Local Journalists Honored! by STAR Publishing

SATURDAY, november 16, 2019

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Local Journalists Honored! One for the album: (Left to right) Margaret Robert-Steele, Rick Wayne and His Excellency Governor General Sir Neville Cenac at Government House.

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NO LAUGHING MATTER

ecause it is frustrating when you think you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions, you advertise a lecture and in addition to signs everywhere, including posts on Facebook, you promise free admission, food and drinks. Or, like me, you decide on a workshop. Mine was called “Writing Humour Is No Joke” and one of the first of the ten most popular forms of humour I identified for the fourteen people who showed up was “self-deprecating” an area in which Rodney Dangerfield excelled: “I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio”; “My uncle’s dying wish— he wanted me on his lap. He was in the electric chair”; and “My wife was afraid of the dark . . . then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light.” Interestingly, researchers at the Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Centre (CIMCYC) of the University of Granada (UGR) have established that individuals who frequently use self-deprecating humour aimed at gaining the approval of others through self-mockery exhibit greater levels of psychological well-being and are extremely high in happiness and self-assurance. Now, as secure in my wellbeing as Fort Knox, I spend time looking after yours and from the Everest of superiority, I can reveal that not many people, including humourists, are willing to laugh at themselves. The biggies in the business of writing humour or telling jokes go for observational and other forms of humour. One of the best examples of observational humour is by comedian Chris Rock: “You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the US of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are named Bush, Dick and Colin. Need I say more?” Anecdotal humour based on our supposedly real-life situations is also a popular choice. Here are some examples: “I never wanted to believe that my dad was stealing from his job as a road

worker. But when I got home, all the signs were there”; “It’s important to have a good vocabulary. If I had known the difference between the words ‘antidote’ and ‘anecdote’, one of my good friends would still be alive”; and “Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays.” Situational humour is something I first encountered when one of my cousins let me read his Reader’s Digest. An example is when a guy in the FLOW cable installation van stopped and asked me what time it was. I told him it was between 8 am and 1 pm. Here’s another which shows that you can mix types in the way this one combines situational with self-deprecating humour: “The photographer was positioning my new husband and me for our wedding photos when he asked, 'Have you ever modelled?' My cheeks instantly turned red. 'No, I haven’t,' I said. 'But I always thought . . . ” The photographer interrupted me: 'I meant him.’” Irony, or a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems the opposite of what you expected, is one of the best vehicles for humour. Did you know the most shoplifted book in the US is the bible, and the founder of Acoholics Anonymous asked for whisky on his deathbed? Even more ironic is that the nurse refused. There is the case of a vertically challenged individual who walked into the library and asked, “Have you got a book on Irony?” The librarian replied, “Yes sir, it's on the top shelf.” What I consider the perfect irony is the story of the climate change expert who just published a book on preserving the rainforest and what we can do as a human race to help protect it. The book is over 2,000 pages long. What is increasingly dominating the world of humour are one-liners, delivered staccato like machine-gun bursts by some writers and comedians. My favourite examples include, “I ate a clock yesterday. It was very time consuming”; “I don’t have a girlfriend, but I know a girl that would get really mad if

she heard me say that”; and from my favourite deadpan comedian, Steven Wright, “I think it’s wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly.” Another is: “When life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic.” There is: “Sit on my lap and we’ll talk about the first thing that pops up” and another by my favourite British comedian, Jimmy Carr: “I did a gig in the US once for the homeless. I said, ‘It’s nice to see so many bums on seats.’” Exaggeration is another increasingly popular way of getting laughs or carrying a reader along with you. One example is: “She's so dumb, she thinks Taco Bell is a Mexican phone company.” There are: “My car is so expensive you have to put Perrier in the radiator” and “It was so cold, I saw politicians blowing hot air.” What I tend to have a lot of fun with are twisted proverbs. My favourite examples are: “Where there’s a will, there’s a family fighting over it”; “A fool and his money were lucky to get together in the first place”; and “If at first you don’t succeed then skydiving isn’t for you.” I also use the unexpected: “Talk is cheap—unless you own a cellphone” or quote Mark Twain: “Familiarity breeds contempt—and children.” What I also stress to the few people who ask my advice about writing humour is to use the English language like one of the great masters, P.G. Wodehouse: “The fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of the gun” and “I could see that, if not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled.” Fortunately for me, the people who attended my humour-writing session were not gruntled. In fact, they wanted another session which pleased me “no end”, as Wodehouse would say, and add, “As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people.” Tony Deyal was last seen saying that his mother always wanted him to be a doctor, and since laughter is the best medicine, that’s as good as it gets.

november 16, 2019 THE STAR

REPUBLIC BANK INTRODUCES COUNTRY MANAGER FOR ST. LUCIA

epublic Bank (EC) Limited has introduced Mr. Gordon Julien as its Country Manager for banking operations here in Saint Lucia. Mr Julien has spent more than two decades in the banking profession, beginning at the Caribbean Development Bank. In 2004, he joined Scotiabank as Senior Manager Compliance, with responsibility for managing the Bank’s overall compliance programme within nine of its territories. Mr Julien has extensive branch and country management experience, having led teams in Retail, Corporate, Commercial and Small Business Banking, Operations, and Compliance. He has served as Country Manager for Antigua, a position he held for more than five years. His most recent appointment was as General Manager and Country Head of Scotiabank St. Kitts and Nevis in September 2017. Prior to joining Scotiabank, Mr Julien worked, for more than seven years, at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank as a Bank Examiner, building a strong regulatory and compliance background.  Mr Julien holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Accounting from The University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus and an MSc in Financial Management from the University of London. He is a Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of St. Kitts

Mr Gordon Julien, Republic Bank Country Manager, St. Lucia

and is presently the Corporate Secretary of the Eastern Caribbean Automatic Clearing House Services Incorporated. He is also a member of the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. Mr Julien’s appointment follows the acquisition of the operations of the Bank of Nova Scotia by Republic Financial Holdings Ltd. Republic Bank opened its three local branches, staffed by more than 90 employees, to the Saint Lucian public on Friday, November 1, 2019.

With a diverse network of 118 branches in 14 territories, and more than 5,900 employees, Republic Bank has been building relationships with stakeholders and serving customers for 182 years. Socially responsible and deeply committed to building successful societies wherever it operates, the Bank will soon introduce its “Power to Make a Difference” corporate social responsibility programme to Saint Lucia.

With Flow, Christmas Only Gets Better!

aint Lucia’s leading telecommunications company and the island’s only quad-play provider, Flow, has launched its 2019 Christmas campaign boasting up to $50,000 in cash and prizes to be shared amongst new and existing customers. The trendsetting organisation deployed the island’s first 4G LTE network in 2017 and subsequently launched the first ever prepaid plans with gigabytes only and unlimited social messaging. Flow is now rattling the local industry, with bundles that offer massive savings for households, when you add mobile to your home products. Customers

bundling home products and mobile can save $420 on mobile plans and up to $2,000 on products, or receive 48GB of free data annually. It still gets better with Flow! Every Friday until the year ends, customers activating 7-day prepaid combo plans receive double the data. This means for only $25 plus VAT, you get 6GB, 350 anywhere minutes, 350 SMS and unlimited social media messaging across five platforms. Switching to the most reliable mobile network on island? You’re automatically gifted a complimentary 30-day prepaid plan (10GBs data, 1000 minutes + unlimited social

messaging) and qualify for amazing deals on handsets! During the promotional period, all customers become eligible to win daily, weekly and grand prizes by simply bundling home and mobile products, activating 7-day and 30-day plans, switching to Flow’s superior mobile network or paying bills in full and on time. In addition to cash prizes, free broadband services, household appliances, event tickets, smartphones and other amazing gifts are lined up just for you! As usual, there is always more in store; so look out for more exciting, rewarding holiday giveaways as the weeks go by.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

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04 LOCAL

Mary Francis: Police Should Not Be Judge, Jury—And Executioner! Joshua St. Aimee

o rapists have rights? This was one of the questions posed by presenter Rick Wayne during last week’s episode of his televised talk-show TALK. The fatal police shooting of Miguel ‘Mad Max’ Edward who, it was alleged, had earlier raped a 105-year-old woman, triggered the question. Edward’s photo featured on social media on Saturday, November 2, with a message cautioning the public to be on the look-out. At a November 5 press briefing the police stated that Edward was wanted for questioning in relation to an attempted robbery, assault with a firearm and sexual offences. They did not confirm any relationship between Edward and the 105-yearold. According to police, officers confronted Edward at the Rodney Bay Marina’s customs area, as he tried to escape arrest. Additionally, that he attempted to assault one of two arresting officers with a “dangerous instrument” and was fatally shot. As for the “dangerous instrument,” police refused to elaborate. Wayne recalled feeling a sense of relief upon first learning what had befallen Edward, the alleged rapist of a woman over a hundred years old. But then, said the TV presenter, it had later occurred to him that Edward was only a suspect and entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until declared guilty by the appropriate authority. Said Wayne: “I wondered whether Edward had in fact

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Mary Francis, a lawyer and co-ordinator of the National Centre for Legal Aid and Human Rights Inc., shares Wayne’s concerns. In an interview with the STAR on Tuesday she said: “Whenever you have such matters, there must be accountability for any loss of life, regardless of whether that life was taken by the police. There must be accountability and transparency. The duty of the police is to protect life and property. Sometimes doing their duty will require making arrests, charges laid and placed before Human rights activist a court for resolution. The police Mary Francis (pictured) says must realize their authority that there must be accountability and power have limits. They whenever there is loss of life, cannot act as judge, jury and regardless of whose life. executioner.” Francis urged citizens to raped the centenarian. Did somebody identify educate themselves about our system, for their own good. “If him? And even if someone had claimed an uninformed public applauds Edward committed rape, was that enough? the police after every fatal The point I want to make here is this—and shooting, the result will be please don’t even suggest that I have any further erosion of our justice sympathy for rapists—what I am suggesting is we had better be careful the things we pray system. “Today it might be a Miguel for. Edward with a criminal record, “If we are demanding the police shoot tomorrow it might be a lawpeople on suspicion, if in all circumstances abiding family member. When we applaud them when they shoot citizens, we are inviting more trouble than already we you defend the justice system, you defend it for the sake of have. We cannot have lawmen behaving at everyone.” our convenience like killers!”

MAYARO/RIO CLARO MAYOR CONCLUDES ST. LUCIA VISIT

is Worship Glen Ram, Mayor of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional District in Trinidad and Tobago, has concluded a visit to Saint Lucia with a commitment to strengthening inter-city linkages between Castries and Mayaro/Rio Claro. The Trinidadian mayor was here from November 7 to 10, 2019 to solidify twinning/sister-city discussions as well as areas of mutual co-operation in local governance and potential investment opportunities in technology and tourism within the City of Castries. During his visit, Mayor Glen Ram met with councillors of the Castries Constituency Council and Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment, Hon. Lenard Montoute. “We are expecting closer exchanges and achievements through this meaningful co-operation between

Mayaro/Rio Claro and Castries very soon,” said Mayor Ram. Speaking on the visit, Mayor Peterson D. Francis explained that the friendship with the visiting mayor was developed when both attended the Caribbean Conference of Mayors in Jamaica in 2018. “It was there that an accord was signed for greater enhancement of our cities. As a result, we have twinned with Kingston, Jamaica and Port Fortin in Trinidad. We are currently in discussions with the other cities and are looking at every avenue in expanding our co-operation. I am very excited about the prospects for growth within Castries, particularly the investment opportunities to come from this visit. Very soon our twinning with Mayaro/Rio Claro will open new doors and chart the way forward,” said Mayor Francis.

Traffic Congestion in Castries to be Eased M

otorists navigating Castries should expect an ease in congestion in the coming year, as plans to prepare a traffic circulation plan aimed at relieving traffic conditions, parking, and the safe movement of pedestrians in the downtown Castries city area, get underway. Activities to accomplish this plan are being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries, which has contracted the Danish firm COWI under the OECS Regional Tourism Competitiveness Project (ORTCP). The Denmark-based consultants, who are engaged to prepare the traffic circulation plan, are currently consulting with relevant stakeholders in Castries to obtain an idea of the prevailing issues that are contributing to traffic congestion at peak periods. So far, discussions have been held with the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, Council for Public Transport, Holiday Taxi Association, Cox and Company, National Council for People with Disabilities, and the Castries Constituency Council (CCC). Over the next few weeks, discussions will be held with representatives of several relevant government departments before making recommendations on how to improve the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, in order to improve the safety, and better the experience in Castries, for both locals and tourists. Head of the ORTCP, Dr Lorraine Nicholas contends that “the traffic congestion has the potential to adversely impact business in Castries and, by extension, the economy of the island. It not only slows down urban traffic, but contributes to make downtown Castries unattractive for tourists, and creates a security

hazard for all pedestrians, both local and foreign. Moreover, it creates a negative image for Saint Lucia that can only reduce its destination appeal.” The traffic study is an important initiative for the Ministry of Tourism as it will address an age-old issue that has recently been compounded by the fact that large cruise ships berth near the city and passengers are deposited within a few yards of Jeremie Street—a primary street used by traffic navigating the city. On cruise ship days, more than sixty taxi operators also occupy Jeremie Street, further cramming an already crowded downtown area. To alleviate this situation, Dr Nicholas observes that “improving urban mobility and accessibility is critical, not just for motorists and local pedestrians, but for tourism enhancement. The idea is to introduce a programme of low cost/high return measures that would be easy to implement with minimal disruptions to city life.” As part of the plan, the consultants, under the Ministry, will deliver the following: • Traffic plan for downtown Castries;   • Complete redesign of the Jeremie Street/Compton Highway intersection;   • Plan and detailed design of improvements for efficient movement of pedestrians and public  transport vehicles around La Place Carenage;   • Plan and detailed design of other improvements in intersections (including specifications for traffic lights) and walkways in downtown Castries; and   • Assessment of training needs, and on-the-job development to improve the capacity of key  governmental departments involved in urban mobility in the broader Castries urban area.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

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Bishop warns of “devilish and sinful” agenda!

uggery and indecency laws, or “the remnants of draconian laws of our colonial past”—according to the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE)—will soon be challenged in courts throughout the region. In an October 31 press statement the organisation announced its intention to file the claims before the year-end in Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Saint Lucia. In a statement, ECADE’s Executive Director Kenita Placide disclosed that this move has been four years in the making. She said that they needed to demonstrate “how these laws contribute to the stigmatisation of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queers and intersex (LGBTQI); how they legitimize hate speech, discrimination and violence and

tear at the heart of the family that our society, including our governments, has sworn to protect”. The release noted that the laws “unfairly target LGBT people” but in the same breath acknowledged that custodial sentences are rarely imposed. Those convicted under these laws, the release continues, can face sentences of up to ten years’ imprisonment. Saint Lucia’s so-called ‘buggery law’ criminalizes men having anal sex with men. It remains uncertain how the law, which is not enforced, contributes to stigmatisation, and legitimizes hate speech, discrimination and violence. Asked recently to comment, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said no definitive decision had been reached but highlighted that no one has been arrested under the law. ECADE’s Executive Director

Kenita Placide was unavailable for comment at press time. Reacting to news of the planned legal challenge, Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, Dr. Thomas Eristhee, warned that the country is heading down the wrong direction. He added that he was not surprised that the activists have turned to the courts. Since the majority of the population is against the lifestyle, he says, the LGBTQ community is now trying to force the court to grant them their wishes. The bishop said that there are some things that they will never accept as anything but wrong—“that can destroy communities and the nation”. He also questioned why disagreeing with a particular position on biblical grounds can be considered hate speech. “Just because we have a

different opinion than theirs,” he said, “just because we oppose them, they say that it’s hate speech. They say what they want about the church, but the church cannot even respond to say that we don’t hate you but we disagree with your stand because we consider it immoral and wrong and undeserving of support.” He continued: “We don’t hate anybody. I don’t think the country hates these people. It’s what they do, their lifestyle, that we don’t agree with.” The outspoken bishop expressed concerns that the legal challenge spells trouble. A “devilish and sinful” agenda, he warns, is afoot. “We are definitely going in the wrong direction. I still don’t believe it’s going to succeed. If they can succeed with that, then what is left to stand on?” ---Joshua St. Aimee

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

WHY AREN’T WE TALKING MORE ABOUT SECURITY IN OUR SCHOOLS?

elieve it or not, school security in Saint Lucia is a far greater problem than mold infestation, horrid as that is. In the past month both the St Aloysius R.C. Boys’ and the Ave Maria Infant Schools had either staff or students being threatened on compound. Two weeks ago, the parent of a student who attends the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant School threatened students at the school, so seriously that the police had to be brought in. A member of the school’s PTA told the STAR: “Threats were being posed to our children and we feared for their lives. The principal and the teachers have done their best. Will it take the death of staff or students on Saint Lucia’s school compounds, So now we, as parents, must as happened last week in Barbados, before authorities seriously address take a stand.” security concerns? Another source informed In late October, threats of this reporter that the parent who us that there was no security guard assigned to the school a similar nature occurred on issued the threat, not satisfied before the incident occurred. two separate occasions at the with the disciplinary measures Ave Maria Infant School. This taken against students who had “Not even a watchman.” Since time teachers were the ones hit his son, took matters into his the last incident, however, the threatened—by parents. A own hands and threatened their ministry has provided some security. source at the school informed lives. The source also informed he Saint Lucia Business Awards 2019 brought together the full spectrum of corporate Saint Lucia, ranging from veteran business men and women to the new and emerging business class, creating remarkable celebratory business concoction at the Events Auditorium at The Ramp Rodney Bay! Peace Corps intends to offer a firm-fixed price contract to a Lead Arriving guests were greeted with a St. Lucia Facilitator from St. Lucia to conduct a three-day Primary English Literacy Distillers Welcome Cocktail Workshop for approximately seventy-six (76) first year Volunteers and before making their way onto their Counterpart teachers from Grenada, St Lucia, Dominica and St the Unicomer Red Carpet with the usual glam and glitter and Vincent. The workshop will be hosted in St Lucia from Wednesday to flashing lights of the cameras, which was only the start of Friday, March 18-20, 2020, respectively. the evening’s festivities. The St. Lucia Distillers Welcome Application: Cocktail was in full swing as If you wish to apply for this tender, please write lc-hr@peacecorps.gov one entered the doors with more special brews from this for a copy of the bidding documents/ Request for Quotation (RFQ). award-winning company. The Awards Ceremony Hall had been transformed into a Interested vendors should submit a quote for services as described glamorous setting with a huge in the RFQ via email by 4:00 pm on December 6th, 2019 with the stage and full corporate sitting Subject Line: Peace Corps Primary English Literacy Workshop Lead for all patrons. On every table three choices of wine, all Facilitator - St. Lucia: March 2020 to the following address: lc-hr@ were from the Barbay wine cellars, peacecorps.gov accompanied by exquisite hors d’oeuvres flavoured by Baron Foods. Questions about this RFQ should be sent to Leonette Jn Pierre at A snazzy, smooth ljnpierre@peacecorps.gov. evening ensued with excellent entertainment pieces interspacing the made-forOffers received after the closing date will not be accepted. television awards ceremony. The ceremony was closed by the ever popular and

the STAR that both incidents were reported to the police, who have confirmed that a warning was issued in one of the matters and that the perpetrator in the second incident has been arrested and charged. A city constable has been assigned to guard the front gate when school begins and when it’s dismissed. Parents now drop off their children at the gate and pick them up from there, to ensure the safety of staff and students. But there is not wall-towall support for this measure. According to our source, even the constable at the gate has suffered verbal abuse from some parents. Security concerns at

schools are nothing new. In January, a secondary school student was found with a firearm on school premises. The incident was widely reported. The last we heard was that the police were investigating. In February, it was reported that an intruder had frightened staff and students at the Camille Henry Memorial School. Since then, silence. Yesterday there was another shooting at an American school. Hopefully it will not take such an incident to move the authorities to protect staff and students now altogether exposed and vulnerable! ---Dean Nestor

St. Lucia Business Awards 2019 And the Winners are . . .

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versatile DYP who transitioned the evening with great aplomb into the Peter and Company Distribution After Party that went on well into the early morning. And the winners for the St. Lucia Business Awards 2019 are: Award for Corporate Social Responsibility: Unicomer St Lucia Ltd LUCELEC Award for Environmental Stewardship: Bay Gardens Resorts M&C Group of Companies Award for Service Excellence: 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd Small Business of the Year: Abby’s Exotic Blends Ltd WLBL Employer of the Year: Unicomer St Lucia Ltd Invest St. Lucia Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Shop D Caribbean Export Achievement of the Year: St. Lucia Distillers Ltd Massy Stores New Business of the Year: Serenity at Coconut Bay Non-profit or Association of the Year: Faces of Cancer St. Lucia Digicel People’s Choice Award: The Independent Film Company Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation: InVictus Business of the Year :1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd Dr Charmaine Gardner, longtime active Chamber

member and Past President, known for her sterling contribution to business, education, women, the less fortunate locally, regionally and internationally, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The St. Lucia Business Awards 2019 was the 10th edition of the Awards in its current format and was presented by the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, and was well supported by the business community of Saint Lucia. Sponsors include: the Office of the Prime Minister, Invest St. Lucia, Digicel, 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd, Baron Foods Ltd, Bay Gardens Resorts, Carasco & Son Ltd., Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, FLOW, Fosters Law Firm, M&C Group of Companies, Massy Stores St. Lucia, Peter & Co. Distribution, Republic Bank (EC) Ltd, Sagicor Life Inc., St Lucia Distillers Group of Companies, Scott’s Sports and Awards, St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited, Unicomer, MediaZone,Windward & Leeward Brewery Ltd, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, Bel Jou Hotel. The St. Lucia Business Awards Committee congratulates all winners and thanks all service providers and supporters for their contribution to the overall success of the St. Lucia Business Awards 2019.

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TALENT RECRUITMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Shipping Division

Goddard Enterprises Limited is seeking to recruit a strong, effective, inspirational leader with a ‘best practice’ mindset to fill the position of CEO – Shipping Division. Reporting to the Managing Director, the CEO will be responsible for driving profitability and optimizing customer retention within the Shipping Division across the region. In tandem with the planning and coordinating of all operational activities within the Division, the CEO is expected to develop a high performing team to achieve key levels of efficiencies and growth. CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Developing short to long term strategies for the Shipping Division in collaboration with the organizational vision of the Parent Company to achieve viability, growth and profitability • Identifying new business opportunities, preparing feasibility studies for presentation to the Management Committee and overseeing implementation on approval • Ensuring that appropriate marketing, operating systems, processes, health and safety, and quality standards are in place in each operating company • Demonstrating leadership through the implementation of appropriate team building and problem-solving techniques • Ensuring that service levels, sales, and profit goals of the Division are achieved and that there is effective financial management of the Division • Ensuring that appropriate Human Resource Management systems, procedures and practices are in place in all operating companies – in collaboration with the Chief People Officer (CPO) • Chairing and attend Board meetings as required • Reporting monthly on the status of the Division • Ensuring that all companies within the Division fulfill their legal, ethical, contractual obligations and comply with all regulations with respect to trade and international standards • Modelling appropriate leadership behaviours while directing and inspiring the divisional team-members • Fostering and helping to maintain excellent relationships with our stakeholders which include but are not limited to: our joint venture partners, customers, shareholders, suppliers, management, employees, and Governmental and non-Governmental organizations in the countries in which we operate

CORE REQUIREMENTS: • A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Accounting, Economics, Marketing or any other relevant discipline, from an internationally recognized university • Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in a senior management or leadership position • Candidate should possess excellent communication skills and strong leadership behaviours • Spanish would be an asset

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: A competitive remuneration and attractive benefit package will be offered commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications, together with full career details can be submitted via: Website: Addressed to: Email: www.goddardenterprisesltd.com POSITION: geltalentrecruitment@thegelgroup.com CEO Shipping Division Divisional People Manager Goddard Enterprises Limited Top Floor, The Goddard Building Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, BB11059 All applications should be received by Friday, 22nd November 2019, 4:00 p.m. EST We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for interview will receive acknowledgements.

november 16, 2019 THE STAR

Former Public Servant Claims Payment Is Years Overdue! By Peter C. Maximin

s another year ebbs away into oblivion, I cannot help but wonder what is the Government of Saint Lucia’s motivation concerning the payment, or rather the non-payment, of my terminal benefits that should have been paid 31 years ago, in 1988, when I terminated my public teaching career in favour of private enterprise. That is how long ago I stopped working for the Government of Saint Lucia. If I had worked in the private sector, whatever benefits I was entitled to would have been paid at the time of termination. So why should the government be any different, or so much worse by not only failing to pay on the due date of May 2014 but by being delinquent in paying five years and counting past the time to honour statutory requirements? That condition smacks of conditional bondage, servitude, an unspoken disincentive to the effect that you cannot leave before pensionable age, otherwise you will have to wait till pensionable age to claim terminal benefits. A worker should have the right to collect terminal benefits immediately upon termination and move on. In any case, that is a whole new ball game that I will not venture into at this time. I shall begin by articulating my articles of grievance against the Government of Saint Lucia. First, the government has blatantly breached the law requiring it to pay terminal benefits that were due since May 2014 without as much as explaining the reason for the delay. Second, the Ministry of Public Service, which the Ministry of Education referred me to as the executive agency on matters pertaining to terminal benefits, has consistently refrained from providing me with information that I have a right to, let alone payment itself. And third, more than five years after the due date of payment, the government has behaved in a cavalier manner by callously refraining from communicating to me when it will pay, in spite of writing two letters to the prime minister about the situation—in addition to the dozen I wrote the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service. Since October 2011, I began

Education Minister Gale Rigobert (pictured): What does she know about the accompanying 30-yearold story and what can she do about its resolution?

informing the Ministry of Public Service about the May 2014 date of payment. That ministry received a dozen letters from me between 2011 and 2018 dealing with this issue, but initially chose to argue process over substance. Those letters were simultaneously copied to the Ministry of Education which had been my direct employer. What resulted over those years was a contrasting tale of two ministries. On the one hand, Ms Esther Brathwaite, the permanent secretary for education, was always cooperative in responding to my letters in writing, and provided me with all the information she could. On the other hand, Mr Phillip Dalsou, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service is yet to communicate a single word to me. I shall highlight some of Ms Brathwaite’s letters to single her out as an exceptional executive public official. In a memo to me she went as far as reprimanding the Ministry of Public Service for its lax business practices and urged Mr Dalsou to do a reality check of the current issue. In spite of all my letters to both the

Ministry of Public Service and the prime minister, communications from Ms Brathwaite to that ministry and my press coverage so far, the matter remains unresolved. How a government can be so brazen in breaching the law by paying no attention to a deadline for payment after a waiting period of over thirty years is beyond comprehension! That’s not all. The intransigence, the contempt is taken further by not deeming it proper to personally communicate in writing, information pertinent to payment. There’s more! The disinformation and sheer lies from the Ministry of Public Service are basically disingenuous ploys to buy out more time so as to perpetuate the agony of waiting and to obfuscate an already confusing situation created by that ministry. For instance, on June 30, 2015, the Ministry of Education replied to me in part that the Ministry of Public Service informed them that they are “still putting mechanism in place to adhere to this policy. As such, your request has already been sent to that ministry for consideration and you will be contacted when this process has been completed.” That was over five years ago! Maybe they cannot find a mechanic to fix the mechanism. And what policy, when the written law has stipulated what is to be done since years ago! In another instance, earlier this year the Ministry of Public Service notified my daughter that my case had been sent to Cabinet. Up to now there is no word. This time I wonder whether all the ministers are still locked up in the Cabinet. In any case, I am at a loss to understand what my case is doing before Cabinet. I always thought money owed for the past thirty-one years was safe in an investment bank or trust, not in a cabinet. So far, the story that has unravelled for the past eight years is convincingly clear: that the Government of Saint Lucia has not shown any unambiguous determination to pay me my terminal benefits mandated by law to be paid since May 2014 after repeated communications to the agencies involved, especially the Ministry of Public Service. The years past the missed deadline will also be factored in for specific and general damages incurred. I hope the government would opt for a solution other than the civil litigation route.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

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TALENT RECRUITMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Building Supplies Division

Goddard Enterprises Limited is seeking to recruit a strong, effective, inspirational leader with a ‘best practice’ mindset to fill the position of CEO – Building Supplies Division. Reporting to the Managing Director the CEO will be responsible for driving profitability and optimizing customer retention within the division of Building Supplies across the region. In tandem with the planning and coordinating of all operational activities within the Division, the CEO is expected to develop a high performing team to achieve key levels of efficiencies and growth. CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Developing short to long term strategies for the Building Division in collaboration with the Senior Management of the companies within the in respective locations, ensuring that such strategies are integrated with the Parent Company’s corporate strategies to achieve viability, growth and profitability • Identifying new business opportunities, preparing feasibility studies for presentation to the Management Committee and overseeing the implementation on approval • Ensuring that appropriate marketing, operating systems, processes, health and safety, and quality standards are in place in each operating company • Demonstrating leadership through the implementation of appropriate team building and problem-solving techniques • Ensuring that service levels, sales and profit goals of the Division are achieved and that there is effective financial management of the Division • Ensuring that appropriate Human Resource Management systems, procedures and practices are in place in all operating companies - in collaboration with the Chief People Officer (CPO) • Chairing and attending Board meetings as required • Reporting monthly on the status of the Division • Ensuring that all companies within the Division fulfill their legal, ethical, contractual obligations and comply with all regulations with respect to trade and international standards • Modelling appropriate leadership behaviours while directing and inspiring the divisional team-members • Fostering and helping to maintain excellent relationships with our stakeholders which include but are not limited to: our joint venture partners, customers, shareholders, suppliers, management, employees and Governmental and non-Governmental organizations in the countries in which we operate

41 Homicides But Who’s Counting! T

he Saint Lucian public was again horrified on Monday by news of another murder. 76-year-old Andrew Joseph of Mon Repos had died from gunshot wounds inflicted by two robbers last Saturday evening. Per the most recent update, the suspects are currently in police custody. Joseph marked the island’s 41st homicide for 2019. Recently, this newspaper’s publisher reminded the public via an article that every variety of crime was being committed all over the island, and not only in the capital Castries. He said the notion that life in the smaller communities was idyllic, or that it had ever been, was altogether false. He put his point across in typical fashion: “How quickly we forget. Then again perhaps I should be underscoring instead our ability to remember only when convenient—not to mention the established price to be paid by those who simply cannot remember the past.” He had, on the recalled occasion, been referencing Mathurin Dornelly’s murder

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: A competitive remuneration and attractive benefit package will be offered commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications, together with full career details can be submitted via: Website: Addressed to: Email: www.goddardenterprisesltd.com POSITION: geltalentrecruitment@thegelgroup.com CEO Building Supplies Division Divisional People Manager Goddard Enterprises Limited Top Floor, The Goddard Building Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, BB11059 All applications should be received by Friday, 22nd November 2019, 4:00 p.m. EST We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for interview will receive acknowledgements.

The murder of Andrew Joseph (pictured) marks the 41st homicide in 2019. How long before it is overshadowed by news of the next homicide?

in Micoud on the last day of August this year. Dornelly was 66, a fact that obviously meant nothing to his killers. Just two weekends ago, former city council clerk Victor Maurice was shot near his Balata home as he was stepping out of his vehicle. Thankfully he remains “in stable condition”. That Maurice is well into his sixties was of no account. Then there’s the case of a 105-year-old-woman allegedly

raped by a man less than half her age. These cited incidents will hopefully serve as reminders that where crime is permitted to have its way, no one is safe, regardless of neighborhood or age. Moreover, that when we withhold information from the police, we may be signing our own death warrants. Certainly we make ourselves accomplices. --- DN

Saint Lucia National Trust holds 43rd AGM today

ll members and non-members of the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) are invited to attend the organisation’s 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, Saturday, November 16, at the Financial Administrative Centre Conference Room, Pointe Seraphine, Castries from 1 p.m. SLNT’s Director, Mr. Bishnu Tulsie said, “Every citizen, resident and visitor to Saint Lucia with an interest in protecting the island’s natural, built and cultural heritage is encouraged to attend. Our AGM gives the public an opportunity to get a thorough overview of the Trust’s work from November 2018 to November 2019. Members will also be able to share their views on how we should proceed with upcoming projects for 2020.” The highlight of the meeting is the election of councillors to guide the affairs of the Trust; members are reminded that only those who are financially current are able to participate in the election process. Members desirous of updating their memberships can do so on the day of the AGM and there is absolutely no back payment. The Trust’s Patron, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, will officially declare the AGM open. Also on the agenda is a presentation and discussion on the SLNT’s updated Strategic Plan to be facilitated by consultant Mr. Yves Renard. Transportation will be provided for persons

from Soufriere, Vieux Fort and environs, however, please contact the SLNT at 452-5005 or email membership@slunatrust.org for further details. Everyone has a role in protecting our heritage, so please use this opportunity to learn firsthand about the conservation works of the Trust, its challenges and aspirations.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

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LOCAL JOURNALISTS RECEIVE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

argaret Robert-Steele and Rick Wayne were among a group of Saint Lucians who received Queen’s Birthday Honours at Government House yesterday morning. The first mentioned started her career as a broadcaster with the long defunct Windward Island Broadcasting Service in 1956, following a training spell at the BBC in London. Whenever Saint Lucians recall some of our more unforgettable historic moments, the name that automatically comes to mind is Margaret RobertSteele. She was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. As for Rick Wayne, he received the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for his contributions to sport (professional bodybuilding in particular) and to journalism in Saint Lucia. But Wayne had already been editor in chief and associate publisher of three Weider

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (left) and His Excellency Sir Neville Emmanuel Cenac (third from left) pose with awardees at Government House yesterday morning.

publications, namely Muscle Builder, Flex and Muscle & Fitness, initially based in New York until the company moved to California. Among his

bodybuilding titles won were Mr. America, Mr. World and Mr. Universe. Wayne’s most recent book, titled 'Lapses & Infelicities', was described by

none other than Derek Walcott as “an important work”. He also wrote 'It’ll Be Alright in the Morning', now into its fifth printing.

Recently deceased educator Gaspard Charlemagne was posthumously honoured with the British Empire Medal, which was also bestowed

on Vincent McDoom “for committed service in the field of entertainment” and Mrs Pamela Devaux “for committed service in the area of charity”.

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

Mountain Or Mold Hill? Are We Throwing Good Money After Bad? A keen local observer told the STAR this week that “in many sub-tropical environments, Florida for one, it is a condition of your lease that you do not switch off your air conditioning unit even when you’re not at home. The primary reason for that is your unit is connected physically to other units such as a townhouse or an apartment, and because the AC system is shared, turning yours off creates ideal circumstances for the development of mold—warmth, dampness, darkness.” “We in the Caribbean are probably even worse off,” the observer continued. “We have almost ideal conditions for mold growth when we switch off AC units until the following morning, typically in government offices and schools.”

Education Minister Gale Rigobert (pictured) has been under fire for the forced suspension of three secondary schools due to mold infestation. But is there anything the minister can do to cure our mold ills, short of climate change/changing our climate?

Dean Nestor

old infestation in Saint Lucia—a problem that for several years has plagued us—has been turned into still another football to be kicked around by politicians in and out of uniform. For more important to the players than a solution, especially where our schools are concerned, is the opportunity to paint one another in the color of blame. Recall the education minister Gale Rigobert’s most recent contribution to the House, in the debate to the amendments of the VAT Act. This quickly led to a childish verbal contest over which side had spent (wasted?) more money on our schools! No one talked about the possibility that the solution to mold in our situation might have little to do

with the millions ineffectively invested. Same old. Same old. Having spent the last several days researching the causes of mold as well as the best ways to avoid or rectify mold infestation, it turns out that climatic conditions have much to do with it, and that in environments such as ours, the occurrence of mold is inevitable. The floridahealth.gov website puts it this way: “There will always be mold in your home in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. The presence of mold in the air is normal.” Always? Normal? Not political? In my research I also came across the fact that mold does not grow only indoors. Per the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, mold is almost everywhere. “Outdoors, molds can be found in shady, damp areas, or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing.

Indoor molds can grow on virtually any surface, as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present.” Is it any wonder that our homes, business places and, yes, our schools, are moldinfested? Mold has always been a problem in Saint Lucia, as we reported in the STAR last week. The more recent problem is that today, especially with the nation being pushed at every opportunity into election mode, we’ve forgotten what we protested about yesterday. In September 2014 for instance, the SALCC Students’ Council organized an oncampus protest over mold infestation. The affected SALCC classes were suspended for a week. That occurred, if memory serves, during the last SLP administration. Did “callousness” and “vindictiveness” and “horses” have anything to do with that?

Our informed source went on: “I understand people switch the AC units off to save power. But the truth is that if you put air conditioning into a room or into a building, then you really should be leaving it on. But we can’t afford that. So, it opens up the whole debate about appropriate technology and why we are constructing buildings that cannot be naturally cooled and naturally lit, using sunlight and tropical breezes, which are in abundance.” An article on the HGTV website supports the idea: “In the summer, a closed house with the air-conditioning turned off will have higher humidity levels than an air-conditioned home. A vacant house also receives little or no sunlight through closed shades—and no air movement with the fan off and the doors locked. The air

conditioning would have cooled the home and removed moisture from the air and circulated and filtered the air. Molds thrive when the humidity levels exceed 70 percent.” Although it seems a simple solution to the warmer climes of the United States, is keeping switched on our AC units a remedy that local governments can afford? With IT labs and air-conditioning units being installed in every public school, could this be a contributing factor to the recurrence of mold? Finally this reminder from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the United States: “People are exposed to molds every day and everywhere, at home, at work, at school, both indoors and out.” I should add that not everyone is susceptible to mold. But we’ll return to that in our next issue.

RBC ROYAL BANK HOSTS ENTREPRENEURS' SPEED NETWORKING FORUM

he RBC Royal Bank Entrepreneurs' Speed Networking Forum has become one of the most inspiring events on the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) calendar. As a partner of GEW, RBC Royal Bank continued its commitment to host and present the Entrepreneurs’ Speed Networking Forum targeting young and aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups. This year the Forum will be held at Sandals Halcyon on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 3:00pm. The Forum sets the tone for GEW Celebrations in Saint Lucia from November 18 to 24, 2019. Global Entrepreneurship Week is one week in November when over 180 countries are joining the

conversation to inpire, connect, mentor and engage startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, government officials and policy makers. The RBC Royal Bank Entrepreneurs' Speed Networking Forum will bring together professionals from the government, private sector and individuals who will engage approximately 70 startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and the youth considering entrepreneurship as a career, on different aspects of the challenges of entrepreneurship, sharing their experiences and addressing any concerns or questions. Panelist will include professionals with over 30 years’ experience in the field of banking, marketing, information technology, public relations, business registration

processes, law, accounting, social media marketing, health, customs and VAT, insurance and finance. The three-hour event will precede the launch of GEW 2019 scheduled for 6:00 pm at the same venue, under the theme #GEWinclusion. RBC Royal Bank has again partnered with the Chamber of Commerce for the launch where dignitaries will include top level management and senior executives of the Bank, government ministers and officials, and the wider corporate sector. All interested youth engaged in entrepreneurship are asked to contact GEW at 720 3165 or email gewslu@gmail.com for more information on or before 12 :00 pm Monday, November 18, 2019.

THE STAR

LOCAL 15

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019

Saint Lucia National Youth Council Addresses OECS Ministers of Education

he Second Higher Education Meeting of the OECS took place in Saint Lucia on November 5, 2019. In attendance were OECS ministers of education and presidents/principals of national colleges of the OECS. The meeting provided the opportunity for policy makers and heads of OECS national colleges to: 1. Engage in constructive dialogue on substantive issues regarding higher education development in the OECS; 2. Agree on policies and strategies to advance the implementation of the specific imperatives relating to higher education in the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS); 3. Share innovative ideas and successful practices that have contributed to educational development at the national level. The President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council Nyus Alfred was invited by the

TH E

OECS Commission to deliver a presentation on the youth perspective as it relates to higher education. Mr Alfred’s presentation zoned in on the issues of accessibility and lack of finance for students hoping to purse higher education, and called on the officials present to consider the psychosocial barriers to the attainment of higher education by less privileged youth. His address, in part, is as follows: ‘’The opportunity to address this prestigious gathering is indeed an honour. I applaud the OECS Commission for consistently making these spaces available to our regional leaders; this time for those responsible for a fundamental pillar in Youth Development across the region, education. We have long concluded that the challenges as they relate to education in Saint Lucia are not unique, as they are shared by our brother and sister territories. It goes without saying that the competitiveness

Nyus Alfred (pictured), President of the SLNYC says that the education challenges faced by our country are not unique to this nation.

of OECS countries hinges heavily on our ability to develop human and social capital, which is reliant on an efficient education system. "The Saint Lucia National Youth Council represents the collective voices of all

Saint Lucian youth between the ages of 10 and 35. A key part of our mandate involves advocacy on behalf of young people to ensure that there is equal access to quality education at all levels. The SLNYC remains steadfast in our

advocacy strategy as it relates to education because inherent in our beliefs is the view that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the right to accessible and affordable education. "A significant aspect of our action plan for the 2019-2021 tenure focuses immensely on improving access to education and the strengthening of student governance structures. Our plan is ambitious, but realistic, as we understand fully the intricacies of education sector development and the challenges common to small island states. "According to a special UN report on the progress towards the SDGs: 'In 2015 an estimated 617 million children and adolescents of primary and lower secondary school age worldwide—more than 50 per cent—were not achieving minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. Of these, about two thirds were attending

school but were not learning in the classroom, or dropped out of school.' "These striking statistics represent the unfortunate regional and global realities of student learning outcomes and continue to remain top priority of discussions at forums such as this one. "I understand that tertiary level education will be a key part of the discussion at this meeting and, considering the growing demands for higher-learning opportunities, this comes at an opportune time. Access to tertiary level education in the region cannot be understated, especially as it plays a critical role to the distribution of capital and social justice within the region. "Critical to improving our education system in its current state is an understanding of the myriad of issues that restrict access to higher education in small island developing states like those of the OECS subregion."

ANN UAL

& Fashion Event

Saturday 7th December, 6pm Grand Pavilion, The Ramp on Rodney Bay

CELEBRITY MODELS ROCK THE RUNWAY call for tickets 452-5111 / 484-1406

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InVictus takes Prime Minister's Award for Innovation

THE FUNNIES!

Karlis Noel and Laura Jn. Pierre (centre left and right) of InVictus receiving the award.

nVictus made two submissions to the 2019 selection committee of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce: Award for Environmental Stewardship and Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation. InVictus was shortlisted in both categories, eventually emerging winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation. InVictus entered both categories with their worldrenowned Solar Powered Mobile Brine Neutralizing Desalinator— the Life Cube. The Saint

Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited produces bank notes and payment systems, passports and passport issuing systems, lottery tickets and electronic lottery games, postage stamps, securities certificates, shareholder communications, and other high security documents and related issuing systems. The Company markets its products to government agencies and authorities, as well as to institutional and other customers in more than 40 countries. The company manages and operates the St Lucia National Lottery, through its wholly owned subsidiary CBN St Lucia Inc.

STUDIO PRODUCTION ASSISTANT our company is seeking a Studio Production Assistant who will be responsible for performing a variety of technical and support functions in the execution of live broadcasts, studio productions, remote and on-air operations. The position requires the candidate have experience in television, video production, and digital media. You must have strong attention to detail and the ability to follow precise instructions, be process-oriented and extremely organized. The ideal candidate possesses two (2) years’ minimum experience in a related field. Computer and IT skills are essential, together with knowledge of cameras, audio and video editing software. The position requires that the candidate have a valid driver’s license, a reliable working vehicle and the ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. To apply, please send a cover letter along with your curriculum vitae: Email: lottery@cbnsl.com We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please also note that applications received after November 25th, 2019 will not be acknowledged.

NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

Lucia Chamber of Commerce announced the win at its 2019 Business Awards last Saturday. InVictus was created to find solutions to challenges that face not just a small fishing village, but a nation, a region powerless to mitigate climate change. Climate change is a certainty facing small island states like ours, and adaptation is the name of the game. InVictus aims to set the standard for innovation and creativity in climate change solutions. The company is owned and managed by the

dynamic duo of Laura Jn. Pierre, managing director, and Karlis Noel, chief technical officer. “This award is a testament and validation to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of Karlis Noel who developed the groundbreaking brine neutralizing technology sought after worldwide,” said Jn.Pierre. To mark its big victory, InVictus is offering the Life Cube to all Chamber members at a discounted price. Contact InVictus on (758) 284-6536 for further details. This offer is open until Business Awards 2020.

STUDIO PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Our company is seeking a Studio Production Supervisor who would be responsible for supervising production staff and creating and managing live and post-video productions together with in-house video content. A strong sense of selfmotivation, innovation, hands-on involvement and creativity are required skills. You must have strong attention to detail and the ability to execute specific procedures, be processoriented and extremely organized. Experience supervising a small studio and producing creative and timely content is mandatory, together with expert knowledge of video and audio editing and post-production tools. The ideal candidate possesses a degree in Communications and three (3) years’ experience as a Production professional in a TV studio environment and two (2) years in a supervisory capacity OR four (4) years’ experience as a Production professional in a TV studio environment and two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. This position requires that the candidate have a valid driver’s license, a reliable working vehicle and the ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. To apply, please send a cover letter along with your curriculum vitae: Email: lottery@cbnsl.com We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please also note that applications received after November 25th, 2019 will not be acknowledged.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

De Caires has high hopes despite pace of Cannabis Commission!

ndre De Caires is not a happy man. He definitely is not satisfied with the pace at which the recently formed Cannabis Commission is working. The commission’s mandate is to “consult and provide advice on the design of a legislative and regulatory framework for cannabis”. On Monday De Caires, Chairman of the Cannabis Movement, told the STAR that following the commission’s establishment in September, the plan was to immediately roll out a national educational programme. But this did not pan out. He anticipates that in the next two weeks the programme should begin with the hosting of five town hall meetings, and blamed the late start on the hiring of a marketing firm to handle the initiative. “If they just had given it to us,” said De Caires, “we would have had it up and running. But what am I going to say? It’s the process that they want, so that’s the process.” Meanwhile, four subcommittees were established: legislative, medical, economic and standards. Each subcommittee is in the process of preparing a report to be submitted by next week. The reports will then be compiled into one, and submitted to Cabinet by the end of November. Despite his dissatisfaction, De Caires said he is hopeful Saint Lucia will soon make the necessary changes for a cannabis industry. He heaped praise on Invest Saint Lucia, the secretariat of the Cannabis Commission, for pushing the process ahead. He says it may even be a blessing in disguise that they were able to observe how others in the region handled the industry, and then make Saint Lucia’s model better. From November 8 to 11 De Caires attended a workshop in St. Vincent and

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TALENT RECRUITMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Automotive Division

Goddard Enterprises Limited is seeking to recruit a strong, effective, inspirational leader with a ‘best practice’ mindset to fill the position of CEO – Automotive Division. Reporting to the Managing Director, the CEO will be responsible for driving profitability and optimizing customer retention within the Automotive Division across the region. In tandem with the planning and coordinating of all operational activities within the Division, the CEO is expected to develop a high performing team to achieve key levels of efficiencies and growth. CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Developing short to long term strategies for the Automotive Division in collaboration with the organizational vision of the Parent Company to achieve viability, growth and profitability • Identifying new business opportunities, preparing feasibility studies for presentation to the Management Committee and overseeing implementation on approval • Ensuring that appropriate marketing, operating systems, processes, health and safety, and quality standards are in place in each operating company • Demonstrating leadership through the implementation of appropriate team building and problemsolving techniques • Ensuring that service levels, sales, and profit goals of the Division are achieved and that there is effective financial management of the Division • Ensuring that appropriate Human Resource Management systems, procedures and practices are in place in all operating companies – in collaboration with the Chief People Officer (CPO) • Chairing and attending Board meetings as required • Reporting monthly on the status of the Division • Ensuring that all companies within the Division fulfill their legal, ethical, contractual obligations and comply with all regulations with respect to trade and international standards • Modelling appropriate leadership behaviours while directing and inspiring the divisional team-members • Fostering and helping to maintain excellent relationships with our stakeholders which include but are not limited to: our joint venture partners, customers, shareholders, suppliers, management, employees, and Governmental and non-Governmental organizations in the countries in which we operate

CORE REQUIREMENTS: Andre De Caires (pictured) says any cannabis industry must take into account traditional growers first.

the Grenadines, facilitated by the Netherlands-based Transnational Institute. It brought together activists and farmers' representatives from across the region. Discussions centred on management of the cannabis industry in the face of the enormous influx of investment money from cannabis companies “that do not exactly share the interest of the farmers, and the development of the islands as their first priority”. The organisation noted that most investors take away the larger share of the profits, but it is concerned that the people of the region should position themselves to ensure that they benefit greatly as well. It is expected that a steering group will be formed to advocate for a joint policy for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. De Caires says it was a

great experience being able to see and share information with representatives of other countries in the region. He bemoaned that traditional cultivators are the ones who have been taking the most risk. In anticipation of a legal framework for cannabis, he says that “reparatory justice” is crucial. This means allowing traditional farmers to be chief benefactors of the industry. “We have to look at this as a project in poverty alleviation,” advised De Caires. “We must not let the big guys come in and run this stuff because it defeats the whole purpose. So it was a great symposium.” The setting up of a co-operative, which De Caires said should be registered before the end of the month, is the Cannabis Movement's pre-emptive plan against such an occurrence here. ----JSA

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Accounting, Economics, Marketing or any other relevant discipline, from an internationally recognized university • Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in a senior management or leadership position • Candidate should possess excellent communication skills and strong leadership behaviours • Spanish would be an asset

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: A competitive remuneration and attractive benefit package will be offered commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications, together with full career details can be submitted via: Website: Addressed to: Email: www.goddardenterprisesltd.com POSITION: geltalentrecruitment@thegelgroup.com CEO Automotive Division Divisional People Manager Goddard Enterprises Limited Top Floor, The Goddard Building Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, BB11059 All applications should be received by Friday, 22nd November 2019, 4:00 p.m. EST We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for interview will receive acknowledgements.

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

MORE EVIDENCE THAT ONE MURDER USUALLY RESULTS IN THE UNTIMELY DEATHS OF MANY

wenty years ago a young Canadian university graduate on a visit to Saint Lucia was knifed to death near Mindoo Phillip Park in Castries. According to the police at the time, 21-year-old Tom Nugent

had earlier been invited by two local individuals to go with them to a “calypso spectacular” at the park. They had first met three days earlier at a Gros Islet jump-up. The incident received

widespread publicity via the Internet. It was also referenced in parliament by Justice Minister Velon John when he implied Nugent may have had other than music on his mind when he visited Marchand, then

notorious for drug trafficking. Prime Minister Kenny Anthony also came in for public criticism after it emerged he had called on Nugent’s parents while on a visit to Canada. Two men were charged with Nugent’s death and later released, allegedly after

Tom Nugent had just completed undergrad university studies in his native Canada when he visited Saint Lucia to attend his cousin’s wedding to a local woman. The case remains unresolved some 20 years later.

witnesses backed away from testifying. The case is among 500 cold cases acknowledged by local police. This week the STAR received a letter from Stephen Sjodin who recalled his cousin had come to Saint Lucia to attend his wedding to a Saint Lucian woman, on the day after he was killed. Wrote Sjodin on the 20th anniversary of Tom Nugent’s death: "Those who took the young man’s life also took the life of his mother, Catherine. She died alone in her home after living two hellish decades in a deep depression that started with the death of her only child. She had lost her husband the year before, so was now all alone. She was never the same after also losing her only child. No amount of extended family support or medical intervention worked. She sat alone in a dark room year after year, barely eating. No television, Internet or social life. It was very sad.” In consequence of Tom Nugent’s death the Canadian authorities issued warnings to potential visitors to Saint Lucia. “With the passage of two decades,” Sjodin went on, “perhaps there are witnesses out there no longer afraid to do their part in bringing the matter to a judicial conclusion. Please call the local police and tell them what you know.”

Tom Nugent’s mother, Catherine, was never the same after her son was stabbed to death at Marchand. Also pictured, Tom’s father.

THE STAR

november 16, 2019

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Forty Recommendations 36: International Instruments By the Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

nternational Conventions are developed by the United Nations and are usually signed between two or more countries. The specific aim of these conventions is to foster international cooperation on the subject being addressed in the instrument. These conventions may also be referred to as International Instruments. Recommendation 36 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Forty Recommendations examines this subject. Countries are called upon to take the requisite steps to sign, ratify and implement various conventions. Recommendation 36 identifies specific conventions such as the Vienna Convention, 1988: the Palermo Convention, 2000; Terrorist Financing

Convention, 1999 and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, 2003 that countries should ratify and implement. The Vienna Convention addresses the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Palermo Convention is concerned with crimes which are organised across national borders by individuals seeking to execute illicit business ventures. The Terrorist Financing Convention is geared towards preventing the financing of terrorism, as well as suppressing acts of terrorism through the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators. The United Nations Convention against Corruption is a global anti-corruption instrument. It covers various forms of corruption such as bribery and abuse of functions. Countries are required not only to sign these instruments, but also to enact them into local

legislation, thereby ensuring that offenders can be prosecuted and punished for these crimes. During a mutual evaluation, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) verifies whether these conventions have been signed and adopted into local legislation by a country. It would also assess how the country utilizes these conventions in international co-operation. Their findings will lead them to assign a rating to this recommendation, indicating how efficiently the country is implementing this recommendation. More information on the FATF Forty Recommendations can found on the CFATF website at https://www.cfatf-gafic.org. Additional articles and educational material can also be found on the Attorney General’s Chambers website at attorneygeneralchambers.com and on its Facebook page.

SLTA TAKES CHICAGO MEDIA BY STORM TO PROMOTE UPCOMING AA INAUGURAL FLIGHT

fforts at drumming up media attention for the December 21 launch of the new non-stop American Airlines flight from Chicago continued this week, with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) holding a media blitz. Activities included a November 12 press event and individual media meetings in Chicago-land. The press event was held after an early snowstorm and during the coldest temperatures on record in Chicago, providing a media audience eager to hear about vacations in Saint Lucia. Organised and overseen by SLTA’s US public relations firm JMCPR, the event was attended by 16

national and regional journalists, writers, bloggers and influencers from the ChicagoTribune to BudgetTravel. CEO Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Senior Sales Manager Richard Moss and Public Relations Manager John Emmanuel shared news about local hotels; culinary and cultural developments; the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club; 2020 Summer Festival events; village tourism and the new Hewanorra Airport project. In addition, American Airlines executive Raj Sidhu emphasized the company’s excitement about the new flight and AA’s commitment to Saint Lucia

over the years in serving key gateways like Miami, Atlanta and Charlotte. Media were virtually immersed in the destination with visuals and authentic cultural items, including Creole dolls and Carnival masks. A rum tasting was hosted by Chairman’s Rum while a Saint Lucian musician entertained with local songs and Soca tunes, and guests took home a taste of Saint Lucian chocolate. While in Chicago, the CEO also held editorial meetings with an executive producer of the PBS series 'Family Travel with Colleen Kelly' and a columnist for Essence magazine.

Full-scale Simulation Exercise at George F. L. Charles Airport

he Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), in collaboration with key response agencies, successfully conducted a full-scale simulation exercise of the George F.L. Charles Airport on Friday, November 8, 2019. The exercise, which is a mandatory safety requirement stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), must be conducted every two years with an aim to test and evaluate the response and recovery capability of the Airport Authority, Airport Crash Fire Hall,

Port Police, Victoria Hospital, other emergency services and the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), to an aircraft accident at the airport in accordance with the airport’s Emergency Response Procedures. Co-ordinator of the exercise, Ausbert Regis spoke to its objective, stating, “The simulation will provide opportunities for the George F.L. Charles Airport's emergency management and response systems to practise operational lines of communications.” Highlighting the

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significance of the exercise to the airport community was Airport Manager Agatha Felicien: “For the airport community, the simulation exercise will measure the response readiness of the Emergency Operating Centre during an unforeseen circumstance. Additionally, it will emphasize the areas in which stakeholders of the airport community must reassess to further strengthen our response strategy." Also, in attendance at the simulation exercise were officials from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).

TALENT RECRUITMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Manufacturing Division

Goddard Enterprises Limited is seeking to recruit a strong, effective, inspirational leader with a ‘best practice’ mindset to fill the position of CEO – Manufacturing. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the CEO Manufacturing will be responsible for driving profitability and optimizing customer retention within the division of manufacturing across the region. The CEO will be accountable for the operation of the manufacturing businesses, lead on the planning of the business strategy related to the division in collaboration with their Direct Reports and in tandem the CEO is expected to achieve key levels of efficiencies and growth. CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Developing short to long term strategies for the Manufacturing Division in collaboration with the Senior Management of the companies across respective locations, ensuring that such strategies are integrated with the Parent Company’s corporate strategies to achieve viability, growth and profitability • Driving and delivering on key performance indicators using as appropriate, 6s and lean manufacturing principles and other applicable initiatives to drive to an industry leading manufacturing operation • Developing company procedures specific to the Manufacturing Division • Identifying new business opportunities, preparing feasibility studies for presentation to the Management Committee and overseeing the implementation on approval • Ensuring that appropriate marketing, operating systems, processes, health and safety and quality standards are in place in each operating company • Demonstrating leadership through the implementation of appropriate team building and problem-solving techniques • Ensuring that service levels, sales and profit goals of the Division are achieved and that there is effective financial management of the Division • Ensuring that appropriate Human Resource Management systems, procedures and practices are in place in all operating companies – in collaboration with the Chief People Officer (CPO) • Chairing and attending Board meetings as required

CORE REQUIREMENTS: • Master’s degree, preferably in industrial, manufacturing or mechanical engineering • At least 10 years’ experience in an operational or manufacturing environment at a Senior Executive level • Prior Operations and Manufacturing leadership experience with a focus on customer segments and services • Operational and financial acumen to manage a high mix, low volume, quick turn manufacturing operation • Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Process Control, Quality Systems and MRP scheduling

Addressed to:

www.goddardenterprisesltd.com POSITION:

Email: geltalentrecruitment@thegelgroup.com

CEO Manufacturing Division Divisional People Manager Goddard Enterprises Limited Top Floor, The Goddard Building Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, BB11059 All applications should be received by Friday, 22nd November 2019, 4:00 p.m. EST We thank all applicants, but advise that only those selected for interview will receive acknowledgements.

20 REGIONAL

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United Nations calls for urgent action to curb the rise in hunger and obesity in Latin America and the Caribbean

We’re hiring!

At PwC, we continue to invest heavily in our people, the workforce of the future. PwC firms operating in the Caribbean will be hosting a regional recruitment campaign for Assurance positions located in Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos Islands. We are currently looking for: Experienced Associates: candidates with a minimum of 2 years experience and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field of study, and pursuing a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA, ACCA, CA etc.) Senior Associates: candidates with a minimum of 3 years experience and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field of study, and a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA, ACCA, CA etc.) Managers: candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field of study, and a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA, ACCA, CA etc.) Audit experience within Financial services, Hospitality, Consumer & industrial products and services, Insurance, Captives, Advisory and/ or Telecommunications industries would be an asset.

november 16, 2019 THE STAR

Interested candidates can apply online to pwc.com/cb Please navigate to our careers page, search “Experienced careers” and select the job link with the name “Campaign 2020” and the respective role you are applying for. (Eg. Campaign 2020 - Senior Associate) We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in these opportunities however we will only be contacting those candidates selected for an interview.

© 2019 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the PricewaterhouseCoopers East Caribbean firm and/or one or more of its member firms each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details

he prevalence of adult obesity in Latin America and the Caribbean has tripled since 1975, affecting one in four adults in a region where hunger has grown once again, reaching 42.5 million people, according to a new United Nations report, the Panorama of Food and Nutritional Security 2019. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP), called for countries in the region to develop urgent actions to address the increase in malnutrition. The document highlights the need to promote healthier food environments through taxes and incentives that favour healthy food, social protection systems, school feeding programmes and the regulation of food advertising and marketing. The agencies also stress the importance of improving food labelling with frontal nutritional warning systems, ensuring the safety and quality of food sold on the street, and reformulating the composition of certain products to ensure their nutritional contribution. According to the Panorama report, the most significant increase in adult obesity in the region was observed in the Caribbean, where the percentage quadrupled, rising from 6 per cent in 1975 to 25 per cent, an increase in absolute terms from 760,000 to 6.6 million people. “The explosive increase in obesity—which affects 24 per cent of the regional population, about 105 million people, almost double the global level of 13.2 per cent—not only has huge economic costs, but also threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands,” explained the FAO’s Regional Representative, Julio Berdegué. According to the Panorama report, every year 600,000 people die in Latin America and the Caribbean due to diseases related to poor diets, such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Inadequate diets are associated with more deaths than any other risk factor, something that threatens our future generations, since the rates of both childhood and adolescent obesity have tripled between 1990 and 2016. “We must act now to reverse this trend and prevent children from suffering the consequences of poor diets on their health and their future quality of life,” said PAHO/WHO Director Carissa F.

According to the Panorama report, every year 600,000 people die in Latin America and the Caribbean due to diseases related to poor diets.

Etienne. “To achieve this, we need the commitment of the whole society and public policies that regulate unhealthy food products, create environments conducive to physical activity and promote healthy eating at school and at the family table,” he added. The publication highlights that the region is worse than the rest of the world in the majority of malnutrition indicators related to excessive calorie intake: overweight has doubled since the 1970s, and today affects 59.5 per cent of adults in the region, 262 million people, while globally the rate is 20 percentage points lower: 39.1 per cent In contrast, the region has lower undernourishment rates than the world (6.5 per cent for the region versus 10.8 worldwide), stunting (9 per cent versus 21.9), and much lower rates of wasting (1.3 per cent, versus 7.3 for the world). However, the agencies warn of the worrying increase in hunger, which has grown again by 4.5 million people since 2014—an increase of 11 per cent—reaching 42.5 million in 2018, its highest point of the last decade. Changes in the food environment The Panorama report makes a detailed analysis of how the food environment of the region has changed, understood as the space of interaction between people and the physical, economic, political and sociocultural conditions that influence the way they acquire, prepare and consume food. Sales of ultra-processed food products are the fastest growing in Latin America and they increase the population's exposure to excessive amounts of sugar, sodium and fat. Between 2000 and 2013, the consumption of ultra-processed products grew by more than 25 per cent, and fast food consumption grew almost 40 per cent. “In Latin America and the Caribbean, too many children eat too little healthy food and too

much processed food,” said Bernt Aasen, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Almost 1 in 5 children under 5 are malnourished or overweight, which prevents them from growing well. It is everyone's task to ensure healthy food is available and affordable for all families, especially the most vulnerable. ” The expansion of supermarket chains and the preponderance of large food processing industries is another major change in the regional food environment, one which has made ultra-processed products available everywhere, and at lower prices than nutritious food. Poor people have been hardest hit by these changes, since for this population group it is often easier and cheaper to access unhealthy rather than healthy food. Regional responses to promote healthier food environments The region has reacted to the rise in malnutrition through a series of public policies. Countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay have implemented food labelling laws, which allow consumers to make better decisions. Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Panama and Uruguay have improved regulation on food advertising, and at least 13 countries in the region have adopted fiscal and social measures that seek to favour adequate food. The Panorama report stresses that social protection and school feeding programmes, public food supply and marketing systems and policies that promote food safety and quality are essential to improve nutrition. "If we expand social protection programmes in our region, we would better face the double burden that hunger and obesity represent for communities and families," said WFP Regional Director Miguel Barreto. "These are the two faces of malnutrition." Social protection programmes today cover more than 200 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean, including 85 million schoolchildren who receive breakfast, snacks or lunch.

THE STAR NOVEMBER 16, 2019

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Caribbean hurricanes scaring Sandals Resorts bidders

Bolivia crisis: Jeanine Áñez assumes interim presidency

By Josh Kosman

bid to sell the Caribbean’s biggest resort chain is running into headwinds— and hurricanes are to blame, The Post has learned. Sandals—whose allinclusive hotels dominate the Caribbean resort scene has Jeanine Áñez (centre) proclaimed herself been wooing suitors for its interim president with the backing of two-dozen vacation properties the Constitutional Court. scattered across seven tropicalolivian opposition Áñez said, to applause from island countries. senator Jeanine Áñez opposition lawmakers. The family-owned has assumed the interim Writing on Twitter from franchise, founded by former presidency of the South Mexico, Mr Morales condemned appliance salesman Gordon American country following Evo the “sneakiest, most nefarious “Butch” Stewart in Jamaica Morales’s resignation. Ms Áñez coup in history” and lawmakers in 1981, is angling for a $4.5 said she was next in line under from his party, who hold a billion bid, insiders say. the constitution and vowed majority in Bolivia’s legislative But as the due-diligence to hold elections soon. Her assembly, have threatened to process winds down, some appointment was endorsed by nullify her appointment. suitors are growing skittish Bolivia’s Constitutional Court. Mr Morales, a former coca over the money they may The former president branded farmer, was first elected in 2005 have to shell out to protect Ms Áñez “a coup-mongering and took office in 2006, the the properties against violent right-wing senator”. Mr Morales country’s first leader from the has sought asylum in Mexico, indigenous community. He won storms, a source close to the arguing that his life was in plaudits for fighting poverty and auction said. “It seems like people are danger. He resigned on Sunday improving Bolivia’s economy getting weak-kneed about after weeks of protests over a but drew controversy by defying making bids,” the source told disputed presidential election constitutional limits to run The Post. “The question is: result. He said he was forced for a fourth term in October’s What will be the terms of the to stand down but had done so election. willingly “so there would be no Pressure had been growing insurance?” Sandals reps have pointed more bloodshed”. on him since contested election out to suitors that its resorts At Wednesday’s news results suggested he had won have escaped an unprecedented conference in Mexico City, outright in the first round. The bout of hurricane damage Mr Morales said: “If the people result was called into question relatively unscathed, a source ask me, we are ready to return by the Organization of American said. But their lucky track to pacify [Bolivia].” He also States, a regional body, which called for a “national dialogue” had found “clear manipulation” record won’t help lower costs by much, experts said. to resolve the crisis and and called for the result to be Hurricane insurance rejected the legitimacy of the annulled. premiums across the Caribbean interim president, AFP news In response, Mr Morales are 50 per cent higher than agency reports. agreed to hold fresh elections. two years ago—and 100 per Ms Áñez, 52, is a qualified But his main rival, Carlos Mesa, cent higher if the insured has lawyer and a fierce critic of said Mr Morales should not recently suffered significant Mr Morales. She was previously stand in any new vote. damage, according to Ryan director of the Totalvision TV The chief of the armed Barber, a managing director station, and has been a senator forces, Gen Williams Kaliman, of insurance giant Marsh. since 2010, representing the then urged Mr Morales to step Deductibles have swelled to region of Beni in the National down in the interests of peace 5 per cent of total damages Assembly. and stability. Announcing his versus 3 per cent two years ago, As the deputy Senate resignation, Mr Morales said he said. leader, Ms Áñez took temporary he had taken the decision in “You can get deals done control of the body on Tuesday order to stop fellow socialist now, but the cost is becoming after Bolivia’s vice-president leaders from being “harassed, incredibly expensive,” Barber and the leaders of the senate persecuted and threatened”. said. and lower house resigned. He fled to Mexico after three Sandals is putting itself That put her next in line for weeks of protests in which on the auction block at a the presidency under the seven people were killed, time when hurricanes are constitution. The parliamentary according to the latest official devastating the Caribbean session to appoint Ms Áñez was figures. He thanked Mexican in unprecedented waves. boycotted by lawmakers from President Andrés Manuel López Between this year and 2016, Mr Morales’s leftist Movement Obrador, whom he credited with hurricane insurance claims in for Socialism party. saving his life. “While I have the Caribbean soared to $44.5 “Before the definitive life I’ll stay in politics, the fight billion—up from just $1 billion absence of the president continues. All the people of the during the previous four years, and vice president . . . as the world have the right to free president of the Chamber of themselves from discrimination according to data from Risk Management Solutions. Senators, I immediately assume and humiliation,” he said. Three of the five costliest the presidency as foreseen in the constitutional order,” Ms ---BBC hurricanes to ever plow through

INTERNATIONAL

the Atlantic Ocean’s islands south of Florida touched down in 2017. One of them, Hurricane Maria, proved to be Puerto Rico’s deadliest since 1899. And Hurricane Dorian, which struck in August, is now the Bahamas’ worst natural disaster in history. Some prospective Sandals bidders are debating whether climate change could make some of the company’s resorts uninhabitable in 10 years, the source close to the auction said. Buyers of Caribbean properties also have to factor in rising costs if the hurricanes worsen due to climate change, experts said. At it stands, seven of the 10 largest trading partners for the insurance industry, known as re-insurers, have not made any money in recent years, Barber said. “It’s possible that certain locations become uninhabitable,” added Daniel Stander, an RMS global managing director who quantifies risk for insurers. “It’s also possible that some places become uninsurable—

Sandals Resorts operates properties in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, Grenada, Barbados and the Bahamas.

or at least affordable insurance is no longer available.” Sandals owns multiple resorts in the heart of the Hurricane Belt. Its Turks & Caicos resort closed in 2017 from September to December due to Hurricane Irma’s damage. In 2016, the openings of its Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau and the Sandals

Resort in Exuma were delayed due to Hurricane Matthew. Sandals also has resorts in Jamaica and Antigua, which are in the Hurricane Belt but get hit less often. Sandals’ resort in Saint Lucia is on the edge of the Hurricane Belt, and the ones in Grenada and Barbados lie outside the Belt. ---New York Post

FUEL SURCHARGE COST ADJUSTMENT Applied to Bills for November 2019

The fuel surcharge cost adjustment is the cost of fuel at the current price less the average cost of fuel in the twelve months preceeding 1st January, 2019 (the base price) divided by the total number of kwhs sold. Current price of fuel EC$ 7.2873 Average price for 2018 EC$ 7.7292 Amount of fuel used (October 2019) 1,801,831 Cost of 1,801,831 gallons at EC$ 7.2873 per gallon EC$ 13,130,483 Cost of 1,801,831 gallons at EC$ 7.7292 per gallon EC$ 13,926,712 Current cost of fuel less cost at base price EC$ (796,229) Electricity Sales (October 2019) 31,788,838 units (796,229) Fuel Surcharge Cost Adjustment: ----------------- x 100 (2.5) cents / unit 31,788,838 2019 Tariff Rebate FSCA Cost Rates per Electrical Unit EC$ EC$ EC$ EC$ Domestic 1-180 0.763 (0.025) 0.738 >180 0.813 (0.025) 0.788 Commercial Low Tension all units 0.913 (0.025) 0.888 High Tension all units 0.873 (0.025) 0.848 Hotel/Industrial Low Tension all units 0.913 (0.0081) (0.025) High Tension all units 0.873 (0.0081) (0.025) Streetlighting all units 0.908 (0.025)

0.880 0.840 0.883

The Tariff Rate and the FSCA are computed in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act No. 10 of 1994, as amended by Act Nos. 12 and 13 of 2006. Note that since the average fuel price in October 2019 is less than the average fuel price for 2018, this has resulted in a reduction in the tariff. Ian Peter- Chief Financial Officer

22 LOCAL

november 16, 2019 THE STAR

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CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE INITIATIVE RELOCATES TO ST. LUCIA

he executives of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI) and the Government of Saint Lucia have agreed the formal relocation of the CCI to Saint Lucia. The CCI, launched in 2008, is a coalition of governments, companies and partners working together to promote marine and coastal conservation and sustainability in the Caribbean. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Barrymore Felicien, and his deputy Sarah Niles, met with CCI Envoy, Karolin Troubetzkoy and CCI Project Coordinator, John Calixte, to formally welcome the CCI Secretariat to Saint Lucia and, in particular, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives. Troubetzkoy and Calixte,

in this first meeting, gave the Permanent Secretary and his deputy an overview of the CCI's role as well as its plans for the coming months and into 2020. Troubetzkoy said the CCI would fit very well into Saint Lucia: "We have a very strong interest in protecting our fragile marine environment and foreshore because we are small, and we recognize the importance of protecting coastal areas for the continued enjoyment of our residents as well as for the many travellers who visit our beautiful island." Previously, the CCI Secretariat was housed within the Ministry of Climate Resilience and Environment in Grenada. The Government of Saint Lucia has agreed to house the Secretariat in the Ministry of Agriculture and to provide logistical support to the initiative. Since its inception, the CCI has galvanized new funding and concrete action

Left to right: John Calixte, Sarah Niles, Karolin Troubetzkoy and Barrymore Felicien.

while supporting Caribbean governments in meeting their conservation and sustainable development commitments. "CCI is not a talk shop,

but rather an action shop emphasizing tangible impacts," Troubetzkoy added. Participating members, which include eleven

governments and fifteen companies, have formally declared their commitment to marine and coastal conservation.

The ambitious and collaborative effort of the CCI focuses on two timebound goals . â&#x20AC;˘ 20-BY-20 Goal - to effectively conserve and manage at least 20 per cent of the marine and coastal environment by 2020; â&#x20AC;˘ Sustainable Finance Goal - to set up sustainable finance mechanisms which provide long-term and reliable funding to conserve and sustainably manage the marine and coastal resources and the environment in each participating country and territory. The meeting ended on a positive note with an expression of interest to review the re-establishment of the CCI Action Committee for Saint Lucia, with a step towards accelerating the goals of the CCI in Saint Lucia and highlighting successes and best practices with other regional stakeholders.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 16, 2019

KIM’S KORNER

Physiotherapy and Sports

f you watch sports you will probably have seen a physiotherapist being called upon to treat injured players. In the olden days of sport a physiotherapist could often be seen running onto the pitch with bucket and magic sponge. Things have changed quite a bit since then and the magic sponge no longer exists. Physiotherapists now use a range of techniques to return players to the field of play but that is not all they do. If you participate in sports you may have a very different experience of a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are not just there to fix injuries but can help improve performance. Physiotherapy is a profession concerned with promoting normal movement and function. At undergraduate level they undertake a course of study that lasts three or four years. During this time they study anatomy, physiology and the dynamics of pain and biomechanics (how the body moves). This makes them experts when working in sports. By studying individuals they can ascertain strengths, weaknesses and poor movement patterns. So, not only do they have the skills and necessary techniques to treat injuries, they can also implement programmes to minimise the risk of injury, enable athletes to perfect their style and give them the edge to reach their maximum potential. The analysis of movement is known as biomechanics and in sport this takes into account the interaction between the athlete and their environment and equipment. This involves not only a good understanding of the human body but also physics. Understanding the basic principles of the geometry of the motion of objects and the forces that produce motion helps them to identify the relationship between internal and external factors. For example: • The ability to recognise and identify the optimal technique

for enhancing performance; • The analysis of body loading helps to identify the safest and most effective way to perform a particular task; • The assessment of the effectiveness of muscle activation and loading. • The analysis of the environment and equipment, such as clothing, footwear, surfaces and the size and weight of rackets, balls etc. It is similar to the principles used when designing cars, with consideration of road surfaces, the wind factor and aerodynamic design of the body of the car for improved performance, comfort and fuel efficiency. You wouldn’t buy a Porsche to drive through fields—you would buy a 4-wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Rover. Unfortunately, when we choose our sport we cannot go and buy a new body or the skills needed to excel, so this is where physiotherapists can help. If you have a passion for sport, either playing or as a spectator, you will know that certain sports have common injuries unique to them. Below are just a few movement problems and what they can cause if not addressed: • Cricket – Having a poor bowling technique can lead to not only shoulder problems but pars interarticularis stress fractures. • Tennis – Too much movement of the wrist when performing a backhand stroke can lead to extensor tendinopathy of the elbow, commonly known as tennis elbow. • Swimming – Weakness of the shoulder muscles and decreased external rotation can increase the risk of a rotator cuff injury. • Running – Excessive forward tilting of the pelvis can exert too much tension on the hamstrings, leading to injury. Although it is not always possible to prevent injuries, physiotherapy intervention can help to minimise the risks. All sports require strength and a degree of flexibility

HEALTH

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It looks so easy watching tennis from the stands. Only the player knows the demands on his or her body and mind.

but each category comes with its own special set of requirements. For example, although running looks similar to walking—placing one foot in front of another moves you from A to B—there are some differences. In running, the force as the lower limb strikes the ground is higher; the foot remains in contact for less time and there is more shock absorption, which explains why runners have more overload injuries than walkers. Key elements that can improve a runner’s style and performance are: balance, strength and endurance; greater flexibility and range of movement. Some sports, such as

tennis, require learning a whole new way of moving and using muscles not used before. Tennis is actually very complex; it is important to focus on the ball and judge the speed, spin, trajectory and direction of the tennis ball. This requires the player to adjust his or her body position at speed in a forward, backwards or sideways direction, all at the same time as preparing for the next shot. This demands great co-ordination, power and speed. So, whether you are looking at speeding up your recovery after an injury or looking to improve and excel in your chosen sport, a physiotherapist can help.

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

Words of Wisdom as spoken by BKS Iyengar

KS Iyengar was known to be the greatest yogi of our time, a genius of yoga. He wrote many books, one being ‘Light on Yoga’ which is considered the Bible of yoga. In the middle of a class, Guruji (our teacher, BKS Iyengar) would make a statement which would be so filled with wisdom that sometimes it would be riveting. He knew how to make the class extend, expand and spread the body and mind, to bring it all together. He would make statements such as: “Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” In our yoga practice we learn to do certain poses that benefit specific areas of the body. In Iyengar Yoga we must learn the systems of the body as well as the anatomy. Yoga brings up many old emotions which become stored in the body and mind. Guruji said, “Grief is not linear! It has no beginning, no middle and no end. Time does not heal; it passes.” Guruji’s quotes on balance: “You should work to obtain a perfect balance between both sides of the body. Everyone has a side which is better than the other. Balance between the ha (the right) and tha (the left) is yoga, Hatha Yoga. When one side is more active than the other, the active side must become the Guru for the inactive side to make it active. For the weakest side, we must use more intelligence, we must show more care. As we show keener interest and attention to improve a dull, sleepy friend than for an eager, intelligent one, in the same way you have to act on either side of the body.”

“Geometrical adjustment: you must be balanced. Use both sides of the mind.” “You must keep your balance by using the intelligence of the body (whether instinct, feeling or ability) but not by strength. When you keep the balance by strength, it is physical action; when by the intelligence of the body, it is relaxation in action.” “Balance is the gift of the creator.” “Balancing in yoga does not merely mean balancing the body. Balance in yoga is the foundation for balance in life.” The ancient sages have said that the key to life is balance, balance in every layer of our being. Action is movement with intelligence. In much of Guruji’s writings you should read his words again and again, as every time a new meaning will be revealed to you. He would say to us while in class: “Asana (the pose) is not just a physical performance. See how your mind goes into that asana, how your intelligence goes everywhere and you feel your presence everywhere.” BKS Iyengar struggled to put yoga on the map of the world. It is now the responsibility of we who have studied Iyengar Yoga to follow and proceed on that path. He said, “The greatest gift that we could give humanity is to teach yoga!” Every day it teaches us about who we are and how we can help to make the world a better place. All of the above quoted words were spoken by Guruji and taken from: Yoga Rahasya, volume 25, No. 1, 2018; volume 17, No. 4, 2010; volume 24, No. 4, 2017. Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist. She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

24 SPORTS

NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

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Sponsors once again on board for ARC 2019 at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Jackie Mathurin By David R Pascal was the next speaker: “We are delighted to be welcoming the ARC to Saint Lucia for the 30th ponsorship has always time. For us it is an amazing played a key role in the opportunity, amazing testament success of the Atlantic to the value of Saint Lucia and Rally for Cruisers (ARC). This our offering and how we have year is no exception, as Saint kept this wonderful international Lucia prepares to host the 30th event happening every year.” edition of this trans-Atlantic She mentioned that crossing from Gran Canaria, there will be a group from the which sets sail on November diaspora—from the United 24, 2019. Kingdom—as well as the High Sponsors from various Commissioner in Las Palmas business once again showed where the event gets underway their commitment and with a grand parade of nations. Three members of the ARC Youth Team, Mr Emmanuel from FLOW (left) presented his dedication to this highly popular Following cheque Adonai Modeste (left) Tyrus Antoine and company’s cheque to CEO of Events Company Chrisanki Flood (extreme right), with St Lucia, Lorraine Sidonie. international sailing event, at presentations from Peta Cozier from World Cruising Club. a recent cheque presentation representatives of the various ceremony at Sea Grapes – Always Ready to Collaborate. Devaux demonstrated such as ARC as having been that ARC brings to Saint Lucia. sponsors, members of the Restaurant located at Bay “That’s how we see our how important the ARC is to a catalyst for local economic Both Mr Devaux and Ms Cozier ARC Youth Team who were in Gardens Beach Resort. sponsors,” said Sidonie. “They Saint Lucia by revealing the development over the last three were able to tell us about attendance were introduced to In welcoming everyone, are always collaborating, always the audience. The team consists following statistics. “Of those decades. some of those. We are happy Mistress of Ceremonies, Mineva ARC participants who came coming on board to support ARC of twelve young persons: four With that in mind, Adams about that and happy to be the Ross of Events Company St and we appreciate it.” here last year, about 70 per cent stated: “The Ministry of leading partner that enables from Gran Canaria, two from Lucia, remarked: “Sponsors She went on to list the filled out a form, which ended Tourism intends to create the such spin-off benefits. We are the United Kingdom and six out have contributed immensely to following sponsors: Harbor Club, of Saint Lucia. The Lucian team up being somewhere about 690 enabling environment that not looking at over 300 boats and the annual hosting and success participants. One hundred per St Lucia Distillers, FLOW, SOL EC members are Tyrus Antoine, only facilitates sustainable 1,800 visitors coming to our of the ARC and we look forward cent of those decided they will Limited, Sixt Car Rental, development and expansion of shores from Las Palmas to Gabriella Chreiki, Chrisanki to your continued support in Wave Radio Station, DBS, return to Saint Lucia for a longer all classes of yachting, but also Saint Lucia.” Flood, Krishna Joseph, Neil years ahead.” (Constantine Holdings Limited period of time at a future date. ensures that opportunities exist Sidonie pointed out that Melius and Adonai Modeste. Seated at the head table (CHI), Massy Stores, IGY Rodney Seven million dollars was spent for Saint Lucians and foreign the trip would take anywhere Antoine, Flood and Modeste was Ministry of Tourism official, in Saint Lucia through that three investors to maximize on their Bay Marina, World Cruising Club, were present at the ceremony from 10 to 15 days depending Margaret Adams; CEO of Events week period, and 48 per cent of investment. Our focus has been on wind and sea conditions. and the Saint Lucia Tourism and they received tokens from Company St Lucia, Lorraine Authority. those that answered had two or on strengthening community The CEO amused everyone Events Company of St Lucia, the Sidonie; Senior Marketing Senior Marketing Manager SLHTA and FLOW. more family members on-island involvement and support for by saying: “But if you are Manager of the Saint Lucia to visit them after they arrived.” the yachting sector, in order to very brave and a very daring Tourism Authority, Jackie Cozier thanked the Saint deepen linkages and achieve swimmer and decided to Mathurin; General Manager, Lucia Tourism Authority, all the greater impact within the swim instead, it will take you IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Sean sponsors and everyone who industry.” approximately two months and Devaux; and Events Manager contributes to the success of Sidonie is delighted that four days.” Caribbean for the World the ARC. She mentioned that Events Company of St Lucia She praised sponsors alley Soccer (Orangemen) made light work of Mango Moon Cruising Club, Peta Cozier. not only the ARC but the ARC+ is among the leading partners and, in doing so, came up GMC defeating them 5–2 in the National Lotteries Authority Special guests included three brings a diverse group of boats of ARC 2019. She said: “We with her own acronym for the Spider Cup organised by the Gros Islet Football League. Saint Lucian members of the to the island. Some 300 boats recognize the spin-off benefits Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) The match, which was played at the Gros Islet playing field ARC Youth Team. are taking part in this year’s on Sunday, saw the youthful Orangemen boasting a number of During his brief remarks, ARC, and Cozier estimated that 15-year-olds in their rank, delighting the small but appreciative Devaux recognized the young approximately 1,800 people will crowd with their brand of football. Their goals came from Saint Lucians taking part in this be in Saint Lucia to enjoy the 15-year-old Nakeem Joseph with a hat trick, in the 33rd, 53rd ARC and said: “This year, for event and associated activities. and 68th minutes, plus one each from Daniel Kennedy in the us, marks a little bit different. Speaking on behalf of 13th minute and Marcus John in the 43rd. fficials from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports As you may know, we have the Ministry of Tourism, Adams Scoring for GMC were Valance in the 30th minute and are in preparation for the staging of the 40th annual our youth sailing programme, spoke about the importance Gillett Mathurin in the 59th. National Sports Awards ceremony in February 2020. and six of the youths will of Saint Lucia’s nautical The resultant win made it four out of four for Valley Soccer, A number of national sporting associations sent be participating this year in tourism product, identifying to close out a remarkable weekend in both the LUCELEC/BOSL/ representatives to an initial meeting called by the Ministry, doing that journey across the its tremendous potential for CFC Youth Football League and the Spider Cup. to outline plans for the staging of the awards. Association Atlantic.” growth. She referred to events representatives present for that initial meeting on October 22 at the Ministry’s Conference Room expressed the view that the 39th annual National Sports Awards were a success. The timing of the duration of the ceremony was highly commended, as it was in keeping with the two and a half hour period, as was promised. The upcoming awards will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at a venue to be confirmed shortly. Associations were advised that the deadline for submission of nomination forms is Friday, December 27, 2019. The Awards Document, which includes the nomination form, was presented at the meeting. Forms will also be distributed via the Ministry’s email address: youthdevelopment.sports@govt.lc. Receipt will also be by this medium. Seated at head table, left to right: Events Manager During the meeting, national associations were reminded Caribbean for World Cruising Club, Peta Cozier; of their annual subvention for the 2019/2020 government fiscal Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Senior Marketing year and that national associations will be required to be more Manager, Jackie Mathurin; General Manager, Valley Soccer (white top) defeated accountable in order to receive the allocation. They were also IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Sean Devaux; CEO Mango Moon GMC on Sunday at Gros Islet. reminded of stipulations for assistance by the Saint Lucia National Events Company of St Lucia, Lorraine Sidonie; Ministry of Tourism official, Margaret Adams. Lotteries Authority (NLA).

Annual National Sports Awards in Planning Stage

Gros Islet Football League Results

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019

Team Saint Lucia PLACES second at OECS Swimming Championship

he 29th OECS Swim Meet was held this past weekend at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in St Vincent. Five nations competed including St Vincent, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and 2018 champions Grenada. 34 swimmers attended from various swim clubs in Saint Lucia, having been the top swimmers after the OECS swim trials. From the onset of the competition, all swimmers were geared up with the intention of overthrowing Grenada. On day one of competition, Saint Lucian swimmers amassed four gold medals, three silver and one bronze. Gold went to Antoine Destang, Tristan Dorville, Jayhan Odlum Smith, Jean Luc Zephir; silver to Fayth Jeffery, Mikaili Charlemagne, D’Andre Blanchard; and bronze to Ethan Hazel. Day one saw three new National Age Group records set by three swimmers in the 400 metre freestyle including Girls 9–10, Fayth Jeffrey; Boys 9–10, Antoine Destang; and 18 and over, Jean Luc Zephir. Day two swimmers gave their best and took podium positions with 19 gold, seven silver and 18 bronze medal spots. Gold medals on day two: Antoine Destang (four), Tristan Dorville (three), Mikaili

Team Saint Lucia won dozens of medals at the OECS Swimming Championship but not enough points to be the winners.

Charlemagne (three), Jayhan Odlum Smith (four), Jean Luc Zephir (two), Adam Stromberg (one), Naima Hazel (two). Silver: Mikaili Charlemagne (two), Jean Luc Zephir (two), Karic Charles (one), Naima Hazel (one), Caitlin Polius (one). Bronze: Tristan Dorville (two), Ethan Hazel (one), D’Andre Blanchard (three), Jayhan Odlum Smith (one), Jean Luc Zephir (one), Adan Stromberg (three), Jasmin Steide (one), Karic Charles

(one), Fayth Jeffery (one), Caitlin Polius (one), Shalini Joseph (one), Siona Huxley (one), Naekeisha Louis (one). Fourteen age group records were established on day two: in the Girls 13–14 50m breaststroke by Naima Hazell; Girls 15–17 50m freestyle by Mikaili Charlemagne, and the 100m backstroke Siona Huxley. Antoine Destang set four new records in the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly.

Tristan Dorville broke the 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke records, with Jayhan Odlum Smith in the 100m and 50m butterfly. Jean Luc Zephir joined the pack by setting the 100m butterfly record. On the final day of competition the team dug deep and jacked up an additional 15 gold, 11 silver and seven bronze medals. Gold medals on the final day: Antoine Destang (three),

Tristan Dorville (two), Mikaili Charlemagne (three), Jayhan Odlum Smith (two), Jean Luc Zephir (three), Naima Hazell (one), Caitlin Polius (one). Silver: Tristan Dorville (two), Mikaili Charlemagne (two), Jayhan Odlum Smith (one), Jean Luc Zephir (one), Adam Stromberg (one), Karic Charles (one), Naima Hazell (one), Fayth Jeffery (one), Siona Huxley (one). Bronze: Jayhan Odlum Smith (two), Adam Stromberg (one), Karic Charles (one), Caitlin Polius (one), Naekeisha Louis (one), D’Andre Blanchard (one). Further national age group records were set in the 50m breaststroke by 18 and over Adam Stromberg, and by Jean Luc Zephir in the 100m breaststroke and 200 IM. Grenada achieved 39 gold, 49 silver and 39 bronze medals; Saint Lucia received 41 gold medals, 24 silver and 35 bronze. In total, with the contribution of all the swimmers, team Saint Lucia posted 1,121.5 points, placing them in second position on the board, with Grenada 128 points ahead, giving them a lead to retain the OECS Swim title. St Vincent placed third with 1,116 points, Antigua achieved 794 points placing them in fourth, and St Kitts and Nevis finished in fifth place with 57.50. First place high points

were awarded to four dynamic Saint Lucian swimmers: 9–10 years Antoine Destang, 15–17 years Mikaili Charlemagne and Jayhan Odlum Smith, and 18 and over Jean Luc Zephir. Notably Antoine Destang stood out with an incredible performance in winning every race he swam and setting eight OECS swim records. On the team’s return President Eddie Hazell congratulated them on their efforts and accomplishments. He remarked, “We knew it would be an extremely competitive competition. We took the necessary steps to bring in our top overseas swimmers. Though disappointed we were unable to bring the trophy home, our Federation is extremely proud of the swimmers’ fight and determination to reach the top. Second place is a mammoth achievement!” The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation thanks the management team for their endless efforts in supporting the team. The Federation also expresses its appreciation of the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Inc, National Lotteries Authority, Digicel, TOGS, Invest Saint Lucia and the parents of all the swimmers. Saint Lucia will be the host country of the 2020 30th OECS Swimming Championship.

India takes 2-0 T20I series lead against Windies Women

Chedean Nation (batting) scored 32 for West Indies. (Photo by David R Pascal)

ndia Women defeated West Indies Women by 10 wickets in the second T20 International at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Sunday to take a 2-1 series lead. Anisa Mohammed, the stand-in captain as Stafanie Taylor has been ruled out of the series due to injury, won the toss and elected to bat first. Once again the runs were hard to come by as Hayley Matthews and Stacy-Ann King opened the batting. King was the first to go for seven, followed by Shemaine Campbelle for a four-ball 0. Chedean Nation steadied the West Indies Women’s middle order with Hayley Matthews, as the pair added 34 runs before Hayley, trying to hit a straight six,

was caught in the deep for 23. Nation fell soon after for 32. Natasha McLean was the only other batter to reach double figures; she made 17. The West Indies Women finished their 20 overs on 103 for seven. Deepti Sharma was the best bowler for India Women with four for 10 from her four overs. Shafali Verma, for the second match in a row, took a liking to the West Indies Women’s bowling and the pitch at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The 15-year-old struck her second consecutive half-century, to lead the Indians to victory in the eleventh over. Verma finished on 69 not out and with her was Smriti Mandhana on 30 not out. India won the match reaching 104 for zero in 10.3 overs. Afy Fletcher was the most economical West Indies Women’s bowler with 0/11.

Player of the Match Deepti Sharma (right) receives her award from former Captain of the Saint Lucia Women’s Cricket team, Elizabeth William. (Photo by David R Pascal)

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NOVEMBER 16, 2019 THE STAR

Saint Lucia face Dominican Republic and Montserrat in Nations League Games

aint Lucia is set to host the Dominican Republic today (Saturday) at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, for the first of two matches in the Concacaf Nations League. Game time is 6:00 pm. The second match, against Montserrat, will take place at the same venue at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 19. Expect a new look Saint Lucian team, bolstered by overseas players, which is where the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. will focus its attention in the future. At a press conference on Tuesday at the SLFA office in La Clery, President of the SLFA Inc., Lyndon Cooper let it be known that in order for Saint Lucia to achieve success on the grand stage (World Cup), it cannot be business as usual when it comes to selecting players for national teams. In brief, here’s what he had to say: “The selection of national teams appear to be exclusively for or from domestic competitions. I want to make it abundantly clear that as of January 1, method requirements of the pool selection for any national team at the SLFA comes from the entire world. I

SLFA Inc. President Lyndon Cooper presenting Emily Remy of B1 FC with football equipment.

am saying this because there appears to be a notation that we can’t look and decide singlehandedly or individually, domestic competitions is what is required by players, by coaches to be selected or to be part of the prerequisite for

President of the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc., Lyndon Cooper at Tuesday’s press conference.

national selection. The world is no longer in a direction where international football is solely the responsibility, or chosen from—what we would call in the past in football language— home-grown talent. The reality for us as a country is that

whilst the world is moving at a pace that is unprecedented, we are still, as a country and an association, as a club, as a league, as coaches, moving in a direction or pace that we have been moving prior to 1927. The world is no longer waiting for

us to compete. The reality is every single country is putting their best player on the field. Every single country that has succeeded has put professional players on the field.” Cooper pointed out that the SLFA Inc spent just below one million dollars on the Senior National team for the Nations League, which does not include airfares for bringing back players, or airfares for flying in professional players. He said: “It means, as a country, as an association, we must, with haste, move in the inner direction to justify the cost of participation. No country in the world spends a million dollars on their senior team as amateurs, of course; why should we do it as an SLFA?” Changes are on the way. Cooper clarified: “I want to make it clear and precise to all players, coaches and all individuals that the pool for selecting national players from 14 years to 65 is the entire world, and we need to move in that direction.” With regard to Saint Lucia’s two remaining games in the Nations League, against Dominican Republic and Montserrat, Cooper remarked, “We have to do our utmost as

a country to give the team the necessary support on the field.” He encouraged everyone to attend both games, so that Saint Lucia can stand a significant chance of remaining in Group B, which is the second division of the Nations League. During a question and answer session, the SLFA Inc President was asked: “It’s all well and good for Saint Lucia to pursue international players, but wouldn’t that be a financial burden for the SLFA Inc?” He replied: “There is no team that has gone to the World Cup and it is not a financial burden. Saint Lucia is not an exception. But we cannot be an association and our programme is to play Island Cup, Blackheart, Veterans and Super League; there must be a target, there must be something that is going to create or maintain our existence.” Time will tell! In other news, the SLFA Inc., with assistance from Concacaf, presented equipment to the following clubs competing in the President’s Cup: Bays FC, 1987 All-stars, B1 FC, Diamond Ballers, GMC, Flow Lancers FC, New Generation FC, RV Juniors, Togetherness Youth and Victory Eagles.

Castries Football Council Youth Tournament Results

alley Soccer had a productive weekend when the curtains descended at the SAB playing facility on the Castries Football Council Youth Football Tournament, sponsored by Bank of Saint

Lucia and Lucelec. After a gruelling season, which culminated in the grand final against a formidable opponent in Flow Lancers, the orange lads from Valley Soccer Academy needed extra time to emerge as champions of the

Under-11 Division. Following an enthralling display of football, inspirational midfielder Levi Steide scored the winning goal in the final moments of extra time, to give his team a welldeserved victory. For their effort, Valley

Individual trophy winners in the Under-11 Division.

Soccer Academy also copped the Best Goalkeeper award, which went to Cyrus Bernard. After stumbling in the semi-final of the Under-15 Division, Valley Soccer made amends by trouncing VSADC 6–0 to capture the third place

trophy. Their goals came from Rawson Harris, Aaron Daniel, Rivaldo Charlemagne, Jahiem Prospere, Klay Dorius and Emree Prospere. On an overcast Sunday morning, Valley Soccer Academy defeated Pioneers 4–1 to lift the

third place trophy in the Under-13 Division. Their goals came from Emree Prospere with a brace, and one each from Jewel Daniel and Daniel Zakhour. Pioneers scored on a penalty kick.

Valley Soccer are champions in the Under-11 Division.

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