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SATURDAY, november 09, 2019

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02 LOCAL

november 09, 2019 THE STAR

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WHAT GOD HAS PUT ASUNDER

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s I start writing today’s column, I feel like a mosquito in a nudist camp or, to make it current, I feel like a mosquito in Trinity Cathedral in Trinidad with a fashion show and scantily clad models, male and female, in full swing, swagger, bump and grind. In other words, I know what to do but I don’t know where to start. I can, of course, begin with the “current” response which consists mainly of a lot of people who are deeply shocked. The barely-clothed mod­els parad­ing along the aisle of the church have incited the ire of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago, Rev. Claude Berkley, who takes it as an affront. Given some of the revealing pictures of the rear-view of the models, the critics should also have been taken aback. In fact, because there are people who see the display by the svelte and sleek models as “no big thing”, they should also have taken a side or two. In the meantime, the media Aedes aegypti are biting left, right and centre, generating considerably more heat than light, revenue than reason.

This is why I could have started with the sign on a church billboard in the US which asked, “You think it’s hot

here?” In which case I would have continued to say to my regional and diaspora readers in Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia and elsewhere that regardless of what it is like in your country, Trinidad is so hot that the Met. Office is considering a three-wave heat warning which includes advising people to wear as little as possible and stay indoors in large cool buildings like churches.

Another option for starting this column was a letter to God written by a little boy who asked, “Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed, right in the church. Is that OK?” This leads to the heart of the issue—what is acceptable or unacceptable in a church and are Trinidadians over-reacting?

Recently, on September 17, the Telegraph ran an article headlined "Southwark Cathedral criticised for hosting scantily clad London Fashion Week show described as 'antithesis of Christian gospel'”. The Telegraph reported that British designer Julien MacDonald brought his collection to the place of worship as part of London Fashion Week. Since the year 2000, the Cathedral has charged money for the use of its facilities, using the income to help fund the upkeep of the

building and costs of worship, as well as ensuring the building stays open to the public free of charge.

Rev. Dr Gavin Ashenden, the former chaplain to the Queen, acknowledged that the Cathedral has made its premises available for fashion in the past, since one of the things they try to do is build a bridge between secular society and the Christian church, and that's not a bad thing. What he saw as unacceptable was the contradiction between the ethical content of what they are trying to host and its direct contradiction to Christian values. He said, “The Cathedral should ask itself to see if the complaints about the fashion industry—as promoting a narcissistic, self-referential display for the very rich — is indeed conducive with the values of the Christian gospel.”

He added, “I think the fashion industry is the antithesis of the Christian gospel. It's about the exposure of the poverty of our souls and that’s about hiding the state of the soul in an excess of glamour.” In other words, what God has put asunder, let no man, regardless of his ecclesiastical rank or open

mind, put together.

However, a spokesman for Southwark Cathedral responded, “Southwark Cathedral has over many years been used for a variety of different events, including those related to the fashion industry. We were pleased to be invited to work with the British designer Julien MacDonald as part of this year’s London Fashion Week. His show brought many people into the Cathedral who might not otherwise have come, and many recognised it as a beautiful and special place.

The show was delivered in a professional, respectful and energetic way. Fashion and its impact on the environment, how we use clothes as part of daily life and what clothing is appropriate, are important issues for Christians and others to engage with as aspects of modern living.”

Laird Borrelli-Persson of Vogue, who pointed out that there were at least 22 shows in churches by high-fashion designers recently, wrote, “For a bride, the aisle is a runway; a church setting can add pomp and circumstance to a fashion presentation. The effect is magnified, of course, when the venue is an exclusive one, like Westminster Abbey’s Cloisters,

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Forty Recommendations—35: Sanctions By the Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

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he implementation of sanctions is mandatory for ensuring that the correct steps are followed in effectively completing any task. This week we review Recommendation 35 of the FATF Methodology which calls upon countries to impose proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, whether it be in a criminal, civil or administrative matter. This would be applicable to both natural and legal persons who fail to comply with the various Recommendations.

As such, it is required that adequate legislation be instituted where a range of sanctions can be imposed on

financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions and any Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP), such as accountants and attorneys.

It should also be noted that natural persons are the directors and senior management of financial institutions and DNFBPs. As a result, the implementation of sanctions relates to them.

Sanctions must be proportionate and fair. As such, one may need to consider the nature and degree of severity of the breach, before imposing an appropriate sanction.

Recognising that, sanctions can be administrative, civil or criminal.

Administrative sanctions are intended to be imposed by regulatory bodies without

intervention of the court.

These are used to enforce the compliance of financial institutions and DNFBPs to adhere to country legislation or policy. Depending on the circumstance, these sanctions may take the form of charges or payment of a fee for an identified breach, a suspension of license by the regulator or simply a request to increase reporting.

Civil sanctions are generally financial in nature and are imposed by a country’s government. These are usually sought for compensation to the State for a breach of its legislation or regulation, as opposed to jail sentences.

Criminal sanctions are designed to punish lawbreakers and must go through the legal system in doing so. A financial

which Gucci secured to present its Anglophilic ‘Resort 2017’ collection. The theme allowed designer Alessandro Michele to indulge in a ‘gothic sea of inspiration’.”

Lauren Sharkey of RACKED, had a different perspective: “When I first heard that Gucci would be showing its next cruise collection in London’s historic Westminster Abbey, I was confused, to say the least. After all, the relationship between fashion and religion has always been fraught with twists and turns . . . maybe religion is finally hearing the line it's been preaching for centuries: Forgiveness is everything. I, for one, am only too happy that the church is stepping into a new age.

Even though fashion and faith may sound like a strange combination, it's about time people saw that religion isn't the be-all and end-all. That it's OK to have fun while still believing in a higher power.

Whichever way this goes, let's hope this is the start of a truly modern romance.”

Others think that the Trinidad response, especially by the Anglican Church, is overreaction verging on hypocrisy since in its home base, England, the hallowed and much vaunted

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Westminster Abbey held a show, but the presence of stone genitalia in places of worship is all part of the "rich tradition of church decoration" over the centuries. In addition, although gambling in the form of bingo is big in fund-raising for both Catholic and Anglican Churches, fashion shows help to attract a different and certainly more well-heeled people, like Jimmy Choo and Louboutin, both onand off-stage.

This leads me back to the start which, as T.S. Eliot said in Little Gidding, we will “know the place for the first time". I want to end with a question that any self-respecting mosquito could easily have asked at the beginning. Given all the nudity, controversy, bacchanal and finger pointing, the media primed like a Gatling gun ready to spit fire in all directions and leave those who are not dead, badly wounded and worse informed, do you think that God will ever go back to that church?

Tony Deyal was last seen contemplating a conundrum similar to the medieval “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?”

If God is everywhere, is he present in Hell too?

WASCO APOLOGIZES TO CUSTOMERS IN SOUTH OVER PROLONGED WATER OUTAGE

he Water and Sewerage Company Inc., WASCO, wishes to apologize for the prolonged shortage of water to all customers in the south component may be involved; of the island. This was due to however, criminal sanctions a number of factors, most of are always associated with an imprisonment condition or other which have been beyond our control. These include high punishment. turbidity issues as a result of

It is important that heavy rains experienced over regulatory bodies and the past two weeks, as well as lawmakers are aware of this damage to a fourteen-inch raw Recommendation as they water line at Grace Treatment both play an important part in Plant. ensuring that its requirements

WASCO also wishes to are met. assure our valued customers

More information on the that all efforts are being made FATF Forty Recommendations to implement the necessary can found on the Caribbean upgrades and improvements Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) website at https://www. to our communication links, so that customers can be informed cfatf-gafic.org. in a more direct and timely

Additional articles and manner. This link will be rolled educational material can out shortly. also be found on the Attorney We are however, pleased General’s Chambers' website at to report that repairs are now attorneygeneralchambers.com completed on the damaged line or its Facebook page. at Grace Treatment Plant and (See article on page 10.) the system is currently being

flushed to remove all debris and repair residue from the line in order to facilitate the distribution of clean and safe drinking water to the public. The water supply will be restored to customers as soon as this process is completed. However, residents at the further end of the system and those at higher elevations will experience delays.

WASCO wishes to stress that the Board of Directors and management are aggressively pursuing plans for the complete Water Redevelopment Project in the south of the island. This $65 million project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank is expected to cover the cost of redesigning the water system.

This is with a view to improving the water supply distribution to all our customers. Plans for the project are well advanced and are expected to begin within the first quarter of 2020.

In the meantime, we extend our thanks and appreciation for your patience and understanding.

THE STAR

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019

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First Annual Unity Fest Featuring Reggae Superstar Chronixx!

he most anticipated concert event of the year is finally here! Fans have been calling out for one of the most revered reggae artistes of the decade all year long. And now the wait is finally over!

On Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Golden Events held an official press launch at Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa to unveil Unity Fest 2019, which will be headlined by reggae superstar Chronixx.

On Saturday, December 14 the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Beausejour will be converted into an oasis of love, peace and unity with the sweet sounds of Caribbean music for Unity Fest.

According to Golden Events: “As an entertainment and lifestyle company, one of our top priorities is to provide avenues for moments of celebration that can serve as stress relievers for our patrons. We have been hearing the names of artistes Saint Lucians would like to see and Chronixx was on top of that list, and so we felt that, coming to the end of Saint Lucia’s year-long celebration of 40 years of Independence, Unity Fest, featuring Chronixx and a number of other regional and Saint Lucian acts, would be quite fitting”.

Chronixx, who is from Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica, is one of the most sought-after Jamaican acts and has been on a whirlwind tour over the past year, coming out of his 2018 Grammy nomination.

His music has been branded as a "Reggae Revival", his lyrical content revolving around themes of anti-war, romantic declarations and resiliency.

His EP, 'Dread & Terrible', was released in 2014 and topped the Billboard Top Reggae Albums charts, the week of April 18 that year. It featured hits like 'Here Comes Trouble', 'Like a Whistle' and others. Prior to that, Chronixx had already dropped a slew of popular singles including 'Smile' and 'Aint No Giving In'.

The 2017 Grammy-nominated 'Chronology' featured 'Spanish Town Rocking', 'Legend', 'Skankin’ Sweet', 'Likes' and 'I Can'.

Chronixx also made history in 2018 as the first and only reggae artist to appear on Rolling Stone‘s prestigious annual Best Albums list in recent years.

About his music and lyrical flow, Chronixx says: “Everything in life is music, you know. When music overcomes you, it’s now left to what you feel yourself, and how able you are to physically channel this music. How is your lungs, how is your heart, how is your mind . . . all of that comes out in the lyrics. As an artist you are the music that you make.”

Unity Fest will also feature Zouk, Compas and R&B singer Oswald Clerveus out of St. Martin, Vayb from Haiti, ft Mickael Guirand of the group Carimi, and popular Jamaican sing-jay Agent Sasco (formerly Assassin) with hits like 'Almighty Protect Me', 'Something Gotta Give', 'Winning Right Now' and many more under his belt.

The ever popular DYP and friends from Saint Lucia will be bringing their party energy to the Unity Fest stage as well as DJs Litchie Sounds and Hollywood HP, with more featured guest DJs and artistes to be announced. G

Golden Events believes that everyone is a VIP, and at Unity Fest 2019 it will be offering the option of cabana lifestyle, tables and a GE lounge.

The VIP/general public area is created for patrons who want to party in the crowd and just have fun. Cabanas are for those who want to party as a group. The GE lounge is for those who want

an experience beyond the VIP experience.

Golden Events strongly believes in customer/patron satisfaction which is why it felt there was a need to cater for all types of event goer. Taking into consideration that the previously mentioned experiences are endorsed by the Larcher Group, which has been hired to execute and curate alongside the Golden Events team, Golden Events assures that Unity Fest is going be a concert as not yet seen, witnessed or experienced

here before.

Unity Fest also has a brunch component. LIV is an all-inclusive upscale brunch at the luxurious Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa. The event will include artistes to meet and greet, and autograph signing as you satisfy both your appetite and entertainment in the ambience of the scenic beach resort.

LOCAL 03

04 LOCAL

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019 THE STAR

288 granted citizenship through Saint Lucia’s CIP in 2018-19 Joshua St. Aimee

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aint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, the youngest in the Caribbean, is in its fourth financial year of operation.

At last Tuesday’s House of Assembly sitting, the annual report for the financial year 2018-19 was laid. Ryan Devaux, chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Board, declared that the programme continues to make its mark as a “well-run and internationally respected global citizenship programme.”

He noted that during the 201819 period, EC$61,914,622.40 was paid to the government.

Devaux said his team will continue to work assiduously in ensuring that the best interests remain at the forefront of their agenda. “By attracting reputable global citizens,” he said, “the board looks forward to CIP Saint Lucia contributing in a tangible way to the lives of all Saint Lucians through the national development agenda.”

During the 2018-19 financial year, 210 applications for citizenship were granted, resulting in 288 new citizens.

Launched in 2015, over six hundred people from across the world have become citizens of Saint Lucia through the CIP.

Similarly, as in the 2017-18 financial year, China again came in first, with 60 Chinese having gained citizenship. 27 Russians and 22 Syrians followed. There were 16 each from Turkey and Iran, 12 from Lebanon and 11 from Yemen. Nine each from Korea, South Africa, USA, Iraq, and eight from Palestine followed. Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan each had seven, while there were six each from Pakistan and Mexico, and five from Indonesia. There were four each from Taiwan, France and India, and three each from

Nigeria, Egypt and Mauritania.

Libya, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Bangladesh, Philippines and the United Kingdom each had two.

Lastly, there was one each from Spain, Algeria, Jamaica, Italy, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Rwanda, Sudan, Greece, Israel, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Tunisia.

This year there was also a major change in the report.

In previous years, the list of names of successful applicants featured in each report. For 2018-19, however, this was not the case. Instead, an appendix

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.

with the successful applicants’ names was printed separately and inserted into the report.

At last Tuesday’s house sitting, MP for Castries South, Ernest Hilaire, addressed the change. He cited CIP legislation that required the annual report to contain the names, addresses and nationalities of all successful applicants.

“Saint Lucians have a right to know who are the people that have become citizens,” he said. “That’s what the law says. So this report which was circulated to this House, should

not be made a public document unless that list is included in the annual report because that’s what the law requires.”

CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Nestor Alfred, told the STAR on Wednesday that there was no ill intent on their part. He said that although the names weren’t within the pages, they did form part and parcel of the report with the included appendix.

“It was just a matter of style and presentation of the annual report,” said Alfred. “The intention of the Unit

was very clear. It was not one of saying that we’re not going to be transparent with the names, because the names were submitted. It was just a matter of presentation and there was no malice or wrongful deed behind that decision.”

Taking into account figures from the 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 annual reports, 625 people have been granted Saint Lucian citizenship through CIP. The reports are available to the public at the Parliament Library in Castries.

FOND DOUX PLANTATION & RESORT WINS 2019 AMERICAS’ MOST ECO-FRIENDLY RESORT AT WORLD BOUTIQUE HOTEL AWARDS

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ond Doux Plantation & Resort was awarded the title of the 2019 Americas’ Most Eco-Friendly Hotel at the prestigious World Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony held at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London, UK on November 6, 2019.

Boutique Hotel Awards is the first and only international awards organisation exclusively dedicated to recognizing unique excellence among boutique hotels. The Awards, now in its 9th year, honours the people behind these outstanding properties and brings together members of The Master Key Society, where relationships are built exclusively among the award winners by facilitating hotel exchange visits between them.

This year’s keynote speech was delivered by Maureen O’Hare, travel expert and CNN journalist. Maureen is a Senior Digital Producer for CNN Travel.

She commissions, edits and writes travel news and features from around the world for CNN’s global audience of millions.

She has more than 15 years’ experience in digital media, working for organisations including Microsoft and the BBC.

Eroline Lamontagne, Executive Director of Fond Doux, declared, “Thank you to Boutique Hotel Awards for recognizing our commitment to sustainability, the preservation of our rich

Fond Doux’s Managing Director Lyton Lamontagne (right) alongside Executive Director Eroline Lamontagne.

Saint Lucian history, culture and heritage, and our vanguard work here as we strive to eliminate single-use plastics.”

The winners were selected from over 300 nominees in over 80 countries. Each entrant was nominated by a member of the Awards Nomination Committee, comprising 70 leading trailblazing travel experts, whose business it is to be ‘in the know’ concerning the extraordinary boutique hotels.

Managing Director of Fond

Doux Plantation & Resort, Lyton Lamontagne noted: “These awards are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the Fond Doux team.” He went on to say, “Our goal is to operate in an environmentally-friendly manner while not inconveniencing our guests and company policy.”

The ceremony brought together an array of boutique hotel owners, travel and lifestyle press and travel industry influencers from all four corners of the globe.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 09, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

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Expert says mould in Saint Lucia “nothing new” T

NOVEMBER 09, 2019 THE STAR

“This is four years in the making” Eastern Caribbean LGBT Organisation launches five-country Legal Challenge to anti-gay Laws

he Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE), last week announced the launch of five legal challenges to the Dean Nestor remnants of draconian laws of our colonial past. The claims, all expected to be filed before the ver the past few weeks, end of 2019, will challenge the health and safety buggery and indecency laws in concerns at our island’s Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, education institutions have Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada been at the forefront of national and Saint Lucia. discussion, particularly over the

Executive Director of presence of mould. Just this ECADE, Kenita Placide said, past Monday three secondary “This is four years in the schools were forced to send making. While the process students home early. Said a of litigation is important, the ministry circular on the matter: main part of this journey was “The Ministry of Education, The ‘recent’ mould problem facing our island’s to strengthen the organisations Innovation, Gender Relations infrastructure is not a recent phenomenon, according and the communities within and Sustainable Development to Millines Herman (pictured), an expert in the field. the countries they serve. We regrets to inform parents and also needed to understand guardians of students attending will infect anything moist for Some have posited that how these laws contribute to the Bocage, Entrepot and Sir Ira air conditioning units have more than 24 hours. 2) Proper the stigmatisation of lesbian, Simmons Secondary schools ventilation within the space is contributed to the rise of that due to inadequate teacher important. So, even if your place gay, bisexual, transgender, mould infestation here in Saint queer and intersex (LGBTQI) supervision at these schools, Lucia. Herman agrees, but only is closed and you have an AC people, how they legitimise classes will be dismissed early unit, you need to ensure that partially. “For closed units like hate speech, discrimination and today November 4th, 2019. The that, you do get mould growing there’s proper ventilation into violence and tear at the heart Ministry over the last few days, but again there is a moisture the space; not just for mould of the family that our society, in response to the concerns of source, so it’s not just about the but for indoor air quality on a including our governments, stakeholders, has undertaken air condition unit; it’s about the whole.” significant work including deep moisture source.”

Despite the recent uptick in have sworn to protect.”

The intention to file cleaning, mould remediation sick-outs due to fears over the

Air-conditioned rooms these cases challenging the and pre- and post-air quality presence of mould at different stationed next to warmer ones testing at the various schools.” places of work, including could lead to mould build-up,

By definition, mould is “a said Herman. “So, if there’s any schools, Herman informed conspicuous mass of mycelium temperature differences and the STAR that the presence of (masses of vegetative filaments, there’s condensation, even if it’s mould “has always been an or hyphae) and fruiting issue in Saint Lucia” and the microscopic, mould can grow structures produced by various running narrative that mould with that level of moisture. So fungi.” again, whether it’s through roof has suddenly become a problem he authorities of Saint

The UK’s National Health leaks, whether it’s from the rain is “misinformed”.

Lucia are giving final Service website says mould is “I think right now persons coming in through the windows, touches to preparations for “caused by excess moisture. are more aware,” he said. even if the place is closed the next visit of two Argentine Moisture in buildings can “We’re trying to promote up and air-conditioned, if the experts in the framework of be caused by leaking pipes, more mould awareness. It’s relative humidity levels are not API Caribe, a regional project rising damp in basements or controlled, you can have a lot of because of awareness people of the Inter-American Institute ground floors, or rain seeping in mould growing on the surface,” are starting to actually look for Cooperation on Agriculture because of damage to the roof out for it but there are still he explained.

(IICA) and the government or around window frames.” misconceptions, especially in

“The thing is, mould is of Argentina to boost the

H&L Environmental terms of how to deal with the everywhere and that’s a fact beekeeping industry of the Services Ltd is an IICRC problem. It’s not about killing people have to understand. So Caribbean nations.

(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning persons that say they will kill mould. There are persons who

Gustavo Martínez Pandiani, and Restoration Certification) will tell you they will kill mould mould or prevent mould from Argentina’s Ambassador in certified mould remediation within a space.

But even if you growing, that’s a no-no. To deal Barbados, Saint Kitts and company in Saint Lucia. Its kill the mould spore, whether with mould you have to do so Nevis, Saint Lucia and the managing director, Millines it’s dead or alive, mould is on a scientific level to know Organisation of Eastern Herman, agrees with the NHS still toxigenic and allergenic. for sure what species of mould Caribbean States (OECS), assessment. “The basic thing So you’ve still not dealt with you’re dealing with and what visited Saint Lucia this mould needs is moisture. It can is the source of the problem; the problem merely by killing week to meet with thrive in any form of moisture. the mould.

That’s important to in terms of water, where the representatives of the Ministry Moisture can be actual water, moisture source is coming from know.” of Agriculture, beekeeper coming from leaks in roofs for

“There are standards” he and where the contamination example. The source of moisture source is,” Herman clarified. went on, “and the gold standard organisations, IICA and other interested parties in order to could also be relative humidity. is the IICRC’s certification

In terms of reducing finalize details of the visit.

Our climate is prime for mould standards. And this is what the risk of mould infestation,

Argentine experts Elian infestation to occur and once we’re certified with. We’re the Herman advised: “There are Tourin and Liliana Gálvez will there’s relative humidity of 60% two major ways: 1) Reduce only ones in the Caribbean and over, then the environment actually that are so certified for arrive in Castries in early any source of moisture and December to begin the training is conducive to mould growth.” ensure the place is dried. Mould mould remediation.”

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constitutionality of the buggery and indecency laws is the result of a process which commenced with a meeting organised by United and Strong of Saint Lucia and GrenCHAP of Grenada in 2015. Organisations representing LGBTQI people and other marginalised groups from seven islands in the Eastern Caribbean came together for the first time, shared experiences and strategies, and created the regional advocacy hub that is ECADE.

Adult, consensual, samesex intimacy is criminalised in nine Caribbean countries, all of which are members of the Commonwealth. Discriminatory penal codes on the islands date back to the British colonial era, and unfairly target LGBT people.

Although custodial sentences are rarely imposed, those convicted under these laws can face sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment.

Veronica Cenac, a Saint Lucian-based lawyer who serves on the board of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition, said, “These archaic laws violate the fundamental rights enshrined

in our Constitutions, including the right to equality, privacy, freedom of expression, personal liberty, non-discrimination and protection against inhuman and degrading treatment.”

Filed by ECADE on behalf of member organisations and citizens who are affected by these discriminatory laws, these cases follow the four-year process developed at the Grenada meeting. ECADE has worked closely with its regional and international partners to support litigants in the cases. Partners include a team of Caribbean lawyers; the Faculty of Law UWI Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP), operating from three of UWI’s four campuses, which promotes human rights, equality and social justice in the Caribbean by undertaking and participating in human rights litigation in collaboration with human rights lawyers and civil society organisations; and the Human Dignity Trust, an international organisation which works with LGBT activists around the world to defend human rights in countries where private consensual sexual activity between adults of the same sex is criminalised.

St. Lucia Beekeepers to receive Support from Argentine Experts

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of local beekeepers and tour the apiaries of Saint Lucia.

“We identify beekeeping as one of the priorities in the region. The objective of the programme is to provide, in addition to technical efficiency for honey production, better strategies for commercialization and marketing,” said Ambassador Pandiani.

“We see that, many times, the main challenge is how to sell honey and how to prepare for export. Given the cost of importing food products in Saint Lucia, as in other parts of the Caribbean, this project means a great initiative for the island to start exporting honey instead of importing it,” he added.

API Caribe began in July 2019 and is developed through co-operation between the government of Argentina, IICA and the Ministries of Agriculture of four Caribbean countries: Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia

and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The project aims to improve the production and productivity of honey and other hive products in the four island-nations through the support of Argentine specialists in beekeeping, product testing and marketing.

Argentine specialists will facilitate the installation of Perone hives, whose performance is greater than the Langstroth hives traditionally used in those countries.

“API Caribe is a successful example of triangular co-operation between Argentina, IICA and CARICOM,” said Ambassador Pandiani.

The high vulnerability index of Caribbean countries in the face of extreme weather events, and the great potential of beekeeping to generate socioeconomic benefits in the rural communities of the Caribbean make API Caribe an attractive opportunity to improve economic sustainability.

THE STAR

november 09, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019 THE STAR

VAT debate offers more proof that in politics especially, words matter!

By Dean Nestor

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ast Thursday, fresh off Tuesday’s unanimous House support of the amendments to the VAT Act, the opposition party convened a press conference that featured its leader Philip J Pierre with newly installed first deputy Ernest Hilaire at his right hand as he read a speech about “the so-called DSH Project”. The address contained not a word to explain why at the latest sitting of parliament the House had unanimously voted to amend the law in the interests of previously disadvantaged printers/manufacturers.

The amendment of the VAT Act’s First Schedule allowed for educational supplies, such as newspapers, trade catalogues and advertising matter, magazines and books and patterns and samples with no commercial value, to be treated as exempt supplies, as under the Second Schedule of the VAT Act. It was an amendment local manufacturers had been looking forward to

since the passing of the VAT Act in 2012—described as “oppressive, anti-poor, antiworker” by Kenny Anthony in opposition.

At last Thursday’s press conference Pierre acknowledged without explanation that “we supported the VAT amendment. I supported it, Dr. Hilaire supported it, all of us supported it”. If by “all of us” he included Kenny Anthony, that remained conjectural. Anthony was not present to say yea or nay when the amendment came before the most recent House session. What Pierre considered more to the point was why the government had not eliminated the VAT altogether “as promised” during the 2016 election campaign. That was not quite what Allen Chastanet and his UWP team had promised, but never mind.

On the other hand, despite that he had indeed supported the VAT amendment in the House two days before his party’s press conference, Hilaire still maintained certain misgivings: “Is this amendment

opposition acknowledging that the VAT Act that became law under the leadership of Kenny Anthony was flawed. At Pierre’s press conference, he said what he had chosen not to say during last week’s debate: “I think we have to look at this whole VAT construct and see why it was done and how it was done.

VAT is a transactions tax. Now, what happens is that when you have too many . . .” He abruptly changed direction.

Although they voted in support of Allen “Let’s go back,” he went on.

Chastanet’s VAT amendment, House opposition “When you tweak it too much members still cannot say in words that the law and you do for this but not for as passed under Kenny Anthony’s leadership in that, it creates a distortion and 2012 was grossly unfair to local manufacturers.

(Pictured, left to right, Opposition Leader that is why the VAT was done Philip J. Pierre and his deputy Ernest Hilaire.) in that way. Because anytime you want to change, you have to benefitting a particular person? Manufacturers Association come to parliament, etc. So the The claim is: ‘Relief for the would like to commend the VAT is normally charged in all manufacturing sector!’ Can you Government of Saint Lucia, transactions. But you’re right; really say that that amendment in working with the business there are certain sectors that is relief in totality for the sector, for assisting the sector are disadvantaged, basically manufacturing sector, or is in reducing their operating costs because of a cash-flow problem there a certain element in the with the new amendment to the and because people did not pay manufacturing sector that will VAT legislation.” (See statement their bills on time. As time goes benefit from it?” in full on page 16.) on, you can modify it and you

The following might help

What’s especially can amend it.” put to rest Hilaire’s expressed interesting about the unanimous It takes a special effort concerns: “The Executive support for the VAT amendment but, having brushed aside the and Members of the St. Lucia is that it amounts to the fluff, the discerning reader

will recognize that Pierre merely expressed the current government’s sentiments: that VAT, as initially passed in 2012, placed manufacturers at a disadvantage. Indeed, the reader might well ask, “Why all the camouflage?” At last week’s debate Guy Joseph offered an explanation: “Y’all afraid of Kenny!”

This was Hilaire at last week’s press conference, yet again supporting the amendment, albeit with words carefully chosen so as not to step on particularly sensitive toes: “We implement a tax, assess it after a period and make the necessary modifications. We shouldn’t be afraid to say, ‘Yes, we’ve had to change this,’ or ‘Maybe this was not done in the best way possible and we’ve had to modify it.’ You have to be honest and realistic. If we are saying we have to be open and transparent with the public, we have to learn to say yes, that with experience and hindsight maybe it could have been done differently. Maybe certain concessions could have been made in a different way. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

THE STAR

november 09, 2019

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november 09, 2019 THE STAR

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Director of Compliance Association says more Action Needed in Tackling Money Laundering B ribery, money laundering, corruption, virtual currency and citizenship by investment were but a few of the pertinent topics discussed at a two-day conference this week, convened by the Caribbean Regional Compliance Association. A not-for-profit regional organisation, the CRCA prides itself on influencing and educating the region in matters relating to compliance.

The organisation comprises compliance associations in Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Trinidad, and Turks and Caicos.

This year’s conference, the thirteenth consecutive, kicked off at the Royalton resort on Thursday. In an interview with the STAR moments after the day’s proceedings got underway, CRCA director Marlon Marquis said the event plays a very crucial role, since it is the only one of its kind: a Caribbean-centric compliance conference that brings together many individuals from across the region and world. He revealed that although the Association normally hosts conferences

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in countries with compliance associations, this year was different. “There is not one in Saint Lucia at the moment, but we are instrumental in helping form an association here. We’ve been collaborating with a steering committee since earlier this year, so we expect that to be completed by the first quarter of next year,” he said.

Glenna Smith, of Smith Compliance Consulting Inc, made a presentation on bribery and corruption that focused on the rise of the practices in Latin America and the Caribbean, and ways to counter it. As compliance professionals, Marquis says, they always have to be on top of their game to detect proceeds of the practices. Another topic discussed was corporate governance that dealt with how boards of governors and senior management can ensure proper oversight of companies to prevent financial criminals from getting through the system. The consequence of industries being overrun by money launderers is dire, Marquis said.

He emphasized that the region has to step up its game in terms of prosecution for money

Marlon Marquis, director of the CRCA which is assisting St Lucia form a compliance association.

laundering. At the moment, he noted, Caribbean countries all have legislation which meets international standards, but effectiveness is lacking. He said the ideal is that suspected cases of money laundering are investigated and taken to court.

He explained that a suspect must first be convicted of a crime, and then the matter can be taken

A section of Thursday’s audience listens attentively to a presentation on bribery and corruption.

further, but this is not happening.

“There must be a predicate crime,” Marquis said, “but what we see happening is that once we get a conviction for a crime, for example a drug offence, it stops there. They don’t go further to actually claw back and seize properties that may have been derived from the proceeds of the crime."

Additionally: “I suspect after this round of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force review, Caribbean islands will actually start going that extra step to actually seek money laundering prosecution and seize all the proceeds of crime.”

Marquis said that in each jurisdiction where a CRCA conference is hosted, the aim is

to leave a lasting memory. He announced that a donation of US$1,000 will be made to the Marian Home in Castries. A scholarship worth US$17,000 will also be given to a Saint Lucian to pursue certification in compliance.

----JSA

Another Fatal Police Shooting Shrouded in Mystery

wo weeks ago Police Commissioner Severin Monchery promised via a radio interview that “in the coming days people will feel the wrath of the police. People will really see what the police are doing. Not that we’ve not been doing, but we are going to intensify some of the things we’ve done. We’ve reviewed our plans, we’ve reviewed our strategies and, in the coming days, weeks and months, certain changes will be felt.”

It remained to be seen how the promised “wrath” would be made manifest. The guessing game was shortlived. Last Saturday, with the fatal shooting by the police of Miguel ‘Mad Max’ Edward at the Rodney Bay Marina, many Saint Lucians imagined they had been given their answer.

The police account of the incident: Officers attached to the Gros Islet police station went to the marina looking for Edward, following various reports on November 1 and 2, including his suspected involvement in an attempted robbery, an assault with a firearm and some sexual offences.

Police also made clear Edward was not wanted for prior offences such as his 2018 firearm possession charge, neither for a 2016 armed robbery for which he was allowed bail. At the time of his death this last matter had not yet been resolved in court.

According to the police, last Saturday two officers encountered Edward at the marina, just as he was leaving the customs area. He tried to evade arrest but the officers gave chase and finally cornered

him, at which point he “withdrew (sic) a weapon and attempted to assault one of the officers with that weapon”. The officer retaliated by firing at Edward, who succumbed to his injuries at Victoria Hospital. The police say “investigations are ongoing”.

The STAR asked the police whether Edward had already boarded a boat when the officers encountered him, as was bruited about over the weekend, especially on Facebook, and what type of weapon Edward produced when cornered. The police response was that they would not speak to such detail.

As for the much talked about reported rape of a 105-year-old woman, the police refused to confirm any relationship with Edward.

The police reticence with regard to last Saturday’s

shooting reminds of their reluctance to supply information related to the fatal police shooting several weeks ago of 17-yearold Entrepot Secondary School student Arnold Joseph. Although the police took responsibility for the shooting, there have been no related charges.

Meanwhile, they say Arnold Joseph’s file has been sent to the DPP’s office.

In a separate incident, eleven months to the day after Robert Hathaway’s grisly death, a 22-year-old female has been charged with his murder. She appeared in court on Monday and has since been remanded to the Bordelais Correctional Facility. She is due back in court on Wednesday. Police refused to confirm whether the woman acted alone.

--–DN

The Commissioner promised a review of police strategies a few weeks ago on radio but the information divulged following a deadly police shooting is just as scant and murky as when Arnold Joseph was shot.

THE STAR

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019 THE STAR

Can Fake News Be Effective Without Public Endorsement?

S

everal weeks ago sections of the mainstream media over three days or so discussed at length the escalation of local crime, with particular emphasis on the more horrific details, an indication of something gone radically wrong with the essentially non-violent nature of the people of our once Christian country. All of that based on an Internet image of a chopped up naked female body that one advertised holy radio personality claimed was the corpse of a Marchand resident.

He offered no information as to how he had come by the woman’s address, neither her identity. No one called to say the obviously deceased woman was a friend, a declared missing person, a mother, lover or acquaintance. Oh, but there were scores of comments, especially on Facebook, about how egregious was crime in Saint Lucia since 6 June 2016, and that the nation’s only salvation lay in “the embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

It turned out finally that the grotesque image had originated somewhere in Africa, at any rate, so went word on the street. Of

course, nothing was offered as validation of that revelation.

Nevertheless it brought home to me how incredibly gullible we had become in the so-called information age—not to say the incompetence-laziness of so many of our scoop-hungry, less talented local media practitioners. I mean, how long might it have taken a Castriesbased reporter to question Marchand residents about the identity of the portrayed brutalized woman? Evidently it never occurred to the cited news presenter to contact the police for related information.

Indeed, it was some time before the cops decided to clear the air by confirming the sickening picture had no relationship whatsoever with Saint Lucia.

I could furnish several other examples of how our mainstream media inadvertently assist the fake-news weirdoes in their calculated dissemination of falsehoods quite often damaging to previously impeccable reputations. But then, dear reader, already you know all about that.

Or do you? Last weekend the largely antisocial media featured a story about an attempted rape of a

schoolteacher. According to the anonymous account, the woman was driving, slowly enough to permit a pedestrian to reach out and pull open her passenger door, then viciously attempt to rape her in broad daylight.

Our own investigations throughout the weekend and early Monday revealed the story was only part truth, as are most fake-news items.

Usually reliable police sources confirmed to us that contrary to the antisocial feuilletons, the miscreant of the day had attempted only to rob the teacher, that there was no evidence indicative of an attempted rape nor for that matter an allegation—even though the woman in question feared she was about to be sexually assaulted, as would any female in similar circumstances. This is still Saint Lucia, after all, where famously “there are three or four serial rapists in our midst,” to quote a former prime minister.

On Monday, we notified online STAR readers that the recalled weekend attack on a teacher behind her moving car’s steering wheel was not quite as reported. Nothing in the

Too many in the mainstream media, advertently or otherwise, assist the purveyors of fake news by treating their unexamined items as regular news.

information we proffered online suggested there had not been the particular attack, or that the victim had escaped unscathed.

We promised more details in the next edition of this newspaper (today’s). We had sought only to warn our online readers not to be affected by the shoddy renderings of minds incapable of metaphor. We also thought it best to allow the police at Tuesday’s press conference to fill in the blanks for the benefit of us all.

Predictably the notoriously bad readers of Facebook, addicted as are so many to salacious unconfirmed and unattributed antisocial media reports, were soon jumping all over us for implying what we never implied. A woman was assaulted, by official confirmation—but an assault on a female does not automatically translate to rape or an attempt made to rape her. In short, we meant to convey that yes, there was an attack, but that attack

had been misreported.

I am at this point reminded of a media report about the alleged kidnapping of a Gros Islet resident.

The police subsequently let it be known that some sections of the broadcast were as much news to law enforcement (despite that they had recorded the complainant’s statement) as to other listeners. Meanwhile the item, with all its suspect aspects intact, was on Facebook, to be read, misread, reposted, and misconstrued, not to say weaponized with malicious intent!

THE STAR

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LOCAL 13

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019

Turf Club Open Day— hosts Happy with turnout!

’m very excited because this is really just the beginning. I think that maybe, for a lot of people, this is more certainty of what is going to be taking place . . . We’re now starting to see all the pieces come together.

That includes the airport project, St. Jude Hospital, the horseracing track, the new cruise ship terminal.” That was Prime Minister Allen Chastanet speaking at the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club’s Open Day in Vieux Fort on Sunday, when citizens were afforded the opportunity to view and purchase recently flownin racehorses, learn about the project and purchase tickets for the December 13 race day. There was also free face-painting for children. There will be more Open Days every Sunday this month from 2 p.m.

Last Sunday’s Open Day attracted hundreds from start to finish. While most children focused on being painted as their

TH E

Eden Harrington (pictured), director of the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club, encourages citizens to attend Open Day tomorrow and every Sunday this month.

favourite animated character and watching the horses parade, the director of the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club, Eden Harrington, vied for the

4

th

adults' attention. He pitched the audience to get on board with the project, either by becoming an owner or purchasing tickets.

Following the event, Harrington expressed satisfaction with the turnout: “We were unsure after the heavy rains this morning as to

how the response would be so, taking that into account, I think it’s been a wonderful success.”

As for the purchasing of horses, Harrington could not say how many had been purchased, only that several deposits had been received.

The horses carry a price tag of US$20,000 but a deposit of EC$500 can be made. If purchased, the horses will remain at the Turf Club’s facility in Vieux Fort. Harrington says this will ensure disease control and integrity. Also on-site are trainers and veterinary care.

He said in the next few weeks an announcement will be made regarding more trainers setting up shop in Saint Lucia.

“The Turf Club has imported horses to Saint Lucia,” Harrington said. “It does not want to own horses. It's trying to create a base population.

These horses are here now for

Saint Lucians, as individuals, as groups or for people over the world . . . This National Day is all about showing the best of Saint Lucia and its people.”

Also in attendance on Sunday was Vieux Fort Mayor Orricia DenbowBullen, who commented that the project has created a buzz and residents are very proud to have the race in their community. As for the anticipated economic activity, she said: "It’s a transformation for Vieux Fort. I think everybody in Vieux Fort is looking forward to this transformation. I think it’s long overdue and I must say thank you to the RSLTC, and to Teo Ah Khing for this DSH project."

---Joshua St. Aimee

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november 09, 2019

COMMENT

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Young people need our support We must seize this tremendous opportunity

By Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral

O

ur world seems to be changing faster than ever—technologically, environmentally, socially—and in so many other ways. It is hard for any of us to keep up with the astonishing pace and scale of developments, and their impact for better or for worse on our own lives and the ways in which they affect the future of our planet.

Yet too often it seems that those with the greatest stake in the future, are least empowered to shape it: young people. This is something the Commonwealth has for more than 50 years been working hard to change; and never more so than today.

Population growth means that there are now more young people in the Commonwealth than ever before, and this offers choices and challenges for all involved in planning and making policy, and for young people themselves. The combined

population of the Commonwealth is now 2.4 billion, of which more than 60 per cent are aged 29 or under, and one in three between the ages of 15 and 29.

Through social media, young people are more connected, informed, engaged and globally-aware than ever before. Even so, their potential to drive progress and innovation is often overlooked or remains untapped, despite pioneering Commonwealth leadership over the decades on inclusiveness and intergenerational connection.

Since the 1970s, Commonwealth cooperation has supported member states with provision of education and training for youth workers, who have a central role to play in encouraging, enabling, and empowering young people.

Practitioners may be of any age, and operate in many settings: youth clubs, parks, schools, prisons, hospitals, on the streets and in rural areas.

Commonwealth approaches and engagement recognise the dynamic role youth workers

can play in addressing young people's welfare and rights, and in connecting and involving them in decision-making process at all levels. In some Commonwealth countries, youth work is a distinct profession, acknowledged in policy and legislation to deliver and certify quality of practice, including through education and training. In others it is institutionalised less formally through custom and practice. In some countries there is little or no youth work activity—formal or informal.

To advance the cause of young people, and their direct participation in nation-building and the issues affecting them, the Commonwealth Secretariat supports the governments of member countries with technical assistance relating to policy and legislation in professionalising youth work. A pioneering Commonwealth contribution is the Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Development, which has been delivered in almost 30 Commonwealth member states.

The new Commonwealth Degree and Diploma in Youth Work provides countries with a resource for developing human capital using a consortium business model that makes the training resources accessible at low cost for persons in low income contexts.

The Commonwealth also supports the global collectivisation of youth work professionals through the emerging Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers' Associations (CAYWA), an international association of professional associations dedicated to advancing youth work across the Commonwealth.

CAYWA facilitates the crosspollination of ideas and collegial support among youth work practitioners, and is developing into a unified global influence providing support to governments and all stakeholders in youth work profession.

Expertise is offered by the Commonwealth Secretariat with the design of short courses and outcomes frameworks that

support just-in-time and refresher training toaugment diploma and degree qualifications. Guidance is also offered on establishing youth worker associations that can help towards building and sustaining professional standards, thereby safeguarding the quality of services offered to young people.

In 2019 a conference in Malta bringing together youth workers from throughout the Commonwealth continued to build recognition and professional standards of youth work in member countries. Among outcomes was the establishment of a week-long celebration of the extraordinary services of full-time practitioners and volunteers— recognised as youth workers— who support the personal development and empowerment of young people.

Youth Work Week, with the theme 'Youth Work in Action', will be observed 4-10 November, 2019 in the 53 member states of the Commonwealth.

Looking forward to the 2020 Commonwealth Heads of

Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda next June, Youth Work Week will bring into sharper focus the challenges young people in our member countries face, and the opportunities they are offered, including through Commonwealth connection.

By recruiting and placing appropriately trained and properly supported youth workers, communities in Commonwealth countries can help young people channel their energies and talent in positive directions, especially during the transition from education into work.

Supported by positive role models and with mentors to whom they can relate, young people can be guided towards healthy and productive lives.

When equipped to develop as well-rounded individuals and to contribute to the societies in which they live, young people can make immense contributions towards transforming our communities and our Commonwealth and—above all— to their own future.

Despite Dorian, travel to the Caribbean keeps growing

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study, undertaken by ForwardKeys, the travel analytics firm, has revealed that despite the recent ravages of Hurricane Dorian and other huge storms in the Caribbean, tourism will continue to grow.

The results of the study were presented at a Caribbean Tourism Organization-organised news conference at World Travel Market this week.

Forward bookings for the important winter season, November 1 to January 31, are currently 1.6% ahead of where they were at the equivalent point last year. Currently, bookings from the USA, the most important source market, are 3.0% behind but bookings from all the other major source markets are ahead, France by 9.8%, the UK 0.9%, Canada 8.2%, Argentina 8.1% and the rest of the world collectively 3.2%. The current leader is the Netherlands at 42.1% ahead.

However, the outlook is not universally positive. Forward bookings to the top destination in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, are currently 14.2% behind and those to the Bahamas and Aruba are 6.4% and 1.4% behind, respectively. Encouraging growth is seen from Puerto Rico, 28.0% ahead, but that is really a

recovery story, as tourism to the island was hit hard by Hurricane Maria in December 2017.

Looking back on the first three quarters of the year, travel to the Caribbean has grown healthily, 5.2% up on the same period in 2018. The star source market has been the USA, with 56% share and 9.0% growth.

However, other major origin markets have been mixed, with France down 2.2%, the UK down 4.7% and Argentina down 5.7%. However, Canada has been up 15.3%, Chile up 17.0% and the rest of the world up 1.4%.

This season’s most devastating hurricane, Dorian, which came at the end of August and early September, ravaged the most northerly parts of the Bahamas but left other parts relatively undamaged. The result is that some parts of the country saw a drop in arrivals, where others experienced a significant increase. Travel to Freeport and Marsh Harbour in September fell dramatically, by 50.9% and 67.9% respectively.

The impact on Nassau, the capital and the largest airport, was more limited, as arrivals went down by 7.4%. Travel to Georgetown and North Eleuthera

Left to right: Joy Jibrilu, Director General of Tourism, the Bahamas; Dominic Fedee, chairman, Caribbean Tourism Organization and Minister of Tourism for Saint Lucia; and Olivier Ponti, Vice President Insights, ForwardKeys.

was up, 10.6% and 30.7% respectively.

Hurricanes have been a major scourge, affecting travel to the Caribbean in recent years, with some islands left badly damaged. ForwardKeys' research shows that recovering from the impact of a major hurricane can

take years. So far, it has taken Puerto Rico 15 months to reach 70% of pre-hurricane arrivals and it has taken St Maarten 20 months. In the case of the Bahamas, ForwardKeys expects the recovery to take less time because the initial rebound in post-hurricane arrivals has been

stronger: just one month after the hurricane, the Bahamas has reached 80% of pre-hurricane arrivals.

Joy Jibrilu, Director General, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism said: “The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over

100,000 square miles of ocean.

Because of our unique geography, a hurricane can impact some parts of the country, but leave other parts untouched. That is the case with Hurricane Dorian. The majority of our country remains beautiful and palm-fringed, with unspoiled beaches in several shades of white and pink. We would like everyone to know that the best thing they can do for us right now is visit. Our beautiful island nation is ready to welcome you.”

Olivier Ponti, VP Insights, ForwardKeys, concluded: “What we have seen in recent years is that the Caribbean is an incredibly popular destination. When some parts of it have been hit with horrendous hurricanes and other issues, tourist did not give up on their desire for a holiday in paradise; they chose other parts of it to visit instead. We saw that syndrome earlier this year, when stories in the US media about tourists who had died in the Dominican Republic caused bookings to collapse; however, other islands, most notably Jamaica, the Bahamas and Aruba, saw a visitor surge.”

---Caribbean Tourism Organization

16 LOCAL

LOCAL DOCTOR'S WORK RECOGNISED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH

We’re hiring!

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At PwC, we continue to invest heavily in our people, the workforce of the future.

PwC firms operating in the Caribbean will be hosting a regional recruitment campaign for Assurance positions located in Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St. Lucia, The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos Islands.

We are currently looking for: Experienced Associates: candidates with a minimum of 2 years experience and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field of study, and pursuing a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA, ACCA, CA etc.)

Senior Associates: candidates with a minimum of 3 years experience and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field of study, and a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA, ACCA, CA etc.)

Managers: candidates with a minimum of 4 years experience and must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field of study, and a Certified Public Accountant certification (CPA, ACCA, CA etc.)

Audit experience within Financial services, Hospitality, Consumer & industrial products and services, Insurance, Captives, Advisory and/ or Telecommunications industries would be an asset.

november 09, 2019 THE STAR

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

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

he Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund was established as a limited charity in 2012, in honour of Her Majesty, The Queen, to make a lasting difference to people's lives. The mission was to create a lasting legacy, owned by every single Commonwealth country.

Two separate Commonwealth programmes were developed: to identify and nurture youth leadership, and to curb blindness from avoidable causes.

The Trust programmes on eye health, delivered in partnership with Commonwealth governments and through some exceptional organisations, have strengthened eye care in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

In the region, the Diabetic Retinopathy Programme is funded by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust through a two-year grant held at the International Centre for Eye Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The grant supports the development of diabetic retinopathy screening and treatment services in Belize, Dominica, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, through partnerships with UK multi-disciplinary teams.

In Saint Lucia, the programme led by Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George was implemented in January of 2018. Through the support of this programme, diabetic eye-screening clinics have been set up at the Castries Wellness Centre and the Vieux Fort Wellness Centre. Laser eye treatment is provided free of charge at the Babonneau Wellness Centre.

In recognition of the important role Dr. Belmar-George has played in co-ordination with the Commonwealth Eye Health

Dr. Sharon Belmar-George (left), Saint Lucia's Chief Medical Officer, meets Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace (above) and celebrates the occasion with companions (below).

Consortium, established by the Trust in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, she was invited to attend a reception.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Her Majesty, The Queen, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George was recognized and celebrated for her work with the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Dr. Belmar-George also had the opportunity to meet with Her Royal Majesty,

ST. LUCIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION COMMENDS GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA

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he Executive and Members of the St. Lucia Manufacturers Association would like to commend the Government of Saint Lucia, in working with the business sector, for assisting our sector in reducing their operating costs with the new amendment to the VAT legislation.

This will go a long way for our local printers who have had to struggle with the classification of their products. At the same time, we would also like to thank them for working with the sector for the implementation of Deferred VAT.

Our members will continually strive to improve the quality of goods and services that we offer to ensure excellence and to make sure that they meet the relevant international standards. We believe that our quest for excellence will provide us with the opportunities to compete worldwide, thus helping us remain a significant player in the growth of GDP of Saint Lucia.

The Queen and the Countess of Wessex.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness congratulates Dr. Sharon Belmar-George on this achievement and esteemed recognition. The Ministry thanks the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust for the funding received to facilitate the programme, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for the technical support and the capacity built in the country.

Victor Maurice Shooting

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he United Workers Party is deeply saddened by the shocking news of the shooting of Mr. Victor Maurice on Sunday at his home.

Mr. Maurice has been a loyal member of the United Workers Party for several years, and from 2015 to 2016 served as Chairperson of the Castries South Constituency Branch.

Mr. Maurice has always been a very jovial man and is known throughout Saint Lucia for going from office to office daily, selling his homemade healthy grains.

The United Workers Party calls for prayers for Mr. Maurice’s speedy recovery and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

We also join the call to all Saint Lucians who are able to donate blood for Mr. Maurice, to do so at Victoria Hospital.

THE STAR NOVEMBER 09, 2019

Puerto Rico Senator among Eight Arrested in Raids by U.S. FBI

By Michael Deibert

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he U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Puerto Rico senator from the island’s ruling New Progressive Party for a second time in as many years, along with seven others in the latest corruption-related crackdown in U.S. territory, local media reported. Abel Nazario, who represents an at-large district in Puerto Rico’s senate and previously served as mayor of the southern town of Yauco, had previously been arrested in September 2018 and charged with alleged payroll irregularities during his 20012017 tenure as Yauco’s mayor.

The El Vocero newspaper reported that the new arrests focused on the granting of contracts and payments to contractors who then undertook no work. Attempts to reach Nazario for comment were unsuccessful. FBI spokesperson Limary Cruz-Rubio said that the San Juan office could

confirm that eight people were arrested without incident early Wednesday in different parts of the island and that the U.S. Attorney in Puerto Rico would issue a press release later.

Puerto Rico’s senate president, Thomas Rivera Schatz, like Nazario a member of the New Progressive Party, asked Nazario to resign in a statement, saying that while he “recognized the presumption of innocence,” Nazario should “give up his seat and devote all his efforts to the situation he faces in court.”

Puerto Rico’s political class has faced a drumbeat of corruption scandals over the last year. Last week, Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Secretary Tania Vazquez Rivera resigned after stating that her office had been visited by FBI agents and served with a subpoena for documents.

In July, the island’s former secretary of education and the former chief of its health insurance administration

Abel Nazario, a member of Puerto Rico’s ruling New Progressive Party (Photographer: Juan Luis Martinez/GDAPHOTO via AP Photo)

were indicted along with the head of an accounting firm and three others. They face allegations of theft, money laundering and wire fraud. Last month, two Federal Emergency Management Agency officials who oversaw the reconstruction

of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid and the former president of Cobra Acquisitions were also arrested on fraud and conspiracy charges linked to recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria.

---Bloomberg

T

he first caskets carried Dawna Langford, 43, and her sons Trevor, 11, and Rogan, 2.

Family members wept as they delivered their eulogies.

“I’ve never experienced this kind of pain in my life,” Justin Ray, Dawna’s brother, said through tears.

On Monday morning, gunmen shot and killed three women and six children outside this small community of American-Mexican Mormons in northern Sonora state. On Thursday morning, the family began burying the dead.

Hundreds of mourners, many of them family, streamed into this town settled in the 1950s by American fundamentalist Mormons for

the first of the services, held in Langford’s backyard.

The killings have drawn attention to the power and ruthlessness of Mexico’s drug cartels and the government’s failure to control its own territory. But they’ve also cast a spotlight on the tiny American Mormon community that has endured for decades in one of the country’s most lawless regions.

In eulogy after eulogy, mourners spoke of La Mora and other nearby Mormon communities as one large extended family, members now leaning on each other as they mourn their losses and face the uncertainty of what comes next.

Dawna Langford grew up in the nearby Mormon community of LeBaron, playing and camping in the Sierra Madre mountains, part of a

community that considered itself both American and Mexican but lived out of reach of either government, in an enclave that still practiced polygamy.

She had 49 brothers and sisters.

Relatives described the large family as one of its great blessings. They remembered how Dawna had served as a kind of second mother, helping to raise some of her siblings.

When she was 19, she married and started a family of her own.

After living in Minnesota and Wyoming, she knew she wanted to be in Mexico, though many of her relatives had moved to the United States. The family settled in La Mora.

Her daughter Crystal said everyone in northern Mexico’s extended Mormon community appeared to know Dawna.

Even when Crystal was visiting LeBaron, across state lines in

Chihuahua, strangers would talk about how much they loved Dawna.

“I told her, ‘Even these random strangers love you, mom,’” Crystal said.

Those communities were normally void of almost any government presence, leaving residents to figure out their own alliances or ways of avoiding local criminal organizations.

But on Thursday, during the funerals, La Mora was packed with security personnel. The governor of Sonora arrived in a helicopter. A truck of national guardsmen parked nearby.

Many of Dawna’s brothers and sisters and children now work in North Dakota and Texas and Arizona. They learned of her death on WhatsApp messages.

---Washington Post

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Saint Lucia’s Consulate General in Miami Facilitates Study Tour of Universities in Florida

by Ministry of Education

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Mourners flood small Mormon community for first funerals after Mexico massacre

By Kevin Sieff

INTERNATIONAL

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he Consulate General of Saint Lucia in Miami recently facilitated an eleven-day tour to fifteen universities throughout the state of Florida for the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development.

A seven-member delegation, headed by the Honourable Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert, engaged in productive dialogue aimed at exploring scholarship and exchange opportunities for Saint Lucian students. The meetings, which commenced on October 1, 2019 shared Saint Lucia’s educational development needs and yielded commitments for the establishment of future partnerships and collaborations.

The Consulate organised meetings with high-level officials from the universities including Presidents, Provosts, Deans and other senior faculty members. The delegation, inter alia, (i) explored academic programmes offered by the respective universities including programmes aligned to current labour market demands; (ii) negoitated scholarship opportunities for Saint Lucian students; (iii) discussed the customisation of programmes and curricula to meet national and professional development needs of Saint Lucia; (iv) explored the layout and outfitting of facilities such as science, innovation, culinary arts and technology laboratories with the intention of implementing best practices; (v) discussed the formalisation of future partnerships and collaborations through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding and Articulation Agreements.

The team also successfully secured commitments that would: • Assess programmes offered at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College with the aim of facilitating transfer opportunities for students; • Provide professional training opportunities for

teachers and other public servants in the areas of leadership, innovation and emergency crisis management; • Launch academic staff exchanges and opportunities for conducting research on issues of national interest such as the sargassum seaweed which continues to plague the east coast of the island; • Develop collaborative engagement with the Ministry of Education towards the goal of modifying the curriculum to meet the current needs of the labour market; • Result in visits to Saint Lucia to scout and recruit potential athletes for scholarships to further their tertiary education and sporting careers.

As a key stakeholder in this endeavour, the Consulate will continue to serve as the focal point for ongoing discussions and follow-up on agreed actions with all the institutions. Given the success of this tour, the Consulate plans to undertake a similar activity in other states including Texas and Georgia.

The Consulate of Saint Lucia in Miami affirms its commitment to support ongoing initiatives at the national level such as Educate Saint Lucia which seeks to develop the nation’s human resources and deliver an education to every Saint Lucian citizen regardless of his or her socio-economic status.

The institutions visited were: University of Tampa, University of South Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, Saint Leo University, University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Valencia College, University of Florida, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida International University, Johnson and Wales University, Miami International University of Arts and Design, Nova Southeastern University, Miami Dade College, and Fayetteville State University.

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november 09, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 09, 2019

KIM’S KORNER

Don’t Stress It

difficult to handle.

So just how do we change our vibrations? The most talked about intervention these days is meditation. tress used to be a buzz stress—is motivating, feels environments, the intensity Focusing on your breathing word brandished around to exciting, focuses us and is short of the situation or the length and taking time to collect your explain being overworked, in duration. It tends to fall within of time we have felt under thoughts and calm your mind overwhelmed, tired and just our coping strategies which is pressure and stressed out. can have an amazing effect. In generally struggling to cope why it does not make us feel

It is obvious we cannot with life. Today it is actually overwhelmed and usually goes always change our stressors or the same way that receiving good news, a promotion or acknowledged as a condition unnoticed. Distress, on the the way they make us feel but an invitation to meet up again becoming extremely common other hand, is associated with we can change our reaction by with a good friend can lighten in the workplace and home life. negative feelings and emotions changing our vibrations. This Some reports say stress levels and anxiety. It can last for long always reminds me of the days your mood and change your perception, they can also make among young people are on the periods and occur in short before hydraulic boots (trunks the whole world seem brighter. rise and becoming a worldwide bursts. Distress can make us for non-British readers). If you Just choosing to be around problem for all ages and from feel drained, ineffective and were loading the car on a good all walks of life. unable to cope with simple day, maybe putting in suitcases positive, happy people can have a huge impact; those good

As soon as we hear the everyday tasks. This type of or camping gear ready for a vibrations can be contagious word stress, we get a wave of stress can lead to both physical vacation, and it came down on and reduce your feelings of negative emotions. Everywhere and mental illness. your head, you would just rub stress. we turn we hear about how

Everyone handles stress the bump, laugh and continue

Remember, it is not stress stress can have a negative differently, and what may be on your way. However, if you that kills us. It’s our reaction impact on our health and wella negative, stressful situation were already having a bad day that does us in. Stress is being. But not all stressors are for some may actually be a and the same thing happened, something you will encounter negative. If we begin by looking walk in the park for others. you would take on Hulk-like in your day-to-day living but, at what stress is, we realise When faced with somebody qualities and be ready to throw if you change your reaction it’s not always bad. Stress also who is feeling overwhelmed the car into the nearest ditch. refers to the body’s response and stressed, try not to That is what I mean by changing and take steps to find a way to calm the mind and recharge to external and internal factors undermine their feelings and your vibrations. If you can the body, you can start to take that put demands on us and reactions. Be compassionate elevate your vibrations to a that should and might better and understanding. Remember, higher level, stress and difficult control and live a happier more peaceful life. be described as distress there may be other factors you situations do not seem so Kim Jackson is a UK-trained (negative stress) or eustress do not know about that have physiotherapist with over 20 years’ (positive stress). By looking at made even the most simple experience. She specialises in stress in this way we can start tasks seem insurmountable. musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction including back pain and sciatica, to view everyday challenges Remember the saying about stroke and other neuro conditions plus differently and harness the making a mountain out of a sports physiotherapy, having worked positive aspects of stressful molehill? Well, your molehill with local, regional and international athletes and teams treating injuries and situations. Let us look at the might be someone else’s analysing biomechanics to improve differences between the two mountain. We are not all born function and performance. She is registered with the Allied Health Council and at ways we can harness the the same size and capacity to and is a member of PASL. She currently positive effects and manage the cope. There may be several works at Bayside Therapy Services in negative. reasons for this, including our Rodney Bay, O: 458 4409 or C: 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com Eustress—positive upbringing, our work or home

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Caribbean Biodiversity Fund approves US$12 million for Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change in 10 Countries

he Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) congratulates eleven organisations for their successful funding applications made under the CBF Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Facility’s first Call for Proposals. Grants totalling US$12 million and ranging in size from $260,000 to $2 million will be provided for the implementation of EbA solutions within the marine and coastal zones of 10 Caribbean countries.

“EbA has been recognized to be among the most costeffective approaches in addressing climate risk,” shared Karim ould Chih, Chairman of the EbA Facility Committee which has oversight responsibility for the Facility.

“The EbA Committee is extremely pleased with the transparent and effective

process employed in the identification and selection of projects,” he added.

The EbA approach employs the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people in adapting to the adverse effects of climate change

“We had a tremendous response to our first Call for Proposals resulting in a very competitive process,” reflected Joth Singh, EbA Facility Programme Manager. “The eleven projects to be funded in the insular Caribbean will provide a range of actions including protected areas’ management, restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems, reduction of land-based stressors, measures to reduce physical damage and pressures on ecosystems, installation

HEALTH

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of artificial reefs and hybrid solutions relevant to the EbA approach,” Singh added.

The projects will be collectively implemented in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The successful lead agencies are (in alphabetical order): Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, Dominican Institute for Integrated Development, Fauna & Flora International, Fundación Grupo Puntacana, Fundación REDDOM Rural Economic Development Dominicana, Grenada Community Development Agency, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation On Agriculture, J/P Haitian Relief Organization,

Mona GeoInformatics Institute - University of the West Indies, Saint Lucia National Trust, and the University of the West Indies - Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies.

CBF Chief Executive Officer Yabanex Batista was delighted on completing the selection process. “We expect that agreements with the selected organisations will be signed in November of this year, leading to funds being disbursed soon thereafter,” expressed Batista.

The EbA Facility aims to issue a second call for proposals in February 2020.

The Facility’s resources are a contribution of the German Federal Ministry of Environment’s International Climate Initiative through KfW, the German Development Bank.

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WHY BACKBENDS ARE GOOD FOR US

M

y teacher BKS Iyengar practised backbends all of his life but especially in his last years. He said that the most advanced postures are the backbends. We can see the front body but we cannot see the back body; we can only feel it.

The mind must go inwards and look at the back. Backbends are to be felt; this is where the mind begins to moves inward.

Iyengar said, “For a yogi, backbends are meant to invert the mind, to observe and to feel first the back, then the consciousness and then the seer. Through the practice of backbends, by using the senses of perception to look back and drawing the mind to the back portion of the body, one day meditation comes naturally.

In other poses the attention on the back is not given to such an extent and the mind moves outside. Backbends have principles of their own, and learning the workings of the mind and intelligence in backbends naturally leads one toward the real aspects of life and the higher aspects of yoga.”*

Backbends have so many benefits that we could talk about them at great length. They relieve anxiety with the opening of the chest. We hold old emotions in the area of the heart centre, which is actually located to the right of the physical heart, just between the dorsal or thoracic spine and the centre of the chest. Many practitioners of yoga find that doing backbends brings them to tears or laughter because of these emotions. With the opening of the chest, the inner shoulder blades move into the chest, creating a broadness and lift which makes space around the heart and lungs, which improves our breathing.

Backbends stimulate the cardiovascular system. The benefits are both physical

and psychological, bringing emotional stability and helping us to be more patient, more positive and more fulfilled.

Backbends build strength and flexibility of the spine and open the thoracic spine which is normally the least flexible area of the back. The shoulders and arms become stronger along with the legs and especially the thighs.

A backbend which strengthens the lower back is Shalabhasana—locust pose.

For those with lower back pain this is a pose that really helps.

Beginning on the abdomen, lift the arms up behind the back and stretch the arms toward the feet as the legs are lifted off the floor. It makes the lower back feel really good and strong.

Urdhva Dhanurasana— classic backbend or wheel pose—is more difficult because we must build strength and flexibility in the body and mind before attempting this great pose. It is accomplished by pressing into the feet to lift the centre of the buttocks, and pressing into the hands to lift the chest. The arms are strong and straight, the buttocks move away from the waist to lengthen the back as the hamstrings move toward the buttocks.

The hands and feet are firm on the floor. Students find a great feeling of accomplishment the first time they get up into this pose. The fear of bending back is removed, along with the emotions that go along with that fear.

Backbends should not be attempted without the instruction and supervision of a teacher, and only after the body has become strong and flexible. *Backbend intensive with BKS Iyengar, taught NovemberDecember, 1991. Questions asked by Patricia Walden and Victor Oppenheimer.

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

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019 THE STAR

Gros Islet knock out Opponents in Super Ten Tournament

By David R Pascal

G

ros Islet came out on top in the 2019 Veterans in Sports Inc/St Lucia Football Association Super 10 Knockout Tournament played over the weekend at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.

There was plenty of action leading up to Sunday’s final with five preliminary matches and one second-round match being played on Saturday. In the first game that day, Laborie Veterans defeated VSADC 5-1; in game two Marchand got past Dennery All Blacks 3-1; game three saw Soufriere shut out Vieux Fort Central 3-0; game four produced another shutout as Gros Islet defeated Labowie Connextions 3-0.

Game number five was the start of the second round.

Micoud, following a bye, beat Laborie Veterans 2-1. In game number six (second round) Flow Lancers FC, also with a bye, lost to Marchand Veterans 2-1.

Sunday was semi-final play with Micoud and Soufriere playing in the opening game.

It was a goal-less draw after regulation time, penalty kicks eventually deciding the fate of the two teams. Micoud won 4-3 on penalty kicks.

In the second semi-final, Gros Islet beat Marchand 1-0 with Troy Serieux scoring the winning goal in the 32nd minute.

The final saw the two semi-final winners, Gros islet and Micoud, square off but, before that happened, there was a friendly between Caricom

The victorious Gros Islet Veterans team in a wild celebration.

Youth Football Competition results Jerome Serville from Soufriere tries maintaining ball control during a semi-final game against Micoud.

Masters and the touring Island Masters team from Canada.

That game ended 2-2.

The final between Gros Islet and Micoud did not produce the goals everyone expected but provided plenty of excitement in the hard-fought, close encounter. Mike Phillips’ goal in the 41st minute was all Gros Islet needed to come out on top 1-0.

Following the final there was a brief prize-giving ceremony. Winners Gros Islet took home $3,000 along with a

CEO of Veterans in Sports Inc. Alvin Malaykhan tries getting past an Island Masters defender.

trophy and gold medals. Second place Micoud received $1,000, a trophy and silver medals.

Commendably, Gros Islet donated $1,000 of their earnings and Micoud $500 towards Kick for a Cure, cancer patient Allison Belizaire receiving the presentation.

Continuing with the presentations, Harvey Etienne of Laborie Veterans received the award for Most Goals. George Alcide of Gros Islet Veterans was the MVP of the finals.

Commenting on the competition, CEO of Veterans in Sports Inc, Alvin Malaykhan said: “It was two days of exciting football. I would say it was an intense tournament, it was a Super 10. You know we had six matches yesterday [Saturday], and today [Sunday] we had five, but really exciting football. I feel it’s a real preparation for what’s going to happen come this weekend.

I think the guys are prepared, they have seen what some of the top teams have to offer and it will lend itself to an exciting tournament this year.”

The 2019 Veterans in Sports Inc Football Tournament officially gets underway this weekend in Vieux Fort.

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he Castries Football Council Youth Football Competition, sponsored

by Bank of Saint Lucia and LUCELEC, has, for the past weeks, been riveting, exciting and entertaining.

Playing in the Under-11 Division, Flow Lancers maintained their unbeaten run, defeating FC Pioneers 3–2 in the first semi-final. Their goals came from Torres Harris plus a brace from Krishonne Amedee.

Jason Joncarte scored both of Pioneers’ goals In the other semi-final, Valley Soccer edged out NYAH FC in a keenly contested match with the lone goal scored by Levi Stiede.

The finals will now be played between Flow Lancers and Valley Soccer.

In the Under-13 Division, VSADC and Valley Soccer played to an entertaining goal-less draw, which brought out the best from both teams. Following the awarding of extra time, the match was still without a goal. Though the goalkeepers stood out in the ensuing penalty shootout, Janquan John was able to power VSADC to the final, with the only goal scored.

In the other semi-final, Lancers defeated FC Pioneers 2–1 with a brace by Vernroy Alfred. Kurt Curtrel pulled one back for Pioneers.

The resultant final will now be played between Flow Lancers and VSADC.

The Under-15 Division

A player with Valley Soccer sidesteps a VSDAC defender in an under-13 game.

lived up to all expectations, providing lots of excitement for the appreciative crowd.

In the first match Flow Lancers dominated VSADC, defeating them 3–0. Their goals were scored by Kalum Marius, Nayo Mathews and an own goal.

The other semi-final saw GMC United enjoying a 2–0 advantage over Valley Soccer at half-time, with early goals

by Kareem Knight and Mikel Castang. On the resumption Valley Soccer staged a mini comeback but, despite being awarded a penalty which was converted by Rawson Harris, were unable to make any further headway, and GMC United ran away winners 2–1.

The final will be Flow Lancers vs GMC United. To date Flow Lancers have secured three final berths.

THE STAR

NOVEMBER 09, 2019

Successful Pole Vault Clinic leads the way for a big December

Programme Director Andy Behl (front row, second from right) and students who attended the recent Schools’ Pole Vault Clinic.

O

n Friday, November 1 the Mon Repos Athletic Academy (Mopo AC) and its Pole Vault Saint Lucia programme, with the endorsement of the Ministry of Education and the endorsement and support of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, hosted the third schools’ pole vault clinic of 2019, as part of the lead-up to the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools’ Pole Vault Championships in December.

The event saw 38 students from eight schools participate, including the presence of Stanley Jon Odlum Secondary School for the first time at a clinic. In total, over the year, 15 secondary schools have taken part in one or more clinics, as teachers and coaches work together to introduce more youth to the event.

Students went through a warm-up and worked on a number of technical drills before spending the last half of the clinic applying their learning over a soft crossbar.

While the experience was new for some, others boys and girls have developed confidence and identity in the sport and are

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clearly on their way towards a strong showing at next month’s exhibition championships. It is currently planned for the final week of school, and integrated into the inaugural Saint Lucia Pole Vault Summit and Street Vault. More details on those events will be coming in the weeks ahead.

Programme Director Andy Behl thanked the various stakeholders at all levels, who worked hard to ensure this clinic was successfully executed in the lead-up to December, including the Patricia D James Secondary School principal; leadership and staff for their continued partnership with Mopo AC in the operation of the Jumps Centre; Chief Education Officer Fiona Mayer who provided communication support to the schools; the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports for the endorsement of the event and transportation support for the students from the south; the Saint Lucia Athletics Association for bibs; the teachers at the schools who were able to organise their students in preparation for the day; and the participating

teachers and coaches who co-lead drills and worked with the athletes over the course of the afternoon. These individuals include Coach Shem Edward; Mr Jules, Mr Rodney, Ms Herman, Mr Myers, Mr Clovis and Mr Yarde.

The Jumps Centre was a joint concept spearheaded by the Mon Repos Athletics Academy and the Patricia D James Secondary School (formerly known as Vide Bouteille Secondary School) in February 2017. It was launched in March 2018 with support from the Australian High Commission’s Direct Assistance Program/AusAid, the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Inc, M&C Home Depot, UCS Spirit Inc, TransCaribe Express Shippers, Blanchard’s Customs and Brokerage, Williams’ Equipment, the United States Peace Corps, and individual school and community leaders.

Information and the latest events are featured on the Facebook and Instagram pages for the Mon Repos Athletics Academy. Interested parents and teachers can reach out to Programme Director Andy Behl on 488 3318.

Nominees Confirmed for SLNCA Election of Officers

he St Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) will be hosting its Biennial General Meeting on Saturday, November 30, 2019 with the main agenda item being the election of officers for 2020/2021.

The nomination process for the election of officers commenced on October 1 and concluded on October 31.

At the conclusion of the nomination process, the following persons had been nominated for the various positions: President, Carol Henry, Julian Charles; First Vice President: Simmons Jules, Al Prince, Shaun Alcindor; Second Vice President: Simmons Jules, Tyrone Harris; Third Vice President: Roselin Preville, Eugena Gregg;

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Principal Secretary: John Estaphane, Patrick Felix; Secretary: Cayan Daniel, Ashline St Martin; Treasurer: Patrick Clarke, Celestin Laurent.

All 16 districts are expected to attend the Biennial General Meeting to be held at the Grand Riviere Secondary School and to fully participate in the election of officers.

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India wins Colonial Medical Insurance ODI Series 2-1

A

captain’s knock could not save the West Indies Women from a series defeat in the three-match Colonial Medical Insurance OneDay International series against India Women on Wednesday, after India Women won the third match by six wickets at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St John’s Antigua.

The West Indies Women won the toss and elected to bat first but the opening batters found it difficult to get the scoring started. No runs were scored in the first two overs, as Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey had Hayley Matthews and Natasha McLean pegged back with pace.

McLean was the first to go, trying to play across the line and the ball popped up from the edge of the bat for an easy catch. Matthews, playing in her first game this series, eventually took a liking to the pace from Goswami and Pandey, belting them for three fours and a six on her way to 26.

The turning point of the

match came when Matthews was run out, and a momentary slowing down of runs saw the West Indies Women inching to 50 runs on the board.

Chedean Nation’s stay in the middle did not last long as she fell for six. Kyshona Knight and Stafanie Taylor looked set to rebuild the shaking West Indies Women’s innings, as they converted their chances for quick singles. After building a steady partnership of 34 runs, Knight, trying to sweep, was caught for a supportive 16 runs.

Then came the partnership that took the West Indies Women’s innings to a defendable total. Stacy-Ann King and Taylor took the singles and twos. Both players then took the scoring tempo up, when the Indians delivered wayward deliveries. Taylor collected a return-shot using her gloves to protect her from a straight drive from King. This pair added 96 runs before Taylor was caught and bowled by Poonam Yadav for a brilliant 79.

King soldiered on to 38

before she was bowled by Goswami. The rest of the West Indies Women’s batters fell for single digits, as they finished their fifty overs on 194 all out.

India started their runchase confidently with Smriti Mandhana playing for the first time in the series. Together with Jemimah Rodrigues, who has struggled with the bat this series, the pair took a liking to the West Indies bowlers.

They posted 141 runs before Rodrigues was the first wicket to fall. Matthews had her stumped for 69.

Mandhana continued her scoring but became Matthews’ second scalp for 74. Poonam Raut was Matthews’ third wicket. India had a slight wobble with four wickets falling in a short space of overs but they were comfortable winners by six wickets in 42.1 overs, finishing on 195 for six.

The tour now shifts focus to five T20 Internationals, the first two to be played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on November 9 and 10.

World Sambo Championships to be hosted in Seoul

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n November 10, 2019 Nisso Etienne from the Sports and Combat Sambo Federation Saint Lucia will compete at the World Sambo Championships taking place in the 1988 Olympic host country, South Korea. The Championships will run from November 8 to10 in Seoul. This will be the second time that our athletes have represented our island at this level, the first being the World Sambo Championships in Bucharest, Romania in 2018. Athletes from the Federation have also previously competed in Pan American Sambo Championships, the most recent being in the Dominican Republic from June 28 to 30, 2019.

Etienne is set to compete in combat sambo in the 90kg weight class. His preparation for the tournament has been aided by Coach Thaddeus Francis who recently attended a coaching and referee seminar in the Dominican Republic in order to be better briefed on the updated rules of the evolving sport.

The Federation thanks its sponsor, the National Lotteries Authority, for its assistance by having Etienne represent the country, and wishes him a safe journey to the Championships.

The Sports and Combat Sambo Federation offers all interested persons the opportunity to partake in this fledgling discipline. Training is held every Saturday at the Carellie Fitness Centre from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. There is a free open day every

Nisso Etienne will compete at the World Sambo Championships in Seoul, South Korea.

first Saturday of the month.

Contact the Federation via email: sambofedsaintlucia@gmail.com, Facebook: Sports and Combat Sambo Federation Saint Lucia, Instagram: @sambofedsaintlucia as well as by telephone: (758) 726-1804.

Resumption of Netball Training

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he St Lucia National Netball Association would like to inform all under-21 and senior netballers that national training resumes on Monday, November 11 at 5:00pm at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. All players are encouraged to attend training sessions on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 5:00p.m. Please wear a white shirt and black bottom to training.

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NOVEMBER 09, 2019 THE STAR

Spencer and KIA – a winning combination Baptist Church; and Director of Northwest Limited, Larry Bain. Ryan O’Brian, who is also associated with the ministry, he name KIA is not chaired the proceedings. only well known in the After greeting everyone, automotive industry, Emile said: “I welcome you all but is also associated with with joy and pride. This feeling prestigious sporting events here in which I welcome you today and abroad, so it was really is exhumed from the presence no surprise when Northwest of our most esteemed and Limited (agents for KIA) tied accomplished athlete Levern its name with Saint Lucia’s Spencer, our Youth and Sports most decorated athlete of Ambassador. The ceremony all time, Olympian and multi today is being held for the Sportswoman of the Year Levern Government of Saint Lucia in Spencer. partnership with our generous On Tuesday at Mindoo corporate citizen Northwest Phillip Park, where Spencer Limited.” jumpstarted (no pun intended) Then came the official her athletic career, she was the announcement from the Deputy guest of honour at a special Permanent Secretary that presentation. Other prominent government had indeed made guests in attendance included good on its pronouncement at Minister of Youth Development a ceremony at Sandals Grande and Sports, Edmund Estephane; earlier this year that Spencer Acting Permanent Secretary would be the recipient of a in the same ministry, Benson motor vehicle to recognize 20 Emile; Deputy Permanent years of dedicated stellar and Secretary, Liota Charlemagne longstanding service in the area Mason; Levern Spencer’s of national sports representation local manager Gregory Dixon; and achievement.

Director of Sports, Patrick Emile had the honour of Mathurin; Pastor Reverend making the big announcement: Emmanuel Charles of the Faith “Today we present Levern with

By David R Pascal

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Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Edmund Estephane (right) congratulates Levern Spencer (left) who received the keys for the 2019 KIA Sportage from Director of Northwest Limited, Larry Bain (centre).

a KIA Sportage in recognition of her longstanding service to sports in Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia appreciates your dedication and consistency of service which you, Levern, have provided in your chosen field of representation, which is athletics.”

Bain couldn’t help but associate Spencer with KIA and pointed out some similarities between the two: “Levern

started out just as KIA had— as the unknown, the underdog, contending with more experienced competitors with greater resources. Just like KIA, with persistence, perseverance and passion, Levern has risen to be measured among the very best in the world.”

Bain continued: “Levern, you have cleared more than the high jump bar.

Time and again you have

elevated the bar for all sports persons, competitors in other disciplines, Saint Lucians in all walks of life and citizens across the world, who have witnessed not only your incredible consistency on the field, but how well you have carried yourself throughout your remarkable journey.

We are enormously proud and honoured to partner with you and your team, and are confident that the KIA Sportage is the perfect fit to help carry you through to achieving future milestones.”

Estephane recalled government’s promise to reward Levern with a vehicle for her meritorious service in sports. Taking a page from Bain, the minister said: “KIA is synonymous with Levern.

A dedicated individual; a dedicated company in KIA. Levern, you have been, and continue to be, our shining light. Your dedication, humility, perseverance and ethos, epitomize the characteristics that all Saint Lucians must aspire to, for Saint Lucians to shine.”

Spencer expressed her

gratitude to the Government of St Lucia, through the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, in her acceptance speech and was careful not to leave anyone out. She said: “I want to thank individuals like the Minister of Youth Development and Sports, the honorable Edmund Estephane, who started the process; the DPS Liota Charlemagne Mason who ensured that it happened: and also the PS [Emile].

Though he came on board late, I think he still played his role in ensuring that this promise became a reality. I want to thank my local manager Mr Gregory Dixon. He has been the one on the ground and always having discussions, especially when I am not in Saint Lucia.”

Spencer went on to thank Pastor Charles for blessing the vehicle, then last but certainly not least, she mentioned Bain from Northwest, saying: “KIA Sportage will now be one of my favourite brands and I look forward to driving around Castries and everywhere with it. I think it is a great car and I really like it.”

THE STAR

november 09, 2019

So You Think You’d Never Eat Insects? You Already Do!

CLASSIFIED 23

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Supervisor Position Overview An internationally recognized, prestigious, and sales-driven contact centre based in St Lucia is seeking a pro-active and dynamic Supervisor for their E-Chat department.

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

O

n a morning in the nottoo-distant future, you might toast bread made with cricket flour, drink a protein smoothie made from locust powder, and eat scrambled eggs (made extra-creamy with the fat from mopane caterpillars) with a side of mealworm bacon.

That meal will give you four times the iron, more than three times the protein and more key vitamins and minerals than the bread, smoothie, eggs and bacon you eat today—all while saving the planet.

No way you'll eat bugs, you say? Well, sorry to break this to you, but if you eat chocolate, pizza and spaghetti, you are already eating insects -- and worse.

The US Food and Drug Administration allows 30 or more insect parts and some rodent hair in every bar of chocolate; nearly two maggots in a 16 ounce can of tomatoes or pizza sauce; and up to 450 insect parts and nine rodent hairs in every 16 ounce box of spaghetti. There's just no way to get rid of all the creatures that might hitch a ride along the food processing chain, so the FDA has to allow what they call "food defects," which you eat without knowing. They are in many of our foods—even peanut butter and jelly. So why not eat bugs on purpose and simultaneously fight climate change?

According to a report by Global Market Insights, the US edible insect market topped $55 million in 2017 and is expected to grow to nearly $80 million by 2024. Europe's on track to do the same, while Asia Pacific nations are expected to eat $270 million worth of insects by the quarter of the century. A growing demand for high quality protein, along with a movement toward sustainability and against processed foods, are a few of the reasons behind the growing popularity. Besides, bugs are very good for you.

Many countries and traditions have known this for centuries.

According to a 2013 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), at least 2 billion people worldwide eat bugs every day.

"I've eaten bugs in many countries: termites, scorpions, beetle larvae, grasshoppers, silkworms. All very common,"

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The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing exemplary leadership to a team in a performance-based environment.

Cockroach roti, anybody?

Packed with protein, it would be good for you!

said entomologist Jeff Tomberlin, who directs the forensic and investigative sciences program at Texas A&M University."I had beetle larva that was incorporated into a quiche, bamboo worms that were fried like French fries, and termites that were smoked and served as an appetizer, just like peanuts. As for the taste, it's sort of a nutty popcorn flavor.

The buttery flavor would be the fat of the insect and the nuttiness would be the chitin, or the exoskeleton."

The most commonly eaten insect groups globally, according to the FAO, are ants; beetles; bees; caterpillars; cicadas; crickets; dragonflies; flies; grasshoppers; leaf bugs; locusts; scale insects; termites; and wasps. But there's lots more to choose from. More than 2,100 edible insects have been recorded in the world, according to Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands.

Many of those are packed with good-for-you vitamins, minerals, fat and protein.

In fact, insects are often considered delicacies. Queen termites, for example, are so nutritionally dense that they are fed to undernourished children in Uganda and Zambia.

Consider those mealworms you had instead of bacon at our imaginary breakfast. They have higher unsaturated omega-3 levels than fish, as well as the same protein, vitamin and mineral content.

The cricket protein in the toast you hypothetically enjoyed is said to be a "complete protein" just like fish, meat, dairy and eggs. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids needed to build and repair protein tissues in the body. We don't naturally make those essential amino acids, so we must get them through our diet. In addition, each insect delivers an enormous punch of protein for its size.

Take the mopane

caterpillar, one of the most highly prized and devoured insects in the world. One mopane worm, as they are called, provides 48% to 61% of protein needs, and is a source of calcium, zinc and iron.

Then there's the fat content: 16% to 20% of the mopane worm is fat, of which 40% is essential fatty acids. The fat can add a creaminess to recipes (remember your future breakfast eggs?). And then there's the biggest selling point: Devouring bugs instead of methane-producing livestock is an easy, excellent way to deliver quality nutrition to the masses of humanity while helping the environment.

But it's not just protecting the ozone. Bugs don't use much water (there's a global water crisis). They can be grown on organic waste (poo-poo platter anyone?). And they can be grown vertically, in a small amount of space. That last bit is huge: According to the FAO, over a fourth of the world's land is used for grazing livestock.

Another third of the earth is dedicated to growing crops that will be eaten by livestock.

Just think of it: Bugs can be grown in small cages nested inside insect skyscrapers. If that is huge, this next fact is gargantuan: Because they are cold-blooded and need less energy to stay warm, bugs need much less food than animals.

Crickets, for example, need 12 times less feed than cattle, four times less than sheep, and half the feed needed by pigs and broiler chickens to produce the same amount of protein, according to the FAO.

If that isn't enough, there's yet another plus: the fast lifecycle of insects. "While you may feed an animal for six weeks to ready it for market, during that same period you (could) have multiple generations of insects," Tomberlin said.

Insects— protein of the future. Mopane worm hummus, anyone?

Key Competencies/Skills: • Ability to implement creative coaching, developmental, and motivational activities to ensure that the team performs at a high standard.

• Strong background in championing and upholding organizational policies and procedures.

• Excellent organizational, and communication skills (both written and verbal) • Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to quickly learn other computer applications.

Qualifications: • At Least an associate degree in Business Management, or other related discipline • At least one-year experience in a supervisory role • Experience in a contact centre environment would be an asset Other requirements: • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, based on the needs of the business.

• Ability to travel when requested.

Compensation: • Salary and other financial incentives will be commensurate on experience, qualifications, and your team’s performance.

Please email resume and cover letter to slu.recruitment1@gmail.com

by November 17th, 2019.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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