that additional public consent and engagement are required to determine the next steps to achieve this change.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

MAY 25, 2019

LOCAL

Chastanet Welcomes OPIC Delegation to Saint Lucia CUSTOMER SERVICE HOTLINE

Allen Chastanet (centre) was delighted to host the OPIC delegation on Wednesday as his relationship with President Trump continues to grow.

Dean Nestor

T

he Allen Chastanet administration’s position on the most recent Venezuelan general elections has been a controversial one, to say the least, with opponents declaring it amounted to a betrayal of Saint Lucia’s friendship with the South American nation. But as the prime minister welcomed an OPIC delegation to our shores on Wednesday, this muchmaligned decision could see Saint Lucia benefitting from a healthy relationship with United States President Donald Trump.

OPIC (Overseas Private Investment Corporation) is the US government’s development finance institution, and the May 22 visit came about as a direct result of discussions between the US president and five

Caribbean heads of government, including Allen Chastanet, at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort meeting two months ago.

The delegation, led by OPIC's acting President and CEO David Bohigian, visited several sites, including that proposed for the southern port in Vieux Fort, Cul de Sac bay and the Castries Port. A clearly delighted Chastanet expressed his gratitude.

“I want to thank the White House and President Trump in particular. He’s lived up to his promise that the OPIC team would be here within 90 days.

In fact, it’s been sixty. I’m very grateful for that.”

Bohigian, for his part, expressed a desire to expand OPIC’s relationship with Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.

“We’ve invested $3.5 billion since our inception throughout the Caribbean and here in Saint Lucia we’ve had projects that have included cocoa, and hotels and manufacturing. We’re

looking to be able to do more as we meet you today and hear your vision. So we welcome the opportunity to develop that pipeline with you and meet your development goals.”

Bohigian also felt it important “to underscore the help that you’ve given us on Venezuela, which we very much appreciate”. As for Chastanet: “The meeting with Mr. Trump happened because the five countries that participated share one thing in common right now: we do not recognise the legitimacy of the current government in Venezuela.

And I’m hoping that we can encourage more of the other Caribbean countries to develop a relationship with the US so we can have more dialogue. And President Trump certainly indicated that though he’s going to start with the five of us, he wants to regain the relationship the United States once had with this region.”

New District Registrar Appointed to Vieux Fort Commences Duties

T

he general public is informed that effective Tuesday, May 21, 2019 registration of Births and Deaths which occur in the District of Vieux Fort is being performed by the newly appointed District Registrar of Vieux Fort, Mr. Anthony Goodman.

Consequently, registration of vital events for the District of Vieux Fort will no longer be conducted at the main office of the Civil Status Registry on Brazil Street, Castries.

Mr. Goodman is located on Hospital Road in the town of Vieux Fort, near the Health Centre.

His contact number is 454-8753.

The Department of Justice would like to express its appreciation to the general public for their continued co-operation and looks forward to improving the quality of service to all its customers.

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MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

Happy 80th To Reds Peter Josie

J

oseph “Reds” Perreira turned 80 on May 20 and deserves more than congratulatory words for this milestone.

Reds came to Saint Lucia from his native Guyana in 1984 to head the OECS Sports Desk and still follows sports with great passion, even after the end of his 12-year role.

Reds says he is happy to celebrate 80 years of life, but not happy with the pace of sports development in the OECS, especially in Saint Lucia.

Grenada is the exception. That island continues to improve in depth and consistency in sports administration and sporting competitions, according to Reds.

In some areas of Saint Lucia, sports seem to be declining rather than improving because the club structures are too loose. There are many teams with no club establishment, no management, no discipline, no fund-raising

activities and no mentoring.

Many clubs (and associations) are not presenting annual accounts to exhibit accountability, or holding an annual general meeting on time.

Said Reds, “I have made this point before: weak club structure results in weak associations.

Club administration should be non-playing members and separate from the team representing the club in competitions. National associations should therefore ask to see copies of club rules, structure and how clubs are run before they are allowed to register for competitions.”

According to Reds, it’s easy for an association to accept fees from teams wishing to participate in sports competitions.

Reds concedes that the need for separate club management structures seems to be finally getting home. The Saint Lucia Football Association, for example, is now licensing clubs for their respective affiliates to participate in competitions. This move is supported by CFU and FIFA. Will

other national associations try to follow this policy?

As far as Reds is concerned, the Saint Lucia National Olympic Committee (NOC) should ensure that national federations and associations are functioning as they should, and in good standing. Making discreet inquiries in the month-to-month activities of these affiliates, without unnecessary interference, is recommended.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports must also play a role in ensuring that national sports associations are functioning and carrying out their responsibilities.

Reds posed the following rhetorical question: How many associations in Saint Lucia can take advantage of the funds and training offered by the SLU NOC?

To further emphasize the point of support for national associations and federations, Reds informed this writer that some Caribbean countries spend large sums of money bringing in professional coaches to help improve coaching skills in those

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progress,” Reds added.

Do the media have the talent or ability to support and promote a grass roots sports programme as described by Reds? Reds believes they do.

“Interestingly, most media employ full-time sportscasters who are in a position to ask questions that can help improve sporting standards,” said Reds.

“The media must do this without conflict of interest. To be more specific, the media can ensure that sponsors get their deserved credits; that sportscasters provide more detailed information on national programmes; that they help investigate why particular associations are not functioning.

They should, without fear or favour or bias, regularly report on the positives and negatives of various clubs and associations.”

The above are some of the feelings that Reds still holds dear, at age eighty.

When asked an opinion on the new West Indies Cricket Board, Reds said that it was too early to comment even though he feels that the immediate past selectors and coaches should not have been dismissed ‘en Sports fan supreme, Joseph “Reds” Perreira this masse’ so soon. “I would not have week became an octogenarian. Amongst his dismissed the selectors or the wishes: clubs run by the book, improved coaching coaches of West Indies Cricket and training of players, daytime use of otherwise after the team’s favourable redundant facilities, and more media promotion. performance against England in the Caribbean this year and particular nations. The same be brought to full use between before a clear succession plan applies to the training of officials. 6am and 3pm at least twice a was established. I would have Training must be a high priority in week for football, volleyball, waited until after cricket world sports development. boxing, track and field and cup to revamp the core of the

As far as facilities are basketball. Participants should structure.” concerned, Reds believes that be provided with drinking water,

On the Caribbean 2019 most are underutilized, especially juice and a snack by the private premier league (CPL) season, in Saint Lucia and the OECS sector and the hotels working Reds thinks there has not region. “We must begin to look together with government. This been sufficient information to at facilities differently and use must be a separate and distinct them differently. These were programme from the $20.6 million make an informed opinion.

“One thing seems certain— built with good intentions but the government recently allotted Daren Sammy seems poised to different administrations to sports.” Indeed, Reds lead the Saint Lucia Zouks once continue to use them as they believes that this grass roots were used in bygone days and approach to helping at-risk youth more.”

Reds hopes that ticket not in line with changing needs. is the place for special attention prices, especially in Saint Lucia, These sports facilities are and focus. will be reasonable and unused between 6am and

“The youth participating affordable so that more people 3pm daily. There is therefore in this special sports coaching can come and support Sammy an opportunity for the Ministry project should be placed in a of Sports, Ministry of Social separate data base and monitored and the Zouks.

I could not end this Transformation and Ministry for progress. We may be surprised 80th birthday tribute to of Education, with the help at the excellence that will be Joseph ‘Reds’ Pereira without of the private sector and the discovered from this effort,” highlighting the comprehensive hotels association, to bring the said Reds. report that was the lead unemployed youth to these

“The media must be the story of last weekend’s Star facilities and into a sporting watchdog for sports in Saint Businessweek magazine, on the discipline.”

Lucia and the OECS. With the Saint Lucia government’s

Reds continued: “In the right support of the media and $20 million sports budget for Castries area the following the general public, this kind 2019/20. I recommend that it be playing grounds come to mind: La of programme can be very read by the sporting public and Clery, Vigie (football and boxing), successful. It is important that those interested in helping to the Gardens, Foux-a-Chaud, regular reports be aired on the build better communities Marchand recreation grounds and electronic media and the youth through sports.

Mindoo Philip Park. These should highlighted for their effort and

THE STAR

05

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MAY 25, 2019

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MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

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‘Don’t Do It Or You’ll Pay The Price. I Will Make Sure That You Reap The Whirlwind Of Your Actions!’

Is Kenny Anthony Local Trump’s Vladimir Putin?

T

he year was 2006. Election fever ruled the wind.

Already the independent Richard Frederick’s by-election victory against the SLP’s sitting attorney general Victor LaCorbiniere (anticipated by all save KDA & Company) had signaled disaster for the red brigade—forced them to apologize from the steps of the Castries market to long neglected CDC residents. As for the shellshocked prime minister and party leader, it must’ve seemed to him that regardless of how much devil paint he and his apostles hurled at “the worst prospect confronting Saint Lucian politics” the more voters treated him as their knight in shining armor—as indeed the whole island had treated the 1997 Kenny Anthony.

And then it happened: shortly before the general elections, as the two men were exiting the National Insurance Corporation’s conference center at the conclusion of a parliamentary session (the regular House was undergoing much needed repairs) STAR reporter Nicole McDonald suggested to the prime minister that it might make a great picture if he forgot their troubles for a minute and shook hands with the painted monster of his campaign speeches.

The reporter’s request was as a match to an open gas tank.

“Never!” he exploded. “Shake hands with Richard Frederick?

Never.” Turning from McDonald to his creation, he said: “Richard, I’ll never forget what you said about me: You called me corrupt.”

A smiling Frederick, still aglowing from his recent byelection victory, countered: “Oh, but I never once mentioned your name.”

Nevertheless the prime minister acquiesced to the reporter’s

request. “Richard, I might shake your hand,” he grumbled, “but I’ll never forget you said I am corrupt!”

“And I’ll never forget you referred to me as a frightening prospect,” Frederick fired back.

The prime minister corrected him: “You are a frightening development. You and I both know what I’m talking about.”

“And you know that I know what you know that I know!”

Frederick chuckled.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s camera was clicking away.

When finally she and Frederick were alone the reporter asked him to explain his obviously spiked retort. “All you need to know is this,” he grinned, his bejeweled right hand on the reporter’s shoulder. “I have ways of dealing with any blows Kenny might aim at me.”

In due course the prime minister was invited by Newsspin’s Timothy Poleon to reveal what was behind that “you know that I know” rat-tattat exchange. He confirmed that

he still considered Frederick a frightening prospect, never mind they had pressed the flesh under pressure. However, he was amazed that so much had been read into the incident.

He attempted a whitewash.

“When we are training our new candidates for this general election,” he laughed, “I will use it to illustrate the point that what is conveyed may not be what was intended.”

Not long afterward Richard Frederick was a guest on a TV showed called “Townhall Tuesday.” (Or was it Wednesday?) In any event, the call-in program was hosted by a part-time comedian named Christopher Hunte. When he suggested his guest reveal what it was he knew that Kenny Anthony knew, Frederick acknowledged he had read the prime minister’s self-serving response in the STAR and then proceeded to reveal what he claimed was the truth. He told a helluva story; one I dare not risk repeating here, keeping

Are Kenny Anthony’s outrageous threats designed to force Prime Minister Chastanet into an embarrassing silence on the smoky issue of Grynberg? Is this a repeat of the 2006 Mexican stand-off between the then prime minister and Richard Frederick? What could Kenny be holding over Allen Chastanet’s head?

in mind the time of our time.

Suffice it to say I fully expected to hear about a slander suit the next day. The host must’ve been similarly blindsided. Seconds before the program ended he promised to invite the island’s prime minister the following Tuesday, “so we can clear the air.” Alas, Frederick had the last word on the issue. The promised appearance never materialized, leading to popular speculation about a Mexican stand-off, with no strategy that might permit either of the men to emerge victorious!

And so we come to the now former prime minister’s cryptic remark at his most recent House appearance, in response to Allen Chastanet’s promise to clear the “suffocating smoke” around the perplexing issue of Grynberg: “What I promise the minister of finance is this,” he said, wagging his index finger.

“When he embarks on whatever action he embarks, I will make sure he reaps the whirlwind of his actions!” An obvious threat, yes, but what could the Vieux Fort South MP possibly have meant to convey to the nation and the world via radio, TV and the Internet?

Not forgetting his precious Facebook followers.

Lately he’d been tossing some pretty disturbing lines

from the privileged House as well as from his public platforms. Once he announced that he and his party had declared war on Allen Chastanet and his father. He had also promised the prime minister would “feel the wrath of the people of Vieux Fort North and South” if he laid a finger on the declared architectural disaster misnamed St. Jude Hospital.

Then it was “we will fight you in the street, we will fight you wherever you are . . .” (a screwed-up version of Churchill’s legendary speech, delivered to the House of Commons in 1940). The image Kenny Anthony conjured was an affronted Zeus throwing tantrums and spitting thunderbolts at over-ambitious lesser mortals. Small wonder reporters could hardly wait to hear more about his reaction to Allen Chastanet’s promised investigation of Grynberg.

Alas, what they encountered at the SLP’s most recent press conference (which he promised would be his last) was a flaccid version of what they had seen at the most recent budget debate.

All he was prepared to add to his “whirlwind” remark was: “Simply, it means that all the legal options available to me will be exercised and, further, that any prime minister that

believes he can pursue persons with impunity then so he must bear the consequences of his own actions . . .” All of that because Allen Chastanet had expressed his government’s intention to get to the bottom of Grynberg, details of which are known only to an American oil speculator of ill repute and the former prime minister? Anthony’s response three weeks ago was as baffling to reporters and the recalled SLP conference as was his angry “you know that I know what you know that I know” exchange with Richard Frederick in its time.

And now all eyes are on Allen Chastanet, as the nation wonders what the Vieux Fort South MP may be holding over the prime minister’s head that could deter him from delivering on his 2016 election pledge to explore certain identified “events in public administration in Saint Lucia”—to borrow Blom-Cooper’s phrase—in particular government’s disastrous oil deal with Jack Grynberg. I need also remind readers that even some of Donald Trump’s strongest supporters believe he is uncharacteristically kind to Vladimir Putin only because he is in possession of a particularly embarrassing dossier on the President of the United States!

First published in 2018.

Perhaps the most famous picture ever taken of Kenny Anthony as prime minister of Saint Lucia. At the behest of then STAR reporter Nicole McDonald, he agreed to press the flesh of Richard Frederick (right), despite that he swore he would never forgive the freshly minted Castries Central MP, who would be the first to mention the name Jack Grynberg in parliament. (It was election time, after all!)

As they say, history is never as ugly as the real story!

THE STAR

may 25, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

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VACANCY JOB TITLE : REPORTS TO :

may 25, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Corporate Secretary Board Chair

JOB PURPOSE The Corporate Secretary is charged with the preparation and planning of board meetings, committee meetings, extraordinary general meetings and annual general meetings. He/she attends the meetings and ensures minutes are recorded.

The Corporate Secretary is responsible for ensuring that board members have the proper advice and resources for discharging their fiduciary duties to the societies’ members under state law and in accordance with the organization’s bye-laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 1. Board meetings (planning & executing) 2. Record Keeping 3. Advisor Knowledge, Education & Experience • At least 3 years of experience as an Administrative

Assistant, Paralegal, Supervisor or Manager • Bachelor’s degree in one or more of the following: Business Administration, Business Law, Communications Studies, Political Science,

Public Administration or Economics • Experience as a Corporate Secretary or Certification in Corporate Governance would be

an asset • Strong understanding of general management best practices and performance management principles • Strong grasp of collective management society practices • Strong writing, typing and computer skills • Extensive software knowledge such as Microsoft

Word, Excel and PowerPoint Core competencies • Ability to quickly understand the business of

Collective Management Organizations • Demonstrating an “executive presence,” highly professional and backed up with solid communication skills whether interaction is with office staff, directors, company lawyer, CEO

or Chairperson • Being able to read signals on the horizon and provide early warning to management and the board • Being detail-oriented • Being flexible and creative • Maintaining the appropriate perspective, no

matter how pressured a situation • Analytic and decisive individual • Ability to work independently, think critically and

effectively carry out research • Excellent time management skills • Strong skills in diplomacy and ethics Working hours This is a part time position and it will require an estimated investment of ten hours per month. The concentration of those hours will be before, during and after board meetings.

Email your cover letter and curriculum vitae to djoseph@eccorights.com and copy ecco@eccorights.org Direct email to: Davis R Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, ECCO Inc., Castries, St Lucia Deadline date 31 May, 2019.

Castries South East MP Calls Out Pierre on $3 million Lindquist Report!

By Dean Nestor

L

ast week, the House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre called for an official investigation into the authenticity of a circulating letter bearing what is claimed to be MP Guy Joseph’s signature.

Most recently, Pierre demanded that PM Allen Chastanet relieve Guy Joseph of his Economic Development portfolio, should the signature prove authentic.

Never a soft target, Joseph fired back this week.

“I have called for the report from the Robert Lindquist investigation, initiated against me by the previous government at a cost of over $3 million,” he said on Monday during the government’s regular press briefing. “Surely there must be something better in there to warrant my resignation.”

As for Pierre: “It has now been established, and the Honorable Guy Joseph has not denied, the letter is authentic and has only sought to hide behind a claim of his Ministry’s documents being classified.”

Joseph has persistently refused to take seriously what he refers to as something from social media. “I say the Opposition Leader is just a fool.

That’s what he is. To ask me to resign or to ask the PM to take action on the basis of a letter of

dubious origin is absurd. I can only account for the genuine letters from my ministry.”

Typically, the Castries South East MP launched his own smart bomb at his accuser: “You mean to tell me a man who stood as minister of tourism, trade, industry, commerce, infrastructure, ports; who was declared deputy prime minister, does not know enough about the procurement guidelines for contracts in Saint Lucia? This is sad, when you consider this same man aspires to be this country’s prime minster, that he would stoop to whatever level to get at me. How could an MP of his experience be so foolish as to not know what is and what is not a contractual arrangement?

There’s a process. Not even the prime minister can commit the government to a guarantee until it goes to parliament.”

He questioned Pierre’s moral authority in the matter, recalling he was deputy prime minister at the births of Rochamel and Grynberg. “Now don’t misunderstand me,” said Joseph. “Two wrongs can never be right. So, I’m not saying that if I did something unlawful I could claim it to be all right, just because others before me did not do things by the book.”

Joseph went on: “If the letter is made a public document, then that’s it. We are in government. We are bound by

Guy Joseph (pictured) advised Philip Pierre this week what to do if he truly believes a government minister has behaved inappropriately.

the oath of office that we take.

If anybody thinks that this letter is authentic then they know the steps to follow. If they think that the minister has acted inappropriately, there are ways to deal with this. There’s the parliamentary process they can use. Then there are the courts.

If they believe this minister has acted inappropriately, then make him pay the price!”

Pierre’s reaction: “I’m not going to get involved in any back and forth with Guy Joseph.

If Guy Joseph did not sign the

letter, he has to say, ‘I did not sign it.’ That’s all. And I am saying that if he did not sign it, it’s a fraud, so call the police.

Guy Joseph must stop this politics of umbrage. He must stop that. He simply has to say he did not sign the letter, that it’s a forgery. It’s a serious letter that commits the government to expenses of $162 million when the prime minister has said he’s already gotten financing for these projects. That is my point and I’m saying nothing else on that issue!”

UNESCO Executive Board Member for the Caribbean pays courtesy visit to Director General of the OECS

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xecutive Board Member for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Mr. Ausbert d’Auvergne paid a courtesy visit to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules on May 21, 2019.

The meeting considered key avenues for co-operation between UNESCO and the OECS

in the areas of education, the preservation of cultural heritage and water security.

Mr. d’Auvergne conveyed UNESCO’s strong commitment to furthering and strengthening co-operation, particularly in areas impacting the sustainable development of small island developing states.

Dr. Jules welcomed

the opportunity to explore matters of mutual interest and assured Mr. d’Auvergne of the full support of the OECS Commission in the development of project ideas for consideration by UNESCO.

Both parties agreed to maintain a close working relationship to continue to explore and advance the areas

of co-operation identified.

A virtual working group comprising senior OECS staff in Environmental Sustainability, Education Management and Development, Social Development, Project Management, and Communications was established to facilitate future engagement.

THE STAR

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What have we learned from the Ubaldus Debacle?

picture of an expensively suited up Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage covered from head to toe in a protestor’s banana milkshake on Monday caught my attention. I wondered: What the hell’s going on in today’s UK politics? When I was a resident in our once upon a time “mother country” people talked all kinds of rubbish in public without the hint of an insult fired in retaliation. Hyde Park Corner was the place to be if you truly were a glutton for punishment cursed with the irresistible need to be entertained cost-free by weirdly attired over-ambitious buffoons, whether born in the UK or, as with the murderous Abdul Malik and jazz singer-cum-pimp Lucky Gordon, immigrants from Trinidad and Jamaica.

Which is not to say you didn’t from time to time bump into a wannabe Joan Baez waiting to be discovered, or a visiting Californian Black Panther.

It seemed British patience was inexhaustible. The worst a performer might experience was a loaded Irish heckler—a supporting act worthy of its own gelled spotlight!

But if in this age of mainly impersonal communication

Britain has become intolerant of face to face mindless prattle, still the notoriously gelid English have never sank to showering their politicians with human waste collected over several days—a whole lot more than might legitimately be said of us. Not with the daily reminders of how we arrived at our discombobulating ugly present.

Nothing is more offensive to the hypocrite’s olfactory system than the sight of a regular human being enjoying in the light of day what he secretly engages in only while the sun sleeps.

Lately we’ve been preoccupied with the sins of Ubaldus Raymond, once a fairly well regarded senator until several presumed private and harmless phone conversations with a scheming Trinidadian female of short acquaintance were weaponized by cyber mercenaries and made into titillating news headlines and irresistible fecal fodder for insatiable Facebook flies. In his own naïve telling, “I broke no laws, I committed no fraud, I betrayed no official secrets. I had what I considered private conversations, some of which were edited and turned against me.” The truth of the statement, delivered in answer

to a question I put to him during a recent appearance on my TV show TALK, served only to set him free to find new employment not connected with the government.

Before the age of Ubaldus it was regular behavior for elected officials to sleep with under-aged constituents and their close relatives; to write them childish letters on notepaper bearing the nation’s embossed crest; to pretend they were generous close relatives of the impressionable teens. Even the soi-disant agents of God, in their collective selfish interests, looked the other way, sometimes blaming the little victims for the sins of their faux fathers, sometimes called sugar daddies. If only Ubaldus marked a national change of attitude. If only his crucifixion was the price to be paid for a new society determined to make amends for past atrocities. To borrow from Bob Dylan, I may as well try and catch the wind.

We still have not even talked about invasion of privacy and the relationship between that and conversations surreptitiously acquired. Neither have we considered the political

FMC Lease Agreement Still Not Finalized

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he St. Lucia Fish Marketing Corporation is currently operating as a private enterprise although a final agreement between the government and the new firm has not been reached. During a sitting of the House of Assembly on April 17, Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph announced the decision to privatize the corporation. The lack of a final agreement has not been without its consequences.

"It obviously slows things down because at this point we cannot approach the bank,” said managing director Hilary Herman.

“We can't do a lot of the things we need to do. For example, we can't change the phone numbers to our new name because we don't have a base document to work off of yet. We're working at the pace of government, so we’ll just have to continue as we are until everything falls into place.

Meanwhile that should not affect the relationship with fishers and their customers.”

Herman says that despite the circumstances, fishers have exceeded all expectations. Since the company began operations,

FMC managing director Hilary Herman says the lack of a final agreement should not affect the enterprise's relationship with fishermen.

Herman says it has purchased in excess of 20,000 lbs. of fish, which is a good sign.

"We thought that because of the history with the former corporation, the fishers would have put up some resistance to working with another entity.

Over the last three weeks we have worked up some personal relationships," said Herman. As for sales to the public, Herman

says the figures have been most encouraging and destined to get better, even though there has been no major advertising.

He added: "I wish I could say that the final agreement would happen tomorrow or next week, but I can't. We're really at the government's mercy."

----Joshua St. Aimee

General elections may be a couple years down the road but if we are to judge from past and recent experience the crucifiers of Ubaldus Raymond (pictured) are right now busy cooking up cyber attacks on the reputations of candidates, male and female. More reason for talented citizens to stay away from the political pigsty!

environment that permits the publication of photographs or video calculated to demean and embarrass individuals, their relatives, friends and employers.

For the most part, such photographs are pornographic.

As things stand at this time, there is nothing to prevent or deter, at the very least, an Allen Chastanet detractor from publishing photo-shopped pictures of the prime minister, his wife or their daughter. For several years now we’ve had school children in recognizable school uniforms performing illegal sex acts on the Internet. To date there have been no related arrests but lots of cover-ups. We seem to have forgotten the responsibilites that come with free speech, and that even public officials are entitled by law to their privacy.

If our laws, in the new scheme of things are inadequate, then what’s stopping our lawmakers from enacting new and appropriate legislation?

---RW

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MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

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Indecent Assault Case Prevents Former Hospital Employee’s Return to Work P

Claudia Eleibox Mc Dowell

arbattie, who had taken one year’s leave of absence as a radiologist at Gablewoods Medical Centre in Tapion Hospital, has, since 2015, been existing jobless in Canada. She told this reporter she has been fighting a legal battle with a former co-worker who assaulted her on the job but was not disciplined by the organisation, not enough to prevent Parbattie from fleeing her home island. The first incident was on June 13, 2014, she said. Days later there was another. Parbattie claims she reported the incidents to

her then employer, Gablewoods Medical Centre. She described the experience as “shocking, embarrassing and scary,” especially since her passport was about to expire and she did not know if she would need it in case of an emergency.

Parbattie said the individual made continuous sexual advances toward her, both verbally and physically. On one occasion he left her no room for escape while he attempted to kiss. Finally she wriggled free but not before he had deposited his saliva on her neck. She said her assailant then walked away laughing.

“After much persuasion,” said Parbattie, “Gablewoods Medical Centre finally suspended my attacker in November 2014

for two weeks without pay.” On his return to work, said Parbattie, the harassment continued.

In desperation she turned to the Vulnerable Persons Unit, a move, she says, that displeased her superiors. Soon afterward Parbattie took leave until the matter had been resolved. A charged was filed by the police and taken to court.

She brought the matter to the next level and made a report to the Allied Health Council. The CEO promised to deal with her complaint. She also went to the Labour Department, where she was told nothing could be done while the matter was pending before the court. In May 2015 Parbattie’s tormentor was ordered by the court to pay $500

or serve one week behind bars.

Parbattie requested an extract of the conviction from the Allied Health Council, to no avail. She was told her matter was under investigation.

Last November Parbattie visited Saint Lucia, only to learn her matter was sealed by a confidentiality clause. The Council declined to discuss any other developments. In January this year, Parbattie received a letter notifying her that the Council had only learned of the court’s decision “about March 2018” and would accept the court’s decision as its own.

Parbattie’s agitation stems not from the level of assault but from her perpetrator’s continued harassment while she

was employed at Gablewoods Medical Centre. The Allied Health Council, which was at press time not available for comment on its code of ethics, disciplinary methods or the specific matter, is authorized to take disciplinary action independent of the criminal court. Also, according to the Health Practitioners Act of 2006, any practitioner convicted of a criminal offence, except a minor traffic offence, is ineligible for registration with the Council.

Parbattie’s concerns have escalated over the years, as she was unable to return to Gablewoods Medical Centre to work because of harassment and because of her employer’s reluctance to handle the matter.

According to Gablewoods Medical

Centre, the institution has the authority to independently discipline and terminate employees’ contracts under recommendation from the Allied Health Council and the Labour Code of Saint Lucia.

But Parbattie has questions: “Who overlooks the Allied Health Council? Who ensures that they carry out their duties and functions?” Most of all, she is concerned that her perpetrator continues to serve at Gablewoods Medical Centre, dealing with patients, male and female, despite his court record. She says the Labour Department has been helpful but the attorney assigned to her has yet to be provided with a hearing date.

Export Saint Lucia guides Praslin Farmers $50 million for Road with Shipment of Sea Moss to US Reconstruction E and School Rehabilitation manating from Export Saint Lucia’s recent mission to the United States, it was observed that the growing consumer trend around healthy eating has presented an opportunity for the sale of dried sea moss from Saint Lucia.

This product is in high demand, especially with the increasing vegan community.

Through the guidance of Export Saint Lucia, the Praslin Sea Moss Farmers' Association has capitalized on the opportunity and, on the weekend, shipped its first export to the United States.

Having been put in contact with a buyer from the US, the over 140 farmers belonging to the Association worked expeditiously to facilitate a test shipment of sun-dried sea moss.

Export Saint Lucia CEO Sunita Daniel expressed her delight with this new venture.

Daniel said, “The US market is a traditionally difficult market to access and when you get one foot in the door, you dare not let the opportunity pass.

"The health-conscious eater is not just looking for what is healthy but also what is trendy.

Factors such as 'the story' of the farmer, the practices employed and most certainly the island of origin all feature high on the list of a discerning shopper."

President of the Praslin Sea Moss Farmers' Association Bonaventure Jn. Baptiste said the main aim of the Association

Produce from the Praslin Sea Moss Farmers' Association.

is to reduce poverty in the community of Praslin. He anticipates that this potential new market for the export of sun-dried sea moss will go a long way in helping the Association realize its goal.

“With this possibility that we now have with sea moss, people will now be able to find an alternative to banana production. There are now more than a hundred people who are members of the Praslin Sea Moss Farmers' Association, or have registered interest in

sea moss processing. With the success of this venture every family will be touched in one way or another.”

He added that with the challenges facing the banana subsector, sea moss cultivation could be a viable and lucrative alternative with which farmers could diversify.

Sea moss farmer and employee of the Praslin Sea Moss Farmers' Association, Andrina Stanislas, said she is eager to see the impact of this first shipment and anticipates an upsurge in

sea moss farming as well as the job creation aspect that comes with this rise. “I would like to encourage other persons, youth in particular, to get involved in sea moss planting because right now the demand is great, and we need as many farmers as we could possibly find in order to supply this huge demand.”

The Association has thanked Export Saint Lucia for facilitating this first shipment and anticipates greater things coming out of this test shipment and the relationship with Export Saint Lucia.

Prime Minister Chastanet (right) signs the agreement for the $50 million loan as Taiwanese Ambassador Douglas Shen looks on.

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rime Minister Allen Chastanet on Wednesday signed on the dotted line to finalize a $50 million loan from Taiwan’s Eximbank, for the reconstruction of roads and the refurbishment of schools and housing. “We’ve been in negotiations with the Eximbank in Taiwan to finance both the road work as well as the airport,” he revealed, “and so we have now gone through all the dotting of the 'i's and crossing of the 't's. Today we’re

signing the first loan agreement with Exim Bank, which will be for $50 million of which $42 million is going into the road reconstruction. $8 million will be divided equally for housing and the refurbishment of the schools.”

Last November the prime minister announced the loan in his speech to the Chamber of Commerce, even before it was debated a month later in the House.

Signed, sealed, delivered!

THE STAR

MAY 25, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

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may 25, 2019 THE STAR

Thank You

At the end of this edition of Saint Lucia Jazz which was produced in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Board of Directors, management and staff of Events Saint Lucia extend thanks and gratitude to all the festival’s partners for making this edition of the festival so memorable. We proved that great things can only be achieved with commitment, teamwork and collaboration.

SPONSORS Platinum Sponsor – FLOW, For the Moments that Move Us Chairman’s JP Chenet Vybe Radio HTS/Helen 100 Radio Caribbean International The Wave Hot FM MBC Television/Real FM Daher Broadcasting Service (DBS) Steinway & Sons 3D SITE PLANS: Lonn Yorke ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS Coco Resorts Coconut Bay Resort & Spa Bay Gardens Beach Resort Bay Gardens Hotel The Harbor Club The Landings

Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa Serenity at Coconut Bay Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort APPAREL & MERCHANDISING The Print Factory Scott’s Sports Shop Joe Butch Screen Prints BRANDING, DÉCOR & STAGE DESIGN ByChoice Designs Event Pro Lighting Exel Sign JoSalt Productions Kathleen Cadette-Andrew Landmark Events The Print Factory Doodle Interactive CARPENTERS Bryan Joseph Franklyn Emmanuel Kim Henry Party Ras

CATERERS & BAR MANAGEMENT SERVICES Bay Gardens Beach Resort Bay Gardens Hotel June’s Catering Nildal Phillip Saint Lucia National Culinary Team Terry Charles CONCERT PRODUCTION, STAGE & SOUND D&B MCE Sounds Real Sounds CONCESSIONAIRES Bay Gardens Beach Resort Boardwalk Fantastic Cuisine Bar & Grill Felly Belly La Mesa Saint Lucia Yacht Club Triangle Restaurant

CONSTR RENTAL SERVICE Import & Services Jules En Landma Monplai Monplai Rayneau Tomty N Ultimate

CU Branford Brokerag John C.

EM National Organiza Royal Sa Saint Lu Saint Lu

Dr. Ségu Dr. Olive Dr. Kerry Dr. Diane Dr. Cyrus Dr. Donn

Angela A Jackie F Leah d'A Michaeli Cheryl E Jasmain Sherline

Saint Lu

Customs Departm Eastern

THE STAR

CONSTRUCTION, PLUMBING, TOOL RENTALS & HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES Import & Export Scaffolding & Services (St. Lucia) Ltd. Jules Enterprises Landmark Events Monplaisir Supplies Monplaisir Trucking Rayneau Rentals Inc. Tomty Northern Tool Rentals Ultimate Contracting

CUSTOMS BROKERAGE Branford’s Shipping & Customs Brokerage

ELECTRICAL John C. Francis & Associates

EMERGENCY SERVICES National Emergency Management Organization Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Saint Lucia Fire Service Saint Lucia Red Cross

Doctors Dr. Ségun Tobias Dr. Oliver Austin Dr. Kerry Lucien Dr. Diane Ferdinand-Walcott Dr. Cyrus Daniel Dr. Donnel Pacsal

Nurses Angela Andrew Jackie Foster Leah d'Auvergne Michaelina Alexander Cheryl Edward Jasmaine Daniel Sherline Duncan

LIFE GUARDS Saint Lucia Lifesaving Association

FESTIVAL SUPPORT Customs & Excise Department Department of Immigration Eastern Caribbean Collective

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may 25, 2019

Organization for Music Rights (ECCO) Ministry of Health and Wellness Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services, Energy and Labour Ministry of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority Solid Waste Management Authority The Ice Factory Department of Environmental Health PARTNERS Laborie Development Foundation Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Jazz at Lincoln Center GROUND TRANSPORTATION & SHUTTLE SERVICES Barefoot Holidays Christian Lorde Gros Islet Mini Bus Association – Route 1A Kriss Luxury Services Allan Placide MASTER CLASS & WORKSHOPS Saint Lucia School of Music CAMDU – Jason Joseph Tolyn Manufacturers Ltd. MASTERS OF CEREMONY & DISC JOCKEYS: DJ Levi Chin Ulric Alphonse Francheska Solomon Masana Morrison Robert Rene Tracy George NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMERS Ismond Lovence Glenn Henry Chelsea Joseph Donovan Edwin Saint Lucia School of Music Jean Claude Desir PHOTOGRAPHY Meerakulos Art Wavemaker Photography Gaillard Photography Doodle Interactive

Laurna Gaillard Photography PIANO TUNING Michael Lipnicki TICKETING The Cell University Tickets Lions Club SECURITY SERVICES Alternative Security Services STAGE HANDS Alexander George Lucius Gilbert Marvin Poleon Patrick Hippolyte George Aurelien Sean St. Brice Stanley Smith Vernon Jules TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FLOW TENT & EQUIPMENT RENTALS Allison Skeete Landmark Events Monplaisir Supplies Ravi Ltd. Tomty’s Northern Tool Rental Ultimate Contracting Valley Rental Windward Island Gases TRAVEL SERVICES Tours & Travel TRUCKING Dave Wallace Francois Alexander Monplaisir Trucking Rubin Gaston

VENUE CLEANING & SEWAGE REMOVAL Billy’s Cleaning Rockers Septic Tank Services St. Lucia Environmental Company VIDEO PRODUCTION All Biz Media VOLUNTEERS Artiste Dressing Rooms Lana LaForce Ricky LaForce Sharon Octave Shawin Octave Liaison Officers Marcia Marcellin - Head Liaison Trevor King Paulette Evans Bernard Charles Sannyu Clarke Roselyne Mondesir Suzette Merille-Alexander Rusline duBoulay Karleen Edwin Karen Louisy Irvin Springer Dr. Jana Phillip Nadine Constantine Solomon Agyemang Amanda DeLima Jesse Mitchel Samantha Gillard Joseph Alana Williams-Morgan Leona Melius Cindy Ann Gilbert Andray Volney VENUE OWNERS IGY Rodney Bay Marina National Conservation Authority Nicholas Devaux Saint Lucia Yacht Club Shangri-La Estate Sports Saint Lucia Inc. The Harbor Club Golden Palm Conference Center Leyland and Angele Figueira

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MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

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KIM’S KORNER

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The facts about Epilepsy

pilepsy, from the ancient Greek meaning to seize, possess or afflict, is a neurological condition that can affect brain activity. Although we typically associate epilepsy with somebody having a seizure and writhing around on the floor, this is not the only way epilepsy can manifest. Symptoms of epilepsy can vary and in some individuals cause loss of awareness, unusual sensations or strange behaviour.

Epilepsy can affect both males and females of any ethnicity and age, although it is most commonly diagnosed in children and people over 65.

According to the World Health Organisation, over 50 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

However, it is important to note that one seizure does not mean you have the condition; about 10% of people who have a seizure may never experience another.

It is only when a person has two or more seizures that a diagnosis of epilepsy is suspected. There are about 12 different forms of epilepsy and two main types of seizure: focal and generalised, which influence the symptoms.

Focal onset seizures start in one area of the brain but can spread to both sides. There are two types of focal seizures: focal aware and focal impaired.

Depending on where the seizure takes place in the brain, the symptoms may either be motor or non-motor. Motor symptoms can include smacking your lips; repetitive movements such as pulling at clothes or fiddling with objects; jerking movements;

making random noises or becoming very limp or very stiff.

Non-motor symptoms can cause feelings of déjà vu, getting an unusual smell or taste in your mouth, feelings of euphoria or anxiety, twitching, numbness or tingling and, in some cases, experiencing hallucinations.

In focal aware seizures a person is usually conscious during the attack and is conscious of everything happening during and after the episode. On the other hand, focal impaired seizures affect a larger part of one side of the brain, causing confusion whereby the person may not be fully aware of his or her surroundings or able to understand what is being said to them. The confusion may last for some time after the seizure and it may leave the person feeling drained and in need of rest.

Generalised onset seizures affect both sides of the brain, with no warning signs. A person will become unconscious and will not remember anything about the seizure. There are six types of generalised seizures: absence seizures; tonic seizures; atonic seizures; clonic seizures; myoclonic seizures; tonic-clonic seizures.

Two extreme examples are absence and tonic-clonic.

Absence seizures, previously known as petit-mal seizures, are more common in children than in adults. This type of seizure typically lasts for just a few seconds and the afflicted person becomes quiet and unresponsive.

In most cases he or she stops what they are doing and has a

According to the World Health Organisation, over 50 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

blank facial expression; or they may rapidly flutter their eyelids.

However, in some cases they may continue with their task but be unaware of what they are doing, or their environment.

Tonic-Clonic seizures, once known as grand-mal seizures, are what we commonly associate with epilepsy. The affected person will lose consciousness, go stiff and may bite their tongue.

Conversely, they writhe about, as their muscles rhythmically relax and contract. There may also be signs of pallor, their breathing pattern may change and, in some cases, there may be loss of control of the bowel or the bladder. After the seizure their breathing and colour return to normal but they may feel drained

and confused and need to sleep.

In about 50% of cases the cause of epilepsy (a noncommunicable disease) is not known; in the remainder of cases causes have been linked to: genetics, drug or alcohol abuse, head injury, damage to the brain (such as strokes or tumours), infectious diseases, pre-natal injury and developmental disorders.

To confirm a diagnosis of epilepsy your doctor will take a thorough medical history and extract blood samples. In some cases an electro-encephalogram (EEG) is arranged to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Accurate diagnosis and identifying the type of seizure increases the chances of finding

the most effective treatment. In most cases medication is the first choice of treatment but getting the correct dose may take some time and may even change over time. Some people find that once the medication has controlled the seizures, they are able to stop taking medication without any further episodes of seizures.

If medication is not successful at controlling seizures, then your doctor may recommend alternative options such as adopting a ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation or even surgery.

Although many cases of epilepsy are not preventable, there are measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of a seizure. The first step, if seizures are already present, is to regularly take any prescribed medication; the next step is to avoid known triggers, such as: • Stress • Fatigue and lack of sleep • Alcohol and drugs • Flashing lights • Missing meals • Monthly periods • High temperature

Seizures can occur at any time, whether you are walking, swimming, driving a car or sitting quietly. The following are important steps and first aid tips to be aware of: • Carefully position the person onto their side and place something soft under their head.

• Loosen any clothing, especially around the neck.

• Never place your fingers in anybody’s mouth.

• Never try to restrain somebody having a seizure.

• Remove all hazardous or breakable objects from the area to minimise injury.

• Call for medical assistance and stay with the person until help arrives. It may help medical personnel if you time the seizure and mention what you observed.

Because of the unexpected nature of epilepsy and the lack of warning signs of an impending seizure, it is important to know the above in order to minimise harm and prevent serious injury if you ever find yourself in a situation where somebody experiences a seizure. Above all, stay calm.

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

Preserving biodiversity is key for safeguarding humanity’s future, CARPHA stresses on International Day for Biological Diversity

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ay 22 is observed annually as International Day for Biological Diversity. To mark the occasion, the OECS Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, hosted an exhibition event for students and members of the public at Provost Park, Morne Fortune on May 22, 2019.

Mr. Bradshaw Isaacs, Technical Officer: Occupational Health and Safety/Indoor Air Quality, delivered remarks on behalf of the Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales, Head of Department, Mr. Lyndon Robertson and staff of the Saint Lucia Campus of the Caribbean

Public Health Agency.

Welcoming co-organisers and participants to the event, he stated that Earth’s natural assets comprise many millions of distinct biological species of plants and animals—on land, in water and in the atmosphere—which link humans and the environment into one interdependent ecosystem.

According to Mr. Isaacs, biological diversity, or “biodiversity” as it is also known, makes the world beautiful and unique, and is important to Saint Lucia for food, shelter, medicines and other ecosystem services, sustainable livelihoods, agriculture, tourism industries and future untapped resources.

Highlighting the stark reality of the current situation, Mr. Isaacs pointed out that the world is losing biodiversity at an ever-increasing and alarming rate. He said research shows that not only has biodiversity declined by more than a quarter in the last 35 years in terms of number of species, but also, globally, humanity is using 40% more resources than nature can regenerate in a year.

To put it another way, we would need 1.4 planet Earths to support our lifestyle. This, he said, is crucial because biodiversity is critical for human development.

Mr. Isaacs emphasised that

preserving biodiversity is key for a future where people have sufficient food supplies; where agriculture keeps producing what it ought to; where there is resilience to pests and diseases; where fresh water is in sufficient supply and where climate change is mitigated.

In closing, Mr. Isaacs commended the OECS Commission and the Ministry of Sustainable Development for hosting the event and called upon members of the public to commit to co-operate for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Happy International Day of Biodiversity!

Mr. Bradshaw Isaacs of the Caribbean Public Health Agency delivers the opening remarks on International Day for Biological Diversity.

THE STAR

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

MAY 25, 2019

Kenny Anthony Says Elections Are Motivated

By Revenge And Malice S

o predictable has he been over the last several years, especially so since June 6, 2016, that few Saint Lucians would bet money on Kenny Anthony’s ability to catch even a sightless six-year-old off guard.

Then again, upon reflection, I am inclined to reconsider. Perhaps he did pull off during his contribution to Thursday’s budget debate one surprise—if only where a particular writer is concerned.

Who would’ve imagined the now you see him, now you don’t former prime minister suggesting, with Saint Sarah seated but a few feet from where he stood at the speaker’s lectern, that Allen Chastanet would be the first finance minister to include in his budget presentation an announcement of intended government investigation into events in public administration in Saint Lucia?

The way he put it to fellow MPs on Thursday evening: Allen Chastanet had “accused members of this House of participating in suspicious undertakings. This is almost unprecedented, that a minister of finance would seek to use a budget address to cast aspersions on members on this side.”

If the former prime minister meant to convey to fellow parliamentarians and

T

the interested public that what he complained of was not quite without precedent, all well and good. It would hardly be the first time he spewed gibberish before an audience. After all, “almost” is defined as “not quite . . . nearly.”

Alas, what followed rendered the listener less charitable.

“[The prime minister] directed his attention to myself, the member for Dennery North, and the member for Castries South. He said there is still a lot of blinding smoke to be cleared from around a number of public concerns, including how we became embroiled in the marital affairs of a Saudi billionaire and what induced the former prime minister to partner with an American oil speculator notorious for his business practices. We must clear the suffocating smoke that conceals the truth . . . This action by this government comes as no surprise. For months, I have been waiting for it. It is clear that elections are motivated by revenge, malice, spite and ill will. To make matters worse, he is doing so at the direction and dictation of the publisher of the STAR newspaper.”

Never mind the Vieux Fort MP’s contrary assertion, Prime Minister Chastanet did not indicate any particular MP in relation to his investigation. But perhaps

more important is that Kenny Anthony, in all the eighteen years since he secretly entered into the famous Grynberg agreement, has never once addressed the issue in parliament. When finally he did on Thursday, this writer fully expected to hear him put the matter to rest with a full, even a partial disclosure of the details.

No such luck. Instead, he asserted that Prime Minister Chastanet, in announcing his investigation, was reacting to related televised remarks by this writer.

Finally, this is what Anthony said: “I have been through persecution before . . . but he [Chastanet] must never come before the courts of justice with unclean hands . . . What I promise the minister of finance is this: when he embarks on whatever action he embarks on, I will make sure that he reaps the whirlwind for his action.” At least this time around he stayed clear of such flamethrowers as “war” and “the wrath of the people of Vieux Fort north and south!”

What court of justice? The issue on the table centered on transparency and accountability.

Readers may be interested to know that after the U.S. Senate passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act allowing the expansion of slavery into the western territories, newspaperman James Pike of

the New York Tribune warned the Southerners: “You are sowing the wind and you will reap the whirlwind.” As for the “almost precedential” action referred to by the MP for Vieux Fort South, it is a matter of record that among his first official activities following the 1997 general elections was his announcement at budget time, via the day’s governor general Sir George Mallet, that: “My government will, in conformity with the promises made during the election campaign, establish a commission to investigate all cases of alleged corruption and to establish which cases warrant further legal action and prosecution. We are resolute to pursue this course of action because the people have cried out for justice. And once a blind eye has been turned to corruption, the institutional environment is created for its unchecked proliferation.”

Another kick in the teeth: The follow-up Louis Blom-Cooper inquiry into “a trio of events in public administration in St Lucia” not only found John Compton and Vaughan Lewis clean, but that they also merited an apology from the Kenny Anthony government.

Ain’t life a bitch!

---Rick Wayne First published in 2018.

Another Fatal Motorcycle Accident, Another Road Safety Discussion

he fatal May 11 vehicular accident at Richfond in Dennery has sparked once again talk of improved road safety practices on the island.

While the police have not yet confirmed whether the two deceased, 19-year-old rider Jayvan Louis and 20-year-old pillion passenger Dexter Smith, were wearing the appropriate protective headgear, that has not stopped the subsequent plea for greater road safety measures.

Dennery North MP Shawn Edward urged caution: “The latest accident and road death figures should concern every citizen. Motorcyclists must ride within the speed limits, ride sober, observe the rules of the road, and it is imperative that they wear protective gear.

The experts tell us that correct

helmet use can lead to a 42% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69% reduction in the risk of head injuries. We need our motorcyclists to use their helmets, protective clothing, knee pads and footwear. Too many mothers are burying their children as a result of motorcycle accidents.”

Calls for increased caution on the part of motorcyclists also came after Independence Day celebrations, when concerned citizens called the various talk shows to voice their frustrations.

Brad Fatal’s death as a result of his motorcycle colliding with a coaster two months ago, also sparked a national conversation.

President of the Saint Lucia Moto X Club Terroll Compton urged riders to be more cautious: “For some reason a lot of

motorcyclists do not wear helmets because it makes them feel free.

But even when wearing a helmet, while behaving in a crazy manner you are still showing no regard for life.”

According to the Road Traffic Act: “A person shall not drive or ride on a motorcycle unless he or she is wearing such protective headgear as may be approved by the Licensing Authority.” Further: "Those who contravene the law are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 days or to both.”

Which begs the questions: Just how many motorcyclists have been arrested and charged with this offence? How much of a deterrent has the law proved?

“Based on the evidence,” said Shawn Edward, “I think the

time has come for us to embark on a massive mobilisation campaign, subsequent to which we can probably consider being much tougher as it relates to the enforcement of the legislation.

What is most important for us is to continue with our public education campaign, go to the schools and carry the message on radio and television, to underscore the seriousness of wearing protective clothing.”

Per the statistical digest 2017, between 2013 and 2017, five motorcyclists died as a result of vehicular accidents, while 47 were injured. There is no record of the number of individuals arrested and charged for failing to wear the appropriate protective headgear.

--Dean Nestor

15

NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of shareholders of the Bank will be held at The Conference Room of the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, on Thursday, 30th May, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. for the ratification of the following resolution which resolution was duly proposed and approved by the Board of Directors:WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has determined it to be prudent and responsible to establish a Resilience Reserve Fund for the eventualities associated with natural disasters and for the investments in necessary assets and key strategic initiatives which shall strengthen the Bank’s response to internal and external shocks.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, there is hereby established a fund known as the 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited Resilience Reserve Fund (the Fund).

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER THAT, the purpose of the fund established by this resolution is to accumulate monies to finance the cost of damage caused in the event of natural disaster and the eventual purchase of assets to respond to internal and external shocks.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER THAT, the Bank may deposit or invest the monies in the Fund in accordance with the Bank’s Investment Policy, and that any interest earned or profits accumulated from the monies so deposited or invested shall accrue to and become part of the Fund established by this resolution.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER THAT, for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution, the Board of Directors, performs all acts and deeds and things, execute documents and make all filings as may be necessary to give effect to the above resolution and to settle any questions or difficulties whatsoever that may arise in accordance with the Banking Act No. 3 of 2015 of the Laws of Saint Lucia.

NOTE A Shareholder entitled to attend the meeting and vote may appoint a proxy to vote in his/her place. A person appointed by proxy need not be a shareholder.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointer or of his/her attorney duly authorized in writing, or if such appointer is a corporation, either under its common seal or under the hand of an officer or authority so authorized. The instrument appointing a proxy and the power of attorney or other authority if any under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power of authority shall be deposited at the registered office of THE COMPANY not less than forty eight hours before the time for holding the meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Henri-Jacques Mangal Corporate Secretary & Legal Officer 2nd May, 2019

16 LOCAL

MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

HEINEKEN UEFA CHAMPION LEAGUE:

Facelift for R.C. Boys’ Infant School

S

tudents of the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys' Infant School had two more reasons to smile this week. On Tuesday the boys got a day off from classes.

When they returned the following day they entered a spruced up, freshly painted facility. The facelift was courtesy of the Prime Minister's wife Mrs. Raquel DuBoulay-Chastanet, Harris Paints and the British High Commission.

Tuesday morning saw some teachers and members of the Scots Guards cricket team all playing their part to give the school a much-needed new look. Trades and sales manager of Harris Paints, Mr. Christopher Joseph, said Mrs. DuBoulay-Chastanet approached his company and they were only too happy to be a part of the initiative. He believes young students need a safe and clean environment to learn and feel good.

"We have been doing these types of initiatives from our inception," said Joseph. "We are a company that likes to give back and we have every intention to continue." He disclosed that the donation amount was over $10,000.

Mrs. Wynnykyj King,

Weekend Winners!

T The Scots Guards regiment has a reputation as one of the toughest fighting units in the British Army. In Saint Lucia, the painting skills of its cricket team are also appreciated!

principal of the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant School, described the initiative as “a blessing from God” and expressed her gratitude to all who helped make it possible. Taking a break from overseeing the activities, she spoke with the STAR. "I received a call last week from Mrs. Chastanet. She told me of her desire to give the school a new coat of paint. This is one of the things we've long wanted to do, to really enhance the ambiance of the school; to make

it appealing to the boys so they can look forward to attending classes.”

She added, "We had two eleven-hour weekends here, scraping, painting and priming the school for today's activity. We're very grateful for the assistance of twenty men from the Scots Guards.”

The Scots Guards is one of the Foot Guards regiments of the British Army. George Hopkins, captain of its cricket team, explained that following a

six-month stay in the Republic of Cyprus, the sports teams decided to travel on tours. With the football team in Canada and rugby team in Fiji, the cricket team travelled to Saint Lucia where four friendly cricket games have been scheduled. "We were in touch with the British High Commission and they asked us if we had any time to come and do a bit of charity work to help paint the school. Of course we were delighted!”

--JSA

hanks to Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL) and its premium beer Heineken, two lucky Saint Lucians are already packing their bags, as they get ready for a VIP experience of a lifetime at the 2019 UEFA Champions League finals in Madrid, Spain on June 1, 2019.

This year, over one hundred bars and retail outlets across the island participated in the UEFA Champions League Promotion where, upon the purchase of Heineken at the participating outlets, consumers received an opportunity to win weekly prizes and a chance to enter the grand prize draw.

During the promotion period, Heineken also launched the 2019 UEFA Champions League trophy label which is unique and commemorates one of the most followed sports competitions in the world.

This week, the draw for the winners was held at the

company’s Commercial Office in Vide Bouteille where Cornell Faisal of Mon Repos and John Anthony of Babonneau emerged as the two lucky persons.

Sylvester Henry, Senior Category Manager, stated, “We at WLBL and the Heineken brand would like to congratulate all our participants and the winners, Cornell and John, as they get set to leave the island as part of their Heineken VIP weekend. As a brand we look for innovative ways to excite our consumers and our brands, and thought this was a great way to reward our loyal consumers and avid football fans. Look out for more exciting things to come from Heineken and our other brands and remember to enjoy responsibly.”

The two winners will be among over 80,000 fans expected to show up at the stadium for the finals, which will be viewed by more than 300 million football fans worldwide.

THE STAR may 25, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

17

MissUnderstood

Infertility is No Reason for Shame!

By Allana Maximim

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here are a large number of women struggling to fulfill a dream that they’ve had ever since they were little girls. That dream is to become a mom. Most of us, as little girls, look forward to growing up, finding the right guy if we are lucky, and starting a family. We spend our teenage years avoiding pregnancy and finally, when we are ready, it just doesn’t happen. This can be as a result of infertility.

But how would you know if you are infertile? A woman is considered infertile after consistently trying to conceive for over one year (six months if over 35 years of age). It can be hard to tell whether you’re actually infertile. Often there are no telling signs, except for not being able to get pregnant—or stay pregnant. The only way to know for sure is to consult a doctor.

Whereas infertility is not solely a woman’s problem, our focus today will be on the struggles of a woman unable to conceive. You may live in a community where you are unaware of anyone with that

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According to the World Health Organisation, one in four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility.

struggle, but let me inform you that many young women are currently dealing with the issue of infertility and don’t express it. Many suffer in silence. No one wants the world to know or think they are defective. But the truth is, you are not. You may keep silent because you bear a lot of shame and guilt about not being able to accomplish something that women are supposed to be able to do.

But the truth of the matter is infertility is a medical condition. No reason to feel shame. You are not defective; you are not less of a woman.

To me the true definition of motherhood is not restricted to birthing a child but to

unconditionally nurturing a child throughout his/her life.

This nurturing presence is symbolized by motherhood, but it does not necessarily need to come from a biological mother to be meaningful. Each family is unique, and true mothering can be provided by a birth mother, an adoptive parent, a stepmother, a grandmother, a sister or an aunt.

There are a number of other options that you can look into if you and your partner are faced with infertility. If, after consulting your doctor, you are certain that you have this issue, here are a few options you might be advised to consider: treatment for the cause of your

infertility eg. polysystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); IVF; womb cleansers; surrogacy; adoption.

Coping with infertility can be upsetting and stressful, but you’re not alone. One of the hardest parts of infertility is dealing with the emotional ups and downs. Caring for your emotional health throughout the process of trying to get pregnant is just as important as staying physically healthy. Try to keep your stress level down by setting time aside for healthy activities that are enjoyable and relaxing, like meditation, reading, exercising or taking walks.

It might be a difficult topic to bring up but talking to friends, family, partners, therapists and support groups can also be helpful when you’re struggling with infertility.

There are lots of resources out there to help you cope.

Talking about your feelings and experiences can help you process your emotions and ease your mind.

If you are having trouble conceiving, consider visiting The National Fertility Center in Rodney Bay, and start your new journey towards having the family of your dreams.

RELOCATION OF VENDORS SET TO BEGIN TO FACILITATE CASTRIES MARKET REDEVELOPMENT

he Castries Market Redevelopment Project is moving ahead with the commencement of phase one.

On May 14, 2019 the Office of the Mayor held a site visit with vendors, as part of ongoing consultations. The necessary preparations, including installation of security lockers and washroom facilities, are now complete and, on Monday May 27, the provisions market vendors will be temporarily relocated to the old Fire Service Headquarters site on Jeremie Street.

Each of the daily provisions vendors has received a relocation stipend of EC$500 to assist with the temporary move. Vendors are also assured of 24-hour security, adequate lighting and other amenities at

A digital rendering of the proposed Castries Market Redevelopment Project.

the temporary site. access for vendors, recognizing The aim is to ensure proper that they are important accommodation and market players in trade and national

development.

The Holiday Taxi operators have also been relocated to William Peter Boulevard on cruise ship days, as well as to the Canaries bus stand adjacent to the La Clery bus stop.

Motorists and the general public are encouraged to monitor the various traffic and directional signs posted for public safety.

The Castries Market Redevelopment Project will be officially launched next week. It encompasses a state of the art food court, high-end air-conditioned restaurants, a craft market, box park, viewing tower, entertainment area, meat and fish depots, duty-free shopping boutiques and much more.

NOTICE OF MEETING Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of shareholders of the Bank will be held at The Conference Room of the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, on Thursday, 30th May, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. for the ratification of the following resolution which resolution was duly proposed and approved by the Board of Directors:WHEREAS, 627,548 shares of the capital of the Bank are unsubscribed and the Board of Directors of the Bank has approved the declaration of 177,320 shares of stock as stock dividends payable in shares from the increase in authorized share capital of the Bank as at the 17th day of December, 2016.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, a stock dividend be and is hereby declared in the amount of $10.00 per share to shareholders on record as at 31st day of December, 2018 (hereinafter referred to as “the record date”) in the ratio of 1 to 36.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER THAT, shareholders shall also be entitled to a cash dividend which shall be sanctioned at the Eighty-First Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER THAT, the foregoing resolution remain valid and subsisting, unless otherwise revoked or amended in writing by the Bank.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER THAT, for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution, the Board of Directors, performs all acts and deeds and things, execute documents and make all filings as may be necessary to give effect to the above resolution and to settle any questions or difficulties whatsoever that may arise in accordance with the Banking Act No. 3 of 2015 of the Laws of Saint Lucia.

NOTE A Shareholder entitled to attend the meeting and vote may appoint a proxy to vote in his/her place. A person appointed by proxy need not be a shareholder.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointer or of his/her attorney duly authorized in writing, or if such appointer is a corporation, either under its common seal or under the hand of an officer or authority so authorized. The instrument appointing a proxy and the power of attorney or other authority if any under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power of authority shall be deposited at the registered office of THE COMPANY not less than forty eight hours before the time for holding the meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Henri-Jacques Mangal Corporate Secretary & Legal Officer 2nd May, 2019

18 TELECOM DAY

may 25, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

World Telecom Day: What’s China’s next step for 5G?

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hemed “Bridging the Standardization Gap”, the 51st World Telecommunication and Information Society Day was celebrated on May 17.

This year is considered to be the breakout year for 5G, which makes 5G the most discussed topic of the day in telecommunication.

China has been accelerating the development of the 5G network. Zhang Feng, chief engineer of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), delivered a speech at a telecom event held in Beijing on Telecom day. According to Zhang, the next step for MIIT is to accelerate the construction of a new generation of information infrastructure, continue to improve network speed, reduce costs and promote 4G deep coverage and 5G commercial use deployment.

“At the same time, we must promote interconnection,” said the chief engineer. “China will adhere to the policy of open and sharing to achieve win-win cooperation,” said Zhang, adding that the country

of the 5G innovation and development alliance to provide users with affordable 5G devices through extensive co-operation.

China Mobile released a “7+33+n” 5G network deployment plan last month, aiming to achieve continuous coverage in seven cities— Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Xiong’an, and hotspot coverage in 33 cities.

China continues on its quest to become a global leader in the digital space.

will participate actively in international standardization activities of 5G.

As 5G network builders, the three major operators of China—China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom— have been accelerating the pace of 5G commercialization.

China Mobile proposed a “5G+” project this March to accelerate the process of 5G construction.

The operator has carried out scale trials in five cities and applied demonstrations in twelve cities.

China Telecom took the lead in releasing a 5G technical white paper in 2018 and launched 5G innovation pilot projects in 17 cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

In April, China Telecom signed co-operation agreements with 56 industry partners in the field of industry application, technology innovation and general terminal, to build a 5G ecosystem.

The operator also advocated the establishment

The “n” represents an unlimited number of cities which will have a specially customized network within the 5G network, set up various industry application scenarios, and promote 5G application incubation and industrial upgrading.

“China Unicom hopes to work with partners to build a new ecosystem for the 5G industry,” said Fan Yunjun, deputy general manager of

China Unicom, at the Friday event.

Fan listed five major goals in this regard: to build more than 200 5G demonstration projects, more than 50 5G open laboratories, more than 100 5G innovative applications, more than 20 5G applications and more than 1,000 member units.

--CGTN

Investment in Nigeria’s telecoms now $70bn, NCC says

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he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said total investment in the nation’s telecom industry is now $70 billion. The commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof.

Umar Danbatta, disclosed this last Thursday during the Nigerian Telecom Leadership Summit 2019.

While relying on data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Danbatta said the 4th Quarter 2018 of Telecommunications and Information Services had contributed about N1.9 trillion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) He said that the figures were very impressive and indicative of a very fast-growing and resilient sector of the economy.

“Investors, on the other hand, are not attracted to environments where returns

are in doubt. In a very capitalintensive industry like telecom, investors are looking for both a very friendly investment climate and predictable outcomes. They are interested in an environment where the regulator is independent, fair, firm, forthright and where such attributes like professionalism, responsiveness and transparency are part of its core values. These are what we are striving to achieve in our regulatory environment in Nigeria. But we are not unaware of the daunting tasks ahead. This is why we consider consultations with the stakeholders as a critical success factor in our regulatory mandate,” he said.

Danbatta noted that the approach of consultations with stakeholders had yielded enormous positive results. He said that the regulatory body

had engaged the Governors forum, collectively and individually, to address some of the challenges in the areas of multiple taxation, regulations and Right of Way.

”We are also aware of several emerging technologies, which may continue to drive innovations and investments. It is our commitment to follow the trends of these developments so as to leverage on the best regulatory approaches to optimise their potentials for the benefit of Nigeria.

”We have looked at the potentials of emerging technologies, the global movement and demand for expanded frontiers of availability, accessibility and affordability of all the ICT drivers and enablers of economic growth, “ Danbatta said.

--RipplesNigeria

THE STAR

MAY 25, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

Rash Talk And Dentures a princess of another. The

By Tony Deyal royal spy who was sent by the prince’s father, the Lord High King, to ensure that all went well and the deal was not just rinidad and Tobago, sealed but consummated, Barbados, Jamaica, reported to his highness thusly: Guyana, even Belize and “Sire, first the princess said to St Kitts are now what journalists the royal prince, ‘I offer you my refer to as “hotbeds” of political honour.’ He replied, ‘I honour activity. Whether this comes your offer.’ And so it went on for from sleeping with the devil, the entire night. Honour. Offer. or any of the other strange Honour. Offer . . . ” The Trinidad bedfellows connected with and Tobago situation, like the global politics or business, Energiser Bunny, just keeps on including Donald Trump, Nicolás going and going, ping-pong, Maduro, SNC Lavalin or Exxon, to-and-fro, like a table tennis the fact is that there is a lot match. of heat and very little light

Another insight into around these days. It seems politics comes from a little that we are in a state of rapid boy who asked his father for descent into the nether regions help in answering a homework in a handbasket or some question on politics. The father other fragile and flammable explained: “Let’s take our home conveyance fabricated by Blind as an example. I am the wage Welfare organisations. Perhaps earner or ordinary citizen. it is a universal law in politics But in this case, let’s call me that, as the political tensions management since I bring home increase, more people feel the the bacon. In politics, I am like heat than see the light. the prime minister. Your mother

It is interesting that so is in charge of the money. She is many Caribbean societies the administrator of the money. known for their lightIn this case she is like the heartedness, for taking things government. Both of us together lightly, as well as being take care of your needs, so let’s light years ahead of other call you the people. The maid countries in their tolerance and is really the working class. And inventiveness, so easily become your little baby brother in his alight with political fictions, crib is the future. That is what frictions, factions and fractions. all our As elections near, trying to get plans are about. We have to look to the truth is like attempting after the future because that to nail a drop of water to a is what is really important. Do wall. A few days ago, the Privy you understand politics now?”

Council, still the court of last The little boy, still confused, resort in Trinidad and Tobago, answered truthfully, “I’m not ruled that there may have been really sure, Dad. I’ll have to a basis to support claims that think about it.” there was political interference

Late that night, awakened in a decision to withdraw a by the loud crying of his US$97 million lawsuit against baby brother, the little boy a former official with links to went to see what was wrong. the ruling party. The eminent Discovering the baby had attorney general, perhaps seriously soiled his diaper, the because elections are imminent, boy went to his parents’ room immediately and even after and found his mother sound almost four years in office, asleep. He then went to the blamed the Opposition before maid’s room where, peeking they blamed him. As one of my through the keyhole, he saw friends said: “He take in front his father in bed with the maid. before front take him.”

The boy’s knocking went totally

It reminds me of the unheard by his father and the joke about the prince of an maid, so he returned to his oriental country who, for room and went back to bed. political reasons, was marrying

The next morning at

T

breakfast his father asked him: “So how did you go with your report? You understand politics now?” The little boy answered: “Yes, I think I do.”

“Well let’s hear it,” the father demanded. “Explain politics to me in your own words because that is what your teacher will want; your words, not mine.” The boy replied solemnly: “Politics is about the fact that while the prime minister is screwing the working class, the government is sound asleep, the people are completely ignored and the future is a mess.”

Almost all the political heat in Trinidad and Tobago and the other countries is about corruption. While I believe that the Caribbean has the best politicians money can buy, there is still some contention about honesty or whether those that have been bought will remain bought.

It is difficult to understand whether the political situation in Trinidad and Tobago will continue to deteriorate or will be resolved. I used to feel that Richard Nixon’s advisor H.R. Haldeman was right when he said: “Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, you cannot put it back in.”

This is not true, especially if the media are on the side of the political directorate and they prefer dentures, known in the Caribbean as false teeth, or implants or, in the media business, one-sided handouts.

Harold Wilson, the former British prime minister, said: “A week is a long time in politics.”

His view was strengthened by French playwright Jean Anouilh who insisted that nothing is irreparable in politics. It is why I go back to the toddler in his crib. I might sound rash, but politicians and diapers have one thing in common.

They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.

Tony Deyal was last seen asking what you get when you cross a toddler, a penis, a potato and a large boat.

Answer: A creeping dick-tator-ship.

comment 19

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SAINT LUCIA DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT Grant Agreement SLU EDF Grant TF0A3651 Assignment Title: Detailed Designs and Supervision for Reconstruction of the Vanard (Venus) – Anse La Raye Link Road Reference No. : SLU-DVRP-AF-QCBS-DSAVR-02-17 Saint Lucia has received financing from the European Union channelled through the World Bank towards the cost of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services for the detailed designs and supervision for reconstruction of the Vanard (Venus) Anse La Raye Link Road.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include preparation of detailed designs (technical information, specifications, work requirements, drawings and detailed bill of quantities) for the rehabilitation/ reconstruction of the Vanard (Venus) to Anse La Raye Link Road in accordance with international standards approved for climatic conditions similar to that of Saint Lucia including seismic conditions and carry out supervision services of then proposed work. Detailed design services include carrying out an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, engineering surveys including traffic surveys, preliminary and final designs. The assignment will be for the duration of twenty-one months (Phase #1 – design services will require 16-man months over seven (7) calendar months and Phase 2 - Supervision Services - will require full time supervision over the construction period not to exceed twelve (12) 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 Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation now invites eligible consulting firms (“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; (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, (please note that the individual experts’ bio data is not required.)

The shortlisting criteria are: The minimum required qualifications and experience of the consulting firm are: 1. Legally established; 2.

Must demonstrate at least ten (10) years’ experience in successfully undertaking designs of similar magnitude or complexities (The Consultancy entails the designs for rehabilitation/reconstruction of approximately 8.75 kilometres of flexible and rigid pavement systems, highways and roadway, designs of associated infrastructure for highways inclusive of; Drains, Culverts, Bridges, Retaining walls and stabilization of slopes inclusive of bioengineering methods);

3. Provision of consulting services (designs and supervision) within the past ten (10) years for two

similar assignments (value of works designed and supervised greater than US$4million) 4. Must demonstrate at least ten (10) years’ experience in successfully undertaking supervision of

construction projects of a similar magnitude.

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 2011 revised July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy to enhance their qualifications. The associations should clearly indicate the form of the association (Joint-venture or sub-consultancy; member in charge; other member/s and or sub-consultants). Joint ventures shall submit letters of intent indicating their intent to form a joint venture if awarded the contract and shall provide the above mentioned information for each member of the joint venture.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection under a Fixed Budget (FBS) method set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers 2011, revised July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”).

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. (0800 to 1600 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 June 5, 2019

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

20

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MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

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LOCAL

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MAY 25, 2019

21

EVENTS SAINT LUCIA GIVES THE GIFT OF MUSIC

F

rom Wednesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 11, 2019, Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. (ECSL), in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, hosted a series of music workshops at the Golden Palm Events Centre in Rodney Heights, Rodney Bay, as part of an ongoing student outreach programme initiated

by ECSL in 2017.

To celebrate the culmination of the 2019 Saint Lucia Jazz Music Education Programme, Events Saint Lucia partnered with Mr. Doug Thiel, employee of longstanding sponsor of the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, Steinway and Sons, and gifted participants in the Programme with two musical instruments: a Jean Paul Acoustic Electric Guitar 40” complete with a Jupiter Classic Guitar Bag and a Roland Fantom X-8, 88-note Weighted Key, Action Keyboard with a travel case.

The recipients of these gifts are the Marchand Sacred Heart Youth Orchestra and the Saint Lucia School of Music respectively, both entities having participated fully in the Programme.

The four-part music education series was hosted by four of the headline acts who performed at the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival this year. Etienne Charles, who is Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, hosted day one on the topics ‘The Role the Caribbean had in the Birth of Jazz’ and ‘The

Members of the Marchand Youth Orchestra alongside other participants at a workshop facilitated by bandleader Patrick Bartley, Jr.

Links Between the Caribbean and Jazz’. On day two, six-time GRAMMY®-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride addressed a school of seventy music students. Using the Saint Lucia School of Music ensemble as a case study, Christian McBride coached the class providing valuable technical guidance on ‘How to Improve Ensemble Cohesion’. He also focused on ‘How to Improve Solo Work and Musicianship’ as a solo artiste and in groups.

On day three of the Programme, Grammy- and Emmy-nominated bassist, singer and composer Russell Hall, along with his band, served up a spirited music masterclass that focused on the work of Thelonious Monk, one of the most recorded jazz composers of all time, and the inspiration behind Russell Hall’s music.

Hall, along with his vocalist South African Vuyolwethu Sotashe, also carried out a vocal

masterclass, which left them astounded by the vocal talents of those who participated. The ages of the participants ranged from eight to thirty-five years old.

Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer and bandleader Patrick Bartley, Jr presented the final day of the Music Education Programme addressing the topic ‘What is Jazz . . . The Origin, History and Evolution of Jazz’. This in-depth education music masterclass was a resounding success and provided a pitch-perfect end to the Saint Lucia Jazz Music Education Programme for 2019.

The Marchand Sacred Heart Youth Orchestra and the Saint Lucia School of Music were recognized for their participation in Saint Lucia Jazz in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, each having appeared at major venues for this year’s festival.

Sen. Hon. Fortuna Belrose,

Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries, was on hand to assist with the presentation.

“We are thrilled that Events Company of St. Lucia has spearheaded this initiative which is in line with one of our ministry’s core objectives to develop the creative arts, jazz music being one such focal point. Our aim is to get the youth and the public excited about jazz by creating opportunities to showcase them and reward them for their efforts. We congratulate the Saint Lucia School of Music and the Marchand Sacred Heart Youth Orchestra on their achievements,” she said.

Thomas Leonce, Chief Executive Officer of Events St. Lucia, commented, “We encourage the young musicians to avail themselves of the opportunities that exist throughout the year and at various national events such as Saint Lucia Jazz. These opportunities are limitless as they now extend beyond our shores through partnerships with world class music bodies like Jazz at Lincoln Center.”

He concluded: “We commend the Marchand Sacred Heart Youth Orchestra and the Saint Lucia School of Music for an excellent job at their respective performances for West Coast Jazz and IGY Rodney Bay Marina and we look forward to showcasing them again, and others who rise to the occasion.”

AT ECCB-WORLD BANK MEETING, EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR AND POLICY LEADERS SAY DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS A MATTER OF SURVIVAL

T

he two-day regional conference titled ‘Digital Economy Moonshot for the Eastern Caribbean’ continued yesterday, Friday, May 24, 2019, at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Starting off the morning was an interactive session with policy makers and technical teams from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in attendance, as well as representatives of the World Bank, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the Eastern Caribbean

Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), the OECS Commission and international companies.

An interesting point raised was that a digital economy moonshot for the Eastern Caribbean must include the education sector, which has the mandate of providing students with a high-quality education in order to prepare them to secure good jobs.

“We have to ensure that the education sector is aligned with us in order for the Eastern Caribbean to achieve this moonshot,” Timothy Antoine, the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank said on Friday, adding that there needs to be a focus on “learning, as well as on the

training and reorienting of our population”. Specifically, Mr. Antoine was addressing the importance of the education sector being aligned with the jobs, skills and workforce needs of the future.

Yesterday, the ECCB Governor noted, “The major reason for poverty is lack of employment, especially for our youth. Those are real threats/ risks for our survival going forward.” He added that there must be “a sense of urgency” on the critical issue of youth unemployment.

In this regard, Tahseen Sayed, Director for the Caribbean Region at the World Bank mentioned the case of Bangladesh. Agriculture plays

a vital role in Bangladesh’s economic growth. The Director for the Caribbean Region said, “Technology is really being used dramatically now by farmers.”

Ms. Sayed added that there is a heavy reliance on apps.

The practice of app-based farming has modernized the industry, helping farmers to access a wide range of up-todate information on weather patterns and other important trends that affect them and their livelihoods.

Another interesting point raised was that digital transformation is essential for the Eastern Caribbean’s survival, in particular the survival of key industries such as agriculture.

Notice is hereby given that the Eighty-First Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited will be held at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, on Thursday, 30th May, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

AGENDA 1. Tabling of Proxies 2. To confirm the Minutes of the 80th Annual Meeting

of Shareholders held on 30th May, 2018.

3. Review of Matters arising out of the Minutes 4. To consider and adopt the 2018 Report of the Board

of Directors 5. To consider and adopt the Independent Auditor’s

Report to the Shareholders for the year ended 31st

December, 2018.

6. To consider and adopt the Audited Financial

Statements for the year ended 31st December, 2018.

7. To re-appoint the Independent Auditor for the year

ending 31st December, 2019.

8. To sanction the payment of a dividend as

recommended by the Board of Directors 9. To elect three Directors.

i. In accordance with Section 4.6 of the Bank’s

By-Law No. 1, the following directors retire by rotation:

• Mr. Johnson Cenac – who will not be seeking re-election

• Mr. Adrian Augier – who will not be seeking re-election.

ii. To fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation

of Mr. Derek George.

Note • Nominations may be made either in writing or on the prescribed forms and must reach the Bank’s Corporate Office in Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet at least five (5) days before the day of holding the meeting, (viz. by Friday, 24th May, 2019).

NOTE A Shareholder entitled to attend the meeting and vote may appoint a proxy to vote in his/her place. A person appointed by proxy need not be a shareholder.

The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing under the hand of the appointer or of his/her attorney duly authorized in writing, or if such appointer is a corporation, either under its common seal or under the hand of an officer or authority so authorized. The instrument appointing a proxy and the power of attorney or other authority if any under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power of authority shall be deposited at the Corporate Office of THE COMPANY in Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet not less than forty eight hours before the time for holding the meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid.

NOTICE is also hereby given that the Share Transfer Book of the Bank will be closed from 15th May, 2019 to 30th May, 2019 both dates inclusive.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Henri-Jacques Mangal Corporate Secretary & Legal Officer 2nd May, 2019

22

INTERNATIONAL

CERTIFYING ENGINEERBARBADOS Since 1984, Virgin Atlantic has been the long haul airline for people who want flying to be an adventure. Every year thanks to our partnership with Delta Air Lines our customers can connect to 200 destinations all around the world.

The Certifying Engineer is responsible for accomplishing and supervising of all on-aircraft maintenance activities associated with the transit checks carried out on Virgin Atlantic Airways aircrafts and 3rd party contracts when delegated by the Station Maintenance Manager. The Certifying Engineer has direct involvement with the maintenance tasks, whilst supervising Virgin Atlantic employee(s) and contracted agencies, to ensure the relevant tasks are completed to the requirements of the Company.

• Do you have sound aircraft engineering background

with extensive experience in line maintenance?

• Hold an EASA license or equivalent?

• Have experience on the following aircraft types: A330 series, A350 series, B747 series or B787 series?

• Supervisory experience and proven team leadership skills?

• Excellent communication skills?

• Have successfully completed a recognized aeronautical college course or formal training package?

• Possess a valid driver’s license?

If you can answer yes to these questions, then we’re looking for you to join our Engineering team.

Our pioneering spirit and passion keeps our brand vibrantly alive. That’s why we give our people the rewards that they deserve. We have a whole host of benefits in place to help you enjoy life to the fullest. We offer a world of travel opportunities, including up to seven flights a year to a wide range of fabulous Virgin Atlantic global destinations, and excellent discounts across the Virgin Group of companies. Virgin Atlantic provides competitive salary packages, with superior health, dental and vision coverage, as well as a generous pension plan. Qualified candidates should send CV by email to Employment.US@fly.virgin.com.

Please reference Certifying Engineer – Barbados in the subject line.

The application closing date is Friday, June 7, 2019. Please note, acknowledgements will only be sent to short-listed candidates under serious consideration.

Virgin Atlantic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MAY 25, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

T

UK set for new PM as Theresa May quits

heresa May has said she will quit as Conservative leader on June 7, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister. In an emotional statement, she said she had done her best to deliver Brexit and it was a matter of "deep regret" that she had been unable to do so.

Mrs May said she would continue to serve as PM while a Conservative leadership contest takes place. The party said it hoped a new leader could be in place by the end of July. It means Mrs May will still be prime minister when US President Donald Trump makes his state visit to the UK at the start of June.

Mrs May announced she would step down as Tory leader on June 7 and had agreed with the chairman of Tory backbenchers that a leadership contest should begin the following week.

On Friday, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt became the latest MP to say that he would run for the party leadership, joining Boris Johnson, Esther McVey and Rory Stewart, who had already

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May.

confirmed their intentions.

More than a dozen others are believed to be seriously considering entering the contest.

The prime minister has faced a backlash from her MPs against her latest Brexit plan, which included concessions aimed at attracting cross-party support.

Andrea Leadsom quit as Commons leader on Wednesday saying she no longer believed

the government's approach would "deliver on the referendum result". Mrs May met Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt at Downing Street on Thursday where they are understood to have expressed their concerns about her proposed withdrawal bill.

In her statement on Friday, she said she had done "everything I can" to convince MPs to support the withdrawal deal she had negotiated with the European Union but it was now in the "best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort".

She added that, in order to deliver Brexit, her successor would have to build agreement in Parliament. "Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise," she said.

Mrs May's voice shook as she ended her speech saying: "I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold. The second female prime minister, but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill will, but with enormous and

enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love."

In a statement, the Conservative Party said the likely timetable for the party leadership contest was that nominations would close during the week beginning 10 June, with the process of whittling down candidates to the final two to conclude by the end of the month. Those names would then be put to a vote of party members before the end of July.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said she had been "right to resign" and that the Conservative Party was now "disintegrating".

Mrs May's predecessor, David Cameron—who resigned as PM after campaigning for Remain and losing the referendum—said she should be thanked for her "tireless efforts".

He added: "I know how painful it is to accept that your time is up and a new leader is required. She has made the right decision—and I hope that the spirit of compromise is continued."

-- -BBC

Britain's teenage crime fighters: Students as young as 16 join police patrols to take on cannabis-smoking youths and clear streets of graffiti and needles image of teenagers.

"I love it," she told the Times.

"Older people have eenagers as young as 16 have started joining police asked us why we do it and the in the nation's fight against answer is we want to make a difference, and do every little bit crime in new initiative by a we can to help the community. struggling police force.

"You don't get many

A Junior Street Watch teenagers walking around doing scheme was launched by what we do out on the street West Midlands police force and helping people. Not all of us in the hope it could build a relationship "between the police are bad. There are lots of good teenagers out there that want and young people". to do something good."

The first five, who are

The scheme's team leader students at Sandwell College, Kate Facey said the volunteers have already clocked up 30 were "all so excited and proud", hours on patrols around West and said she was looking to Bromwich where the college is increase the team's size in the based. next academic year and use the

While they don't have current crop as "mentors". police powers unless

Teenagers can already accompanied by an officer, the sign up to become a police young volunteers have become cadet, but this is the first time well-versed in speaking to under-18s have been allowed to residents about their concerns volunteer to support the police. and have even launched an The initiative comes after years investigation.

Nikola Pokora, 19, said that of cuts have reduced police budgets by around 19 per she was hopeful taking part in cent since 2010, with officer the scheme would improve the

By William Cole for Mailonline

T

West Bromwich Police have launched the first Junior Street Watch under the West Midlands Police force.

The first five teenagers to sign up have already clocked up 30 hours patrolling the streets.

numbers falling by 20,000.

There is also a growing number of adults helping the police by taking volunteer roles.

More than 1,000 have signed up to Street Watch schemes across the West Midlands, meaning they have to devote at least two hours a month to patrolling the streets.

Sergeant Mike Bradley, who came up with the idea of Junior Street Watch, said that

the teenage and adult volunteers were like a neighbourhood watch that was more visible and approachable. "It's about building relationships between the police and young people," he said. "They won't stand and talk to a 40 to 50-year-old police officer when they are with friends but when you have got them with you and you speak to young people, the conversation flows much much better."

THE STAR

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Ready for Immediate Occupancy Best Offer will be accepted Call or WhatsApp 758-7192318 with an Offer, or further Details or Discussion

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Allamanda Developments Ltd (In Liquidation) Company No. C169/2006 and Dreamfinder Ltd (In Liquidation) Company No. C440/2008 (together “the Companies”) Pursuant to Section 446 of the Companies Act Cap 13.01 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of Saint Lucia, the final meeting of the Companies will be held on the 1st Floor at Meridian Place, Choc Estate, Castries, Saint Lucia on Friday 21st June 2019 at 3:00p.m.

Business: 1. The approval and acceptance of the Liquidator’s account for the liquidation.

2. All of the books, accounts, papers and documents of the Companies and the

Liquidators be retained for a period of five years after the dissolution of the Companies

after which they shall be destroyed.

3. The Liquidator be granted a release and make a return of this meeting to the Registrar

of Companies and request that it be struck from the Register.

Proxies:

Any person who is entitled to attend and vote at this meeting may appoint a proxy to

attend and vote in his stead. A proxy need not be a member or a creditor.

Dated the 17th May 2019

By Order of the Liquidator Richard Surage Address for Service: P.O Box Choc 8245, 1st Floor Meridian Place, Choc Estate, Castries, Saint Lucia Telephone: (758) 450-7777 Fax: (758) 451-3079 Email: admin@pkf.lc

Accountants & business advisers

CLASSIFIED 23

www.stluciastar.com

MAY 25, 2019

FORM 7 THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE (PROBATE DIVISION) SAINT LUCIA CLAIM NO. SLUHPB2019/0109 -ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION(Rule 15) In the Estate of Beryl Carmen Mc Lean (nee Jordon) aka Beryl Carmen Mc Lean (nee Jordan) aka Beryl Jordon late of Monchy in the Quarter of Gros Islet, The Deceased.

TAKE NOTICE that an application has been filed by Cherisa Taffany Samuels (nee Mc Lean) Businesswoman of Riviere Mitant Gardens, Monchy in the Quarter of Gros Islet in the State of Saint Lucia for a Grant of Letters of Administration to The Applicant who is the daughter and Heir-atLaw of The Deceased, The Deceased having died intestate on the 16th day of February, 2018 at Victoria Hospital in the District of Castries, Saint Lucia.

FORM 7 THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE (PROBATE DIVISION) SAINT LUCIA CLAIM NO. SLUHPB2019/0110 -ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION(Rule 15) In the Alexander Elijah Samuels late of Babonneau in the Quarter of Castries, The Deceased TAKE NOTICE that an application has been filed by Cherisa Taffany Samuels (nee Mc Lean) Divorcee and Businesswoman of La Retraite Road, Monchy in the Quarter of Gros Islet in the State of Saint Lucia for a Grant of Letters of Administration to The Applicant who is the mother and one of the two (2) Heirs-at-Law of The Deceased, The Deceased having died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2018 at Victoria Hospital in the District of Castries, Saint Lucia.

Any person having an objection to the Grant of Letters of Administration to the application to the application shall file an objection within fourteen (14) days of the publication of this Notice.

Any person having an objection to the Grant of Letters of Administration to the application to the application shall file an objection within fourteen (14) days of the publication of this Notice.

Dated this 15th day of May, 2019

Dated this 13th day of February, 2019

.........................................................................

ANDRA GOKOOL-FOSTER Legal Practitioner for The Applicant

.........................................................................

ANDRA GOKOOL-FOSTER Legal Practitioner for The Applicant

This Advertisement of Application for Grant of Letters of Administration is presented for filing by Chambers Andra Gokool-Foster whose business address for service is No. 5 High Street, Castries, Saint Lucia.

Tel/Fax No. 758-451-9300; E-mail: agokoolfoster@yahoo.co.uk The High Court Office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Tel. No. 758-468-7500, Fax 758-468-7543. The Office is open between 9:00a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9:00a.m to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays except Public Holidays. The Office can also be contacted via E-mail: stluhco@eccourts.org

This Advertisement of Application for Grant of Letters of Administration is presented for filing by Chambers Andra Gokool-Foster whose business address for service is No. 5 High Street, Castries, Saint Lucia. Tel/Fax No. 758-451-9300; E-mail: agokoolfoster@yahoo.co.uk The High Court Office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Tel. No. 758-468-7500, Fax 758-468-7543. The Office is open between 9:00a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9:00a.m to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays except Public Holidays. The Office can also be contacted via E-mail: stluhco@eccourts.org

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

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