The STAR Newspaper - St. Lucia's Forgotten Stone Cold Cases

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The Star (St.Lucia)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2018

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ST LUCIA’S FORGOTTEN STONE COLD CASES! A UR S

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

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GETTING TO KNOW YOU

By Michael Walker

OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

Kenny Wants Court To Stop Work In Vieux Fort!

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Bordelais Correctional Facility.

A

new inter-active series of programmes from IETV to engender pride in our nation by promoting literacy and local general knowledge. The series can be viewed on channels 118 (FLOW), 102 (Karib analogue), 32 (LIME) and on NTN.

6. Pre-trail detainees are called

1. When was the Bordelais Facility opened?

a. Just over one half (53.5%) b. Just over one third (36.3%) c. Just over one quarter (25.2%)

a. 2001 b. 2003 c. 2005

a. Death Row inmates. b. Remand inmates. c. Juvenile delinquents.

7. Remand prisoners as a percentage of the total population in 2017 was

8. The number of female prisoners as a percentage of 2. For how many inmates was the total population in 2017 was it built? a. 400 b. 500 c. 600

a. 10.5% b. 15.5% c. 2.5%

3. Given the official capacity is 450 inmates, what was the average population for Bordelais in 2014?

9. The number of juvenile prisoners under 18 years of age as a percentage of the total population in 2017 was

a. 434. b. 534. c. 634.

a. 0.9% b. 9% c. 19%

4. The Bordelais Correctional Facility is located

10. The number of foreign prisoners as a percentage of the total population in 2011, the latest available statistics, was

a. south of Dennery. b. east of Dennery. c. north of Dennery.

5. The Bordelais Correctional Facility replaced

a. 0.3% b. 3.0% c. 13%

a. HMP Castries. b. HMP Dennery. c. HMP Vieux Fort.

arliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort South, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, has confirmed that his lawyers have filed a claim in the high court against the Government of Saint Lucia for entering into agreements with Desert Star Holdings Ltd, also well known as DSH.

The claim seeks declarations from the court that the agreements between the Government of Saint Lucia and Desert Star Holdings Ltd are unconstitutional, null and void.

The claim also argues that the financial arrangements underpinning the agreements are unlawful as they are in breach of the Finance Administration Act of Saint Lucia, the Citizenship by Investment Act and the Regulations made under the Act. It also seeks declarations that the agreements to grant concessions are irrational and an abuse of the discretionary powers of the Government of Saint Lucia. The court is also asked to order an injunction on the project if it rules in favour of the claimant.

As for his motivations, Dr. Anthony explains: “I have taken this step because I believe that the agreements as presently exist are not in the best interest of my constituents, the neighbouring constituencies of

O

Ready or not: Is Allen Chastanet (left) prepared for Kenny Anthony’s promised whirlwind?

Vieux Fort North and Augier/Laborie and, indeed, the people of Saint Lucia.

The agreements will destroy and/or inflict considerable harm on the farmers in my constituency and nearby communities. Already, several cattle farmers have lost their animals because of the indiscriminate removal of fencing protecting grazing grounds by the contractor engaged in preparing the horse racing site. The traditional grazing grounds on the Beausejour site no longer exists. Some farmers have also

abandoned their animals and their crops as a direct result of the actions of the government.

“It is irrational to deactivate a just completed meat processing facility which was a gift from a foreign government at a cost of approximately EC$24 million, the location of which was once held to be strategic to cater for the needs of the farmers in the immediate and surrounding communities.”

Dr. Anthony states further that he “cannot accept that the site which accommodates the National Stadium should be

yielded to DSH. The proposed method of financing the proposed development is outrageous and an abuse of the goodwill of the people of Saint Lucia. These agreements are not, in my view, in the interest of my constituents and indeed the people of Saint Lucia. As I have said before, I will oppose these agreements with every ounce of strength that I have.”

Dr. Anthony is represented

by Anthony Astaphan SC and Mr. Leslie Mondesir of the chambers of Mondesir, Pierre and Associates.

Taiwan Celebrates 107 and Saint Lucia gets Cake!

n Thursday, the Embassy of the Republic if China (Taiwan) hosted, in grand style, a commemoration of the country’s 107th national day.

This is not the first October 4 event when the embassy has invited hundreds of Saint Lucians to join in the fun.

Last year featured a notable performance by Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Minister Bradley Felix and STAR publisher Rick Wayne.

At this year’s celebration the embassy did not receive the same honour, but it was nonetheless nothing short of fun.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Band played all the right tunes of local folk music,

calypso, soca and a few native Taiwanese sounds. Dancers flaunted extravagant Wob Dwiyets and invited members of the embassy and Saint Lucians alike to celebrate the occasion on the dance floor. The Taiwanese traditional folk character “The Prince” was spotted coaxing several guests to participate in the cultural brew.

Ambassador Douglas Shen was not there for the special date but his bases were covered, including for the cakecutting number. His chargé d’affaires, Bill Shih-Chang Huang happily sliced the edible Taiwanese flag that was later shared among the guests.

Sharing the cake at Thursday evening's celebrations.

From left to right: Mr. Bill Shih-Chang Huang, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Taiwan, Mrs. Jeannine Giraudy-Mcintyre, President of the Saint Lucia Senate and Lenard Montoute, MP for Gros Islet.

Answers: 1 b, 2 b, 3 c, 4 a, 5 a, 6 b, 7 a, 8 c, 9 a, 10 a.

THE STAR

October 06, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

dedicates September to giving back to hundreds of students across St. Lucia with its back-to-school campaign: Free backpacks, notebooks, stationery, breakfast, printers, bus fare & more.

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OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

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Police say Hundreds of Homicides remain Unsolved

Last month a spokesperson for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force announced plans to begin ames like Jezelle Georges, looking into the several Simone Garnier, Trisha unresolved cold cases on its Dennis, Carol Hunte, record, with a new resolve to Alisha Hunte and Oliver Gobat bring perpetrators to justice. ought to be etched in the minds But when I asked the ACP for of all Saint Lucians. Chances Crime and Intelligence, Mr. are the majority would have a Wayne Charlery, what was hard time recalling they were all the total the number of cold brutally murdered several years cases, his answer was: “I ago, some barely out of their don’t know right now. We are teens. Trisha Dennis was not yet reviewing them, going as far a teen when she was sexually back as we can, and I’m hoping assaulted and killed. before the end of October to

It’s anyone’s guess what be in a position to answer that went on in the minds of their question.” parents, relatives and friends

He speculated that there last week, when nearly all we could be as many as 500 heard on the news was related homicides to be resolved. “This to Botham Jean, shot to death is why it’s very important to in his own apartment by a Texas take a good and strong look police officer who claimed she back as to what has happened, had mistaken Jean’s quarters and to have a team dedicated to for her own. it.” He suggested persons who Joshua St. Aimee

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are committing crimes now may have also perpetrated crimes ten to fifteen years ago.

He noted that Saint Lucia was not alone, that other countries also had their cold cases, their unresolved rapes and homicides. “In any given instance,” said Charlery, “if you are able to solve, say 50% of the cases you get, you’d be lauded and praised as one of the best investigative departments in the entire world. It goes with the territory that more than half of the cases would not be solved.”

To the best of his knowledge, in the last ten years there have not been any cold cases reopened in Saint Lucia.

“I don’t think we’ve really ever looked very strongly at that side of investigations,” he said.

“I’m subject to correction but I don’t think so. That is why it is important to begin now.”

Charlery promised that

Wayne Charlery, ACP for Crime and Intelligence, is intent on bringing to justice the perpetrators of several unsolved crimes going back years.

after a review of the cases on record, a special team will be assigned to them. “What we want to do at some point is, having looked at the backlog of unsolved cases, do a selection

of cases that have the potential to be solved. We will call on the public to provide us with the necessary information.”

Referencing the case of Jezelle Georges, who was

raped and killed at her parents’ Bonneterre home at high noon, and Simone Garnier, in particular, Charlery said they are of great interest and will form part of the initial fifty-two selected cases. The Major Crimes Unit, the department that deals with complex and complicated homicide cases, will handle each case.

One key element in this initiative will be the role of the media, Charlery said.

Various strategies will be rolled out in collaboration with news agencies, in an effort to sensitize the public. If or when perpetrators are eventually arrested for crimes committed years ago, a waiting period for the cases to see their day in court may still arise. The criminal division of the high court, which handles all criminal cases, has been closed from April.

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THE STAR

OCTOBER 06, 2018

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05

No Escape for Banana Farmers Claudia Eleibox

T

he hurricane season is always filled with talk about the main ingredient of our national dish, which ripens into a yellow delight for European supermarket shelves, mostly because the banana tree is one of the flimsiest crops, and at the same time its fruit is possibly our largest export product.

I suppose most readers already know the problem.

The hurricane season is, for any banana farmer, simply an inevitability!

Last week’s tropical storm Kirk brought wind that some described as far scarier than the damaging rainfall of recent storms. Kirk inflicted damage on up to 80% of the island’s banana and plantain crops, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s rapid assessment. The crops were uprooted, snapped and toppled by the wind. It’s something all the banana farmers should be used to, but it’s no easy thing handling increasing zero-income spells of about six to nine months each.

Although he loves being self-employed and enjoys the beauty of working with nature, John (not his real name) is always far from prepared for what he describes as “the sadness” that comes after storms and hurricanes. “For the six months it takes to replant and grow banana trees, I still have to pay my workers. I also have to wait another three months before I can harvest and make an income,” he said, “but you cannot protect the trees from wind. There’s no way to defend nature from itself.” The latter, spoken usually in creole, is a line I heard countless times over the past weekend.

John and 266 core farmers out of 327 total members sell to the National Fair Trade Organisation an average of sixty boxes of bananas per five acres of farming land. A box of fruit for international export is worth US$9.20 but with nothing to sell for the time in between a storm and a farmer’s next harvest day, the farm essentially

Some banana farmers believe their lives are changing for the worse, but what do you do when the enemy is Mother Nature?

operates at a loss.

Of course, the Ministry of Agriculture provides fertilizers, assists with drainage and, in dark times like the hurricane season, governments promise other subsidies. But according to John, sometimes the promises go unfulfilled.

“Last year they said they would give fertilizer and help us replant,” he said.

“They never did it and another hurricane season is here. It’s the only way the government can really help. In the past they’d give a cycle of fertilizer and oil and send people to help with the work to lessen the cost while we were not making money. It helped a little. But if it has to be worth anything I think they should give three cycles of fertilizer and oil and help to chop the trees and replant.”

Meanwhile, John awaits word from the government or the Taiwanese-funded Banana Productivity Improvement Project.

Farmers also have the option of acquiring crop

insurance. However, despite that the damage was worse than some previous hurricane seasons, some farmers still cannot make insurance claims.

“They said the wind speed was too low,” John lamented, “They give it for 70 mph and Kirk was 50 mph, they say.”

And as for a farmers’ pension scheme, John says: “So many years government after government talk about it but no one has ever done it.

We need one now more than ever.”

For members of the NFTO, harvest days must coincide with the days the vessel is set to leave for the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately for some angry farmers, Thursday and Friday are the designated days, so they missed their final full paycheck for 2018 by a few hours. John argued: “I have 100 boxes in my shed and they could have let us harvest early on Thursday.”

However, NFTO says otherwise: “Usually on harvest days farmers come to sell from about 4 p.m. and the receiving staff would knock off around midnight to one o’clock in the

morning when the storm was at its worst. We also had to consider that the bananas had to be refrigerated and, if there was no electricity, the fruit would spoil while in the container.”

A disconsolate John responds: “Well, now we have nothing to sell!”

There seems to be no way to escape the temporary bankruptcy.

For farmers like John, they cannot use the fallen crop, even if it looks fine.

There are specifications for the time period the fruit should be picked and they must be green and blemish-free.

Any farmer attempting to sell fallen fruit or defy any of the fifty other specifications would be suspended.

Neither would they be allowed to sell to the less strict regional market; nor to the banana-saturated local market.

Everyone wants to sell his last batch of fruit.

Banana farmers who had younger, shorter trees were hoping and praying they would weather the storm. But many, like John, were not so lucky.

And we still have two more hurricane months ahead of us.

“These storms better all come now if they coming,” said a desperate John.

“It’s like they’re getting worse. I don’t even know if I should do this anymore.

I’m getting too old for it.”

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06 COMMENT

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OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

R-E-S-P-E-C-T . . . Just A Little Bit! Peter Josie

I

t stands to reason if you plan to use someone as some kind of political pawn that you do not rate him or her very highly. The emergence of our people from darkness into light, no thanks to the present opposition, is one reason our ancestors struggled from slavery to the present. Freedom and independence cannot co-exist without mutual respect.

When Aretha Franklin passed away in August of this year her popular hit ‘Respect’ returned to me with as much feeling as when it was first released.

Ms. Franklin had experienced the disrespect which many people of colour see and feel to this day.

The propensity to respect or disrespect a person seems rooted in the social mores of society and not in the teachings of Jesus Christ, in whose name Christianity was founded, and who treated all people with respect, even his enemies.

During a practice for First Communion, a priest walked down the centre aisle of his church, past the front rows of quiet children, then turned suddenly to his left to inflict a stinging slap to the face of a boy he had earlier cautioned for talking and giggling during catechism.

Years later, a policeman walked past the gates of Victoria Park in Castries and spied a youngster, one of a group of four boys, smoking a marijuana joint. He walked up to the lad, grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, and let loose a hard slap to the boy’s face.

The boy had been previously warned that marijuana smoking was illegal.

In Florida, a judge imposed a fine on a young woman for saying aloud ‘Adios’ as she walked out of his court. As she turned around to again walk away, she raised her middle finger at the court. The judge called her back a second time and, to her utter shock and dismay, he slapped her with a thirty-day jail sentence.

The thread which runs through these three incidents is called respect. This is obvious to those with a little manners and social decorum. Its opposite, disrespect, indicates a lack of social awareness and acceptable civility and

The recently deceased universal singing superstar Aretha Franklin, it turns out, did much during her illustrious career to enhance the image of people of colour everywhere. Her big hit, Respect, said it all!

conduct. Respect demonstrates an acknowledgement of the recipient’s station in life, or his or her seniority, or ability and family or societal connections.

An interesting aspect of respect has been at the forefront of recent discussions in Saint Lucia. It hides behind free speech and democracy and insults and disrespects the intelligence of the average citizen. In a democracy, respect ought not to come from force and not only from formal education. Instead, respect comes from socialization which begins at home. Later, respect becomes an intrinsic part of the personality and it is earned especially after it is first demonstrated. Therefore, to earn it, one must first be prepared to show it.

This raises the question, whether a leader who has proved incapable of speaking truth and deliberately conceals factual information has any respect for his constituents.

Lying and disrespect takes me to another aspect of public life which has been in the news lately. When there is evidence that a public figure does not speak truth to his listeners, should we depend on journalists to bring the truth to light? If not, who should shine a light on the darkness of disrespect?

We seem powerless as a people to do anything about the rotten party hacks that masquerade as journalists

in this society. Why should professional journalism fall into the hands of hacks who are reckless with the facts? Why should people who twist facts to suit their narrow political

inclinations be allowed in the media? And why should media owners who depend on governments for licenses allow their businesses to be tainted by political hacks that put party

before country?

There are no easy answers to solving the national disgrace of politicians, medical doctors and journalists who openly disrespect the average citizen.

The disrespect which is being heaped upon the people of Saint Lucia by those above, says more about where these ‘qualified’ jokers are from than anything else. The genesis of their disrespect can be found in the homes where they were raised.

Mark my word, wild and unscientific flashes of fancy, lies and disrespect from politicians and their hacks, whether they are journalists or medical doctors, will not contribute to the social and economic development of Saint Lucia.

Supporting the opposition may gain such liars a kind of vicarious pleasure, but for how long? And if their disrespect persists, should the people take matters into their own hands by uniting themselves under a national Forum-like banner with militancy, to repel those who would destabilize the economy and disrespect them? Why are these ‘qualified’, disrespectful liars trying to frustrate the efforts of a government that is

working so hard for the country in a way the SLP did not, after fifteen years in office?

Whose fault is it that the people were shown so little respect by the SLP that the people voted them out of office in 2016? Is the SLP opposition trying to return to office by forcing its will on the people?

Who will teach the opposition and its anti-social friends to respect the wishes of the electorate? That’s a tough question to answer because if the opposition is to respect us, they must first learn to respect themselves. And that’s the problem: a lack of respect for self.

Finally, the emergence of the people of Saint Lucia from the darkness of the SLP and their self-serving friends into light, no thanks to the present political doctors that are now doing their utmost to frustrate the UWP government, is one reason we the people must fight these imposters with everything we’ve got. These jokers show us no respect. We must remind them that our freedom and our independence are founded on respect, and we will not let them disrespect us!

Saint Lucia Labour Party Pays Tribute To Jeff Stewart

H

e was that rare breed of businessman, one with ‘country first’ conscience.

He was also someone unafraid to speak his mind, regardless of whose toes he may have trod upon. For him, truth and service to country were things always to be pursued.

When in 1979, the Saint Lucia Labour Party formed the government of Saint Lucia it tapped the expertise of Jeffrey Stewart and enquired of him whether he would accept the position of Comptroller of Inland Revenue. Jeff—as he was more commonly and affectionately known—had by then already earned a reputation for free and independent thinking and he agreed, with a caveat; there was to be no political interference.

Though his would be a short stint, comparatively speaking, his impact on revenue stimulation remains something spoken about even today,

nearly four decades on. The stirring testimonials of those who worked with him at the department suggest a tenure of outstanding achievement.

Though Jeff was never a card-bearing member of the Saint Lucia Labour Party he was never shy about making known his views that the party’s philosophy was nearer to his than that of other political entities. That did not, however, when the occasion demanded, prevent him from publicly disagreeing with the party.

Political Leader Hon. Philip J. Pierre, upon learning of Jeff’s passing, spoke in glowing terms about Jeff’s professionalism, and commitment to his country, “Jeff was the consummate professional. He was someone I could rely upon to speak openly and truthfully with me. He was never too busy to provide his views on any matter which I may have

Jeffery Stewart had traits of independence and always speaking his mind which is what his family, friends and comrades appreciated about him.

raised with him. He would tell me if he disagreed with my position and would support me if he agreed. I shared with him my copy of the estimates of Revenue Expenditure and he always wanted them as early as possible after release.

I will certainly miss his wise counsel.”

The Saint Lucia Labour Party thanks Jeffery Stewart for his dedicated service to his country and to the party.

To Dolores, his wife, and to his children, please accept the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s deepest condolences and may Jeff’s soul rest in perfect peace. He will not be forgotten.

THE STAR

OCTOBER 06, 2018

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CRIMINAL COURT NOT NEARLY READY FOR BUSINESS

OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

Harry Edwards Jewelers Holds Domino Tournament

(Left to right) Champions of the 2018 Harry Edwards Jewelers Domino tournament Francis Palton and Lunden James.

I Nyerah Court must undergo some glass tinting and other security measures before it meets staff expectations.

T

he Nyerah Court building, designated for the criminal division of the Saint Lucia High Court, has been closed since April 2018. This initial closure followed industrial action by the courts’ staff because of security concerns; then came the usual summer break. By reliable account, the St. Lucia Bar Association generally assumed that the remedial work requested by the judiciary would have been complete by the beginning of the new law year. That was not the case. Since the new law year opened on September 18, attorneys informed this reporter, “We were provided with no information as to a projected date for the recommencement of the criminal courts.”

According to some awaiting hearings and trials, they have received no indication of adjournments. Those who arrived at court were turned away by security.

A woman complained: “So, nearly six months have passed and it hasn’t occurred to anyone to advise us that the

work hadn’t even started.” She has been waiting for a trial date for her mother’s murder in midOctober. “This shows a total disregard for all those affected by crime who cling to a hope for justice. This is absolutely disgraceful and in the meantime crime continues, more citizens being killed.”

Home Affairs minister Hermangild Francis insists that following a meeting two weeks ago with the registrar of the high court and ministry permanent secretaries, the Bar Association and judiciary should have been properly informed by the registrar.

He added: “We had $400,000 to deal with renovations but when we spoke to the owner of the building the required figure has come close to a million dollars. Now, we’re trying to come to an agreement with the owner to get the work done. We got the court as is and nobody complained for years. It only came to our attention after one incident.”

The minister claimed the police handled the particular

matter in April but the court staff still requested improved security. For the last law year, according to Minister Francis, only about 300 cases were resolved compared to 700 the previous two years.

According to Minister Francis, the current location of the old Castries Prison is meant to house a brand new high court and police headquarters.

These plans have been put on hold because of an injunction granted the Saint Lucia National Trust. If finally the government is granted permission to continue demolition work on the old building, the new plans are expected to take another two years to complete. Until then, the court remains at Nyerah Court.

The Minister for Justice says that though it may seem that the justice system is moving dreadfully slow, the government is trying to make improvements: “Some people keep putting impediments in the way of progress.”

---Claudia Eleibox

n recognition of the contributions of local taxi drivers to Saint Lucia’s tourism sector, Harry Edwards Jewelers hosted its 2nd annual Domino Tournament on September 29 at the CSA centre in Sans Souci.

Managing Director Thomas Lander said: “We feel the taxi associations are really the backbone of the country. They’re really the first people you meet when you arrive here from another country. We felt that it’s important to recognize this fact and really appreciate the drivers who do that work.”

Fifteen teams of

two players each competed in this year’s tournament.

The teams included taxi drivers from Sandals Grande, Sandals Halycon, Sandals La Toc, Bodyholiday at Le Sport, Rendezvous, Windjammer Landing, St. James Morgan Bay, Royal St. Lucia, Bay Gardens, Marigot Bay Resort, Royalton, The Landings Resort, Rodney Bay Marina and two teams from the Southern Taxi Association.

The rules were simple: any team that won six games twice, moved on to the next round.

Following over four hours of fierce play, eleven teams were sent packing, including former champions Le Sport. The semifinals saw the Southern Taxi teams going up against

each other and Sandals Halycon versus Windjammer Landing. The finals were between Francis Palton and Lunden James of the Southern Taxi Association and Hector Phlogence and Presley Patterson of Windjammer Landing.

The Southern Taxi team emerged victorious. In third and fourth places were Sandals Halycon and the other Southern Taxi team, respectively “We’ll do this every year until Harry Edwards closes,” Lander said, then quickly added, “and I don’t think we’re ever going to close.”

----JSA

Woman found dead

T

he body of Andrea Augustin, 58, was discovered on September 28 at the National Printery Corporation (NPC) in Castries. Ms. Augustin had been employed with the printery for six years and was at work when she died.

The NPC’s manager, Vianni Aimable, said staff members made the shocking discovery. “They were all frightened,” he said. “It was traumatizing.” He indicated that counselling services will be provided for all staff members. The exact cause of death remains undetermined.

The National Printery Corporation building in Castries.

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Understanding Dementia ALZHEIMER’S WARNING SIGN NUMBER ONE

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arning signs are indications of a potential hazard, obstacle or condition requiring special attention. When talking about illnesses, each condition has its own set of warning signs. For Alzheimer’s disease there are ten known ones. For the next few weeks this column will take a closer look at each.

If you experience any of these signs, please see your doctor or contact Saint Lucia Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association for more information or for a memory screening.

Warning Sign Number One: Memory loss that affects dayto-day abilities, forgetting things frequently and the inability to hold on to new information is the first warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

A common misconception is that the sign also includes when we forget a name once in a while and remember later. The truth is this happens to everyone. However, not holding on to new information is not a normal sign of aging.

It doesn’t always mean we have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. However, you are

strongly encouraged to get it checked out.

It is common for one to think that forgetting is due to aging or stress. So people ignore what the mind and body is saying. This is a mistake that can cost your entire life as you remember it. Many people who know and recognize that they are struggling with their memory or thinking, take no action. They are negligent, embarrassed or in denial that something is not right.

Memory loss that doesn’t affect someone everyday but brings a concern should not be ignored. This is a good time to check your health. If all is clear it is the best time to strengthen your memory and thinking before it becomes a problem every day.

Other Warning Signs

Here are some questions concerning other warning signs of patients with dementia See if they help you detect dementia or answer a similar question you may have: Q: My mother is in the late stage of Alzheimer’s and she grinds her teeth. Is this a sign of the end?

Does it affect people’s ability to walk?

A: Your father will improve after he finishes his antibiotic treatment. Towards the end of Alzheimer’s disease, movement is affected. People living with dementia may experience hunching with legs drawn inwards, returning to the foetal position. This does affect standing and walking which is a high risk for falls. Balance is usually affected during this time. A dementia-trained physical and occupational therapist is an effective solution.

Forgetfulness is not only a sign of aging, it could mean dementia too.

A: Teeth grinding is not usual in a patient who is dying.

However, your mother could be in pain, be hungry or thirsty, or even stressed. There are many reasons but dying is not common. You can try a mouth guard to protect her teeth and look for other signs that would support pain or anxiety. Try her favourite music as sometimes this is calming.

Q: My aunt has dementia and she lives on her own. She has lost a lot of weight. She says she is eating but clearly, she is not. I do not know how to get her to eat. What can we do?

A: More than likely your aunt is forgetting and her taste buds are changing. Is she a social eater? Maybe she likes to have company at meal times. You can

try preparing her meals for her and see if this will work.

Q: My father was taken to the hospital yesterday and they said he had an infection.

He couldn’t stand so I could bathe him and he was very disoriented. The doctors gave him antibiotics and he is back home and still cannot walk.

Is this normal with dementia?

Regina Posvar is the current president of the St. Lucian Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association and has been a licensed nurse for 25 years. SLADA is supported by volunteers and donations and aims to bring awareness and support by providing awareness public workshops, family support, memory screenings, the Memory Café, counselling and family training for coping skills and communication with persons living with dementia.

Be a Breast Friend, Early Detection for your Protection

T

he Ministry of Health and Wellness held a media launch on October 4, 2018 in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Saint Lucia.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) forty-one million persons die each year from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which is equivalent to seventy per cent of all deaths worldwide. Cancers account for nine million of these deaths.

NCDs include stroke, heart attack, diabetes, cancer and hypertension, also referred to as the silent killer. They aren’t transferable from person to person but are, in great part, due to lifestyle choices.

During the month of October the issue of breast cancer awareness, education and prevention will be highlighted. During the media launch for Breast Cancer

Awareness Month, Family Life Educator with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Janelle Alexander-Dupre, stressed the importance of breast selfexaminations to spot early changes in one’s body.

She said, “And this year we have decided to target women in their productive years, women between the ages of 25 – 50 years, but not forgetting also younger women because they too can get breast cancer, and the earlier we get accustomed to our bodies, our breast, the better the chances of survival.”

The theme for this year’s observance is “Be a breast friend, early detection for your protection”. According to Family Nurse Practitioner Sharon Tench-Norbal, early detection of breast cancer will reduce morbidity and mortality and screening services are available at all public healthcare facilities

on-island.

“Breast cancer screening is performed to detect any changes in the structure of the breast, such as breast lumps, any breast pain, discomfort, dimpling, discharge or any abnormality in the surrounding lymph nodes. All women are encouraged to visit the health centre in their community to get their breast examined by the nurse. At the health centre they will also be taught how to examine their breast. They will receive information as to referrals,” said Tench-Norbal.

NCDs contribute significantly to losses in productivity, increased economic burden to individuals, families, communities and the nation. Ag. National Epidemiologist Dr. Michelle Francois said cancer is the second leading cause of death with breast and cervical cancers being responsible for

Francois continued, “The leading site of cancer death in Saint Lucia is the breast.

Breast cancer is ranked as the number one cause of cancer deaths among women in Saint Lucia from since 2006, and the trend shows that the numbers continue to increase.”

Dr. Francois added that studies show the risk of breast cancer increases with age and most cases are diagnosed beyond the age of 50. However, cases have been recorded This Breast Cancer Awareness Month focus on supporting those you know who have the disease. with women in their 20s, 30s and 40s. She said many of the cancers are preventable most cancer-related deaths total deaths in 2014. Cancer through modification of one’s among Caribbean women. alone accounted for twenty lifestyle such as decreasing

She said, “In Saint Lucia, per cent of all the deaths in alcohol consumption, stopping cancers, heart disease, stroke, both 2014 and 2015. In 2015 smoking, regular screening, diabetes and hypertension we had stroke, prostate cancer early detection and effective respectively are our top five and diabetes being the leading treatment. She encouraged killers between 2013 and causes of death in our men 2015, all of them being nonand a similar trend was noticed all women to get their breast examination done, particularly communicable diseases. in the women, with stroke, during the observance of Breast These top five causes of death diabetes and breast cancer accounted for over half of the being the main cause of death.” Cancer Awareness Month.

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To Be Not T Be .

I

The late Sir John Compton: He believed strongly that a nation’s fortunes rise or fall, dependent on the world view of its leader!

october 06, 2018 THE STAR

miss John Compton! I was moping over the old coot’s departure even before his final curtain on September 7, 2007. By the time he permitted himself to be persuaded to undertake his last political adventure, Compton was no longer the man I had come to know and not-so-secretly admire, never mind a quarter century’s worth of political life’s vicissitudes.

And now, dear impatient reader, the Fakebook geniuses in particular, please try to resist the mined temptation to understand me too quickly.

What I am about to reveal has little to do with our first prime minister’s countless achievements, whether or not universally appreciated. Let us for once choose not to recall the sins of the passed, if only to avoid embarrassing encounters with the much alive man in the mirror.

But lest I digress too far, let’s return to my starting point.

I miss John Compton most of all for his wit, for his bon mots, more often than not delivered

inadvertently—always with the straightest face. The biblical lesson about prophets in their own land comes to mind; but then it also occurs to me that Compton was not to this manor born—which might explain why he stood out from the rest of the herd. But that’s for another Sunday.

To return to the gems that seemed to fall so naturally out of his mouth, usually in local kweyol, and despite that he was “a Vincie boy” who never set foot on Saint Lucian soil until he was about fifteen or sixteen: Toutes Laybar say voleur; toutes Laybar say envioleur! (For further elucidation, interested young readers, as unfamiliar with the mother tongue as with local history, will for a change have to depend on the memory banks of their thirty-something parents!)

Shortly before he passed, one of my reporters tried to pry out of Compton the reason he had publicly declared the Labour Party—of which he had once been a leading member—a party of thieves

and rapists, albeit in kweyol. His response: “You’re asking me about a subject no one knows better than your publisher. Ask him!”

The reporter, who was not yet born when Compton spat out his famous put-down at a Vieux Fort rally of his United Workers Party, returned to her desk absolutely kerfuffled. As she relived her moment with Compton I couldn’t help wondering how long he had been waiting for the particular question from a STAR reporter’s mouth.

While driving through Castries on a recent wet evening, the deceased prime minister came to mind. Perhaps the ubiquitous garbage I encountered en route to my home was the trigger. I recalled yet another of his rallies, this time in William Peter Boulevard, when Compton had taken to task the then leader of the House opposition, whose wife and the late prime minister’s widow are sisters. In retaliation to whatever his political opposite had said, Compton implied that all Saint Lucia had going for it was its image in the eyes of trusting foreign investors—and for which he alone was responsible.

THE STAR

e Or To ...

“When you sully my reputation,” he lectured his audience, “you sully the reputation of our country. Without my reputation all you have is trash.”

Did he mean to say his relative by marriage was garbage? Only the Shakespearean Compton knew for certain.

As I drove home with trash on my mind on the remembered rainy Sunday I wondered how many of our parliamentarians would dare to brag during a House session about how they value their unassailable reputations way above any number of BMWs and offshore bank accounts. Can you, dear reader, conceive of the popular reaction?

As for you, secret wannabe Kardashian, what would you not give for a Chanel or a Louis Vuitton clutch bag?

Consider, if you will, a local hot-shot complaining to a recent police training school graduate that some jumbie had jumped his wife and grabbed her purse—multiple credit cards, valuables and all— while momentarily distracted by the uplifting ambience of the Castries waterfront. Imagine the officer advising the poor man not to worry, go home to his TV, and thank his lucky stars his wife’s reputation remained intact. Would the gentleman offer a thank-you-Jesus prayer that all his wife had lost was trash, that it wasn’t as if she’d lost her good name to some nameless serial rapist?

Okay, let’s get closer still to home. Let’s imagine you woke up one morning to discover as you’re about to set off to work that the brand new left-hand-drive Honda

you parked near your home the night before has vanished.

Would your first thought be “he who steals my car steals trash” and all that other Shakespearean guff you picked up in college?

What if local magistrates should suddenly take it into their learned heads to dismiss the pending scores of robberies and burglaries before the courts, on the Shakespearean premise that what really matters are our reputations, not our trashy purses and wallets?

Would we take to the streets with placards bearing messages that speak loudest about our education system?

As I write, some flak catcher is on the radio carrying on about how Saint Lucia once was listed among the world’s least corrupt nations, thanks to a former wonderful prime minister with his unshakable belief in transparency and accountability.

If John Compton was correct back in the day when he said our country’s most valuable asset was its leader’s squeaky clean reputation; if the hack on the radio spoke nothing but truth, then why do we continue to borrow more and more millions in the name of survival?

Why can’t we shop in the good name of our leaders?

Could the problem be our propensity for disposing of hard cash—earned, borrowed or stolen—as if truly it were trash?

Or could it be our reputation has always been trash?

COMMENT

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october 06, 2018

13

Will Someone Say A Little Prayer For Hardy John?

By Janice Lawrence

T

he shooting deaths of Botham Shem Jean and Hardy John will forever be linked for what they say about Saint Lucians. Jean was killed last month by an off-duty white female police officer in his own apartment in Dallas Texas; John was killed in the line of duty as a security guard in Marchand, Castries.

The homicides have elicited significantly different local reactions—reactions that drove home to me that it wasn’t so much how or why a human being was killed as who was the human being killed.

From the moment word reached us that a Saint Lucian had been killed in Texas, all local reports concentrated on his family roots, the bright future that had been denied him by a police officer’s bullet, that his mother and uncle were from the higher echelons of Saint Lucian society.

If most of Saint Lucia had never heard of Botham before his untimely death, they soon learned enough to fill a small book. Suddenly they were hearing more than many cared to know. It seemed there was a concerted effort to fan the flames of outrage. Sometimes, it was hard to tell whether the publicity was associated with the sudden death of a young man with the world at his feet, or with one of our beach fetes.

Jean’s family must’ve recognized what was going on, perhaps inadvertently. His mother eventually went public with her plea that people tone down the tempo.

Meanwhile there were the cries for justice, imitative of Black Lives Matter—if only in America. It seemed black lives didn’t count for

Hardy John was shot to death while earning a living for himself and his family.

Based on the consequent level of public outrage, it may have appeared to the security guard’s children and other relatives that only in some cases do Black Lives Matter!

much here in Saint Lucia, keeping in mind the hundreds of unresolved homicides and no outrage.

There were calls for our government to intervene, to get Trump to do for Botham what no organized group has required our prime minister to do for countless homicide victims at home.

But Hardy John was not killed by a white police officer in an American city. He was gunned down, we may be certain, by someone as black as Hardy John himself. To date there have been no arrests, let alone connected charges. No vigils either. No threats as in the case of the other Saint Lucian.

Perhaps even more horrifying is that Hardy John’s death has already been forgotten by everyone save his closest relatives, who’ll be expecting no better treatment than had been dished out to the relatives of scores of other homicide victims.

There is something sordid in the echoed put-downs of the American justice system when here at home we’ve long learned to live without justice.

At least Botham’s killer was charged within days of the shooting. Then again, in our glass surroundings, is there anything we do better than throw stones?

Hardy John had a mother,

too. And a father. He left behind children and other loved ones. His life mattered, at least to them.

So, there’ll be no cries of Justice for Hardy, no one will organise a candlelit vigil on the Marchand Grounds near where he was killed, no one will line the streets in the blazing hot sun to see his funeral cortege, no one has demanded that police find and charge his killer in less than three days; none of his eulogies will air on the radio.

Yet I am sure, his family cares and remembers, even though most Saint Lucians do not.

14

HEALTH

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OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

KIM’S KORNER

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Active Recovery After An Injury

e have all heard that after suffering an injury “rest is best for a speedy recovery”. But what does that mean? Many visitors to my clinic, having suffered an injury and rested up for weeks, complain that their pain just won’t go away. When I ask them what exactly they’ve been doing in those weeks, their answer usually is: “Nothing. I was told to rest!” To be fair, rest is defined as “cessation of work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength”.

Injury rest, on the other hand, actually involves movement— but not the kind that increases pain or aggravates symptoms.

Rest is then followed by a graduated return to activity, commonly known as rehabilitation.

No matter whether it is a sprained ligament, torn muscle or a broken bone, the body goes

through the same process, although recovery times may differ. Factors that affect the rate of recovery are severity of injury, general health, age, cause of injury, location and type of tissue. The greater the blood supply, the faster the healing time. Muscles will heal quicker than tendons, and tendons quicker than ligaments.

In some cases, early exercise can be beneficial.

For example, tendons do not have a rich blood supply and the contraction and stretch can stimulate an increased blood flow and better healing.

Muscles, on the other hand, need scar tissue to repair, and early activity may be detrimental although some movement is needed to ensure that new fibres are arranged in the right direction. Disorganised muscle fibres can result in muscle weakness.

Stage 1: Acute Inflammatory phase that lasts between 1-7 days. Although we know inflammation can be problematic, it is an essential part of the healing process.

Whether you have sprained your ankle, torn a muscle or a broken bone, this stage of healing brings nutrients to start the healing sequence and it is also responsible for clearing the area of dead tissue and blood. Unfortunately, the increased pressure associated with inflammation can cause pain and discomfort; this is why ice can be very effective during this stage: it slows down the inflammation, reducing the pain and swelling. But remember, it’s important to not stop this process completely as it leads us into the next stage

Stage 2: Sub Acute Cell Repair phase can begin from day four and last up to six

Depending on the type of injury, both rest and exercise are important for recovery.

weeks. During this phase fibres (scar tissue) are laid down; the more severe the injury, the more scar tissue will be produced.

Pain usually subsides and this is the time when lots of re-injuries occur, as people take the reduction of pain as a sign the injury has healed. Remember, scar tissue is still forming and is disorganised, making it weaker than regular tissue. So, although you are advised to start moving to help reorganise the fibres, increase range and build strength, it should be a gradual process with a slow return to full activity.

Stage 3: The Remodelling phase begins by week three and can last from a few months to several years. It is a stage that is often overlooked but it is

during this period that the scar tissue is reformed and takes on the same properties and strength as normal tissue.

Another consideration for healing and return to function is altered movement. As well as the normal healing reaction, our primary survival instinct is to avoid movements that

are painful. Each of our 650 muscles has a role when we move, and any changes to our movement can alter our biomechanics. Imagine a train running slightly off track. It will move, but not smoothly, and damage will eventually show. The altered reaction of our muscles and changes in movement can cause tissue and joint irritation which can prolong the inflammatory response and slow down our healing and further affect normal movement; this can start a cycle of pain and re-injury.

This is when physiotherapy can help. Physiotherapists can assist with pain relief and all stages of the healing process; giving advice on stretching and strengthening exercises, getting back to activity quicker and reducing the recurrence of injury.

Kim Jackson is a UK-trained physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience. She specialises in musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction including back pain and sciatica, stroke and other neuro conditions plus sports physiotherapy, having worked with local, regional and international athletes and teams treating injuries and analysing biomechanics to improve function and performance. She is registered with the Allied Health Council and is a member of PASL. She currently works at Bayside Therapy Services in Rodney Bay, O: 458 4409 or C: 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com

THE STAR

OCTOBER 06, 2018

LOCAL 15

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CCSS Teacher Explains his Passion for Teaching

L

estan Celestin was first a student at Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, then a music teacher. The young, aspiring musician was brought to our attention by his proud co-workers and thankful students for all the work he’s accomplished in the past two years. His “Spotlight” show held earlier this year at CCSS was a wonderful opportunity for his students to show what they’ve learned; he plans to offer them similar showcases.

Lestan: Teaching happened in stages. Firstly, teaching my friends the guitar while still learning, then I was an assistant tutor at the SLSM, until I joined the public school system. I love social interactions and teaching provides me with the opportunity to interact and share my passion. To me, teaching is not a job, it is just another opportunity to have a conversation and play music.

STAR: Why did you choose the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School?

Lestan: After my stint at STAR: How did you first get Teachers' College I chose in to music? to return to Castries Lestan: Well, music has Comprehensive because it is always been an important part my alma mater. I couldn’t see of my life. My brother played myself teaching anywhere else. the keyboard at the Saint Lucia School of Music during STAR: What inspired your the early stages in my life. I redesign of the music room? took an interest in the guitar Lestan: I believe in fostering at the age of sixteen. For the creativity in my classroom, so first two years I taught myself some friends and I decided to to play. Then I was granted create an atmosphere reflective the opportunity to be a part of that. The wall includes a of the Saint Lucia School mural with a plethora of musical of Music. All in all, this is expressions, representations where my musical ability was and genres, all manifested into harnessed. an eye-catching display.

STAR: When did you decide to became a teacher and why?

STAR: What did you want to achieve when you first started teaching there?

Lestan: I just wanted to share my passion and see it develop into a culture at the school. I wanted to provide students with the opportunity to learn and play music, regardless of their age, gender or backgrounds. I see myself as a budding musician; I am thankful for the teachers who invested their time in my development. Therefore I made it my duty to do the same for my students.

STAR: How did you get your students involved?

Lestan: I created several opportunities for students to immerse themselves in music.

I did so by having after-school lesson periods. I also started a school choir and band, and made shows such as “Spotlight” which provided students with performance opportunities.

STAR: What can you say about your students at this point?

Lestan: The students at Castries Comprehensive are very talented, although this talent is sometimes initially hidden. They have developed and I am very proud to say that their musical abilities have improved immensely since I first came.

Lestan Celestin describes his job as a music teacher as “sheer bliss!”

STAR: What about the music industry in Saint Lucia?

Lestan: I believe more opportunities should be made available for musicians. We have a lot of undiscovered talent here, which can only be tapped if programmes are created for development.

STAR: What have you learned from your students?

Lestan: They motivate me to be better. Teaching not only reinforces the concept for the students, but for me as the teacher. I gain insight from their own creativity as I try my best to teach particular musical

concepts. Each student is unique and that demands appropriate instruction.

STAR: The best part is?

Lestan: Teaching what you love is sharing your passion, and sharing your passion is complete bliss!

Saint Lucia Tourism Minister Elected to Chair CTO

A group shot of the Caribbean Tourism Organization members, which has Saint Lucia at the head of the executive for the new term.

S

aint Lucia’s Tourism Minister, Honourable Dominic Fedee has been elected to chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) for the next two years. Minister Fedee’s election came ahead of the official start of the State of

the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas where the CTO held its annual general meeting on October 2, 2018. Fedee succeeds the Minister for Tourism and Aviation of the Bahamas,

Honourable Dionisio James D’Aguilar, in the position.

On assuming the Chairmanship, Honourable Dominic Fedee stated, “We have an opportunity to advance the strength of our collective purpose. We must spare no

effort to use our collaboration at the CTO level to help advance the wider integration movement: the CTO can be seen in the ilk of West Indies Cricket and the University of the West Indies as a pillar of Caribbean integration.”

He added, “The Caribbean is one of the strongest, most iconic and aspirational travel brands in the world but it is also the most underutilised, and the opportunity exists for us to ensure that we utilise the strength of the brand for the collective good of all destinations of the Caribbean.”

As his first order of business, Honourable Fedee has named the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority acting CEO, Mrs. Tiffany Howard, as Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors, in keeping with the CTO constitution. The constitution requires that the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Commissioners represent the same member state.

“Saint Lucia is honoured by this announcement and these new roles will afford us the opportunity to continue to provide quality leadership to the CTO,” said Howard. “Our mandate is to ensure that the Caribbean is a top choice

for visitors, and that growth and development within the industry, including a longterm marketing plan for the Caribbean, become effective.”

A number of Vice Chairs were also elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors to represent various sub-groups: Curacao, representing the Dutch Caribbean; Haiti representing the French Caribbean; Bahamas and Jamaica, representing the independent Caribbean Community countries; and the Cayman Islands representing the British overseas territories.

Private sector representatives will complete the composition of the Committee.

The State of Tourism Industry Conference ended on October 5, 2018 and focused on opportunities for enhancing the region’s tourism product. It was led by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation under the theme, “Rejuvenate. Recreate.

Reconnect. New Directions for Caribbean Tourism.”

16 LOCAL

S

OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

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SILVER SHADOW DANCERS TAKE PART IN CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

ilver Shadow Performing Arts Academy, through a cultural exchange invitation, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, is the special guest performance act at the grand finals of the 13th Bi-annual KCCU National Dance Festival from October 4 – 7, 2018.

The group of young and talented dancers is from the main “company B” of the

academy. The selected dancers comprise Theatre Arts students from various secondary schools in Saint Lucia. This will be the first time these students have participated in a regional cultural exchange event.

The Silver Shadow delegation, as part of the cultural exchange, will be touring a number of schools in St. Vincent and will display, through performance, a taste of Saint Lucian traditional dances,

sharing Saint Lucian culture with the youth.

At the main event of the KCCU National Dance Festival grand finals, which take place in Kingstown today, the Silver Shadow dancers will exhibit a forty minute dance repertoire. They will make presentations in categories of dance encompassing creative folk, modern, contemporary, Afro-Caribbean and traditional dance.

The Artistic Director of Silver Shadow, Barry George, is accompanying the group and believes that exchanges such as these dance festivals are very important for the growth of young, upcoming dancers, giving them an opportunity to showcase their talents. He also observes that an annual dance festival used to be a prominent event on the calendar of the Cultural Development Foundation’s Arts Reach

Sliver Shadow, one of Saint Lucia’s leading dance companies, 'doing it' for Saint Lucia in a regional dance programme.

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Programme. However, the CDF no longer stages the event and the last dance festival which featured local dance troupes was in 2014.

For over a month the selected dance students have been in intense rehearsals under their Artistic Director, looking forward to representing Saint Lucia in dance.

On this trip they hope to build regional alliances, share knowledge and celebrate artistic expressions through dance. The group includes Barry George, Artistic Director; Crystal Octave, team chaperone and make-up artist; Trean Phillip, Chrisla Emmanuel, Murissa Inglis, Leshaun Joseph, Marlia Crick, Zoya Xavier, Keshan Xavier, Anya Sargusingh, Nyla Alexander, Xada Samuel, Bianca Herman, Dahlia St. Jules and Rebecca Louis.

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ustomers of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean’s leading telecommunications provider are once again reaping benefits from significant investment in infrastructure and technological assets.

Chris Williams, Flow Saint Residential Lucia country manager. subscribers to Flow’s fixed broadband service have been enjoying a drastic improvement in their web experience, thanks to the company’s recent decision to increase Internet download speeds islandwide at no additional cost.

Due to the latest system upgrade, Flow customers across Saint Lucia are now able to get much more bandwidth for work, study or play. Once the user restarts his or her modem, a speed test will confirm the increased download speed.

This development comes at a time when more citizens are desirous of participating in the technological revolution and expansive growth of e-commerce opportunities, both as a source of employment and as a proven catalyst of economic growth.

Flow Saint Lucia Country Manager, Chris Williams, said, "This added value is more than just increasing the utility of our service; it is Flow leading the charge and spurring growth in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, whilst expanding the possibilities for our customers to tap into new and emerging markets.”

Earlier this year, Flow increased upload speeds on residential broadband, with the TV platform also experiencing an upgrade to a new firmware and interface that clears the way for exciting features such as Video On Demand.

Flow Saint Lucia home Internet download speeds are up to 100 MBps, with unlimited browsing, messaging, emailing, online shopping and downloading.

THE STAR

WWW.STLUCIASTAR.COM

OCTOBER 06, 2018

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17

FROM THIS

Time has usually been the answer to many lingering concerns and this phenomenon has apparently proven to be spot on. many St. Lucians will today come to terms with the decision taken by the current administration based on the information which has unfolded. in June of 2011, successful negotiations were undertaken with the firm of The D.ZiGN Group to address the parlous state of the police headquarters and the famous jail, unfortunately, the UWP administration lost the 2011 elections and so all the plans lay idle in the corridors of government for almost 6 years. We were fortunate enough to lay our hands on these plans and now take the opportunity to unveil same to the public.

The architectural firm of The D.ZiGN Group has restructured and enhanced over 50 police headquarters worldwide as this architectural firm specializes in this field. The plans highlighted today are an ongoing example of what the general area will represent when completed versus the eye sore in the midst of the city. Progress must not be denied to the security of our nation as justice and the rule of law are considered the hallmark of the RSLPF which remain the backbone of a system which needs to be seriously addressed. We hope that the National Trust in its attempt in playing petty politics will realize the damage it has embarked upon -

LET BETTER SENSE PREVAIL.

TO THAT

18 LOCAL

OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

WWW.STLUCIASTAR.COM

Local Discounts for Rainforest Adventures this Creole Month

T

here are few Saint Lucians on the island who haven’t already heard of ‘zip-lining’, that vertigo-defying activity that involves harnessing up and flying along a steel cable from platform to platform, invariably screaming with enjoyment as you go. What many may not know is that Rainforest Adventures at Chassin Babonneau is the island’s leading ziplining destination, welcoming every year forty thousand visitors with a thirst for soft adventure in an idyllic setting.

Well-established and respected in the local community, the company employs over ninety permanent staff, more than two-thirds of whom are from surrounding communities in Babonneau. Employees are trained and educated in the ecology of the area and the history of this particular rainforest, as well as the flora and fauna, with every bird and blossom described in enlightening detail by enthusiastic guides.

CHAIRMAN’S RESERVE UNVEILS A LIMITED EDITION

St. Lucia Distillers, the sole distillery in Saint Lucia and manufacturer of award winning rums, is excited to reveal “Celebrating our Caribbean Passions”, a special Chairman’s Reserve collector’s item that marries the brilliant art of Llewellyn Xavier with the finest Saint Lucian Rum.

Since its birth in 1999, Chairman’s Reserve rum has solidified itself as one of the best rums in the World! This unique, handcrafted rum blend was personally selected by the then Chairman Laurie Barnard and is a combination of aged Pot Still and Column Still rums. With its amber colour, the pot still richness comes through on the nose with sweet honeyed fruit and spicy vanilla from the oak.

Llewellyn Xavier OBE, is a Saint Lucian born artist whose art is being held in the permanent Collections of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and The Victoria and Albert Museum, London; just to name a few.

He is a multi-media artist, environmentalist, president and founder of the Saint Lucia Sculpture Park Foundation and is seen as St. Lucia’s pre-eminent visual artist. Well known for his oil paintings, Llewellyn’s work radiates brilliant palettes which are inspired by the Caribbean and its environment.

This special edition of Chairman’s Reserve rum, produced

by St Lucia Distillers, celebrates Saint Lucia’s tradition and passion for the arts. The bottle artwork was conceived by Llewellyn Xavier, whose colourful vibrant works reflect the brightness and vitality of his native homeland. As this unique piece is “Celebrating our Caribbean Passions” this limited edition bottle is a wise blend of art and fine rum, making a great collector’s item for everyone.

To celebrate Creole Heritage Month, Rainforest Adventures is inviting all Saint Lucians to experience the adventure park and its fascinating eco-tours at over 60% discount through an initiative called “Rediscover Rainforest Adventures”. During the month of October post-tour patrons will be treated to samples of local juices, cassava bread and confectionery items like guava cheese, fudge and tamarind balls in a colourful Creole setting.

There’s a unique combination of action and relaxation to choose from, including the Adrena-Line Canopy Tour which comprises ten zip lines through the oceanic rain forest at heights of over one hundred feet.

For the less energetic nature lover, there’s the Aerial Tram gliding silently through the lush lower canopy, all the way to the top of the mountain where a wonderful panorama is revealed before the spectacular journey back down to home base.

Those who like to hike are offered a bracing trek through rainforest trails studded with ancient trees and giant ferns, while the Ultimate Three tour allows the really adventurous to experience the whole package in one day.

According to General Manager, Daryl Raymond: “Rediscovering Rainforest Adventures promises to be a truly family-friendly day out! We are excited to welcome Saint Lucians to the Park at Chassin during Creole Heritage Month. This extraordinary offer will allow guests to experience our unique and exciting eco-tours in the natural beauty of the rainforest, coupled with a taste of our Saint Lucian culture.”

SAINT LUCIA WELCOMES ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS STARTING THIS AUTUMN WITH AIR CANADA

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he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is pleased to announce the addition of a non-stop flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) this autumn with Air Canada.

The additional Toronto flight, operated by Air Canada Rouge, commences on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Air Canada has increased its total frequency to four weekly flights from Toronto to Saint Lucia, then commences daily service on December 25, 2018 to the island. The new flight schedule features non-stop service on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Saint Lucia will also welcome a non-stop flight from Montreal (YUL) starting Friday, December 21, 2018 with Air Canada mainline on its brand new 737-max aircraft. The larger aircraft increases the total seat copacity by 24% and 57% in full season. The Montrealbased flight will operate once a week every Friday. Air Canada has also extended its season, flying non-stop from Montreal to Saint Lucia until April 26, 2019.

“Canada is Saint Lucia’s fourth largest travel market. These new non-stop flights from Toronto and Montreal significantly contribute to our tourism growth and the marketing efforts of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Tiffany Howard. “We continue to record advancement in stayover arrivals from Canada. The new direct service will provide more opportunities for Canadians to explore our beautiful island.”

An exclusive twelve-page insert was created for Air Canada’s in-flight magazine, enRoute, to launch the new non-stop service. A 30-second inflight commercial on Saint Lucia will accompany the insert, which can be seen on all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft during the month of October.

Couples who book and pay for a trip to Saint Lucia

by October 31 with Air Canada Vacations, or through a travel agent, will receive a $300 deduction per person on packages inclusive of flight, hotel and transfer. This is a saving of up to $600 per couple when booking Saint Lucia from November 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019.

THE STAR

LOCAL

WWW.STLUCIASTAR.COM

OCTOBER 06, 2018

Jeff Stewart: So Long My Friend, Until . . .

By Trevor Phillip

J

effrey Henderson Stewart (or simply Jeff, as I knew him) was like me—a Choiseulian, although I didn’t know it when we first met. I really don’t remember where or when that was. I am inclined to think it was at Mindoo Phillip Park (then Victorian Park) where many converged on afternoons and at weekends to try our hand at cricket—then our national pastime.

We became friends, often sharing a few beers in the Cadet Pavilion where a handful of the followers gathered to take in the best of cricket we hosted at the time, either a Windward Island Tournament or a touring team. Jeff was always there, accompanied by his loyal wife Dolly and a cooler.

He later became my tax consultant, my dominoes adversary and rabid supporter during my stint as president of the National Cricket Association.

When starved of funding for the association, Jeff, along with a few other supporters, always came to the rescue. Of course, Jeff insisted on no publicity. Yes, Jeff was also a philanthropist, although many recipients of his generosity never knew it.

It was a secret that only close friends and associates shared.

I feel free, now, to say Jeff contributed significantly to Daren Sammy’s success and development, on and off the field. But Sammy became aware of this only two or three years ago.

Yes, Jeff was passionate (and probably a little too hot under the collar sometimes) but that only contributed to his

successes. In the late 70s we played dominoes many a Friday evening, Jeff partnered by the late Finbar-Ryan Giraudy, I with the indomitable Neville Skeete.

We rotated the home venues every time, starting as early as seven on evenings and finishing at five or six on Saturday mornings.

By eleven we were back at it again, only this time in some secluded family-run entertainment centre, playing till late evenings. Unfortunately, our domino outings ended when we challenged another group; during the course of a game one of the opponents accused Jeff of cheating. That was the end of that. Jeff was just too proud to accept that. But we all knew it was only his dexterity that had prompted the insult!

Some time in the early 80s we changed; we started our dominoes as early as eleven in the morning on Fridays, at a new venue: The Village Gate, then operated by Tony Warner and Tony St Prix.

This was when Tommy the fisherman and Ma Gamble decided to cater for us with roasted fish, peanuts, snacks and other delicacies. The consensus is that this was what inspired the development of what is now Gros Islet Friday Night. We played till late, while the eats and drinks kept flowing.

Many visitors would be disappointed when they tried to purchase fish from Tommy and were told: “That’s for Mr. Skeete.’’ The sizable bills encouraged Neville’s sister Barbara-Ann to lease the Golden Apple across the street and invite every “who’s who’’ to a grand Friday night opening.

Gros Islet has never been the

Mr. Jeffrey Stewart who passed away, aged 61, at his home last Friday evening. He was a sports enthusiast with a special love for cricket.

same since!

The sheer volume of patrons caused us to move across to Nigel’s bar, which Jeff stopped patronizing only when he was no longer able to move about. In fact, during a phone call earlier this year he invited me to meet him there for a drink. He stayed a short while, then he asked to be brought back home. Sitting for long periods had become for him most uncomfortable.

At that time, too, our meeting places included newly opened air-conditioned Vinos, on the waterfront. He would sit on the benches at the water’s edge, so as not to inconvenience anyone with his cigarette smoke.

He also engaged a select group of retirees, whom he met there mostly on Thursday evenings, right up until he was too ill to venture out. We also met at Castro’s pub in Gros Islet. But he stopped visiting when the no-smoking signs were installed. Smoking was

Daren Sammy Remembers Jeff Stewart

Y

ou were a mentor to me, an advisor and great friend. I can say proudly that meeting you was such a blessing and inspiration in my life. You accepted me as your own son and always wanted what’s best for me and my family. It hurts that you are gone. But as you always said to me: “Daren, I have lived an amazing life, God has blessed me and I’m so thankful.”

Good-bye in the flesh for now, Mr. Stu. But while you rest I am sure your spirit will live forever in me, even though I’ll still miss you, Champ. Rest In Peace.

---Daren Sammy

a pleasure Jeff chose never to deny himself.

We continued to meet and share a few beers, stories and jokes. He loved to recall our experiences. He loved life; the simple life. He loved people, but had no time for the pretentious.

One of his favourite pastimes, in earlier days, was driving around the island with work colleagues. It was usually after revisiting such tours that he would turn to me and say: “Boy, I’m more Choiseulian than you.” Which was always followed up with peals of laughter.

The Last Days: Watching Jeff deteriorate physically was very painful, even though mentally he challenged both Dolly and me. Jeff battled on bravely to the last. I never heard him complain or express regret.

I will always remember and cherish my friend Jeff, as I will the little house where he was born, on a hill in La Fargue.

Rest in peace, Jeff, and safe flight!

S

19

Saint Lucia makes significant contribution to State of Tourism Industry Conference

aint Lucia’s Tourism Minister, Honourable Dominic Fedee and Acting Chief Executive Officer at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Mrs. Tiffany Howard joined other Caribbean tourism professionals, policymakers and strategic partners from the public and private sectors for a week of events this past week. The State of Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) at Atlantis, Paradise Island from October 1-5, 2018 focused on opportunities for enhancing the region’s tourism product. It was led by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation under the theme, “Rejuvenate.

Recreate. Reconnect. New Directions for Caribbean Tourism.”

During the week-long conference, experts from marketing, technology, sustainability and other relevant areas provided participants with insight into using the latest ideas to the advantage of their businesses.

“As a small island developing state and considering the impact of the 2017 hurricane season on the Caribbean, it is imperative that Saint Lucia, and the region, discusses the critical Issues of climate change and the importance of building resilience,” said Fedee.

Adding her voice, Howard noted, “Offering our contribution at this forum

will broaden the views on the non-isolated issues that we face, while crafting new plans for growth and development within the industry, including a long term marketing plan for the Caribbean.”

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority revamped the marketing strategy for the island’s tourism product in 2017 introducing the tagline, ‘Let Her Inspire You’ which the Caribbean Tourism Organization recognised as the best social media marketing campaign in the Caribbean in 2018.

Also recently, Saint Lucia won the title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ at the 25th annual World Travel Awards.

This is the ninth time that the island has secured the title in ten years.

As part of the strategy to enhance the island’s tourism offerings, the Ministry of Tourism has earmarked eight communities nationally for the development of the Village Tourism programme: Gros Islet, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Soufriere, Choiseul, Vieux Fort, Micoud and Dennery. The idea is to convert each of the communities into a tourism destination, showcasing its unique culture, heritage and history. Each community’s focus will be different, thereby creating an experience for visitors unlike any other destination.

20 LOCAL

OCTOBER 06, 2018 THE STAR

WWW.STLUCIASTAR.COM

Massive Crowd Enjoys Heineken Green Synergy Grande Finale 2018!

WLBL’s Brand Manager Mindy-Luquiana Chicot (left) with Clash Champion Kerbz Ecstatic.

D

eejays at the 2018 Heineken Green Synergy Finals, definitely “brought it on” on Sunday September 23, as they created an electrifying atmosphere, entertaining the massive crowd that turned out for the event.

The competition was held within the rustic ambience of the Fond D’or Heritage Park in Dennery. There, not only did organisers “amplify the beat” they also upped the ante of décor and presentation with attractive photo booths, sampling stations, huge screens for viewing options as well as the signature decorative, red Heineken star.

Shortly after 5 p.m. the MCs for the evening— Donerville from Saint Lucia and Patrick “the Hype Man” from Trinidad & Tobago—took to the stage, welcoming patrons to the Heineken Green Synergy “battle

Heineken Green Synergy 2018 Skills Champion X factor (middle) and his MC receiving the prize from Chicot.

royale”.

The first DJ in the Skills component was Fusionist Ata, a consistent competitor over the past few years. A new component of the event this year was featuring live performers and Fusionist Alta’s was inspirational Reggae singer, Maxwell.

X-Factor, the defending Skills champion, blended his skills and tricks set with a performance by Dennery Segment artiste Freezy, while newcomer DJ Snow engaged the audience with vocalist and saxophonist Rashaad.

DJ Cue, who is a secondtime Heineken Green Synergy finalist, was able to thrill the audience with his dancers and his overall stage performance, while Kerbz Extatic and DJ Omega performed with Yung Homie and Groovy King Arthur respectively.

Newcomers DJ Vaze and DJ Coolie presented Ezra “daFunMachine” and Prospere respectively during their sets, and former champ Swall-I’s performer of choice was soca artiste Imran Nerdy.

Dennery Segment artistes Fast Lane & Pablo came up in the mix for DJ Nedely while skills DJ and another former champion, DJ T-Boog, wrapped things up with a performance by female soca star Sergie.

Ahead of the second segment­—the Clash Competition, the large and animated crowd was entertained by Mix Master Pauly of St. Maarten, a former Regional Heineken Green Synergy Champion, as well as DJ Watty from Trinidad and Tobago.

In the Clash segment, the first battle featured Star Run It Red vs DJ Wayne with Wayne

T Patrons of the Sulphur Springs have agreed that it is deserving of a Trip Advisor award.

Clash duo Twinz of Twinz could not compete with the smiles of Chicot and the Heineken ladies.

emerging victorious. The second clash saw DJ Rufus defeating DJ Shabba, while Hot Skull Entertainment won over DJ Deal, DJ Ropey over DJ Erv and Twinz of Twinz over DJ Legend.

The five winners plus last year’s champion Kerbz Extatic, were then paired for the next round.

Kerbz, who came up against DJ Hot Skull, won that round; Twinz of Twinz won over Rufus and Wayne over Ropey.

The three winners plus the best loser then clashed, with Twinz of Twinz and Kerbz Extatic making it through to the final round. At this stage the DJs were thrown surprise genres and artistes of choice by the respective judges, a refreshing and welcome addition to the event.

With the crowd by then fully enthralled with the Clash, Kerbz Extatic was able to wow them as well as the judges to

take home the win over Twinz of Twinz who put on a valiant fight.

So, in the end, the Clash winner for the second straight year at the Heineken Green Synergy finals is Kerbz Ecstatic with a prize of EC$8,000.

Second place Clash winners are Twinz of Twinz.

And, also retaining his title in the Skills segment and walking away with EC$18,000 in cash and prizes is X-Factor. The second place Skills DJ is DJ Cue.

On the night, organisers presented trophies to winners as well as plaques to participating DJs and MCs. Special recognition trophies were presented to Star Run It Red for ten years’ participation in Green Synergy and to head judge Toni Nicholas for fifteen years of service to the competition.

According to Mindy-

Luquiana Chicot, Brand Manager at WLBL, the competition this year hit a development milestone and this was exhibited in the musical sets of the DJs. “Every year we are tasked with the challenge to innovate and grow the event and we are elated to have accomplished this with the addition of the live performance element which really pushed the DJs to be more creative. After fifteen years we are humbled by the continued support for the event,” she said.

The 2018 Heineken Green Synergy finals, which was powered by FLOW 4G LTE and Coco Palm, was the fifteenth in what is now the longest running DJ competition of its kind in the region.

WLBL congratulates the winners and thanks all the participating DJs, MCs and Heineken Green Synergy’s loyal patrons.

Sulphur Springs Awarded 2018 Certificate of Excellence

he Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) is a recipient of a 2018 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. This accolade is given to accommodations, restaurants and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

This award is a reflection of the

service delivered to patrons. The SRDF says it is thrilled to be a recipient of the 2018 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence.

The Sulphur Springs is the hottest and most active geothermal area in the Lesser Antilles and is the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano.

Recently, the Sulphur Springs

was awarded the “Best Caribbean Attraction’’ award by USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel.

This could only mean the Sulphur Springs staff members deserve congratulations for a job well done! SRDF looks forward to many more accolades.

THE STAR

OCTOBER 06, 2018

21

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COCO PALM TAKES BUSINESS SERIOUSLY

S

aint Lucia’s leading business houses were hosted by Coco Palm for the opening of the new executive lounge on September 5 as corporate travel proves to be a key sector. Enhancing the guest experience is key to Coco Palm’s success and the new lounge is to facilitate the business traveller while onisland with a dedicated space to work and relax while on property.

Managing Director Mark Ferguson expressed his thanks to the top producing business clients and said, “Thanks to each of you, corporate travel has proven to be a key market to Coco Palm which sustains us throughout the year. We have listened to your feedback and have created a dedicated space to offer your clients. The private space allows clients to meet and work together with workstations, flat screen TV, stocked fridge with chilled drinks, beer on tap and a

Lavazza coffee maker.”

Ferguson elaborated and noted, “The décor is a continuation of our lobby which was upgraded in December 2017 with very sleek and functional features. This theme is now being continued with upgrades to our Garden View and Pool View rooms which are the key categories for our corporate clients, to be completed by December 2018.”

In appreciation for their continued support in choosing the award-winning boutique hotel in Rodney Bay, Events Manager Mrs. Alta King-Destang personally thanked all partners: “On behalf of all our team, thank you for continuing to make Coco Palm your preferred choice.

We take pride in planning your meetings and events as well as welcoming your guests while on-island. It has been a pleasure working with each and every one of you and tonight is simply our expression of thanks and to show you we mean

Coco Palm thanks Digicel at the hotel’s corporate appreciation event.

business.”

Chef Richardson prepared a sample of his specialty dishes. He welcomed the valued guests, saying: “We know we have entertained your guests

and we hope tonight we whet your appetite in showing you what we have on offer for your special events, parties and the upcoming Christmas season.

Thank you for entrusting us

with your valued clients while doing business on-island. We appreciate your continued support in choosing Coco Palm and hope you personally will enjoy all Ti Bananne has to

offer.”

The new business centre follows the continued upgrade programme with Inside Out’s Lorraine Moffat and Kathy Devaux who also helped design the renovated lobby in December 2017. Inside Out will also be working on the room renovations with the first two lead-in categories opening in December 2018. The thirteenyear-old property also had an expansion of the Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro and Bar in 2016 with a new kitchen and extended public area.

Coco Palm’s corporate appreciation was sponsored

by Saint Lucia Distillers who offered guests a range of specialty rums at the Chairman’s Bar set up on the Ti Bananne deck. In addition, Windward & Leeward Brewery Ltd. presented an additional selection of drinks for guests on the night. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Yannick James.

Venezuela releases cryptocurrency Petro to save Country from Economic Meltdown

V

ENEZUELA has launched a state-run, oil-backed cryptocurrency in a bid to end a crippling financial crisis that has seen the country teetering on the brink of hyperinflation.

In July, five zeros were slashed from the value of the Venezuelan Bolivar in a bid to bring it back under control, prompting suggestions of the use of cryptocurrency to ease the nation’s financial woes.

And in August, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted the inflation rate in the country would reach one million per cent, although experts believed the figure was exaggerated.

Two million citizens have fled Venezuela to seek economic refuge elsewhere.

According to a statement posted on the Venezuelan government’s official site, President Nicolas Maduro appeared on national television and announced the official launch of the Petro cryptocurrency.

Petro’s brand new white paper states that the currency is backed 50 per cent by oil, 20

October 1.

Mr Maduro did not specify which exchanges will eventually trade oil-backed currency, nor was it listed by largest traders such as Binance, OKEx and Huobi.

However, the public sale of the cryptocurrency will begin on November 5.

He also stated all oil purchases in and out of Venezuela must be paid with the fledgling currency.

The rule also applies to international airlines whose routes lie through local airports as fuel for aircrafts will also be sold using Petro.

Maduro announced Petro would be used as the unit of account for local salaries, goods, and services as the national sovereign Bolivar kept struggling with hyperinflation.

But despite Maduro’s Mr Maduro has officially launched the Petro statements. experts remain crpytocurrency to tackle Venezuela’s economic crisis. sceptical on the use of Petro.

In August, Reuters claimed per cent by gold, 20 per cent the official Petro wallet is also there was no sign of Petro by iron, and 10 per cent by available in Google Play. existence in Venezuela. diamond assets.

The President also

American technology and

Maduro stated that the stressed Petro will be available culture magazine Wired called official website for the Petro on six major cryptocurrency the Venezuelan coin “a stunt” has already been launched, and exchanges from Monday, that aimed to cover up the

government’s failure to recover the national currency

Moises Rendon, of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies told AFP: “It’s too late to save the Petro. There’s no confidence and it won’t get any.”

As a consequence of the economic instability in the country, more than two million Venezuelans are predicted to have fled the country in search of economic prosperity and work.

The migrants have mostly fled to neighbouring South American nations such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.

But Mr Maduro has persistently mocked those fleeing the country’s economic crisis, branding them as “slaves and beggars”.

As of September, inflation in the country was tipped at around 200,000 per cent ­— with basic food and medicine difficult for the public to obtain.

US Vice President Mike Pence delivered a stark warning to Venezuela last week, after the

South American nation deployed troops to the Colombian border in what is seen by Washington as a highly incendiary move.

The US hit back by imposing sanctions on four key members of Venezuela’s govenrment: first lady Cilia Flores, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino.

US Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement, “Treasury will continue to impose a financial toll on those responsible for Venezuela’s tragic decline, and the networks and front-men they use to mask their illicit wealth.”

Maduro responded Tuesday night by saying: “If you want to attack me, attack me, but do not mess with Cilia, do not mess with the family, do not be cowards.”

Mr Maduro accused embassy staff from Colombia, Chile and Mexico of a failed assassination attempt on his life early last month.

--- Express

22 INTERNATIONAL

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October 06, 2018 THE STAR

Brett Kavanaugh: Hundreds arrested in Supreme Court protest

undreds of protesters against US President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh have been arrested in Washington, DC.

Comedian Amy Schumer and model Emily Ratajkowski were among 302 people held for demonstrating against the nominee.

They protested after an FBI report which Republicans say exonerates him of sexual assault claims, with Democrats complaining it is too limited.

The likelihood of Judge Kavanaugh winning a full Senate vote today appeared to increase after two Republicans whose backing will be essential gave a positive account of the FBI inquiry.

But the confirmation is not a certainty, with several senators undecided and one at risk of missing a vote because he is attending his daughter's wedding.

If confirmed to the lifetime position on America's highest court, the 53-year-old is expected to help conservatives dominate the nine-member panel, which has the final say on issues such as abortion, gun control and voting rules.

As the vote neared, the judge defended his neutrality in

Anti-Kavanaugh protesters rally outside the US Supreme Court.

a Wall Street Journal editorial titled, "I am an independent, impartial judge".

Addressing his angry testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he branded the allegations against him an "orchestrated political hit", he wrote: "I know that my tone was sharp, and I said a few things I should not have said."

Thousands of mainly female demonstrators marched through the nation's capital on Thursday, starting at the appeals court where Judge

Kavanaugh currently presides.

They converged on Capitol Hill and held a rally outside the Supreme Court, chanting: "Kavanaugh has got to go!"

Police rounded the protesters up in a Senate office building after they sat down and refused to budge.

There was another protest in front of Trump Tower in New York City.

President Trump and his fellow Republicans declared the FBI report had cleared their nominee, as they sounded

increasingly confident Judge Kavanaugh would win confirmation.

Senators said the FBI had spoken to five witnesses connected to accusations

by Christine Blasey Ford, who alleges a drunken Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.

Federal agents are also said to have spoken to four other witnesses involving a separate accusation by Deborah Ramirez, who claims the nominee exposed himself

to her when they were both at Yale University. He denies both allegations.

Senate Republicans planned a procedural "cloture" vote at 10:30 on Friday (14:30 GMT), which is required to move to a final vote, scheduled today at around 17:30.

But Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein said the FBI report was "the product of an incomplete investigation", saying key corroborating witnesses had been snubbed.

Another Democratic Senator, Richard Blumenthal, told reporters it was a "whitewash".

White House spokesman Raj Shah said: "What critics want is a never-ending fishing expedition into high school drinking."

One Republican Senator, John Cornyn, raised eyebrows by telling his party this was "our Atticus Finch moment", a reference to the lawyer in classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird who refutes a false rape allegation.

Given that Republicans have a razor-thin 51-49 margin of control in the Senate, the party can potentially only afford one defection if it wants to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, assuming

Democrats vote the same way.

His nomination has been at the mercy of three wavering senators, but two of those - Jeff Flake and Susan Collins - appeared to respond positively to the FBI report.

Another wavering Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, reportedly met sexual assault survivors in her office on Thursday.

Complicating matters, the office of Republican Steve Daines said he was planning to attend his daughter's wedding in Montana today — meaning he might not be around to vote, or that the vote might be held open until he can return to take part.

Another Republican, Cory Gardner, who previously said he would back Judge Kavanaugh, is yet to decide how he will vote, the Denver Post reported.

A previously undecided Democratic Senator, Heidi Heitkamp, said she would vote against Judge Kavanaugh, citing "concerns about his past conduct".

And Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the only Democrat who remains undecided, said he would finish reading the FBI report on Friday morning.

---BBC

Chicago Cop guilty of second-degee murder in Laquan McDonald death

C

hicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke has been found guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

The trial had been going for three weeks until the jury started deliberating on Thursday, reaching a verdict just a day later.

McDonald was fatally shot and killed by Van Dyke in 2014. It wasn’t until more than a year later, however, when Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder and the video of the shooting was released, that the incident touched off protests and helped focus already broiling

dissatisfaction with Chicago’s political and police leadership, especially among AfricanAmerican residents in the city’s South Side.

Not only had a young black man been killed by police, but claims that he had been “lunging” toward them with a knife were found to be totally false from the video. Not only was McDonald not threatening the officers who had been responding to reports of car break-ins, he had been walking away from them.

Three of Van Dyke’s fellow officers were charged for their roles in an alleged conspiracy to cover up the nature of the shooting and protect Van Dyke. They will face trial in November. The

three of them provided “virtually identical false information” to those investigating the shooting, prosecutors claimed in a document released Thursday.

While Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder, his second-degree murder conviction means that the prosecution proved that he had committed first-degree murder but that there was a mitigating factor. The jury found Van Dyke not guilty of official misconduct.

Van Dyke’s conviction Friday was the first time in almost 50 years that a police officer in Chicago has been convicted of murder for a shooting that occured on-duty, according to the New York Times.

---Slate

Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke arrives on Sept. 5 at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building, where the trial took place for the 2014 homicide of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

THE STAR

CLASSIFIED 23

WWW.STLUCIASTAR.COM

OCTOBER 06, 2018

FOR RENT

Job Vacancy

Job Description

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Looking for innovative

Do you have a business proposal, project concept or product available for investment?

1-2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS PARKING AVAILABLE, UTILITIES INCLUDED, BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE.

Go now to https://investstlucia.com/ downloads to learn more

FOR FURTHER INQUIRY PLEASE CALL: 1-758-584-1809 OR 1-758-717-4113 OR 1-758-719-5571 VIEWING BY APOINTMENTS ONLY

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Property for sale in Soufriere 2600 Sq ft.

4-Bedroom, 1 bath, laundry/ utility extension. Great location close proximity to all available amenities.

Potential for commercial use

2012 Kia Sorrento CRDI 2.2 Turbo AWD, Leather interior, Automatic/ Sport 6 speed

Silver Honda CRV, 1996 model good condition.

Best price! Best offer!

Please call Mobile: 730 1844 or 720 5046 For viewing

Serious buyers/ enquirers only Call:

286 6190

Selling a house? Have an apartment to rent?

Want your car sold?

ADVERTISE IT!!

Get great results with a STAR Classified Ad Call the advertising department

Tel: 450-7827 or Fax at 450-8690

Reputable company looking for an Experienced Sales Representative.

Requirements/Duties • Maths and English CXC passes • Proficiency and experience in sales • Goal Oriented • Must be able to meet sales targets.

• Own car is preferred • Associate’s degree or relevant certification is a plus Email applications to humanresources.ia2018@gmail.com

Call: 519-0590

FOR SALE 2013 Ford Ranger Limited 3.2, Automatic 6 speed Leather interior Call: 519-0590

FOR RENT

Furnished house for rent at Beausejour Phase 2.

3 bedroom, 2 bath, master bedroom, hot and cold water, cable, internet and parking.

Call: 518-6208 1 unfurnished one bedroom spacious apartment for rent at Beausejour, Gros Islet $850.00 monthly.

No utilities included.

Contact: 724 7747/722 8563/

520-1444

FOR RENT 1 unfurnished downstairs apartment, 2 Bedroom, 1 bath for rent at Ciceron, after the Baptist Church, fence and parking.

$900.00 monthly.

Call: 452-7552

Full-time and Part-time Sales Associate to join Clee’s Health Foods in Rodney Heights.

Requirements • High school diploma • Work experience in sales Send Resume to clecle5350@yahoo.com 509-308-8335/ 758-458-0017

VACANCY

OFFICE ASSISTANT Desirable skills of a suitable Applicant: • Sales experience • Experience liaising with International Clients • Knowledge of managing office equipment, and soft-wares (Microsoft Office, and Excel) • Knowledge of Filing and Document Preparation • Pleasant Customer Service • Able to work on their own initiative

Please send a copy of your resume and a hand written cover letter debra@liferaftandinflatable.com or 715 9277 and 714 6354

Online Classifieds Get maximum exposure for your dollar.

Place your classified ads in the STAR Newspaper and on our website: www.stluciastar.com Call the STAR at 450-7827 and ask for our sales department

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

WAITING FOR THE STREET VYBES CREW! S&S

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE AT S&S THE PRICEBUSTERS

jUMBO DRAWERS

$105.00

Come and apply for your S & S Loyalty Card

CAMPING TENTS

$60.00

Bois D Orange • Castries • Vieux Fort www.facebook.com/the.pricebusters

OUTDOOR TENTS

$245.00

RECEPTION CHAIRS

$85.00

SLEEPING BAGS

$55.00

BATHROOM RACKS

$48.00

Also on special : PLASTIC CHAIRS $33, METAL SHELVES $70, CLOTH WARDROBES $55, GLASS TV STANDS $105, FOLDING TABLES $65, RECLINING PATIO CHAIRS $120, FOLDING BEACH CHAIRS $30, BAR STOOLS $120, OTTOMANS $50, BEDS $335, WASHING MACHINE STANDS $90, SHOE RACKS $50, COMPUTER CHAIRS $158,

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