Pierre & Co Make PM's Day!

SATURDAY, november 02, 2019

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House Supports VAT Amendment

Pierre & Co Make PM's Day! Prime Minister Allen Chastanet: “We truly believe this was an error. I cannot believe either government would want to be prejudiced against any of our local manufacturers!"

Issue 36 | 02

Nov, 2019

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

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CHINATOWN BLUES AND YELLOWS T

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bout eleven years ago, when I worked as the Corporate Secretary of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), a group of us were in Barbados looking at the cricket facilities at Cave Hill. I am not sure how it started but the president of one of the island groups which owns the WICB commented negatively to the two Jamaican representatives on the Board about “de white boy” who was on the Jamaican team at the time. The person he was referring to was Australian-born Brendon Nash, son of Paul Nash, a Jamaican Olympic swimmer. Between October 13, 2007 and May 27, 2011 Nash scored 1,093 Test runs for the West Indies at an average of 35.25, with only Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan scoring more for the team. But to the Jamaicans it was not a matter of how many runs Nash had scored but the fact that Nash was Jamaican.

They immediately pulled up their colleague and made it extremely clear that they and their country don’t discriminate on the basis of colour or race, and regardless of whether you’re black, blue, brown, yellow or even pink, a Jamaican is a Jamaican is a Jamaican.

It was not always like that in Jamaica. Initially, the people who suffered most from discrimination were those of Chinese descent. Their connection with the opium (ganja) trade was a major issue and anti-Chinese sentiment erupted in a riot in 1918.

However, despite an exodus in the 1970s, the Chinese and ganja have become almost totally integrated into Jamaican society but for different reasons.

In Barbados, despite the joke about Chinese people of Barbadian descent being called “Beijings”, there is no issue with their acceptance. I truly admire the strong sense of nationalism among Barbadians.

My son Zubin confirmed that he was never discriminated against in that country and was fully accepted because he was born there. I worked, lived, wrote and fathered two children in Barbados and never had any problems based on race.

In Trinidad, a destination for Chinese immigrants and labourers since 1806, it is a different story altogether.

People who have problems with

the prevailing language of a country are perceived as stupid and are the butt of jokes. When our neighbourhood Chinese shopkeeper tried singing a hit of the time, 'Rest Your Head On My Shoulder', and converted it into 'Less your het on my soldier', the hit never left us.

In his Treasury of Humour, American scientist and sciencefiction author Isaac Asimov tells the story of Wellington Koo, a Chinese representative at a Washington Conference in 1921.

He was seated next to one of Washington’s high society ladies who was utterly unable to think of anything to say to Mr. Koo. Finally, after the soup, she asked him, “Likee soupee?” Mr. Koo smiled and nodded. After dinner, Koo rose and delivered a speech in impeccable English. When he returned to his seat, he turned to the very embarrassed lady and asked, “Likee speechee?”

Right now there are some Trinis who makee big speechees, especially on talk radio and to the media, because they are against calling a section of a street in Port-of-Spain 'Chinatown', despite the fact that it is an area where Chinese businesses, especially groceries, have long been established. I remember when, as a ten-year-old, my Aunty Doris took me through the Charlotte Street area where the Chinese shops are located, and I had my first experience of the overwhelming mix of spices that still attract and fascinate me. My first visit to a real Chinatown was in Toronto where my Chinese friends from Trinidad, some of whom had fled during the Black Power problems of 1970, took me to lunch. I was stunned by the entire experience—the shops and the variety of products, the odours and sights, the food and the manners of the people. I had gone to school with children of Chinese descent and, in one case, I had such a crush on one of the girls that I even copied her name—Octavia—in my book and faced several questions from my mother and jokes from my friends about it.

In high school it never mattered; we were a mix of many races and got along without racial issues or rancour. Later, when I did well in exams, I taught English to the children of two Chinese families and shared their food and sweets. It is

perhaps the need, not just to enjoy the food but take in a culture I admire, that wherever I go, if there is a Chinatown, I find it. In fact, when I go to a Chinatown restaurant, if the lights are too bright, I ask them to dim some.

Unfortunately, the race-based animosity that increasingly characterises Trinidad is growing in intensity instead of getting dimmer.

Calling a part of a street 'Chinatown' in today’s world does not have the same connotations as naming an area 'Coolie Town' in the conurbation that is the capital city. In fact, the idea seems to be not just to celebrate the Chinese presence but to create an area where locals and tourists can enjoy an important component in the mix that makes Trinidad a rainbow country. What bothers me most about the animosity and anger is the knee-jerk response by some people to feature, as a counter-measure, the names of Chinese Trinidadians who excelled or were outstanding in their fields. I have seen people of Indian descent do the same.

This burns me up more than Tiger Balm because I see no reason why people of Asian descent have to defend or justify their presence in Trinidad or in the Caribbean given their contributions to what this region was, is and will become.

Tony Deyal was last seen recommending that to calm the troubled waters, we get a genuine Chinese peppermintbased product named Po Som On Oil.

REPORTED CASES OF HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

he Department of Health and Wellness has received reports of cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease from some of the schools on-island.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious viral illness. It is common in infants and children younger than five years old and spreads easily in child-care settings because of frequent diaper changes, and because young children often put their hands in their mouths. However, older children and adults can also get the illness.

The Department of Health and Wellness records cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease yearly and early interventions usually limit transmission.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is usually not a serious disease, and most persons recover in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Symptoms include: · Fever · Reduced appetite

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· Sore throat · Painful mouth sores that usually begin as flat red spots · Rash of flat red spots that may blister on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the knees, elbows, buttocks, and/or genital area.

Persons may not always present all of these symptoms and some people may not show symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to others.

The virus can be transmitted from an infected person to others by: · Close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups and eating utensils · Coughing and sneezing · Contact with stool, for example when changing a diaper · Contact with blister fluid · Touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them.

The following measures can be used to reduce the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth

Disease: · Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers · Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands · Avoid close contact and sharing cups and eating utensils with infected persons · Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick · Avoid going to work or school until fever is gone and mouth sores have healed.

The Department of Health and Wellness urges persons to visit their nearest Wellness Centre if unsure of their or their child’s condition or if signs and symptoms worsen.

For more information please contact the Bureau of Health Education on 468 5349 or the Epidemiology Unit on 468 5325.

Courts National Reading Competition Celebrates Ten Years!

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he finals of the 10th staging of Courts Annual National Reading Competition were held on October 31, 2019 at the Golden Palm conference room. The competition, which is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, promotes literacy in primary schools by developing reading skills.

For the past ten years the Courts National Reading Competition has focused on building future generations through literacy. The competition judges critical

USE OF WILLIAM PETER BOULEVARD

BY HOLIDAY TAXI OPERATORS DURING CRUISE SHIP SEASON

he Castries Constituency Council wishes to advise members of the public, particularly motorists, that sections of William Peter Boulevard which had been made available to members of the Holiday Taxi Association will again be reserved for the Association's use during the cruise season.

Holiday Taxi operators were temporarily allowed to use the area earlier this year to facilitate relocation of the provisions market vendors when the 1st phase of the Castries Market Redevelopment

november 02, 2019 THE STAR

Project commenced.

However, effective October 31, 2019, the taxi operators will again be utilizing certain sections of William Peter Boulevard on cruise ship days, from 6:00 am until 4:00 pm.

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

CCC solicits the cooperation and understanding of the motoring public and apologizes for any inconvenience caused during this period.

Top readers in this year's competition were (l-r): Elena Amirah, Amiera Serieux and Thandi Wilson.

competencies including fluency, accuracy, enunciation, smoothness and expression, as well as the competitors' confidence and ease of reading.

This year’s finals had eight finalists, one from each school district. In first place was Amiera Serieux from the Gros Islet Primary School who received $1,500 from Courts, a trophy from Trophy Centre and a mobile phone with data service, as well as complimentary broadband service from Flow.

In second place was Elena Amirah John from Bexon Primary School who received $750 from Courts and a trophy from Trophy Centre as well as a smart phone and one-month

broadband service from Flow.

In third place was Thandi Wilson from Tapion Private who received $500 from Courts, a trophy from Trophy Centre and one-month broadband service from Flow.

All participants were given tablets from Courts and prize baskets from the Lions Club of Castries and Peter and Company Limited.

Amiera now moves on to represent Saint Lucia in the OECS finals in February 2020.

The Courts National Reading Competition is one of many Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives from Courts, a brand of the Unicomer Group.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 02, 2019

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NOT CONVENIENT AT THIS TIME FOR COURT TO HEAR MARTINUS CASE AGAINST HOUSE SPEAKER DANIEL! Joshua St. Aimee

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ollowing several weeks of uncertainty surrounding the constitutional challenge

by Martinus Francois over parliament’s failure to elect a deputy Speaker, a hearing of the case took place on Thursday.

Justice Agnes Actie had earlier ruled that Francois had incorrectly served the Speaker’s secretary and not Speaker Daniel himself. On Tuesday, the Speaker confirmed at the start of the day’s House sitting that he had finally been served on October 27—four days before the matter was to be heard.

A little after 9:00 a.m. on a rainy Thursday, the case got underway at the High Court on Jeremie Street. Seated in the courtroom was Speaker Daniel, arms folded as he listened to presented arguments. Wasting no time, the Speaker’s lawyers pointed out that Daniel was short-served, which made

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it necessary to adjourn the proceedings. At the same time, they felt that the matter should be expedited as quickly as possible. A date of January 23 was suggested.

Almost jumping from his seat, Francois argued that "in light of the urgency" of the matter he believed the case should be heard some time in December. Without a deputy, he said, sittings of parliament are not being properly conducted.

The judge seemed unimpressed.

He asked Francois whether or not the House was not still passing laws. Francois acknowledged that it was, but then attempted to obtain from the court a mandatory order to stop all House sittings until the final determination of the case.

The appeal bit the dust. The case was adjourned to January 23, 2020.

Following the ruling, an apparently unperturbed Francois told reporters that he wanted the case to be heard before the end of the year to get it out of the way once and for

A determined Martinus Francois (left) leaves the High Court following another adjournment of his case against Speaker Andy Daniel (right).

all. "This case is one-sided," he said. "I really thought they would just admit they're wrong, appoint a deputy Speaker and just move on instead of wasting my time."

He repeated: "It's a one-sided case, one they can

never win. The Constitution is clear; I know that I'm right on that point. In all of our forty years of Independence, the parliament has never been without a deputy speaker. They know they're wrong and they're wasting my time. If they allow

me to argue that case, they will pay me costs. That case is costing me a pretty penny.”

For his part, Speaker Andy Daniel told reporters the day's outcome was expected. Daniel has no issues with the matter going to court. "Mr. Francois

believes that the system is not working as it ought to work and is exercising a right that he has under the Constitution to bring the matter before the court.”

Speaker Andy Daniel was represented by Dexter Theodore QC.

Art exhibition set for today

he definition of what is art cannot be contained or constricted to a Freudian-style theology when appreciating art. But rather, art is in the beauty of the beholder.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”

The works of young artist Orrin Vivaldi d'Auvergne capture this child-like innocence that many of us have lost due to the practicalities of life. D'Auvergne has a transcendental body of work where the elements of earth, wind and fire are brought together through his use of acrylic paint on canvas.

D'Auvergne’s innocence in depicting Saint Lucian scenery no doubt comes from the alternative perspective in which he views our island, for he has a unique difference to most of us. Born in 1996 and raised in Castries, from an early

age d'Auvergne had a certain characteristic which set him noticeably apart from other children. At the age of six his world was to be defined more clearly. His uniqueness and difference was diagnosed as Asperger's syndrome, which lies within the Autism Spectrum.

This is not a disease, but a difference which permits d’Auvergne to see and interact with the world differently to most of us. People with Asperger's syndrome have it for life; it is not an illness or disease and cannot be ‘cured’.

More often than not, people with Asperger's syndrome are of average, or above average, intelligence.

Understanding and sharing enlightenment on Asperger's syndrome is one of the reasons the MeCurator Art Gallery felt compelled to hold a one-day exclusive show of d'Auvergne's most striking

pieces, to explore the ‘Art of Autism’; to show, through art, the importance of valuing neurodiversity. The exhibition will also draw awareness to local organisations, such as the Saint Lucia Autism Awareness Project and Child Development and Guidance Centre, whose efforts to help families with autistic children cannot be praised enough.

When approached by his parents, Crispin and Lydia d’Auvergne, with a selection of work, the gallery curator understood the bigger picture behind their son’s paintings and his passionate need to create.

She understood that before her were the workings of a young, talented artist who brought a plethora of light, colour and energy to each canvas that he encountered. She understood that d’Auvergne, through his paintings, had tapped into a discourse that allowed him to

flourish in his true self. She understood that the role of a supportive parent can allow any child to fulfill their potential.

Soon after his diagnosis, d'Auvergne attended Tapion Primary School and then the Saint Lucia Seventh Day Adventist Academy. His love for creativity and the visual world flourished as he would gain delight from watching TV arts and crafts programmes and would then reproduce what he had seen, adding his own personal flair to the pieces that he would create.

At around the age of 14, d’Auvergne took his first painting lessons at the Inner Gallery under the tutelage of Ms. Kizzy Garçonette.

This was to be the start of a successful working relationship between the two creatives in which Garçonette honed in on d’Auvergne's unique approach.

Since 2017, she has worked

closely with him to build his confidence, style and portfolio of paintings. The two meet on a weekly basis, while d'Auvergne also works in the inspirational space that he calls home.

Orrin d’Avergne's solo art

exhibition is at the MeCurator Art Gallery today, Saturday November 2 from 5pm. For more information call (758) 722 8303 or visit www.mecurator. com and www.orrinspaintings. wixsite.com/gallery

04 LOCAL

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NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

House Amends VAT to Benefit Local Manufacturers!

Dean Nestor

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he manufacturing sector especially has long prayed for an amendment to Schedule 1 of the VAT Act; in particular, the absence of a tax exemption for locally produced “educational supplies”. As Prime Minister Allen Chastanet explained in Parliament on Tuesday, “educational supplies” under the Value Added Tax Act, Cap 15.42 (VAT Act) include “newspapers, trade catalogues and advertising matter, magazines and books and patterns and samples with no commercial value.”

Previous to this week’s amendment: “When those items are produced and printed locally for a third party, the production or printing thereof is treated as a service and subjected to the standard rate of VAT.” In consequence, “The service of printing such as

books, magazines, leaflets and invitations in Saint Lucia was rendered more expensive than the cost of importing a similar printing service, and rendered local suppliers of that service uncompetitive.”

With the amendment, these items will be “treated as exempt supplies as under the Second Schedule of the VAT Act.”

Following the prime minister’s tabling of the VAT amendment motion, a dapper opposition leader Philip J. Pierre was first on his feet.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the VAT exemption for barrels, which was an initiative of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, and surprisingly the government has followed it, unlike many other initiatives.” Pierre’s olive branch turned out to be even shorter than his debate contribution, as he threw in this tiny caveat in relation to “this SLP barrel initiative”.

He said he “did not expect

to be here debating VAT. I thought VAT would have been eliminated. I really thought that there would be no VAT. Five to stay alive, the reduction of VAT and its elimination. But, as many things, this too shall pass.”

What looked like a smirk abruptly appeared. “I also understand the reason, the thinking, behind the first amendment to the VAT tax, but that will remain for another show.”

Castries South MP and recently elected SLP deputy leader Ernest Hilaire seemed to pick up his leader’s cue: “Mr. Speaker, it looks like the kwéyòl weekend had a devastating effect on some people in this House.” As for the tabled motion: “I support it. We make no bones about it. We support it. The leader of the opposition said he supported it. But when are we going to get the elimination of VAT?”

Facilities Superintendent – Southern Division Air Conditioning Technician – Southern Division

Try as they might on Tuesday, opposition leader Philip J Pierre and his party colleagues could not turn what was being done by the government for the benefit of local manufacturers into a debate about an alleged UWP election promise to totally eliminate VAT.

If from there he seemed to take off on his own frolic, no matter. “The fundamental issue is that the members on the other side promised to remove VAT,” he went on.

“Three and a half years later, we’re coming to the House to have an amendment for educational supplies.” He cited a remark by the MP for Castries Southeast who, he said, “even spoke about one particular individual benefitting. I don’t even know what he means but maybe there is a story behind this VAT amendment that we’re not even aware of. And I would love to know, Mr. Speaker, who that one individual is, who’ll be the beneficiary of it. How? Who is it? Am I bringing the truth to light, Mr. Speaker? I don’t know.

I don’t know.”

In trying to make “the fundamental issue” of Tuesday’s proceedings the UWP’s election promise to eventually remove VAT altogether, there was one glaring omission by Pierre, Hilaire & Company.

Castries Southeast MP Guy Joseph, took care of that: “I rise in support of the motion put forth by the Minister of Finance, the member for Micoud South, to create a more level playing field for our manufacturers. The issue concerns manufacturing and printing, and I know why the member for Castries East was very brief. I know why he would not tackle this. On this occasion I could read the smiles, Mr. Speaker. There were some smiles on the other side.

Because you see, Mr. Speaker, when the Labour Party was in government, each time they brought a motion to this House, it was geared toward particular individuals. But today’s decision is going to benefit the manufacturing sector in Saint Lucia. Not just one individual.”

“You’re exposing yourself so easily!” MP Hilaire hollered defensively from his seat. But Joseph was about to lower his boom: “Listen, Mr. Speaker, that’s the party which speaks about friends, family and foreigners. But here’s what they did. They introduced VAT in a manner that gave the foreign entities an advantage over the local manufacturers. That is the wrong we’re finally putting right today!”

St Lucia Hosts 7th Franco–St Lucia Joint Security Committee Session

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he Department of Home Affairs and National Security will host the 7th Session of the FrancoSaint Lucian Joint Security Committee on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

The Franco-Saint Lucia Security Commission came about on March 5, 2004 in order to organise co-operation between the two neighbouring islands of Saint Lucia and Martinique.

The Committee was formed to provide a link with

the Government of Saint Lucia, the Embassy of France in Castries, and the Prefecture of the Region Martinique in Fort de France.

The objectives include organising and addressing shared issues relating to maritime security, extraditions, human and drug trafficking, natural disasters, risk management, and the promotion of judicial cooperation.

Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security,

Senator Hermangild Francis, has indicated that he is looking forward to the joint security meeting as there are a number of priority issues that the Government of Saint Lucia desires to discuss with the French.

Among the subject matters to be discussed are safety at sea, immigration, border control, and judicial co-operation.

The meeting will take place at the Financial Administrative Centre conference room, Pointe Seraphine, Castries.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 02, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

108 year old’s advice to fellow citizens: Avoid self-abuse!

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nnius Isidore Sonny, aka Tata, of Barre St. Joseph celebrated another birthday on September 3—his 108th. Last Saturday, the STAR caught up him and some family members at the Marian Home in Castries. His four daughters, Mary, Henrietta, Augustina and Octavia, described their dad as a hardworking, loving man who did whatever it took to provide for them.

Born in 1911, Sonny grew up with nine siblings, one of whom is also still living. He toiled the fields as a farmer and sugar-cane cutter, and worked as a pan boiler. Marie, his wife of 48 years, passed away in 1986. They had eleven children.

His daughters recalled their early years in Canaries.

“We grew up poor but my dad always made sure that there was love in the home,” said Henrietta. “We didn’t have TV, we didn’t have a radio, but at night he used to gather all of us in our little living room and tell us stories.”

Augustina chimed in: “I remember him cooking for us and sometimes, when we didn’t have enough fish or meat, he would grate a coconut and add the milk to the saltfish to make it expand.”

Sonny’s daughters shared a special bond with their father.

When he worked in Roseau, and sometimes missed the bus, he would walk back to their home in Canaries. “We would be sitting at the end of the road waiting for him, knowing he’d be bringing us treats: sugarcane, sugar lumps

or sugarcane syrup,” said Henrietta.

The women recalled their father was never overly strict and would rarely punish them when they stepped out of line.

He hardly ever raised his voice.

“Our mom was different,” Augustina clarified. “She was the one who disciplined us and made family decisions. He worked, brought the money to my mom, and she would spend it on clothes, pay the light bill and so on.”

Henrietta described her father as a kindhearted, hardworking man who loved his children. “Fool around with him,” she said, eyes awash, “but not with his daughters.” She recalled the time he physically disciplined her for skipping school. As she sat crying, her father joined her, also in tears.

“He said to me, ‘I don’t like to do that but you were wrong. I told you to go to school. Something bad could’ve happened to you on the street and I wouldn’t know.’ That was the kind of father we had.”

Octavia revealed religion had always played a big part in

the lives of the Sonny family.

Before they went to bed each night, they would all say the rosary. They attended church every Sunday, and once a month for confessions. As for her father: “For his age he’s doing very well and is well taken care of. Right now he can’t see or walk but he looks like a 70-year-old. We grew up very poor but I give God thanks that we can pay the Marian Home to take care of him.”

Speaking for a brief moment, the birthday boy offered some advice to fellow Saint Lucians. Leaning against the arms of his wheelchair, he said that although life had not been easy, he’d managed to survive, thanks, he believes, to staying away from dairy. He admitted to smoking cigarettes but only when he was still quite young. Always a staunch Catholic, Annius Sonny said he still prays night and day. “Don’t rough your life too much,” was his advice. “If I had roughed my life when I was young, I wouldn’t be alive today!”

---JSA

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SAINT LUCIA DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT Loan #5493-LC, SCF Loan # TF017101, SCF Grant # TF017143 Assignment Title: Consulting Services to Provide Open Source Geospatial Applications Training Reference No. : DVRP-C-CQS-GIS-01-09 Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank towards the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services to improve the internal processes of the Department of Physical Planning through the use of Open Source Geospatial Applications. This entails Assessment, development of training plans and customized training in the use of QGIS Desktop and associated Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) GIS products. The consulting services (“the Services”) include carrying out of a needs assessment and development of a training plan and delivery of generic training sessions to non-specialists along with the delivery of specialized agency specific training by selecting at least four (4) task specific projects meant to integrate FOSS geospatial tools into existing agency workflows, sourcing of software, hardware, and public awareness activities. The assignment will be for the duration of eight (8) calendar months. (The Terms of Reference may be obtained on the website of the Department of Finance: www.finance.gov.lc ).

The Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services; (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, (please note that the individual experts’ bio data is not required.)

The selection criteria are: The minimum required qualifications and experience of the consulting firm are: • Legally established; • At least ten (10) years of experience in training, development and maintenance of FOSS GIS applications (15 points); • Current or past member of a steering committee or equivalent supervisory role for a mature and widely used FOSS GIS software (7 points); • Proven technical/instructional writing skills in English (5 points); • Demonstrated experience in the production of high-quality cartographic products (both print and web) within the last 5 years (8 points) • Demonstrated experience with Python Programming for FOSS GIS applications (5 points) Similar Experience: Conducted at least two (2) trainings of similar scope and subject matter to this assignment during the past four (4) years (60 points) The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers 2011 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

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

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection Based on Consultants’ Qualifications Method (CQS) set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers 2011 Revised July 2014 (“Consultant Guidelines”).

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

(0800 to 1600 hours).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by November 8, 2019.

108 years old and going strong. Annius Sonny (seated) encourages fellow Saint Lucians to value life. Gathered around their patriarch are grandson, Cliff Jn. Louis, Mary Sonny, grand-daughter Helena Lawrency, Henrietta Longville, Augustina Joseph and Octavia Sonny

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

Consultants should note that only the lead firm will be assessed with a Sub-consultancy; and all firms will be assessed with a Joint Venture

06 local

www.stluciastar.com

NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

How Long Before Another Bordelais Incident?

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imited space, infrastructure deterioration and low staff morale are some of the problems that the director of the Bordelais Correctional Facility, Hilary Herman, has underscored since his appointment in October. Absenteeism, another issue, has been blamed for the recent assault on a 16-yearold female inmate. Last week, Herman told the STAR that officers scheduled for work on the day of the incident did not show up. Consequently, only five officers were on duty instead of the regular nine.

In an interview with the STAR on Monday, Herman did not disclose the number of absent officers, citing certain concerns, including “security”.

Since the incident, however,

all of the absent officers have produced medical certificates.

Some of them had called in sick, others had not. Herman stated that failing to call in sick was a pattern of behaviour for two of the officers. He said he planned to submit a report to the Public Service Commission, which determines disciplinary matters at the BCF.

“In most cases when you call officers in, even when they’re willing to comply, the problem of transportation arises.” Referencing the staff situation on the day of the assault incident, Herman said: “The duty operations manager would have attempted to call in help but in the absence of transport what he did was to have the few officers present

do multiple patrols rather than be stationed at a unit. That was the way of taking care of the situation at that time. That’s after he would have exhausted all of his efforts in trying to call people in.”

He said that solving the longstanding issue of absenteeism at the facility will be a major task, especially since the causes still need to be determined. “I’ve been told that we have a high rate of illness because there may be some environmental issues here. I cannot speak to that because we haven’t done an assessment.

It’s one of the issues that have been brought to my attention since my recent return.”

---Joshua St. Aimee

APPOINTMENT

COINFLOOR LTD. (In voluntary liquidation) Company Number: 1961208 Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 204(1)(b) of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 that the company is in voluntary liquidation. The voluntary liquidation commenced on 6th September 2019. The Liquidator is Kerry Graziola of Craigmuir Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

6th September, 2019 Sgd. Kerry Graziola Liquidator

Faced with a long list of problems, the Bordelais Correctional Facility is in dire need of serious intervention.

O

Taiwan Contributes Charity Supplies to Vulnerable Groups throughout Saint Lucia

n behalf of His Excellency Douglas Shen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, Counsellor Bill ShihChung Huang handed over a full container of charity supplies to the Honorable Lenard Montoute, Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment at a ceremony held at the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) on October 15, 2019. The charity supplies were donated by Simplyhelp Foundation, a TaiwaneseAmerican NGO based in Los Angeles.

Speaking at the event, Counsellor Bill Huang praised Simplyhelp Foundation for its generous donations to the people of Saint Lucia since 2015. He mentioned that Simplyhelp is continuing to provide items including clothing, toys, shoes, baby supplies and electronics for the households in needs this year. The unselfish and unconditional love from Taiwanese expatriates to Saint Lucia is yet another testimony of the abiding friendship and profound connection of hearts

Counsellor Bill Shih-Chung Huang (right) hands over the sample of charity supplies to the Honorable Minister Lenard Montoute.

between the peoples of Taiwan and Saint Lucia. The foundation is more than Simplyhelp; it is a greatly help.

Hon. Lenard Montoute also addressed the needs and the challenges of local vulnerable groups and expressed his deep appreciation for the consistent contribution from the government of Taiwan and the Simplyhelp Foundation. He assured that the supplies will be provided via a network of local community and international

non-governmental organisations to the people most in need throughout the island.

Simplyhelp foundation was formed in 2000 in Los Angeles and is active in 23 countries with a strong presence in Central America and the Caribbean. It was founded by Mrs. Tina Bow, a Taiwanese American and is dedicated to relieving poverty by providing emergency disaster relief, vocational training, and care for the homeless elderly.

THE STAR

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NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

PM REMINDS CRITICS: NO ONE’S BEEN ARRESTED UNDER BUGGERY LAW!

T

he government has not decided on any adjustments to Saint Lucia’s controversial buggery law. This was the word from Prime Minister Allen Chastanet on Tuesday, as he made his way to a sitting of parliament.

“That’s a long-debated issue and I don’t think the country as a whole has decided what should be done about it.

Obviously it will take more dialogue and wider discussions than we’ve had.”

He said the jury was still out as to whether the law is at odds with established human rights. “This is something deserving of review,” he said, “but at this point my government has not decided anything.”

In recent months the future of the buggery law has been heavily debated, if only by a relatively small group of individuals. Outspoken Bishop

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (pictured): In highlighting that no tourist has ever been arrested for buggery, the prime minister says that each country is entitled to hold its own positions.

Dr. Thomas Eristhee is adamant that the law should not be repealed just because “a group of persons want a license to do what is wrong”.

He expressed fears that same-sex marriage would follow if the so-called buggery law was repealed. On the other hand, the board secretary of United and Strong, Jessica St. Rose, announced in August that the law will be challenged in court “very soon”.

In September the president of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), Karolin Troubetzkoy, told reporters the buggery law sends the wrong signal to the world, that it is “outdated”.

She said, without evidence, that there were many travellers from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community overseas who would not visit Saint Lucia because of the law.

On October 15 Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee told the STAR he had seen nothing to suggest the law was having negative impart on visitor numbers. On the contrary, he said, the industry continued to register growth.

He agreed it would take a nationwide demand for the government to consider repealing the buggery law.

Like Fedee, the prime minister played down suggestions that the law has demonstrably impacted the tourism sector one way or another. “It hasn’t in the past,” said Chastanet. “I would not be surprised to hear complaints from special interest groups but it cannot be said visitors have been harassed or arrested based on their sexual preferences alone.”

----JSA

SLHTA FACILITATES CRIME & SECURITY TRAINING FROM INTERNATIONAL TOURISM SECURITY EXPERT

T

he Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association’s Tourism Enhancement Fund successfully facilitated workshops on tourism safety and security for over 200 persons last week. The one-day workshops, led by international safety and security expert, Dr Peter Tarlow, were attended by a large cross-section of hospitality and security professionals. Held from October 22 to 25, the four one-day sessions in Castries and Soufriere included representatives from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Port and City Police, as well as members of the Immigration Department. Also in attendance were beach vendors, jet-ski operators, taxi drivers, vendors from Castries, Gros Islet and Soufriere and a number of local tour guides.

The diverse group members were taken through a number of critical issues key to maintaining the security and enjoyment of visitors to the island. Discussed were the importance of good customer service, best practices for

resolving conflict with a visitor when it occurs and approaches on how to respond to security incidents involving tourists.

The workshop also allowed participants to have an open dialogue on their experiences dealing with visitor security issues and to receive valuable feedback from international security expert Dr Tarlow.

Dr Peter Tarlow is a worldrenowned speaker and expert specializing in such areas as the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, event and tourism risk management, and economic development.

This is his third visit to the island. Over the last year Dr Tarlow has been working closely with the Association to advance safety and security efforts in the local tourism industry, including the development of a National Tourism Security Plan being birthed in conjunction with the Government of Saint Lucia.

“Dr Tarlow has become an invaluable asset to our work at the SLHTA,” explained SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez. “We remain critically aware of many of the challenges our industry

faces from crime, hurricanes, visitor harassment and public health, safety and welfare; and consciously addressing all of these areas is key to our sustainable development, not only within the tourism industry, but as a country as a whole.

Therefore, building the capacity of persons who work closely with visitors to prevent and respond to security issues, and empowering them to transplant that knowledge into their colleagues and community, is of utmost necessity if we want to ensure the continued development of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry.”

The one-day workshops form part of the SLHTA’s reaffirmed focus on addressing visitor safety and security issues in the local tourism industry. Supported by funding through the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr Tarlow has been critical in building a National Tourism Security Plan, through dialogue with public and private sector partners, that will target five issues: safety, security, health, economic wellbeing, and reputation.

SLHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy (left) in discussion with Dr Peter Tarlow (centre) and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

“This ongoing project will be of immeasurable value to not only our tourism industry, but to the collective society.

We have long recognized that the perception of an unsafe country, real or imagined, can cause significant damage

to us,” said SLHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy. “While we acknowledge that the solutions to addressing our national security challenges are complex and cannot be done by one organisation or group, we hope that through

the creation of long-term evidence-based strategies and goal-oriented training, we can make a significant difference in remedying some of the internal and external security concerns our visitors and citizens face on a daily basis.”

THE STAR

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y their own admission, members of the House opposition came to parliament on Tuesday fully expecting business would be over before lunch. Obviously they intended only to voice their support for the day’s motion and then head out. Predictably, they had not anticipated Guy Joseph’s calculated stroll down Memory Lane.

The opposition leader may have triggered the Castries Southeast MP’s need for some intellectual exercise. After all, he could have simply voiced his support for the prime minister’s motion, then taken his seat again. Instead, Philip Pierre mumbled something about how the Kenny Anthony government was responsible for introducing the now much anticipated Christmas barrels, but neglected to take responsibility for the VAT law that his once upon a time leader had denounced as “oppressive, anti-worker and anti-poor”—until he was returned to office.

As for the Vieux Fort North MP, Moses Jn Baptiste said on Tuesday: “Mr. Speaker, I suspect many of us did not come here to debate today, but the events of the last few minutes have caused me to go very far to research history, to put a few things right in this House.”

Among Guy Joseph’s Christmas barrels-related lines that grabbed the opposition by their throats: “Mr. Speaker, also included are the toys that will be distributed. And I want to assure members opposite that when the toys get here, they will get their share for distribution within their constituencies.”

Ernest Hilaire could not let that fly. “The honourable member speaks about toys and distributing toys for Christmas,” he jeered. “I want to say to him that the people of Castries Southeast want jobs for Christmas.”

Surely Hilaire meant to say "the people of Castries South"—his constituents! He continued: “We will get toys but the people want jobs, jobs, Mr. Speaker! That is the most important thing because there are people throughout the constituency who cannot benefit from all the prosperity that the honourable member says exists in Saint Lucia. Where is all that prosperity? And I don’t want you to come and share toys with me. I will get toys. I want you to create jobs.”

Did Guy Joseph set a trap for his opposition colleagues at Tuesday’s House sitting?

The naked non sequiturs did not end there. The Vieux Fort North MP added: “Just very quickly, Mr. Speaker. The member for Castries Southeast spoke about toys. And he said that all parliamentarians will be given toys. And the member for Castries North asks me how many I want.

I want to say, Mr. Speaker, I would have felt better respected, not as Moses Jn Baptiste, but as a member of parliament for Vieux Fort North. It would have been a better day had they consulted us on so many other things in the constituency . . . But toys?

Because the way I look at it, it’s a way of giving toys to children.

The minister goes on TV and says he gave the Vieux Fort North MP

toys for the children. Mr. Speaker, I have to say it in this House: the Member of Parliament for Vieux Fort North personally does not want your toys. I will suggest, Mr. Speaker, to the government what to do with the toys for Vieux Fort North. If you want to give the people of Vieux Fort North toys, there’s a Belle Vue Primary School. The principal of the Vigier Combined School, she’s a new lady, very nice lady, take the toys to her. The Grace Primary School, take the toys to the Grace Primary School.

Take the toys to the Pierrot Primary School. We have six early childhood education centres in Vieux Fort, take the toys to the administrators of the early childhood education centres.”

Contrary to the House rules, Jn Baptiste repeated himself in kwéyòl. The MP actually spent ten minutes talking about Christmas toys.

Trust the Castries North MP to weigh in. “We all know the children look forward to receiving toys at Christmas,” said Stephenson King, perhaps connected to his Santa Claus persona. “We all know that.

But if you do not want the toys, how can you say who should receive them after you’ve rejected them? You must first accept the toys, say thank you very much, and then hand it to Tom, Dick and Mary. You cannot give away what is not yours to give. You must first accept it!”

Transport Minister says Location chosen for Pound

A

n end may be in sight for the long-standing issue of loose animals on Saint Lucia’s roads. This week the transport minister Guy Joseph announced a location has been chosen to set up a pound for the strays. This comes following the Division of Transport’s expressed alarm in August at the increase in the number of animals on our major roadways. The division reminded owners that it is an offence to permit their animals to obstruct the safe flow of traffic. Also, that it carries a fine

of $5,000 or imprisonment for two years. or both.

On September 17 Mr. Joseph told the STAR a contract was being worked on to set up the pound, and that three locations were under consideration. This week he said there had been a delay in clearing imported fencing at the customs department.

The minister did not reveal the precise location of the pound. He promised to do so when all negotiations have been completed.

---JSA

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NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

Opposition Supports Motion of Relief for Burdened Manufacturers I

History was made at Tuesday’s House Session when both government and opposition supported the prime minister’s motion to lift 5-year crippling VAT burden off disadvantaged local manufacturers!

(Pictured PM Allen Chastanet)

n its April 26, 2007 edition the Jamaica Gleaner features a story under the following headline: Anthony Criticizes VAT as Oppressive and Undesirable for Workers and Poor! The paper reported that Prime Minister John Compton, who recently had unseated Anthony as Saint Lucia’s prime minister, that week had announced in parliament that the consumption tax would be introduced within a year, “saying it was necessary as a much needed revenue earner for Saint Lucia . . .”

In his own contribution to the budget debate, the paper noted, Anthony said he considered the tax unnecessary and quoted him thus: “We were never persuaded that VAT was the wisest choice because we believe it is potentially an oppressive tax. It is oppressive to the poor, it is oppressive to workers. The fact is that the cost of living in Saint Lucia is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the OECS. That is why they come to shop here.”

The Jamaican newspaper also reported Anthony as stating that in every country where VAT was introduced, increased food prices immediately followed.

Moreover: “When the minister of finance tells us that he is going to introduce VAT that is revenue neutral . . . all of us know the sole reason why you have to introduce VAT is not only to spread the burden but, most importantly, to raise additional

revenue.”

The record shows VAT was not implemented by Sir John. Following his passing in 2007 his successor Stephenson King stated his intention to do so, but only depending on the country’s economic weather.

Finally it was VAT’s most vehement critic—who placed on Saint Lucia’s statute books what earlier he had emotionally described as “an oppressive law, anti-worker and anti-poor.”

The last thing anyone might’ve expected while following Tuesday’s House meeting was an unending repetition of the history of VAT, obviously salted to taste.

After all, the motion before the parliament was by any measure a simple amendment to the act’s definition of “educational supplies, including newspapers, trade catalogues, advertising matter, magazines, books, patterns and samples with no commercial value.”

As the prime minister observed during his introduction of Tuesday’s motion, the Act in its original form disadvantaged local manufacturers to the benefit of exporters in other countries. “We truly believe that this was an error . . . I cannot believe that either government would want to be prejudiced against any of its local manufacturers.”

He added that the Act as it stood “exempts the importation of such goods as per Schedule 2 and that similar goods are

subject to VAT when produced in Saint Lucia.”

Perhaps by coincidence Kenny Anthony was not on hand to speak on the proposed relief for local manufacturers. Neither was the usually garrulous Alva Baptiste, recently removed from his position as his party’s deputy leader. Philip J. Pierre, Anthony’s second in command when he was prime minister, was first on his feet to offer support for the prime minister’s motion. His attendant three opposition colleagues in their own turn also expressed their unconditional support.

Indeed, the whole side claimed they had expected the particular House sitting to last but a few minutes, thereby implying the prime minister may have hit the nail on the head when he suggested in his introduction that it was likely a mistake was made when VAT was passed into law despite that it gave foreign companies a distinct advantage over their native counterparts.

But then in a letter dated September 12, 2007 it was brought to the notice of the prime minister that VAT as constructed placed local printer/manufacturers at “a disastrous disadvantage, for the obvious reason it makes it impossible for the Saint Lucian to be competitive in this particularly price-conscious market.”

THE STAR

The letter from the director of Star Publishing Company was copied to the commerce minister, her permanent secretary, the VAT project coordinator and the president of the St. Lucia Manufacturers’ Association.

It went on to tell the prime minister: “We urge you to protect the Saint Lucian market. Without your protection the local manufacturer will quickly dry up and cease to exist. VAT is supposed to be administered fairly. By this example, I suggest it is not. As a manufacturer I have invested millions in establishing and maintaining a state of the art printing facility with a proud reputation throughout the Caribbean. We’ve also invested heavily in the training of Saint Lucians to deliver the standard our customers expect of us. I repeat: if you encourage the importation of VAT-exempt printed material, the Saint Lucian manufacturer will be disadvantaged out of business in no time at all . . . We further implore you to act with alacrity in this matter that surely is a life or death situation for local manufacturing.”

I have no sure way of knowing whether Philip J. Pierre was aware of our desperate letter to his prime minister. It would come as no surprise if he was not, keeping in mind Kenny Anthony’s record as prime minister. In all events, there was no response; not from the prime minister, not from the commerce minister.

Meanwhile we were visited more often by the government’s auditors than by customers,

many of whom told us with regret that our prices simply could not compete with our counterparts in Trinidad and elsewhere. Over five years Star Publishing lost millions of dollars, even as we continued to cope with overheads, water, electricity and so on. We were forced to send home loyal personnel that had long been with the company, people with dependents who relied on us for their livelihood.

The government’s attitude to the STAR made worse the changes brought about by the digital era. Soon there were the ominous threats on Facebook and elsewhere that our days were numbered. I have kept on file some of the more pernicious examples, especially some published in the weeks immediately preceding the 2016 elections. It seemed depressingly obvious to us that an orchestrated campaign against Star Publishing was underway, the price for being critical of the Kenny Anthony administration. It has indeed been no cake walk standing up to the below the belt hits— despite that this is the first time I’ve acknowledged this sad truth. The worst part has been the direct victimization of staff desperately in need of their jobs.

Yes, so it was a bittersweet experience to witness, one by one, the House opposition supporting Tuesday’s amendment to the VAT Act, albeit five years after the damage it did, whether or not according to plan!

(See full House report elsewhere in this issue.)

SAINT LUCIA PARTICIPATES IN SITV, CANADAS LARGEST TRAVEL SHOW

T

he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) participated in the 31st edition of the International Tourism and Travel Show (SITV) in Montreal from October 25 to 27, 2019.

The SITV show is the largest travel show in Canada.

It provides destinations with an opportunity to meet one on one with thousands of potential travellers in the French market to provide guidance on their next winter getaway.

With more than 400 exhibitors from the tourism sector, including 100 countries and over 250 tourist regions, the SITV 2019 received over 30,000 visitors during the weekend.

This year, the SLTA exhibited with a double booth for prominent placement and maximum exposure.

Senior Marketing Manager

Jackie Mathurin, was on hand alongside Sales Director, Rod Hanna. Also present was hotel partner Ti Kaye Resort and Spa to highlight Saint Lucia’s dive, romance and wellness offerings.

As in previous years, programming included free admission, lectures and meetings with bloggers who shared their travel experiences and recommendations.

A highlight of the show included a couple booking a trip to Saint Lucia with Sunwing Vacations immediately following SLTA’s recommendation for their next winter vacation.

Getting to Saint Lucia from Montreal couldn’t be easier with direct service from Montreal with Sunwing beginning on December 14, 2019 until March 2020.

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Government Provides Further VAT Relief to Local Manufacturers: Law Prejudiced Manufacturers in Their Own Country!

T

he Government of Saint Lucia continues to provide tax relief to the business sector. This time around the beneficiary is the manufacturing sector. On Tuesday Prime Minister Allen Chastanet moved a motion in the House for an amendment to the Value Added Tax Act to zero rate the service of printing.

In introducing the amendment, the prime minister explained: “Educational supplies as defined under the Value Added Tax Act, Cap 15.42 (VAT Act) including newspapers, trade catalogues and advertising matter, magazines and books and patterns and samples with no commercial value, are treated as exempt supplies under the Second Schedule of the Vat Act. However, when those same items are

produced or printed locally for a third party, the production or printing thereof is treated as a service and subjected to the standard rate of VAT.”

In other words, said Prime Minister Chastanet: “We have manufacturers who by virtue of the existing legislation are prejudiced in their own country. The fact is that those items can be imported and have no VAT on them, yet if these items are produced in Saint Lucia they VAT-able. We truly believe that this was an error because I cannot believe that either government would want to be prejudiced against any of its local manufacturers.”

The prime minister further explained: “This is viewed as rendering the service of printing such as of books, magazines, leaflets and invitations in Saint Lucia more

expensive than the cost of importing a similar printing service, and can render local suppliers of those services uncompetitive."

The prime minister explained to Members of Parliament that goods, as defined by educational supplies under the Vat Act, that are imported, will continue to be exempt from VAT while by zerorating the service of printing, the printing sector will be able to claim the total amount of input tax expended monthly to compete with imports of similar products.

The amendment was unanimously supported by Government and the Opposition.

During the 2017 budget debate, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet also addressed issues in the manufacturing sector concerning the burden from VAT on imported raw

materials used in their production processes. He said: “In addition to the reduction in VAT from 15 to 12.5 per cent, which went into effect from February 1 this year [2017], government had designed a VAT deferral system to minimize the impact of the VAT obligations faced by manufacturers. This system will eliminate the VAT payments on imports of raw materials and no such payment is required subsequently, to the extent that the manufacturer is allowed to claim the full input VAT.”

The introduction of this system benefits manufacturers in that the previous challenges of sourcing funds to pay off import VAT in order to clear raw materials has been eliminated.

This allows manufacturers to see a positive inflow of cash into their business prior to paying off import duties.

CARILEC LINEWORKER OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS UPGRADED TO NVQ LEVEL

Facilitate the free movement of Caribbean line workers in the region

T

he Caribbean Electric Utilities Corporation (CARILEC) has concluded a milestone initiative to upgrade occupational standards for electric line workers to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) credential level. These standards are critical to the process of continuous development, and to the standardization of training and certification in line with CARICOM Vocational Training (CVQ) credentials.

According to CARILEC’s Training Manager Laurena Primus, the CARILEC line worker programme holds major significance for the sector in the Caribbean region. As an NVQ credential, it facilitates the OECS Free Movement of Skills regime.

At the CARICOM level, it facilitates the Free Movement of Goods and Services CSME regime, which promotes the

removal of barriers to intraregional movement and the harmonization of standards to ensure acceptability of goods and services traded.

“In addition to establishing professional standards and accreditation for the industry in the region, the Standards will also fast-track the process of pursuing CVQ accreditation, while also professionalizing the career of Caribbean line workers,” Ms. Primus explained.

The competency-based programme covers five core thematic areas: Maintenance Basics, Overhead Distribution – De-Energized, Overhead Distribution - Energized, Underground (URD) and Transmission. It consists of an instructor's guide and a comprehensive student workbook containing 78 units, each highlighting OSHA regulation snapshots and field performance requirements, high-quality videos, prior learning assessment

recognition, end of unit assessment, Train-The-Trainer, on-the-job training, field performance reports and final exams.

The St. Lucia Technical Vocational Council collaborated with CARILEC to complete the Line Worker Occupational Standards, which they formally handed over to CARILEC during a brief ceremony on Friday October 25, 2019. The process of developing the standards began with the purchase of a generic off-the-shelf, four-year course spanning the entire range of linesman training, from entry level to journeyman level.

Thereafter CARILEC enlisted the expertise of the St. Lucia Vocational Council and subject matter experts from LUCELEC to validate the material, and customize the Standards to the context of Caribbean Utilities realities.

CARILEC’s Executive Director Dr. Cletus Bertin described the completion and

formalization of occupational standards as “an important and timely milestone” for the CARILEC linesman programme.

The programme was established in 2009 to assist CARILEC Member Utilities with the professional development of their lines workers and to simplify CARILEC’s disaster assistance efforts.

“Its value and timing can be best appreciated when viewed vis-à-vis the changing weather phenomenon, recent experiences of the devastation of electrical infrastructure and our response through the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Programme. In such instances meriting joint manpower support to a Member Unity, line workers have to work on electrical configurations that are different from those in their home country. A harmonized procedural approach is beneficial at many levels, not least among which is safety,” Dr. Bertin said.

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Jounen Kwéyòl 2019

L

arge crowds descended on Beausejour, Vieux Fort and Choiseul last Sunday to celebrate Saint Lucia’s 36th annual Jounen Kwéyòl.

Branded a fantastic day by minister in the Ministry of Culture, Senator Fortuna Belrose, she also acknowledged there were a few hitches here and there, in particular the heavy traffic congestion in La Fargue, Choiseul. “With more efficient management of the traffic around there, maybe we could have had a better flow into Choiseul,” she stated.

Belrose focused in on the use of environmentally friendly local products, singling Choiseul out for praise. The culture minister also urged patrons to exclusively use the more environmentally friendly alternatives in future and avoid single-use plastics.

While Belrose expressed satisfaction with the fashion on display and the myriad of cultural activities which took place, she highlighted the fact that the “culinary experience is what really struck quite a few people. People indulged a lot in the food and the drink.”

november 02, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 02, 2019

First International Conference on Sargassum in Guadeloupe concludes successfully

T

he 1st International Conference on Sargassum was successfully hosted in Guadeloupe. The event, which took place from October 23 to 26, 2019, brought together stakeholders from the Caribbean and other countries of the world to discuss the issue of sargassum. The general public is invited to watch the videos of the conferences on the Facebook pages of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), in English and French.

Official delegations of multiple countries, territories and regional organisations were present in Guadeloupe on the occasion of the 1st International Conference on Sargassum: the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the Organization of American States (OAS), Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy, France, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil and the USA. The International Conference on Sargassum has resulted from the commitment and support of the President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, Ary Chalus, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. This conference pursued three main objectives: • enhancing the dissemination of knowledge about sargassum to the general public, • identifying the actions implemented by the authorities of the countries and territories impacted and the best strategies to address this phenomenon, • strengthening co-operation in this area by defining a common political strategy which involves stakeholders at the regional and international levels.

The International Conference on Sargassum was inaugurated by an exhibition showcased at the University of Antilles which was followed by official speeches, as well as the screening of two movies and a debate with the general public.

In his introductory speech,

ACS Secretary General June Soomer (left) and Head of the OECS Environmental Sustainability Cluster Chamberlain Emmanuel.

President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe Ary Chalus highlighted the need to preserve the maritime heritage of the Caribbean islands which has a critical role for the economic development. “We continue to fight and provide assistance to communities impacted by the invasion of sargassum and businesses led to closure, so that they do not lose hope. Therefore, I was very pleased to host this International Conference on Sargassum which, I hope, will open a door of hope. We live in small islands, and this maritime heritage has contributed to our economic development and a quality of life envied around the world. Notwithstanding the exposure of our shoreline to the direct impacts of climate change, it would be a mistake to consider our insularity as a handicap. Because of their geographical position, countries and territories of the Caribbean must spearhead the environmental responsibility,” President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe Ary Chalus explained.

Secretary General of the ACS June Soomer reminded that the issue of sargassum remains a priority for the entire Caribbean. “We must address this challenge, especially as many countries and territories have been mobilising important funds to try to control this phenomenon. We have been talking about it since 2011.

I was very pleased because we discussed solutions, opportunities and innovations in this area. In addition, we

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spoke as one for the first time by making a major regional political statement which, I hope, will have an international impact,” Secretary General of the ACS June Soomer stated.

OECS Head of the Environmental Sustainability Cluster, Chamberlain Emmanuel, drew the attention of the participants on the impacts of sargassum in the OECS Member States through the screening of a movie which highlighted the difficulties faced by the governments.

He also reminded of the commitment of the OECS to address the issue.“In July 2018, the 5th Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers for Environmental Sustainability held in Montserrat considered 'Sargassum: Challenges and Opportunities' as a priority, and issued a statement and made related decisions. The very large delegation of ministers present in Guadeloupe was a testimonial of the permanent commitment to address this issue and demonstrated that this International Conference on Sargassum is totally in line with our vision. This event was a hub for exploring concrete solutions and building resilience to the invasion of sargassum.”

The International Conference on Sargassum ended with a Summit of Heads of Governments of multiple countries in which a final declaration was signed to reflect their commitment to provide concrete and lasting responses to the invasion of sargassum.

OECS Partners convene in Saint Lucia to assess how to improve Disaster Preparedness

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epresentatives from twelve OECS Member States met on October 17 and 18 in Saint Lucia to assess how they can enhance preparedness for natural hazards, such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, when weather forecasts show that trouble is on the way.

The fifty participants looked at how forecast information could be used to trigger emergency actions— such as checks on critical infrastructure, distribution of supplies to secure property, and evacuations—that would reduce the impacts of natural hazards on communities. This proactive approach, which seeks to reduce damage before a disaster occurs, is called ‘forecast-based early action’.

The event was hosted by the OECS Commission, with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD)’s Adapt’Action programme, and run by the Overseas Development Institute, the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and Ramboll Consulting.

Caroline Eugene, Permanent Secretary at the

Department of Sustainable Development, Saint Lucia, opened the workshop, saying: “We have been reminded of how fragile our countries are as we witness the devastation of [Hurricane] Dorian on our neighbours. Could we have been better prepared? We have to cushion the deadly blows that are meted out to us year after year.”

Ms Eugene added that in light of recent damage from natural hazards in the Caribbean, OECS Member States should seek innovative ways to pursue forecast-based early action. “We must ensure that measures are in place to adapt our institutional frameworks,” she said. “We must also systematically assess and adapt to the financial framework demanded by disasters.”

The workshop brought together a broad mix of stakeholders, including representatives from meteorological agencies, environment and planning departments, disaster risk management agencies, humanitarian organisations, sectors at high risk from natural

hazards (such as health and agriculture), local authorities and indigenous peoples’ representatives.

Participants took stock of OECS Members’ existing resources and debated how these could be marshalled to protect lives and assets more effectively when an extreme weather event is forecast. They especially focused on how OECS Members could pool their resources so as to help each other when needed.

Participants’ ideas are being compiled into recommendations for a forecast-based early action mechanism for the OECS, which will be presented to ministers for feedback next year.

According to Crispin d’Auvergne, Programme Coordinator for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management at the OECS Commission: “This workshop has been extremely valuable in raising awareness and interest in forecast-based early action and in gaining the perspectives of participants. We at the OECS truly look forward to the recommendations which, once finalised, will lay the basis for advancing forecast-based early action in the OECS region.”

Peace Corps

Conference Facilities Needed Peace Corps intends to offer a firm-fixed price contract for lodging, catering, and conference services for a Primary English Literacy Workshop to be held in St. Lucia for approximately 85 participants arriving Sunday, March 15 and departing Saturday, March 21, 2020.

Application: If you wish to apply for this tender, please write lc-hr@peacecorps.gov for a copy of the bidding documents/ Request for Quotation (RFQ).

Interested vendors should submit a quote for the services as described in the RFQ via email by midnight November 20th, 2019 with the subject line: 2020 Literacy Workshop Quotation to the following address: • lc-hr@peacecorps.gov Questions about this RFQ should be sent to Sharon Sealy at ssealy@ peacecorps.gov. Offers received after the closing date will not be accepted.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Overview Cabinet by Conclusion no. 764 of 2019, approved the introduction of a fixed nightly accommodation fee on all guests of accommodation services in Saint Lucia. According to the Conclusion, the Saint Lucia Tourist Authority (SLTA) must: 1. Build and maintain a database of

accommodation providers on island 2. Introduce a tiered accommodation fee based on the accommodations’ classification

according to its Average Daily Rate (ADR).

3. Revise its organizational structure and staffing to implement and audit payments

from accommodations providers 4. Formulate a committee (SLTA, Ministry of Finance, Sector Representatives) to explore

and report back to Cabinet Action Plan The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority thus seeks a proposal for a consultant (individual or company), to create an implementation guide for this project.

Priority emphasis will be given to a consultant that can submit a proposal that is cost effective and which provides the greatest efficiency to secure data in real time.

Scope of Work The consultant selected will be required to: 1. Design a database instrument and methodology to collect information and ultimately create a database of all accommodation providers on island, broken down by room classifications based on the

ADR for both peak and off-peak seasons.

2.

Review preliminary concepts for implementation of the Accommodation Fee developed by the SLTA team and advise

on feasibility of the concepts.

3.

Provide a solution for the most suitable, cost effective and efficient method to implement the Accommodation Fee and to validate the information submitted by the accommodation providers when remitting the fees collected. This would include any IT requirements for hardware and software.

4. Advise on the best possible approach to

implement the new process, even if it means

through a two or multi-pronged approach.

5.

Design and execute a Communication Plan to explain the new process, which identifies the different target audiences, messages, timing and the person or parties responsible for presenting the information.

6. Identify the different sharing platforms available on island and develop a working

relationship with each, in an effort to start the

information sharing process.

7. Make recommendations for staffing requirements for implementing and auditing

the Accommodation Fee. 8. Work closely with Committee members (Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Finance, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, St. Lucia Hospitality Association) to ensure the legal drafting and necessary amendments to the Tourism Authority Act as well as the Cabinet Conclusion are complete and all encompassing.

The final scope of work will be negotiated with the selected consultant.

Schedule Proposals should be received by 4:30 pm on Friday, 8th November 2019. Any submissions received after this date will not be considered.

Proposal Submission Requirements To receive consideration, proposals must be submitted as follows: 1. Proposals should include a cover letter

to the attention of the Chief Corporate Officer.

The cover letter must include the name of the proposing individual/company, the name (s) of the professional (s) proposed to provide direct service for the duration of the project,

e-mail address, postal address and telephone numbers.

2.

Proposals should include a narrative that speaks to the qualifications relevant to Evaluation Criteria outlined below, including a timeline with benchmarks and the number of hours and cost to accomplish the Scope of Work outlined above.

3. Proposals must clearly outline the responsibilities both of the Authority and that of the consultant. All costs payable by the Authority for these services must be

clearly defined.

4. Proposals should include the resume(s) of the professional (s) who will provide direct

service for this project.

By submitting a proposal, the consultant authorizes the Authority to contact references to evaluate consultant’s qualifications for this project.

Evaluation Criteria All proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: • Performance capability – the extent to which the proposal demonstrates ability to provide the depth and breadth of experience, skills, knowledge and creativity generally required

for this project.

• Completeness and quality of response – the

thoroughness and concern for quality in your response.

• Understanding of and commitment to the

Authority mission and strategic objectives • Budget • Experience with similar organizations,

preferably in the tourism sector.

References Please list the organization name, contact person, title, telephone number and email address of three references for similar projects, as well as a brief description of each project including the outcomes.

Interviews Top rated candidates may be invited to an interview with the Authority’s Board of Directors.

Contract Award The Authority plans to select and award a contract to the best qualified consultant by 25th November 2019. The selected consultant and the Authority will then mutually discuss and refine the scope of works for the project and shall negotiate final conditions, compensation and performance schedule for the subsequent contract to be executed.

The Consultant will be required to provide all the deliverables under the scope of works by 31st December 2019. An interim report to be submitted by 15th December 2019.

Submission All proposals should be addressed to: Chief Corporate Officer, 1 Bella Rosa Road, Gros Islet, PO Box 221, Castries Saint Lucia.

Of Via email address: ChiefCorporateOfficer@stlucia.org

NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

Kimberly Who? Even the Police have Stopped Talking about the Mother of Two!

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t’s been a year since Kimberly de Leon was fatally shot in her own home as she prepared for bed. Her two children were also at home; her police officer husband later claimed he was at work at the time. To commemorate her daughter’s death, Mary Williams held a candle-light vigil march on Tuesday. Just over twenty people gathered in George Mallet Serenity Park, their candles held high. Most of the attendees were family members or close friends.

The marchers were then escorted by the police down John Compton Highway to Constitution Park as they shouted: “We want justice!

Justice for Kimberly!” I was in the process of capturing a moment when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to be confronted by a tall, young man with his headphones on.

“What’s going on?” he asked. After I’d told him he asked: “Who was Kimberly de Leon?” I supplied further details, including that the police had made a number of contradictory statements about the fatal shooting at the Morne.

I added that there were no suspects. His curiosity satisfied, the young man adjusted his headphones and walked away.

There was much expressed grief last October when mother of two Kimberly de Leon was fatally shot in her bedroom by person or persons unknown. But the cries for justice, so loud a year ago, evidently have been forgotten.

Another curious passerby also wanted to know what the chanting was about. I obliged and she said: “I heard someone talking about a march on Timothy Poleon’s show.”

That someone was Mary Williams, Kimberly’s mother.

Her interview with the host of Newsspin had little impact, obviously. It seems the public a long time ago had gotten over the horror of Kimberly’s death last October. Not so her mother.

Neither Kimberly’s two young children, also at the march.

Nothing at Constitution Park suggested more than a handful of citizens cared about “Justice for Kimberly!”

No surprise that the deceased wife of a police officer was not mentioned in parliament on Tuesday.

Evidently, she did not rate as highly as “barrels and Christmas toys”. (See story on page 10.)

--DN

Handover of Ambulance to St. Jude Hospital

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t. Jude Hospital is expected to provide better emergency medical service in the south of the island, following the recent official handover ceremony of an ambulance.

Chairman of the St. Jude Hospital Board Wayne Harrow said it is hoped that the ambulance will be put to good use. “The ambulance is high tech; it is fitted with all necessary gadgets to make an appropriate functional machine. It will be used for hospital to hospital transfers, hospital to homes transfers and assist when necessary with emergency and mass casualty and mass events,” said Harrow.

Officer-in-charge at St.

Jude Hospital, Dr. Sylvester Francois expressed appreciation and gratitude for the ambulance that will better serve the people in the south of the island: “An ambulance is a daily need and, with this addition to our fleet, I am happy that we can respond to the multiple needs that we get: multiple requests for transfers, for home deliveries or taking patients home. It will go a long way to ensure that we provide the quality of service that our clientele, the population, has come to expect.”

Emergency Room Specialist at St. Jude Hospital, Dr Patrick Joseph said he is very pleased with the donation of the ambulance, as it will

contribute to saving people’s lives.

“We are very thankful on behalf of the emergency room and EMS service for the efforts made by the management of the St. Jude hospital and board of directors for providing us with an ambulance that is fully equipped, and we will be using this service to transport patients from hospital to hospital, also partaking in any mass casualty events in the south," said Dr Joseph.

The St. Jude Hospital Board remains committed to strengthening the medical services provided to the residents in the south of the island.

THE STAR

november 02, 2019

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november 02, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR NOVEMBER 02, 2019

REPUBLIC BANK OPENS ITS DOORS IN ST. LUCIA R epublic Bank (EC) Limited has opened the doors of its three-branch network in Sain Lucia, following the acquisition of the operations of the Bank of Nova Scotia by Republic Financial Holdings Ltd. The transaction has received all required regulatory approvals from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are tremendously excited to open our doors in Saint Lucia,” said recently appointed Managing Director, Republic Bank (EC) Ltd., Michelle Palmer-Keizer, “Republic has a tradition of excellence and we look forward to continuing to build on this legacy by partnering with the dynamic banking team in Saint Lucia to deliver excellence in customer satisfaction, employee engagement and social responsibility. We are driven by a philosophy of expansion through organic growth and by ensuring strong local participation in all of our investments, for the long term.”

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A senior member of the Republic Group for over two decades and the former General Manager, Group Marketing and Communications at Republic Bank Limited, Michelle PalmerKeizer, is a banking professional with extensive experience in credit card business, product and research development, financial product management, operational management, strategic management, and marketing and communications.

She is a member of the Association of Business Executives, by whom she was awarded the World Prize for Quantitative Methods. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Marketing Management from the Association of Business Executives and a Diploma in Management Studies from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.

Ms. Palmer-Keizer says that alongside an executive team which includes I. Fidela Haynes – General Manager, Corporate Services and Shawn Moses – General Manager,

Business and Retail Banking, plus a staff of over ninety employees in Saint Lucia, Republic Bank will draw on its proven philosophy of maintaining strong local participation in all aspects of the Bank’s operations.

The Bank, which has a strong international correspondent banking network, will make available to the Saint Lucian market a wide array of products and services, plus access to its wealth of banking expertise, including commercial and retail, as well as merchant and corporate banking.

The assets of the Republic Group stood at US$ 10,548 million as at September 30, 2018. Over 182 years old, with a diverse network of 118 branches, in seventeen territories and more than 5,900 employees, Republic Bank has launched several key initiatives, including being the first bank in the Caribbean to offer credit cards with chip and PIN technology.

Taiwan Technical Mission Assists Banana Farmers with Black Sigatoka Disease Control and Fruit Quality Control

he Taiwan Technical Mission and the Banana Productivity Improvement Project (BPIP) held training workshops on Black Sigatoka Control and Fruit Quality Control at the field level. These training workshops were put together as a result of repeated reports on quality issues from the Marketing Company Winfresh and regional exporters. The training workshops were held in Odsan, Ti Rocher, Desruisseaux and Jacmel on October 10, 17, 24 and 28. Banana packers had the opportunities to practise packing different product types under professional

instructions.

The regional exporters provided the participants with an overview of the marketing situation in the Caribbean islands, as it relates to Saint Lucia bananas with quality concerns and issues.

Practical training sessions were held, where trained BPIP officers provided the specifications for different product types and demonstrated the packing skills of how to pack them, from banana bunch to box in the field level.

In addition, Taiwanese Banana production expert Johnson Wu explained the relationship between Black Sigatoka Disease and fruit quality issues. He indicated

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that by controlling Black Sigatoka Disease, uneven ripening of banana fruits can be reduced, therefore fruit quality issues would be controlled as well.

More than 230 farmers benefitted from these training workshops. The Taiwan Technical Mission and BPIP will conduct more training workshops with banana farmers from all the banana producing areas on the island. The Taiwan Technical Mission continues to support banana farmers by providing the required assistances in an effort to meet the desired quality and to ensure the banana market.

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION NOTICE TELECOMMUNICATIONS APPLICATION PROCESSES In keeping with the Telecommunications Act of 2000 and ensuing Regulations, the Commission wishes to inform all members of the public and other stakeholders that a telecommunications licence, certification or registration, and in some instances, frequency authorisations must be obtained for the following services and operations: Class Licences: • Private Telecommunications Network Licence • Value-Added Services Licence • International Simple Voice Resale Licence • Short Term Licence (< 15 days) • Audio-text Services • Video-text Services • Amateur Radio Licence • Family Radio Service Licence • Land Mobile Radio Licence • Maritime Mobile Radio Licence • Aeronautical Mobile Radio Licence • Ship Station Radio Licence

Certification: • Type Approval

Frequency Authorisation (as required for wireless operations)

Registrations: • • • •

•

• •

Terminal Equipment Dealer Customer Premise Wiring Amateur Radio Examination Restricted Internet Service Provision Licence ( = 15 units) Full Internet Service Provision Licence (>15 units) Citizen Band Radio Exemptions

Individual Licences: • Fixed Public Telecommunications Licence • Public Mobile Telecommunications Licence • Public Radio Paging Licence • Internet Networks and Services Licence • Subscriber Television Licence

All Licences, Certifications, Registrations and Authorisations should ideally be obtained prior to commencement of service, operation or ordering of equipment to avoid delays, and to ensure timely release of equipment from the Customs & Excise Department, Ministry of Finance & Economic Affairs.

All Telecommunications Licences & Frequency Authorisations are issued by the Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications.

For more information, please view the Commission’s website at ntrcslu.lc.

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission can be contacted at telephone numbers- (758) 458 2035/ 452 6871; email: ntrc@ntrcslu.lc; ntrc_slu@candw.lc

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CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK EXPRESSION OF INTEREST EXTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) wishes to engage a firm of external auditors for the financial years 2020 through 2024.

The external auditors will be required, inter alia, to audit the financial statements for the five financial years ending December 31, 2020 through 2024 in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and issue an audit opinion on financial statements prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards, for the Bank and its pension-related funds and on special purpose financial statements of the other funds under the Bank’s administration. The external auditors will also be required to support the Bank’s various note and/or bond offerings in the capital markets worldwide during the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025.

Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in an eligible country, have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen(s) and/or a bona fide resident(s) of an eligible country or countries or by a body or bodies corporate meeting these requirements. In all cases, the firm(s) should have no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangement whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person or persons not a citizen(s) or bona fide resident(s) of an eligible country.

For the purposes of this engagement, eligible countries are CDB Member Countries.

CDB hereby invites qualified firms who are interested in undertaking these services, to submit information in the questionnaire mentioned below and in addition must provide information to satisfy the following requirements: (a)

be an accounting firm which has been operating for a minimum of ten years; have an international operating infrastructure; operate under common standards and policies worldwide and have formal continuing education programmes;

(b)

furnish the Bank with a general background of the firm including description of ownership and structure encompassing its national and international operations;

(c)

have the ability to conduct audits under International Standards on Auditing and issue audit opinions on financial statements prepared in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards;

(d)

have the ability to service the auditing and related needs of the Bank and provide professional support in connection with note and/or bond issuances in capital markets worldwide; and

(e)

be experienced in auditing multilateral banks and/or international commercial banks.

Accounting firms are required to submit a completed copy of a questionnaire and required information to The Head - Internal Audit, CDB via the e-mail address provided below. Copies of the questionnaire are available on the CDB website https://www. caribank.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/Questionnaire%20 Request%20for%20Expressions%20of%20Interest%20 Questionnaire.pdf After evaluation of the information submitted, a shortlist of not less than three (3) and not more than six (6) firms will be selected and invited to submit proposals for the provision of the services.

The terms of reference for the services will be made available to the shortlisted firms.

The approximate date for commencement of the services is expected to be July 1, 2020. CDB shall not be bound to assign any reason for not shortlisting any applicant and shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by applicants.

Eligible countries are CDB Member Countries.

All submissions are to be in English and must be received by the Head – Internal Audit via email at internalaudit@caribank.org

by November 25, 2019.

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november 02, 2019 THE STAR

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Forty Recommendations 34: Guidance and Feedback The Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

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uidance and feedback are critical components of an effective regulatory framework. Recommendation 34 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations explores this matter.

This recommendation requires competent authorities, supervisors and self–regulatory bodies to establish guidelines and provide feedback to financial institutions and designated non-financial business and professions, such as accountants, casinos, real estate agents and attorneys (referred to as other business activities in the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act). A self-regulatory body, as defined by the Financial Action Task Force, is “a body that represents a profession (e.g. lawyers, notaries, other independent legal professionals or accountants), and which

is made up of members from the profession, has a role in regulating the persons that are qualified to enter and who practise in the profession, and also performs certain supervisory or monitoring type functions”.

The feedback provided should assist financial institutions and DNFBPs in applying national measures geared towards combatting money laundering and terrorist financing. It should also enable these entities to better detect and report suspicious transactions.

Under section 6(1)(h) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, Cap.12.20 the FIA, which is the anti-money laundering regulator, can “inspect and conduct audits of a financial institution or a person engaged in other business activity to ensure compliance with this Act”. These audits have the primary purpose of identifying strengths and weaknesses.

It is then incumbent upon the competent authority to provide these entities with a detailed

account of what has been identified. In doing so, the entity is better placed to implement a risk-based approach to correct deficiencies.

The regulator is responsible for developing creative and effective means through which the information can be communicated to entities. It may be through meetings with compliance officers, correspondences, general notices posted on websites or trainings in which typologies are examined. The regulator must also implement avenues through which corrective actions taken by financial institutions or DNFBPs are identified and measured for effectiveness.

Suspicious transactions can be reported to the FIA through its website at www.slufia.com. These reports are held in the strictest of confidence. Information on the FATF Forty Recommendations can found on the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) website at https://www. cfatf-gafic.org.

INCREASE IN VISITOR ARRIVALS

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fter seven recordbreaking months of increases for 2019, captured figures indicate that Saint Lucia received 21,608 stay-over visitors for September—a 15% increase from last September and the largest percentage increase for the year. This figure surpasses the record set in 2017 (20,049).

Most of this growth was driven by the 15% increase in arrivals from the US market—an additional 1,156 visitors.

The second largest real growth (1,144 visitors) was seen in the Caribbean market, which grew by 25%, owing in large measure to the hosting of CPL cricket endorsed under the Caribcation banner.

All other markets (except the UK and other parts of Europe) increased by double digits in September, with France and Canada in the lead with 52% and 43% increases respectively.

“While we welcome the increases, we will not stop in exploring every possible avenue, programme, policy or niche, that will keep us top of mind in the marketplace,” noted Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee.

THE EXPLOSION OF YOGA

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hat has Yoga brought to the western world besides just the practice of yoga? Classes, workshops, teacher training, retreats, yoga props and clothes, just to name a few.

Let’s begin with classes.

Fifteen years ago in most places in the world we had to do our research to find a yoga studio; they were difficult to find. Now, Yoga Journal Magazine tells us that there are over 6,000 yoga studios in the US and 20.4 million people are practising yoga. The British Wheel of Yoga reports that there are over 10,000 yoga teachers in the UK with 300,000-460,000 people practising yoga today.

Workshops: Most established yoga studios offer workshops. A workshop could be on a particular group of asanas (poses) such as standing poses, backbends, inversions, forward bends, pranayama or restoratives. A workshop could also focus on a particular part of the body such as knees and knee injuries, weak hips, the way that we stand on our feet, painful backs or necks

and shoulders. Workshops are great because we learn about the poses and talk about them as we experience how yoga affects different parts of the body.

Retreats: A yoga retreat can be for just one day or several weeks. There are retreats which cover every topic that yoga has to offer.

It can be a retreat with only the physical aspect of yoga, practising only the asanas. It can focus on emotional and mental health, diet, breathing, philosophy; even all of them together in one retreat. A retreat normally involves an overnight stay so that the day begins and ends with yoga, becoming completely immersed in the practice, teaching and experience of what yoga really is.

Teacher training: A good, in-depth training is very important for those who want to become a yoga teacher.

There are many programmes available but not so many really good ones. Frequently teachers are being turned out faster than they should be. A good

training programme teaches the basic fundamentals of each pose, what to do and how to do it properly, how to teach it and how to modify the pose for people with issues such as bad knees, hips, backs or whatever happens to be the problem.

Therefore, learning the anatomy of the human body is a must.

Yoga props: These include blocks to help us if we can’t touch the floor in a forward bend, straps to assist us in straightening our arms, backbend benches to help us with backbends, headstand benches to help with headstands, blankets to assist us in sitting properly and, of course, the yoga mat so that our

hands and feet don’t slide on the floor.

Yoga clothes: With everything that we do in our world today we must dress appropriately so, of course, we must have yoga clothes. These garments are comfortable and allow us to move about with no restrictions so that when we’re upside down we don’t need to be concerned with what our clothes are doing. Yoga pants are so popular that they have now surpassed blue jeans in the clothing industry in the US.

Yoga has become big business around the world so something must going on to create so much interest. Try it yourself and see what you think!

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

THE STAR

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HEALTH

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NOVEMBER 02, 2019

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KIM’S KORNER There’s nothing sweet about diabetes!

n 2007 a Canadian group declared that Saint Lucia had the highest per capita incidence of diabetes in the world. Official figures from the World Bank state that in 2016 14.6 per cent of the population had diabetes; the figure dropped to 11.6 per cent in 2017. However, we are still a lot higher than the United States at 10.8 per cent, Canada at 7.4 per cent and the United Kingdom at 4.3 per cent. Changes in diet and lifestyle may have played a part in this steady decline but what exactly is diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder where the body is unable to control sugar (glucose) levels in the blood, either due to poor sensitivity to the protein insulin or poor production of insulin by the pancreas. Glucose comes from either our food or from the liver, where it is stored as glycogen, which is converted to glucose when blood sugar levels are low and we have not eaten for a while. Glucose is an essential source of energy used by muscles and it is also the main source of fuel for brain function.

There are three types of DM. The first is irreversible but the other two are classed as reversible, although it may take a lot of effort and discipline.

Type 1 DM, also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), is a chronic disorder where blood sugar is high (hyperglycemia), with disruption of the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. High blood sugar is normally controlled by insulin.

In this condition the pancreas produces little or no insulin at all. It tends to have a rapid onset and predominately affects children and adults under 30 years of age.

Type 2 DM usually occurs in adults and is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It can often be controlled with diet and medication. Unlike Type 1 DM, the body does produce enough insulin. The problem is with the liver, fat and muscle cells which respond differently to insulin.

This causes a build-up of sugar in the blood.

Gestational diabetes occurs

during pregnancy. There may be no sign of diabetes before the pregnancy and, in most cases, it disappears after giving birth.

High blood sugar levels can be a risk to both mother’s and baby’s health but by adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritional foods and exercising, blood sugar spikes can be controlled.

If diet and exercise alone are not effective then medication may be prescribed. Although it disappears after birth, it can increase the risk of developing Type 2 DM.

There are known risk factors for developing DM. Some are present across all three types but some are unique:

Type 1 DM – family history, pancreatic disease, infection or illness which can affect the pancreas.

Type 2 DM – obesity, sedentary lifestyle, impaired glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, gestational diabetes, ethnicity, age, family history, polycystic ovaries.

Gestational diabetes – obesity, glucose intolerance, ethnicity, family history, age.

The symptoms of prediabetes and Type 2 DM are not always obvious and Type 1 DM may initially go unnoticed, but over a short period the loss of body weight, despite an increased appetite, raises the alarm.

There are also other obvious signs like an unquenchable thirst and increased frequency of urination, although the increased trips to the bathroom are usually seen as the result of the increased fluid intake.

There are other symptoms that become more noticeable and it is these that often prompt a visit to the doctor. The most obvious are tiredness, a feeling of weakness, being easily irritated, blurred vision and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

As the symptoms of DM are not always obvious, regular blood screening should take place in those who have high risk factors. If DM is suspected, there are several tests that can be carried out to confirm

a diagnosis, such as fasting plasma glucose test, an oral glucose tolerance test or a random plasma glucose test.

Complications of DM are not immediate and develop slowly over a period of time.

The most common cause of complications is uncontrolled blood sugar levels which increases the risk of: • Cardiovascular diseases such as angina, heart attack and stroke.

• Nerve damage caused by damage to capillary walls, the small blood vessels that nourish the nerves. Symptoms include tingling, burning or pain which can start in the tips of the fingers and toes and spread upwards. But it isn’t only the limbs that are affected; it is also possible to experience damage to the nerves of the digestive system, causing

nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. It has even been known to cause erectile dysfunction in men.

• Kidney damage which can progress to irreversible kidney failure.

Eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts are another regularly seen complication. If there is damage to the blood vessels of the retina, it can lead to blindness.

The need for lower limb amputation is another complication caused by infections. Poor circulation, decreased sensation, a higher risk of bacterial and fungal infection coupled with poor healing can increase the risk of losing a limb. All diabetics are therefore encouraged to practise good foot care.

Prevention is always better than cure and although Type 1

Saint Lucia’s high diabetes rate could be lowered if citizens were to make better personal choices.

DM cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing gestational and Type 2 DM. Choose a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fibre. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day; it can be something as simple as a brisk walk or a swim. Keep your

weight down; being overweight is one of the common risk factors for all three types of DM. Lastly, but importantly, manage your blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a silent killer and not only a risk factor for DM.

Follow these steps to a happier, healthier life.

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

A Kenyan doctor is seeking to legalize female genital mutilation

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atu Kamau is asking Kenya’s courts to allow women above the age of 18 to be able to practice female genital mutilation (FGM), saying they have a right to choose what they do to their bodies at that age. She wants the Kenyan government to annul the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2011 and the board set up to enforce the law, disbanded.

FGM is widely condemned in the country and across parts of Africa but Kamau argues in a 2017 petition filed against the government, that it is an age-old Kenyan tradition and that an outright ban infringes on a woman’s right to exercise her cultural beliefs. Kamau is representing herself in the case before the Nairobi High Court.

She told judges last Thursday that the term mutilation is “offensive” and denigrates the cultural significance of the practice.

“Women who took their daughters for circumcision were not taking them there to destroy them. Those children were not

million girls and women across 30 countries are affected by the practice. FGM, internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of women and girls, can cause severe bleeding and other health issues, infections, infertility and complications in childbirth, according to the World Health Organization.

Anti-FGM campaigners have A Kenyan is proposing that some women want described Kamau’s position as FGM for traditional and cultural reasons. “outrageous”, saying arguments to overturn the Act erodes progress thrown away afterward, they professionals; those are the were celebrated as respected only people who are allowed to that has been made in the fight for women’s and girls’ rights in Kenya. members of the society. To do it,” Kamau said.

“It’s outrageous that a use the word in our context

FGM is illegal for both supposed doctor, who should suggests that it is malicious women and girls in Kenya, be protecting Kenyan women and that we are intentionally and individuals involved in the and girls, is trying to put them damaging our females. To me, it practice could spend three in harm’s way. Her comments is very wrong,” Kamau said. years in jail even if it’s done suggest that she doesn’t seem

She is pushing for medical outside the country’s border. to understand basic medicine,” workers and “certified” Despite the law, many women said Brendan Wynne from the traditional cutters to be allowed are undergoing the cut in rural Five Foundation, a global to circumcise women.

Kenya where cultural and partnership to end FGM.

“We could have had traditional beliefs persist that “FGM causes lifelong damage limitations of where you can do FGM—the partial removal of the and can kill. Let’s not roll back it, when, who can do it for you external female genitalia such and how. Those things could as the clitoris or labia—reduces progress at a point when Kenya is finally starting to see some have been controlled—such a woman’s desire for sex. that you have certain months

According to UN estimates, traction on this issue.”

Kamau’s petition has been of the year and that is the 21 per cent of Kenyan women only time you can do and it between the ages of 15 and 49 adjourned until December.

---CNN can only be done by certain have been cut, and at least 200

24 SPORTS

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“Spider Cup” set to kickoff

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NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

Saint Lucia OECS Swim Team Selected

t Vincent and the Zaina Brawthwaithe (Sharks Eighteen and over: Evelyn Grenadines will be the Swim Club), James Sylvester Day (Sharks Swim Club), Siona home of the 29th edition of (Seajays Swim Club), Aaron Huxley (Sharks Swim Club), the OECS Swim Championship, Charles (Lightning Swim Club), Jean Luc Zephir (unattached), scheduled from November 8 Noah Dorville (Seajays Swim Nicholas Mc Lennon (Seajays to 10, 2019 at the Shrewsbury Club).

Swim Club), Adam Stromberg Aquatic Centre.

Nine to ten: Damari (unattached).

Anguilla, Antigua and Maxwell (Seajays Swim Club), Reserve swimmers include Barbuda, British Virgin Alexandra Bristol (Lightning Kayla Marise-Inglis, Shaquille Islands, Commonwealth of Swim Club), Hannah Christopher Flavius, Max Larrieu and Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, (RR Aquatic), Fayth Jeffery Theadden Antoine.

Martinique, St Kitts and Nevis, (Seajays Swim Club), Leo The team will be in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Gillmore (Sharks Swim Club), capable hands of Head Coach and Saint Lucia will take D’Andre Vigier (Seajays Swim Brian Charles, Assistant the plunge in an attempt Club), Antoine Destang (Sharks Coaches Tariq Edward and to dethrone Grenada, the Swim Club).

Abbie Pultie plus Team Manager champions of the 28th edition, Eleven to twelve: Caitlin Nickler Velinor–Paul. Chaperone held last year in Antigua.

Polius (Seajays Swim Club), Constance Rene will form an Though a preliminary Jasmine Steide (Sharks Swim integral part of the managing team had been selected, the Club), Maliyah Henry (Southern team. final team was chosen after the Flying Fish), Tristan Dorville

President Eddie Hazel Capri Sun OECS Swim Trials, (Seajays Swim Club), Karic has expressed that the held last month at the Rodney Charles (Lightning Swim Club), intention of the team is to claim Heights Aquatic Centre. The top Ethan Hazell (Lightning Swim the OECS Swim Championship swimmers were automatically Club). title and return to Saint Lucia selected, to include overseas Thirteen to fourteen: with the trophy. He noted his Seated, left to right: President of the GIFL, Shayne Paul; based swimmers who were Courtney Paul (Lightning appreciation to the international Second Vice President of the GIFL, Marsha Smith; Vice President of the GIFL, available to participate, with the Swim Club), Naekeisha Louis swimmers who were able to Charde Desir, with players from the various teams. fastest times. The remaining (Lightning Swim Club), Naima take time off to join the team placements were suggested Hazell (Lightning Swim Club), in the chase of the ultimate by the technical committee, Ziv Reynolds (Sharks Swim goal. looks forward to such a Dominators FC and Police.

David R Pascal comprising coaches from the Club), D’Andre Blanchard With an overall budget tournament,” said Desir. “It Group B is KFC, GMC various clubs.

(Seajays Swim Club). of just over $99,000, SLAF, brings out the best from all United, Valley Soccer, Mango On Tuesday, October 15 Fifteen to seventeen: alongside the parents of players in the Gros Islet District.

Moon GMC, Northern United and he Gros Islet Football the Executive of the Saint Lucia Shalini Joseph (Sailfin swimmers, is engaging in Over the years, we have Veterans.

League (GIFL) National Aquatics Federation (SLAF) met Swim Club), Sade Joseph fundraising activities to assist The first place team will Lotteries Authority District encouraged the various teams to ratify the selected swimmers (Seajays Swim Club), Mikaili in the cost associated with the to have a youth team, and GMC receive $3,000; second place, Representative Invitational who will represent Saint Lucia Charlemagne (Sharks Swim team’s participation. and Northern United have had $1,500; and third place $1,000.

Football Tournament, better at this year’s Championship.

Club), Jayhan Odlum-Smith

The SLAF thanks the youth teams in the tournament.” Additionally, in the finals, $20 known as the Spider Cup, The Saint Lucia OECS (Seajays Swim Club), Allandre National Lotteries Authority, Paul announced that will be awarded per goal, and kicks off on tomorrow (Sunday) Swim Team is as follows: Cross (Sharks Swim Club), Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, this year’s Spider Cup has other prizes will be awarded. evening on the Gros Islet

Eight and under: Helen Jamarr Archibald (Seajays Swim Digicel and parents who have so three components: the senior playing field.

Kabiye (Sharks Swim Club), Club). far made contributions. tournament, under-11 launch Details of the competition and the female aspect, which is were announced following a one-day tournament. He said: a recent press launch at the “Our District Representative Gros Islet Municipal Building.

Officials in attendance included has continued to pledge his commitment towards the President of the GIFL, Shayne Paul; Vice President of the GIFL development of football in his he 2019 Blackheart Knockout Champions own constituency. That, I can and President of the Northern Vieux Fort South were consigned to their assure, has augured well for Zone under the St Lucia second consecutive loss, and by the same Football Association Inc banner, our calendar of activities as a margin, when they were defeated by Marchand on league.”

Charde Desir; and Second Vice October 26 at the Marchand Grounds.

He mentioned there was President of the GIFL, Marsha Playing in the second stage of the National talk on the street that this Smith. Also in attendance Lotteries Authority-sponsored Saint Lucia Football tournament began too late, “but were presidents of the various Association (SLFA) Inc Island Cup, the depleted better late than never,” said the affiliated teams. southern team was no threat to the northern president.

District Representative opponents who were without their prolific goal Paul is delighted to have Lenard Montoute, who is a key scorer Lincoln Phillip. two teams come on board this sponsor and after whom the Romiel Felix shot Marchand into the lead year. He gave a hearty welcome tournament (Spider Cup) is in the first minute of play, to signal what was to to Valley Soccer and Flames FC. named, was unable to attend. follow. There was no letting up as he scored his Following formal Desir, who referred to second goal in the 12th minute, and the half ended proceedings the 10 teams in the tournament as being 2–0. this year’s tournament were the most important for the On the resumption, despite playing short, placed in two groups of five, Gros Islet affiliates, began by Vieux Fort South put up some token resistance but with the winner of last year’s acknowledging last year’s this was insufficient, as Jannaie Lesmond wrapped tournament, Monchy FC, champions Monchy FC and Gros Islet (pictured) defeated Central Castries during play in up the proceedings in the 85th minute, thus giving heading Group A, and finalists the Island Cup football tournament. runners-up (finalists) GMC the defending champions a well-earned 3–0 GMC heading Group B. United. victory.

Group A consists of “The Spider Cup is an In the second game played that evening, Gros a hard-fought encounter. Their goals came from Eden Charles in the 61st and 75th Monchy FC, Northern Young important senior tournament Islet continued with their winning form, coming minutes and Amaris Lorde in the 87th minute. Goals for Central Castries came from Stars, Flames United, Twist for our players, and everybody from a goal down to defeat Central Castries 3–2 in Dillon Lucien in the 27th minute and Kinsley Henry in the 86th minute.

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Victories for Marchand and Gros Islet in Island Cup

THE STAR

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Melius leads Under-19s in West Indies Emerging Players squad

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St Lucia’s Kimani Melius is Vice-Captain of the Emerging Players squad.

Successful Beach Soccer Coaching Course

our West Indies under-19 players, including captain Kimani Melius, will get a strong tune-up for the ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020, after having been selected for the West Indies Emerging Players squad for the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup. Saint Lucian opener Melius, along with left-handed wicketkeeper/batsman Leonardo Julian from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyanese left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd and T&T pacer Jayden Seales, will be part of the squad which will be led by Yannic Cariah and guided by former interim West Indies head coach Floyd Reifer.

“Yannic Cariah is recommended as Captain because his experience better positions him to lead and help guide this young team,” said Chairman of the West Indies Senior Men’s Selection Panel, Roger Harper. “Kimani Melius is recommended as Vice-

Captain for succession planning purposes. He is the West Indies U-19 captain and the intention for the exposure is to give him a greater opportunity for learning and growth.”

The Emerging Players squad has been introduced into the Super50 Cup by Cricket West Indies to facilitate further development and learning opportunities for players that have featured in the CWI High Performance Pathway in recent times.

“A young player may miss out on selection at their franchise if they are up against two or three internationals with similar skill-sets,” said CWI director of cricket, Jimmy Adams. “The Emerging Players squad aims to provide the platform for these players to perform, and reward the hard work they have been putting in following their stints at the West Indies High Performance Centre.”

The West Indies Emerging Players squad has been pooled

with last year’s losing finalists, Guyana Jaguars, as well as hosts and 11-time champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, recent winners Windward Islands Volcanoes, and the United States for Group B matches, which will be played at the Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

Reifer said his main goal will be to ensure the players in the squad show improvement in their understanding of the game, as individuals and as a single unit.

“The main goal would be seeing development of the players, seeing steady improvement as we make our way through the tournament,” he said. “Improvement in fitness standards; improvement in attitudes toward the game; improvement in the understanding of the game.

This is a squad of emerging talent, so it’s about bringing the players closer towards selection for their franchise, West Indies

A and West Indies senior teams.”

Fans will be able to follow the West Indies Emerging Players with three of their Group B games broadcast “live” on ESPN Caribbean, and their other group games webcast “live” on www. windiescricket.com and the WindiesCricket YouTube channel, once the group matches start on November 7 in Trinidad.

Squad: Yannic Cariah (Captain), Kimani Melius (Vice-Captain), Camarie Boyce, Roland Cato, Joshua Da Silva, Dominic Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Leonardo Julian, Jermaine Levy, Ashmead Nedd, Gidron Pope, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair.

Team Management Unit: Floyd Reifer (Head Coach), Kenny Benjamin (Assistant Coach), Dr Oba Gulston (Physiotherapist), Gregory Seale (Strength & Conditioning Co-ordinator),Dinesh Mahabir (Analyst).

Rugby team victorious against St Vincent

O

n Saturday October 26 The Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) National Men’s Rugby 15s team played the St Vincent National Rugby Football Union Team (SVGRFU) at Arnos Vale.

The SLRFU completely vanquished SVGRFU 53 to 26.

Seated, front row left to right: SLFA Inc Technical The Saint Lucian team had Director, Cess Podd; SLFA President, Lyndon a combination of youth and Cooper; and FIFA instructor Madjer Saraiva, experience, with both local and with beach soccer coaches. foreign-based players.

The scorers for Saint Lucia he Saint Lucia Football ensuring that Saint Lucia were: Flavien Gabriel, four tries; Association (SLFA) Inc could once again be Kurt Phillip, one try; Zayvon staged what many has represented on the regional Augustine, two tries; Mario considered a successful Beach and international scene in Chicot, one try; Jean Mael Soccer Coaching Course Beach Soccer.

Phillip, one try; Wedrel St Clair, from October 22 to 26. The While Beach Soccer is not two conversions; and Jerry course was facilitated by FIFA as popular in the community Charles, two conversions. instructor and legendary Beach as football, it is the intention President of the SLRFU, Soccer player and coach to make the Roseau Valley Roger Butcher, stated the Madjer Saraiva.

Football League the hub for victory was due to the pre The presentations Beach Soccer on the island. tournament dedication of the were well received by the To this end, consideration is team and to a rigorous regime participants, who included being given to utilizing the three members of the Roseau Roseau beachfront as a possible of training under Technical Director and National Coach, Valley Football League: Bobby location for the proposed Wayne Pantor.

Hippolyte, Marcus Harrow and activity.

Butcher added that Ruben Sandiford.

The Roseau Valley Football Pantor has revolutionized the The FIFA Instructor League will ensure that those game of rugby in Saint Lucia. challenged the coaches to coaches who were unable This is the second international use the information received to attend the course will be victory for the Saint Lucia XVs in an effort to propel Beach equipped with the relevant national male team this year; Soccer on the island, while at information, with the aim of the first was against Diamente the same time encouraging the making Beach Soccer a reality in June.

Association to give support in in the community.

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The St Lucia Rugby Football Union and St Vincent National Rugby Football Union teams in a post-game photo shoot.

The Saint Lucia team was captained by Flavien Gabriel and comprised the following players and officials: Mario Chicot, Neighman Lascaris, Cletus Joseph, Kurt Phillip, Danlin Samuel, Dwayne Nathaniel, Zayvon Augustine, Jerry Charles, Wedrel St Clair, Ernie Julien, Ethan Phillip, Vitus Jn Pierre, Jean Mael Phillip, Jesey Francois,

Quintain Gabriel, Sixtus Pamphile (Team Manager), Wayne Pantor (Technical Director), Roger Butcher (President SLRFU), Senetta Viger (Medical Official) and Crystal Jeanville (Medical Official).

The SLRFU congratulates the national team on this significant victory and thanks all the volunteers and well-

wishers who made this tournament a success.

Congratulations go out to Saint Lucia’s Chantel John who was the Rugby Americas North Assistant Referee for the game.

The SLRFU will now begin preparation for the next international encounter which will be the Barbados World Rugby 7s in December.

26

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CWI announces West Indies Women’s squad for Colonial Medical Insurance ODIs against India

NOVEMBER 02, 2019 THE STAR

CFC LUCELEC BOSL Youth Tournament Results

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West Indies Women’s Captain Stafanie Taylor.

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ricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s and Girls' selection panel this week named a 14-member squad, to take on India in the first two Colonial Medical Insurance One Day Internationals on November 1 and 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

The team is led by Stafanie Taylor and sees some new names: Aaliyah Alleyne and Shawnisha Hector were selected into the main squad for the first time, with Hector having been reserve player before.

Speaking on the selection of the squad, Lead Selector of the Women’s and Girls’ panel, Ann Browne-John said: “The selection panel chose a good balance of youth and experience when assembling this squad. We have the return of the experienced Chedean Nation, and Shermaine

Campbelle who missed the last series against Australia due to injury.”

Browne-John added: “Also the selectors were impressed by the young medium pace duo of Aaliyah Alleyne and Shawnisha Hector during the training camp, meriting their inclusion in the final 14-member squad.”

Full Squad: Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Anisa Mohammed (Vice Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Britney Cooper, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Stacey-Ann King, Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean, Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Shermaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond.

Two matches are slated for the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The first takes place on Saturday, November 9 at 6:00 pm. The second is Sunday, November 10 at 1:30 pm.

he Castries Football Council (CFC) last weekend hosted matches on Saturday only, the tournament having been suspended for Sunday's Jounen Kweyol celebrations. There were five matches scheduled for play on Saturday, three in the under-13 division and two in the under-18 division.

Flow Lancers FC came up against Valley Soccer, determined to keep their unbeaten streak going. Vernroy “Pickles” Alfred opened the scoring in the fourth minute, giving Flow Lancers FC the lead which was taken into the break.

In the second half, the Valley Soccer team did not create much so it was only a matter of time before Flow Lancers FC doubled the lead.

That second goal came from Deshaun Paul midway through the second half.

The second under-13 match ended with a similar score line, when VSADC Sharks played FC Pioneers. Jahnard Modeste found his scoring boots again as he scored the first goal for VSADC Sharks.

Modeste was the leading goal scorer in the under-11 version of the tournament two years ago, but has gone through a drought in the under-13 division. Armani Lesmond’s goal came in the second half to seal a 2-0 win.

The division’s third scheduled match was between

Flow Lancers FC (light uniform) and Valley Soccer tied 4-4 in under-18 play.

VSADC Dolphins and Big Players. Big Players did not show up for that match.

Flow Lancers FC and Valley Soccer also met each other in the under-18 division, which recorded one of the most thrilling encounters thus far. Flow Lancers FC opened the scoring through national footballer Sherqwayne Prudent, only to see the equalizer from David Faucher come minutes later. Flow Lancers FC went on a full offensive but squandered four clear scoring opportunities.

Nakeem Joseph gave Valley Soccer the lead which they took into the break.

A passionate half-time talk from Coach Vibert Sonson seemed to do the trick. Nathan Weekes equalized with a header from close range. Flow Lancers FC continued pressuring the opposing defence and it paid off in quick time with a goal from national footballer Daneo Caroo through a mix-up in the Valley Soccer defence.

At that stage the drama was nowhere close to its end.

A controversial free kick against Flow Lancers FC outside their 18-yard box resulted in a wellplaced goal from Jacod Devaux.

The game seemed set to end 3-3 but there was another

twist, as a shot to goal was deflected by Nathan Weekes past his goalkeeper to give Valley Soccer a 4-3 lead.

When it looked like a victory for Valley Soccer, there was still one more twist! Flow Lancers FC got a free kick outside the 18-yard box. It was taken by Jared Desir. He hit a lightning bolt of a free kick to the top left-hand corner of the goal, scoring in the last minute of play. Final score 4-4.

The other under-18 game between FC Pioneers and New Generation did not take place because New Generation was not present at match time.

Usain Bolt is ready to play in the NFL if Patriots or Packers come calling

U

sain Bolt says he is ready to play in the NFL if the Patriots, or Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers, ever come calling.

The Olympic sprint champion, 33, told TMZ he would consider taking up American football for the right team, after he tied the quickest ever NFL 40-yard dash with no warm-up and wearing tracksuit and trainers.

When probed what it would take for him to play, Bolt replied: “If the Patriots or Aaron Rodgers call me. If they call me, I'm ready.”

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist is also confident about his chances of success, saying, “Of course!” when asked if he would win a championship with the Patriots.

In February this year Bolt stepped off the street and

Olympic Champion Usain Bolt throws a football before Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams in February.

equalled the combine record for a 40-yard dash, running in 4.22 seconds at a Super Bowl fan experience event.

Packers fan Bolt told TMZ he “definitely thinks” Rodgers

is the “best of the generation”, adding: “He doesn't have the right amount of wide receivers right now. If he had the right players with him, I think he would be way better but he is

Usain Bolt equalled the combine record for the 40-yard dash.

(Photos USA Today Sports)

doing great with what he has.”

When asked if Rodgers is better than Tom Brady, Bolt replied: “It's tight.”

Wearing sweatpants and sneakers, the 100 and

200 metres world record holder matched the time set

by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross at the 2017 NFL combine in February.

---TMZ

THE STAR

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P

ope Francis asked Amazonian bishops and tribal leaders for forgiveness last Friday after indigenous statues were stolen from a Vatican-area church and thrown into a nearby river.

The wood-carved figures of naked pregnant women, known as Pachamama, were brought to the Vatican to be displayed during the pope's three-week assembly of Amazonian clergy, called a synod.

The pope insisted there was no intention of idolatry, which undercut conservative claims that the statues are symbols of pagan worship.

"Above all, this happened in Rome and as the bishop of this diocese I ask forgiveness of the people who were offended by this gesture," Francis told the synod hall. The Vatican has said the statues are symbols of life, fertility and Mother Earth.

The wooden figures were found unharmed in the Tiber River this week. The pope

said he would consider having them displayed during the final Mass of the synod on Sunday.

The theft was caught on surveillance video on Monday as thieves took the figures from the Santa Maria in Traspontina church, just down the block from St. Peter's Square.

The video appeared to show at least two men enter the church before dawn, take the statues placed at an altar and then throw them in the river. The act was celebrated by conservative Catholics who deemed the statues pagan idols. Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, the conservative German fired

by Francis in 2017 as the Vatican's doctrine chief, said it was a "great mistake" to bring the statues to the Vatican in the first place.

Pope Francis’ meeting about the Amazon is wrapping up after three weeks of debate over married priests, the environment and the destruction of indigenous statues that underscored the willingness of conservatives to violently vent their opposition to the pope.

"To throw it out can be against human law, but to bring the idols into the church was a grave sin, a crime against divine law," he told conservative U.S. Catholic broadcaster EWTN.

While the theft was cheered by conservative Catholics, progressives denounced the act as racism.

"Can you imagine the conservative outcry if someone tossed the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa into the Tiber?" the National Catholic Reporter, a progressive Catholic magazine, said in an editorial this week. "We do not use the term 'racists' lightly, but what else is it?"

The meeting of more than 180 bishops and cardinals from nine Amazonian nations will conclude today. The religious leaders plan to vote on a final document synthesizing proposals to better protect the Amazon rainforest and minister to its indigenous peoples.

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The Washington Post faces backlash for headline calling ISIS terrorist 'austere religious scholar'

Pope Francis asks for forgiveness after Amazon statues stolen, thrown into river in Rome

By Louis Casiano

27

Its original headline read, "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Islamic State’s 'terrorist-in-chief,' dies at 48." But it was later changed he Washington Post is to "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, facing backlash after a austere religious scholar at headline characterized helm of Islamic State, dies at the Islamic State leader who 48." was killed in a U.S. raid over

As of Monday morning, the weekend as an "austere religious scholar." The headline the headline was "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, extremist leader of was quickly changed, but Islamic State, dies at 48." critics say it sugar coated the

As noted later in the terror inflicted by Abu Bakr alarticle, al-Baghdadi encouraged Baghdadi. followers to commit acts of

President Donald Trump announced Sunday morning that violence and terror. He was also perhaps the most wanted al-Baghdadi was killed when terrorist leader in the world and he detonated a vest he was wearing after being cornered by the highest ranking since the U.S. forces on Saturday evening. death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.

The Post article says that

A spokesperson for the when al-Baghdadi first rose paper, Kristine Coratti Kelly, as a leader of ISIS, he was a later tweeted "Regarding our alrelatively unheard of "austere Baghdadi obituary, the headline religious scholar with wireshould never have read that ---The Associated Press frame glasses and no known way and we changed it quickly." contributed to this report. aptitude for fighting and killing."

By Jeanine Santucci

T

Critics including members of Trump's family and Republican officials quickly accused The Washington Post of softening its description of al-Baghdadi out of disdain for the president.

Twitter users also mocked the paper, writing their own parody obituary headlines for other villainous figures and causing #WaPoDeathNotices to trend.

Coratti also told CNN in a statement that "Post correspondents have spent years in Iraq and Syria documenting ISIS savagery, often at great personal risk.

Unfortunately, a headline written in haste to portray the origins of al-Baghdadi and ISIS didn't communicate that brutality.

The headline was promptly changed."

--USA Today

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