Has IMPACS killed Police Credibility?

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019

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Has IMPACS Killed Police Credibility?

This week ACP Nicholas (pictured) announced several arrests and confiscations of drugs and firearms. But how credible were his revelations in the wake of IMPACS and recent charges of firearm possession against one cop?

Issue 34

| 12 Oct,

2019

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info@stluciastar.com

02 LOCAL

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The Constitution, the Criminal Code and Homosexuality

By Johannes Mann

E

ven though the “liberty and security” of everyone are rights guaranteed

by Constitution, the updated Criminal Code which was approved by Parliament clearly discriminates against a large section of the population because of their homosexuality.

No one would support the Criminal Code if it blatantly created a law that contradicted freedom of worship, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Yet the Criminal Code enters its citizens’ private space, their bedrooms, to criminalize a behaviour that is normal: sexual intercourse among consenting adults. By criminalizing homosexual intercourse, the Criminal Code has itself become criminal because it is doing what is it not allowed to do according to the Constitution: discriminate against citizens.

The Criminal Code, therefore, should synchronize with the Constitution to guarantee “the liberty and security” of all

citizens, instead of criminalizing normal human behaviour.

The Criminal Code says, “a person who commits buggery commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for (a) life, if committed with force and without the consent of the person; (b) ten years in any other case.” It continues, “in this section buggery means sexual intercourse per anus by a male person with another male person.” This means: if you are a homosexual, you are not allowed to have consensual sex, not even in the privacy of your own home. If the law finds out, you can get ten years of jail.

Look at how homosexuals are targeted: a man could have anal intercourse with a woman and it is fine, but for homosexuals the law proposes prison.

When the churches in Saint Lucia rallied against a casino, the State authorized gambling, and gambling is more problematic than grown people having sex in the privacy of their

own homes. Parents who are addicted to gambling deprive their children of food and school supplies, and gamblers could engage in theft.

The State changed carnival from February to July, despite pressure from the Catholic Church. The argument was that changing carnival would bring more visitors to Saint Lucia and thereby more money. The LGBT tourist market is $65 billion per year in the US alone (according to World Tourism Association).

A fraction of this money would do wonders for Saint Lucia’s economy.

There is no need for Saint Lucians who are gay to be afraid of being who they are in our society in 2019.

Homosexuals are citizens, like everyone else. They are not disassociated beings; they are brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, children and, in some cases, parents.

They deserve the “liberty and security” we enjoy, and that the Constitution of Saint Lucia guarantees.

OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

TAKING IT LIGHT

By Tony Deyal

N

ormally, in the cut and thrust of Caribbean politics, any government proposal, especially in its annual budget, tends to generate more heat than light.

However, this week in Trinidad the light overtook the heat. Not by joules, not by amps, but by meters. The Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, while not generally perceived as the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, introduced among his many other financial measures before the next elections, a proposal to replace all incandescent bulbs with those which use light emitting diodes, and not just led the way but showed that his was truly the party in power. In other words, according to one of his detractors, he came up with his first really bright idea: he made a switch.

The scheme (as some call it), especially the statement that the government will provide free bulbs, sparked a lot of debate, not just in parliament but also in the social media, bars and buses. Some citizens were quite shocked, including opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar who commented: “People want jobs, not bulbs! And that was probably their brightest idea in the budget!” Others lit up the social landscape by pointing out the word “free” was inappropriate because the money came from the public purse. One of my friends was concerned about the disposal of the old bulbs and the overall cost of the total project which he estimated at TT$100 million.

“The man was mis-LED,” he quipped. There is still some hot lead to come since, during Mrs. Persad-Bissessar’s tenure as prime minister, the Ministry of Energy had done exactly what the present government plans to do, and had gone around the

country exchanging LED for incandescent bulbs.

Fortunately, having lived and worked in other Caribbean countries, I know what’s watt.

The LED project in Trinidad and Tobago is not new. The UNDP, in conjunction with CARICOM, the UWI, private sector groups including the Trinidad company HADCO, and the governments of the Eastern Caribbean, started the Energy Efficient Caribbean Lighting Project in 2014 “to catalyze the transition to low carbon economies and sustainable energy sectors through the provision of energy efficient lighting to communities” in that region. I was living in Antigua at the time and was happy that the streetlights would be changed to LED. Even before the lights came and driving on the highway became easier, my eyes lit up.

As did many other Trinidad eyes that gleefully welcomed the announcement by the Illuminati, as the government was now known, and the Illuminator—a nickname for the finance minister to add to his many others.

One particularly bad comment, based on the commonly held view that the minister is vertically challenged, was that his proposal came up short. To shed some light on what Trinis call “ole talk” and other Caribbean people know as “chat”: The Illuminati were and are secret groups which are supposedly conspiring to control world affairs by masterminding events. The Illuminator is an art collective that writes a couple of lines about any event and casts them in light on prominent buildings in cities around the world.

One of their biggies which came up Trump was: “There’s A Rapist In The White House.”

I suppose if they were to post anything on walls in Trinidad

and Tobago it would read: “How Many Trinidad Politicians Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?”

And they’d no doubt provide the answers.

In wondering what The Illuminator would put on the walls, perhaps of the Parliament building, the Ministry of Finance, or even Whitehall, the office of the prime minister, I came up with a few that could be considered. However, what I regretted most was that all my research and ideas about politicians and light bulbs would have been unnecessary in a previous time when parliamentarians did not need outside assistance to verbally destroy their opponents. Lacking that ability, some members of the present parliament resort to childishness (“Shut your stink mouth!”) or accusations about impropriety that they dare not make outside the House.

One episode from the present parliament typifies the lack of finesse. The prime minister, misunderstanding something an opposition member said, angrily challenged him to meet “outside on the pavement” which, for once, was at the time not under water. Clearly, they need some illumination.

So how many Trinidad politicians does it take to change a lightbulb? Here are some of the answers from different sources, including social media.

“None. They’ve already screwed up everything.” “None. They only screw up the poor.” “None. They will never allow change, even if it makes Trinidad and Tobago a brighter place.” “None. They’ll just persuade the bulb to screw itself.”

Tony Deyal was last heard answering his own question: “How many Trinidad politicians does it take to screw in a light bulb?” His best response: “Two. But don’t ask me how they got in there.”

Hermangild Francis Reports Successful Taipei Visit

M

inister for Home Affairs and National Security, Honourable Hermangild Francis returned from Taiwan on Friday, September 27, 2019 after a successful five day factfinding tour.

The Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Department of Home Affairs and National Security, Mr. Ricky Quinlan, benefitted from meticulously planned visits to state institutions that are mainly focused on policing and

citizen security.

Among the highlights of the Taiwan trip, Minister Francis had an introductory meeting with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Miguel Li-jey. He later met with national security counterparts including the Minister of the Interior Hsu Kuo-yung and Director General Chen Ja-chin of the National Police Agency.

The visiting officials also called on Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to Taiwan, His Excellency Ambassador Edwin

Laurent, at the Saint Lucia Embassy in Taiwan. Minister Francis also met with Saint Lucian students in Taiwan.

The visit included visits to the Investigation Bureau and the Ministry of Justice in Taiwan. Minister Francis noted that there are differences to the judicial systems of the diplomatic allies. However, he noted that there are areas of national security and the judiciary that Saint Lucia can model after Taiwan in the area of best practices.

THE STAR

OCTOBER 12, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

Financial Action Task Force Recommendation 31: Powers of Law Enforcement and Investigative Authorities By the Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

T

he last article laid the foundation for the discussion into law enforcement and investigative authorities. This week we examine the Powers of Law Enforcement and Investigative Authorities.

Recommendation 31 of the Financial Action Task Force Forty Recommendations requires law enforcement and investigative authorities, when conducting investigations into money laundering, its associated predicate offences and terrorist financing, to be able to obtain all necessary documents and information, relevant not only to the investigation but also prosecutions.

The powers of law enforcement and investigative authorities should also include the use of compulsory

measures to produce records which are held by financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions and natural or legal persons. These measures can include taking witness statements and the searching of persons or premises.

It is incumbent upon countries to ensure that these authorities have the ability to utilize varied investigative techniques to conduct the relevant investigations. These include: undercover operations, intercepting communications and accessing computer systems. Additionally, countries should have mechanisms in place for law enforcement and investigative authorities to identify in a timely fashion whether natural or legal persons hold or control accounts.

Furthermore, these authorities should have a process to identify assets without first notifying the owner of such assets.

Also of importance is the requirement under this

recommendation for law enforcement agencies and investigative authorities to be able to ask the Financial Intelligence Unit (or in the case of Saint Lucia, Financial Intelligence Authority) for any relevant information which it holds.

Saint Lucia, having recently undergone the on-site visit for the 4th Round Mutual Evaluation, would have been examined on this recommendation by the assessors from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force. They would have sought to ascertain to what extent law enforcement has the necessary powers to conduct investigations.

Based on their assessment a rating is ascribed to this recommendation.

More information on this and the other Financial Action Task Force Recommendations can found on the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) website at www.cfatf-gafic.org.

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OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

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Latest police operation brings to mind Kenny Anthony-IMPACS Revelations!

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ast Sunday’s series of police operations conducted in the northern part of the island involved over 71 officers and resulted in seven arrests on a number of firearms and drug-related charges. Eighteen motor vehicles were impounded, 58 tickets issued. According to ACP with responsibility for territorial policing, George Nicholas, at a press conference on Tuesday: “In Dennery, a green Suzuki motor car was stopped and a search was conducted that uncovered a Glock 14-calibre pistol with eight rounds of ammunition, also a 12-gauge shotgun with two rounds of ammunition. A quantity of drugs, that we suspect is cannabis, was taken from the vehicle.”

As the ACP announced to the press the several arrests of individuals still in their custody, the drugs and firearms confiscated, the former prime minister Kenny Anthony came to mind. He was leader of the opposition and campaigning in 2011 when he said he had reason to believe the police had marked several individuals as targets. Upon taking office again, Prime Minister Anthony

announced to the world that an imported team of investigators had uncovered some very disturbing things about a police initiative called Operation Restore Confidence, undertaken in 2010. For instance: “All the shootings reviewed were fake encounters staged by the police to legitimize their actions . . .

Weapons supposedly found at the scene of alleged extrajudicial killings were from sources other than the victims.

The investigators say that the weapons were planted at the scene of the shootings.”

Just two weeks ago, on September 27, a special police constable and another individual were arrested and charged with being in possession of firearms and ammunition without a valid license. Commenting on the arrests, ACP Wayne Charlery said: “This makes us more credible in my opinion. If we can arrest one of our own for possession of an illegal firearm, it proves we will enforce the law in all circumstances. It shows that we do not show favouritism toward law breakers, including police officers.”

As to the status of the officers who, by their own

admission, shot and killed 17-year-old Arnold Joseph in May this year, they remain on active duty. Charlery confirmed that any action against them will depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations. In this matter too, there are questions

related to a recovered 9mm firearm. There have been no related arrests, no charges laid.

Recently Arnold Joseph’s mother revealed to Rick Wayne during an appearance on his TV show TALK that the police had informed her that the

Courts Optical gives back for World Sight Day

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ree digital eye examinations and a strong push for avoidable blindness were the focus at Courts Optical on Thursday, October 10, 2019 as the three branches in Saint Lucia joined the world in celebrating World Sight Day (WSD).

WSD is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment and to raise income to help bring affordable eye care services to some of the world’s most vulnerable and isolated communities, not only in the OECS but across the Five lucky students received free eye examinations, frames and lenses as part of the world.

Brighter View initiative.

Courts Optical celebrated WSD with an open day at its pressure tests as well as free Balata Primary School were Vieux Fort, Marisule and Blue digital eye examinations.

given free eye examinations, Coral branches. Customers Five students from frames and lenses as Courts were given free blood sugar and

Optical continues to focus on accessible eye care for all through its Brighter View initiative.

The media, students and customers were invited to lunch with Courts’ optometrist Mrs. Marlynn Lendor–Burnett who spoke on blindness worldwide and the importance of eye examinations for avoidable blindness. She highlighted Courts Optical’s Visual Field Testing room which now allows customers access to testing for early detection of glaucoma and other visionrelated illnesses.

Courts Optical is the largest and fastest growing optical chain in the region. The company continues to ensure that it brings value you can see to customers across the region.

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT

For a bid to be considered “RESPONSIVE”, there MUST be strict and complete adherence to the “Terms & Conditions” which form part of the Bid Documents; preliminary guidelines for participation in this bid, include, but are not limited, to the following: i.

Government does not bind itself and is under NO OBLIGATION to accept any tender, whether in full or in part, from any bidder, including for price considerations;

ii.

Unit prices offered for any one item MUST be completely independent of all other prices;

iii. Unit prices offered and accepted on any tender MUST remain valid for the duration of the contract

and can only be altered on the written approval of the Central Tenders Board.

Tenders are invited for the “SUPPLY OF OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT” for the Financial Year 2019/2020.

For a bid to be considered “RESPONSIVE”, there MUST be strict and complete adherence to the “Terms & Conditions” which form part of the Bid Documents; preliminary guidelines for participation in this bid, include, but are not limited, to the following: i.

Government does not bind itself and is under NO OBLIGATION to accept any tender, whether in full or in part, from any bidder, including for price considerations;

ii.

Unit prices offered for any one item MUST be completely independent of all other prices;

iii. Unit prices offered and accepted on any tender MUST remain valid for the duration of the contract

and can only be altered on the written approval of the Central Tenders Board.

BIDDING DOCUMENTS will become available from Tuesday, 8th October 2019, by way of either:

b)

She was shot last November at their Morne residence while preparing for bed. Her husband claims he was at work at the time. That matter too awaits a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

--–Dean Nestor

Tenders are invited for the “SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS” for the Financial Year 2019/2020.

a)

result of their investigations was before the Director of Public Prosecutions, from whom they awaited appropriate instructions.

There is no new word on the death of Kimberly de Leon, wife of a police officer.

The Procurement Unit, 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine; or E-mail to an address which it is the sole responsibility of bidders to provide to: Procurement Officer Trevor O. A. Cyril at tcyril@gosl.gov.lc.

Tenders are to be submitted in a properly sealed envelope clearly marked: “TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS”, and clearly addressed to: The Secretary Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor, Financial Administrative Centre Pointe Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia, West Indies

BIDDING DOCUMENTS will become available from Tuesday, 8th October 2019, by way of either: a) b)

The Procurement Unit, 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine; or E-mail to an address which it is the sole responsibility of bidders to provide to: Procurement Officer Trevor O. A. Cyril at tcyril@gosl.gov.lc.

Tenders are to be submitted in a properly sealed envelope clearly marked: “TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT”, and clearly addressed to: The Secretary Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor, Financial Administrative Centre Pointe Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia, West Indies Deadline for the receipt of Tenders is 4:00 PM, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 2019

THE STAR

LOCAL

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OCTOBER 12, 2019

05

Not so new Bordelais head determined to return prison back to ‘a decent standard’ way forward.

“Based on my initial visit there,” he said, “I realized that I need to get the place back to a decent standard. Right now, ilary Herman is no it’s pretty much been let go to stranger to the Bordelais waste. It needs a lot of work to Correctional Facility. He bring it back to the expected served as the prison’s first minimum standards.” director from 2003 to 2008, Herman underscored the then left to take up the position issue of cleanliness and the of Director of Corrections in need for critical infrastructural the U.S. Virgin Islands. Herman repairs. He acknowledges that returned to Saint Lucia to since Bordelais is a 16-year-old serve in his old position from facility, there will be many years 2009-2015. After a four-year of deterioration. For instance, he period, Herman now begins says, inmate cells have quite a his third stint at the helm of bit of rust, thanks to sea blasts. the Bordelais facility, effective Some fences have become October 1, 2019. unsecured, again due to rusting.

On Wednesday Herman When things begin to fall apart, told the STAR he decided to reapply for the position because Herman said, people tend to he felt he still had a contribution become complacent and the to make. He said there currently pride of the job goes away. The much needed repairs will aim to was no overcrowding; the “bring the pride of the job back inmate count stands at 503 to the staff and give the inmates but there are far greater concerns. In his first 90 days, an a sense of purpose.”

Herman identified prisoner evaluation will be undertaken and an assessment made on the rehabilitation among his Joshua St. Aimee

H

Reunited once more. Hilary Herman (pictured) has returned as Bordelais Director.

greatest concerns. He says that due to costs, the prison cannot provide all the skills

they want to, in order to prepare inmates for the world outside.

The director labelled himself “a

realist” who understands that the prison won’t be a priority when there are competing interests like repairing schools, hospitals and roads.

However, Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) in the areas of farming, carpentry and masonry are available.

“Not as many that we would like to,” Herman added. “However, teaching skills require equipment; and equipment requires money.”

Other initiatives include giving inmates access to counselling. Another aspect of rehabilitation is the issue of whether or not prisoners should be allowed to vote in the island’s general elections.

Currently, they can’t. Herman says that while the decision lies with the government, he believes that if we are serious about rehabilitation, inmates should be permitted to vote.

“We’re in the business of reform so I think we’ll have some bias because we would

like the inmate to participate in everything that society does,” said Herman. “There’s the flip side of the coin where people will say the inmates lost that privilege because they’ve committed a crime. I would like to see them become productive citizens. Part of being productive citizens is taking your voting right seriously.”

He added: “It’s come up in the past but, like many other topics, it never rises to the top.

It would come up sporadically, as would the death penalty; those topics come up every so often, then they disappear under the wind.”

Herman disclosed that a parole board was recently appointed which will look into reducing the prison population by granting parole, once prisoners meet the requirements. At press time, a tenure for the Director’s contract had not been finalised.

It is expected to be for twothree years.

VACANCY EXIST:

VACANCY EXIST:

Executive Chef

Assistant Restaurant Manager

The Executive Chef has full control of the day-to-day operations of all kitchens. This individual is responsible for the consistent preparation of innovative and creative cuisine of the highest quality, presentation and flavor for the restaurants, banquets and other events, resulting in outstanding guest satisfaction. The Executive Chef is also charged with maximizing the productivity of the kitchen staff, as well as managing the Sous Chef and Chef de Parties, culinary assistants, stewards and apprentices.

The Assistant Restaurant Manager is passionate about food and customer service. He or she is a problem solver with strong work ethic and leadership skills. The Assistant Restaurant Manager understands customer satisfaction is a priority and that efficient restaurant operations makes this possible.

Reports to Restaurant Manager

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities: • Plan and direct food preparation and culinary activities • Modify menus or create new ones that meet quality standards • Estimate food requirements and food/labour costs • Supervise kitchen staff’s activities • Arrange for equipment purchases and repairs • Recruit and manage kitchen staff • Rectify arising problems or complaints • Perform administrative duties • Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards • Keep time and payroll records • Maintain a positive and professional approach with co-workers and customers • Follow all company policies and procedures; report accidents, injuries, and unsafe work conditions to manager • Maintain confidentiality of proprietary information; protect company assets.

• Address guests’ service needs • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others; support team to reach common goals • Ensure adherence to quality expectations/standards; identify, recommend, develop, and implement new ways to increase organizational efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, and/or cost-savings • Train all kitchen staff on all policies and procedures within kitchen and resort

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities: • Supervise efficient working of departments and assigned shift • Prepare weekly schedules for Restaurant and Bar • Handle inventory effectively • Monitor and manage guest complaints, ensure satisfaction and administer efficient follow up for same to receive feedback • Perform regular inspection of food and beverage preparation and presentation and maintain inventory to enhance sales • Maintain and ensure compliance to established food quality and standards • Manage workload and ensure effective working of restaurant activities and maintain excellent standards to meet operational expectations.

• Assist, instruct and provide training to staff members to ensure smooth running of the Restaurant • Coordinate with Restaurant Manager for everyday operation and maintain financial and administrative records • Evaluate performance of staff • Maintain personal records, schedules and reports for all employees • Assist employee teams to provide excellent customer service • Coordinate with team to meet sales target, ensure customer satisfaction and follow company procedures to increase productivity • Ensure that all guest experiences are memorable • Adhere to and follow operating standards in a AAA Four Diamond, Five Star Hotel.

• Focus on maintaining brand standards • Support Restaurant Manager

Qualifications/Experience: • BS degree in Culinary science or related certificate • Proven working experience 5+years as a head chef • Working knowledge of various computer software programs (MS Office, Micros, POS) • Good Math, English and reporting skills • Customer service attitude • Communication and team management abilities • Availability to work within opening hours (e.g. evenings, holidays, weekends)

Qualifications/Experience: • Work experience as a Restaurant Assistant Manager or similar role in the hospitality industry • Familiarity with restaurant management software, like Micros • Good Math, English and reporting skills • Customer service attitude • Communication and team management abilities • Availability to work within opening hours (e.g. evenings, holidays, weekends) • High school diploma; additional certification in hospitality is a plus

Reports to

General Manager

Please send all applications to hradmin@landingsstlucia.com or by hand Deadline for submission of applications is 25th October 2019

Please send all applications to hradmin@landingsstlucia.com or by hand Deadline for submission of applications is 25th October 2019

06 local

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OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

Moses reveals what an SLP administration would do about DSH . . . Or did he?

Dean Nestor

W

e’ve heard almost non-stop from the Opposition SLP about the absolute horrors of the DSH project and that

Allen Chastanet’s dealings with Teo Ah Khing serve as just another reminder of UWP “vindictiveness and callousness” toward Saint Lucia’s abused poor. Last week it was the turn of Vieux Fort North MP Moses Jn Baptiste: “The Saint Lucia Labour Party reminds the prime minister that

this healthcare crisis in Saint Lucia is more important than the horses that will be given brand new, air-conditioned facilities which will be paid for by money belonging to all Saint Lucians.”

So unflinching has been the SLP’s opposition to DSH that the former prime minister,

The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF) CALL FOR PROPOSALS for

Projects on the Management of Plastic Waste Eligible applicants must be from Saint Lucia and can be from government agencies; local universities or colleges; registered local, regional (Caribbean) NGOs; private businesses; local community associations; and other appropriate local entities of Saint Lucia.

The SLUNCF has approximately $150,000 XCD, which it has received from Massy Stores Saint Lucia, to use for project grants that focus on the management of plastic waste. The grant size can vary from $2,000 XCD to $50,000 XCD. Funded projects should be implemented within 1 year.

Find out more about the SLUNCF and the Call for Proposals, including the guidelines to apply @ www.sluncf.org or www.facebook.com/sluncf/ You can also call 758 285 0445/285 8137 or visit us at our Office at Crick Road, Sans Souci, Castries The Call for Concept Notes will open from October 14th 2019 Deadline for receipt of Concept notes is November 16th 2019 Concept Notes received after the closing date will NOT be considered or processed.

commitment.”

Still another email from the prime minister to “Dear Teo”: “It is always good to hear from you! I continue to admire your commitment and passion for this investment. I understand that your proposals are on the way to Cabinet for consideration. I hope we can give you a response in the next few days.”

The second missive is dated April 22, 2016, in response to an April 17 letter addressed to the prime minister by the now maligned Johnny Moses Jn Baptiste foreigner Teo Ah Khing, who (pictured), while stated in part: “Our China Horse referencing DSH this Club International Advisory week, managed to say a lot while actually saying Council meeting was held in Sydney recently and one of the very little. Listeners main discussion topics was were left to wonder if the normally garrulous St Lucia, which the Council, opposition MP was on under the chairmanship of the occasion simply Prof Dr Joseph Deiss has being careful not to unanimously approved to contradict something proceed investment. I am his former leader may have said in private excited finally we have gathered correspondence to all positive signals and I hope CEO Teo Ah Khing. the St Lucia Government under your leadership can also give Kenny Anthony, last October us a positive signal soonest.” filed a related injunction

At a public meeting in in which he stated: “These January 2017 the no longer Agreements are not, in my prime minister said: “The first view, in the interest of my thing I have to tell you is that constituents and indeed the the SLP has always said in people of Saint Lucia. As I have its manifesto over the years said before, I will oppose these that one of its fundamental Agreements with every ounce commitments to the people of strength that I have.” of Vieux Fort is to establish a

Meanwhile, a 2016 email horse racing track. Those of from Saint Lucia’s prime you who are from Vieux Fort minister addressed to Teo will remember that every year, Ah Khing weeks before the except for last year, Kenny general elections sounds a Anthony was the one who held somewhat contradictory note: an annual horse racing activity “It was a pleasure to receive in Vieux Fort for the last 19 your email and note the strong years. Every year I have raised enthusiasm which still exists to funds to finance horse racing make the project a reality. I am in Vieux Fort. And I say this to touched by the strength of your the young men of Vieux Fort:

There has never been anyone more committed to horse racing than Kenny Anthony and the SLP.”

Which tends to explain Moses Jn Baptiste’s noncommittal response last Thursday, when asked what the SLP would do about DSH horse racing should his party be returned to office: “I cannot tell you what we would do.

We would certainly review all arrangements that this government has made, whether it be DSH, whether it be Cabot, whether it be using people’s pension funds to give rich people, whether it is building a new St. Jude hospital, which will take 16-18 months, and they waited over three years to announce that they can actually build a hospital in 18 months while people suffered. All arrangements that will cause Saint Lucians to lose our land, our patrimony and our Saint Lucian-ness, the SLP will review every single one of them.”

Perhaps more revealing is what Prime Minister Kenny Anthony stated in correspondence to Teo Ah Khing dated February 10, 2016—with reference to his request that sovereign immunity be waived for him: “This is unprecedented and may well require Parliamentary approval. To do so in an election year would be suicidal. However, I am sure that our proposed wording can achieve the same interest and not prejudice the project in any way.” (Writer’s emphasis)

Conceivably SLP decisions depend on whether the party is in office or in opposition. But then, that’s hardly the world’s best-kept secret!

THE STAR

OCTOBER 12, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

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08 COMMENT

october 12, 2019 THE STAR

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A COLD-BLOODED KILLER DOES NOT DESERVE A HUG AND A BIBLE!

By Nicholas Joseph

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orgiveness is acceptable.

Advocating for repentance and recommending Jesus is commendable. But killing an innocent man in the comfort of his home while he was eating ice-cream and watching television deserves real jail time not a slap on the wrist and a hug. Ten years, with the possibility of parole, will not cut it. The punishment did not fit the crime.

Young Brandt Jean’s emotional act of compassion in his tight embrace of the white female police killer Amber Guyger tells more about his state of mind and the condition of his heart than about Guyger.

Testimony in court revealed that long before she pulled the deadly trigger, she was texting racist musing.

Evidence: On September 4, 2018, a person named Ethridge appeared to playfully offer to give Guyger a German Shepherd, “Although she may be racist,” Ethridge wrote.

“I wish I could have one,” Guyger responded. “But not in

this apartment (smaller than my old one).” She added, seconds later, “It’s okay, I’m the same.”

Police killing of innocent black men in America is an epidemic. Fatal Encounters, which leverages public records and media coverage to document every person killed in an interaction with police, has made it possible to speak more precisely about the nature of police-involved deaths. US records show that from 2012 to 2018 there were 9,795 police-involved deaths. Men comprised 88 per cent of the deaths, with 6,295 adult male victims of police homicide over this six-year period, or about 1,000 per year.

The Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics acknowledged the following: “Our analysis shows that about 0.7 white men per 100,000 are killed by police annually. Latino and black men are killed at higher rates, at about one death per 100,000 men and 2.2 deaths per 100,000 men per year, respectively. This means that black men are, on average, three times more likely to be

killed by police than are white men. Latino men’s risk of being killed by police is about 40 percent higher than the risk faced by white men.”

It concluded: “The inequalities we found in the likelihood of being killed by police are similar to previously published estimates using official data, though we estimate the rates of police homicide are about twice as high as prior estimates.”

These chilling and mind-boggling figures show that black men in America are an endangered species.

Recently, while driving with my son, he expressed concern about the possibility of being shot by police. For a teenager to harbour such preoccupation is frightening. His anxiety gave me an opportunity to talk to him about how to react during an encounter with the police, but it also left me terrified at the dastardly prospect of my son being killed by a police officer.

Botham Jean was shot in the chest twice. He did nothing wrong. He committed no crime.

He was not even on the streets.

By all accounts he was a model, straight-up and disciplined citizen. He did not deserve to be mercilessly gunned down by a white female officer.

Unfortunately, as the previous figures show, he is not alone.

The split screen news item that covered the sentencing phase of the trial showed Brandt Jean begging the judge to hug his brother’s white female murderer; it was juxtaposed against an image of a shackled, homeless and mentally sick black man being escorted by a white female and black male police officer on horseback and paraded on the streets of Dallas.

To serve ten years and be out in five, or less for good behaviour, demonstrates the inequality of the justice system.

There are young black men in prison for twenty and more years for being in possession of a marijuana joint. Where is the mercy, fairness and compassion as shown by a young grieving, forgiving and compassionate Jean?

We have forgiven them for slavery. We have turned the pages of history on Jim Crow.

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We have tried to move on from America’s evil, but endemic and persistent racial structures in the system of justice remind us constantly that unless we remain vigilant, the gains of the

Civil Rights movement are in danger. It does not help to have a president who gives comfort and solace to those who march with torches in the streets, howling racial slurs.

ECFH to Host Shareholder Seminar

I

n keeping with its commitment to engage its valued shareholders, the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company Limited (ECFH), parent company of Bank of Saint Lucia Limited (BOSL), will be hosting its 2019 Shareholders’ Seminar on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Financial Administrative Centre.

The seminar, which caters to the minority shareholders of ECFH, is entitled ‘Bank Nou Fò’—a fitting theme in light of Creole Heritage Month celebrations.

The engagement event is intended to present the Bank’s halfyear report for 2019; to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the banking sector; and to widen participants’ knowledge of financial matters, in keeping with Financial Information Month as designated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. Additionally, key presentations will be made by the BOSL Investment Banking team and a guest presenter from the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE). Shareholders will also engage in key discussions on the continued growth and success of ECFH, and sole subsidiary Bank of Saint Lucia.

The seminar for ECFH shareholders will be next Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

INFORMATION SESSION

: Wednesday, 30th October : 6pm to 7.30pm : 5th Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Point Seraphine, Castries Contact : info@SEIdegrees.com for reservation

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THE STAR

First La Marguerite Society outside St Lucia

O

ver 150 Saint Lucians living in New York turned out on Sunday, October 6, 2019 to witness the coronation ceremony of the first ever Mamai La Caye La Marguerite group outside the island.

The event started with the swearing-in of the judges Claudette Narcisse and Betheldred Francois, and governor Mama Marguerite Dawna Regis, and continued with the installation of the rest of the royal family. The queen is Marylene Gaston; the king, Rayan James; prince, Urius Marshall and princess, Georgina Smith.

In her first throne speech, Her Majesty stated, “Today, I must say how happy and elated I am to be appointed and elevated to the title of queen of the La Marguerite Society. Today marks the making of history, as I am also the first queen to be crowned outside of Saint Lucia, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.

“When we sang the national anthem, Sons and Daughters, we are reminded that wherever we are, wherever we go, we represent the most beautiful fair Helen. As sons and daughters of

this beautiful isle, my government has made a firm commitment in encouraging us to pass on the culture from generation to generation, bearing in mind that everyone has to partake of the banquet.

“My government has pledged to acknowledge that the La Marguerite Society will be celebrated in full force with all its splendour, beauty and kaleidoscope of colours. Today I ask that through our patron saint, St Marguerite, we come to an understanding of love, patriotism, and that whatever we do, we do it always remembering our country comes first.

“To my king: I must acknowledge how happy I am to serve with you in building a better and stronger society. I know the road ahead is a very demanding one.

“To my subjects: your full participation in upholding the dignity and respect of your office is a must—not a choice.

“To the members of the La Marguerite Society, I ask God’s blessing upon you. To our patrons and supporters, we love you. Vive La Marguerite!”

WLBL/Du Boulay's relocates Castries Production Line to Vieux Fort

S

ubsequent to its 2016 merger, Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL) and Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Limited (DBC) announces the relocation of its water (Crystal Clear) and carbonated soft drinks (CSD-Coke, Sprite and Icy) production line from its Castries plant, located on Bridge Street, to its Vieux Fort brewery. The relocation is targeted to be complete by October 2020 and supports the company’s vision to create a sustainable business through a modern and efficient single

production site dedicated to innovation, people development and global safety standards.

The company is proud to continue to serve the Saint Lucian public and the OECS, producing and distributing a portfolio of award-winning products. The relocation creates a number of opportunities including continuing to offer product innovation to customers and consumers, and development of team member competencies and overall business synergies for sustainability. This in turn will allow the company to continue

09

Officials gather to celebrate with Taiwan in St. Lucia!

T

The coronation night included an indoor La Marguerite séance.

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

OCTOBER 12, 2019

he Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrated the country’s 108th Double Ten Day in advance with its Saint Lucian friends on Wednesday, October 9. Neither Prime Minister Allen Chastanet nor Taiwanese Ambassador Douglas Shen attended. They were leading Saint Lucia’s biggest delegation ever to Taiwan to authentically commemorate this year’s National Day.

Bill Shih-chang Huang, the embassy’s counsellor, delivered the welcome remarks in the packed Sandals Grande St Lucia Palladium Ballroom. He reviewed the investments by the Taiwanese government here, this year’s remarkable visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the future of the Taiwan-Saint Lucia relationship. Agriculture and food security remain two of Taiwan’s main objectives in bilateral co-operation, but Huang was visibly excited to mention new commitments including Hewanorra International Airport and St Jude Hospital rehabilitation projects.

“The Government of Taiwan helps train dozens of Saint Lucian skilled workers every year through a series of workshops,” he said. “We make sure that all relevant projects are of the people, by the people and for the people of Saint Lucia.”

In the haze of Taiwan losing

seven diplomatic allies since 2016, two within a few days in September 2019, Huang—just as had President Tsai in her own Double Ten Day speech in Taiwan—spoke against China’s crippling hold on Hong Kong’s sovereignty and the suppression of other religious Chinese peoples. He said the protests in Hong Kong are indicative that the “one country, two systems” ideology which China imposes on both Hong Kong and Taiwan will not work, and is something which the rest of the world should not support.

Before thanking the prime minister for voicing support for Taiwan at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, Huang insisted that with Taiwanese assistance, there is not just talk; that Taiwanese diplomats also walk the walk.

“When one makes a deal with the devil, one sacrifices not only one’s own soul, but the future of posterity,” he said. “The corpses of failed investment projects have scattered all along the so-called Belt and Road route, as one country after another fell into debt traps and gave away their vital national infrastructures or natural resources.

We can also find an abundance of such examples in Latin America and the Caribbean region, not least Saint Lucia with the colossal phantom of a ruined stadium. So next time, when those modernday snake oil salesmen of the Orient come to fair Helen with false promises of easy loans and quick cash, my suggestion is to tell them frankly [in kwéyòl]: Ca pas pou mwen. For in this world there is no free lunch.”

Every Taiwanese ambassador to Saint Lucia has had a trademark and Ambassador Shen’s is his inclination to sing at celebrations. His stand-in chose instead to represent his ambassador by quoting Maya Angelou’s 'Still I Rise', emphasizing that with the help of allies like Saint Lucia, Taiwan will survive Beijing.

With toasts by acting prime minister Ezechiel Joseph and HE Sir Neville Emmanuel Cenac,

to support the local communities in a meaningful way and provide a return on investment to its shareholders. The company has also committed to offering continued employment to all employees at the Castries plant.

They have the choice of being relocated based on their position, to the Vieux Fort brewery or to one of the company’s other work sites.

Over the years, both WLBL and DBC have invested

significantly in the development of people, technological advancements and efficient production through training, equipment and processes. This project is no different, with an estimated investment of US$9 million, WLBL DBC continues the tradition of proudly contributing to Saint Lucia’s overall economic performance and development through youth, sporting, cultural, community, environmental and educational projects.

As one team, the company is committed to building a sustainable future for its business, teams, customers and Saint Lucia, brewing and serving quality products.

Bill Shih-chang Huang making a toast for this year’s National Day celebrations.

Taiwan’s 108th National Day was marked in Saint Lucia. “As long as the UWP is the government in Saint Lucia, we will ensure that we support the government and people of Taiwan,” Joseph promised.

After the remarks, Governor General Cenac, Minister Joseph and Counsellor Huang cut a cake together.

---Claudia McDowell

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Du Boulay’s Bottling Company’s branch will no longer be used for water and soft drink production.

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10 LOCAL

October 12, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

CASTRIES CONSTITENCY COUNCIL

Give Our Young People a Break!

VACANCY NOTICE The Castries Constituency Council (CCC) is seeking to recruit a suitably qualified individual to fill the position of

ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER. DUTIES AND TASKS 1. Leads the implementation of human resource policies, functions and procedures, by assigning tasks to officers; and monitoring and evaluating human resource activities and processes to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

2. Provides advice and support to line managers and team members and on the interpretation and application of human resource policies, legislation and procedures, through consultation, dialogue and presentations to allow for understanding and consistency in the implementation process thereof.

3. Processes letters/contracts for the employment of staff by verifying requests for accuracy and fairness and to provide the Chief Executive Officer with the necessary information to enable the employment of the most eligible candidates.

4. Assists with the recruitment process by preparing vacancy advertisements, reviewing applications, shortlisting and interviewing candidates; preparing interview reports for submission to the Chief Executive Officer to facilitate the appointment of the most eligible applicant.

5. Prepares comprehensive reports on human resource matters through consultation, research and analysis and reviewing relevant documents, to ensure the observance of best practice and to support the decision-making process.

6. Prepares monthly reports on work in progress, achievements and challenges for discussion with the Chief Executive Officer to assist decision making, facilitate performance evaluation, and to determine a way forward.

7. Designs and facilitates training programmes and other staff development measures by preparing presentations on various aspects of human resource management, to build capacity, develop consensus and to promote best practice for addressing related issues.

8. Reviews job descriptions for vacant positions through job analysis and prepares job descriptions (where necessary) in consultation with the respective Department Manager and relevant line agencies to ensure the requirements of the job are accurately reflected.

9. Supervises team members through target setting, coaching, mentoring, motivating, and appraisal of individual staff performance to drive productivity and enable the efficient operations of the Council.

10. Ensures the completion of performance assessments for ALL staff through the implementation of an effective performance process.

11. Serves as an ex-officio member on the Administration and Human Resource Committee.

12. Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 1. Bachelor’s Degree plus four (4) years’ experience in a Management position.

2. Bachelor’s Degree plus Post Graduate Diploma plus three

(3) years’ experience in a Management position at Grade 12. OR 3. Master’s Degree plus two (2) years’ experience in a Management position.

Applications must be submitted to: The Chief Executive Officer Castries Constituency Council Peynier Street P.O. Box 628 CASTRIES

The deadline for receipt of application is October 31, 2019.

Claudia Mc Dowell

I

find myself asking overseasbased friends and family if running away from Saint Lucia is worth the discomfort and discrimination they face elsewhere. Most times the answer is no; the unhappiness, the loneliness are not worth it.

But it is the best way to earn some money.

“I’m too old to stay in Saint Lucia with no work,” is what a recent graduate from a Taiwanese university told me when she was on her way to America, not knowing where she would live or how she would get the money to survive. All she knew was that there was nothing at home for her.

But, could I even blame her or say the noble, patriotic thing?

“The country needs people like us who are young and can help change things.” Who would I be kidding? If something were to happen to her here, healthcare would be inaccessible. She would either have to wait 72 hours in a public health centre or spend between $120 to $150 to see a doctor and spend another $50 plus for treatment. If she came back and found work, she wouldn’t be able to afford healthcare anyway. X-rays cost $80 and up, MRIs and cat scans are in the thousands (and tens of thousands by the time you travel to another country to get it done). A trip to any specialist is at least $200. What if something strange goes wrong twice in one month? It would be like paying off a loan.

So many people between 21 and 35 years of age want to leave their parents’ homes but are forced to stay because exorbitant costs of food, utilities and student loans are nearly impossible to pay off on an average young person’s salary.

Our baby boomer parents enjoy saying how many children they had, the vehicles and the extent of land they owned, and the places they had travelled to by the age of 30. But $3,500 is barely enough to act like a 30-year-old and move out, rent or buy a house, make children and support a household today.

My colleague accidentally told me recently about his $700 rent bill. I shouted in disbelief, “$700 rent on a journalist’s salary?”

And then it struck me that I have friends who pay over $1,000 in rent and their salaries couldn’t be much more at 25 years old.

Maybe it comes down to managing your money properly,

but there are countless odds that seem to be strategically stacked against young people in the work place. Youth unemployment is at 36.3%, as recorded by the Central Statistics Department, but for those who have jobs, the hurdle is even higher. Is it me or are some young people expected to endure extra difficulties at work just because “they can handle it”? As if youth exempts you from being tired, frustrated or anxious.

I know of one young mother working in the public service who had to feed her newborn daughter for five months without her regular pay. Since returning to work after maternity leave, the treasury department has been unable to deliver her full salary.

The excuses range from missing documentation, to a paper waiting to be signed for weeks.

There’s Noah, 22, who was offered a job by the government three months ago but has not been paid since he started.

He’s had to work, commute and eat with no remorse from his employer. Is it because he’s 22 and the government expects that his parents are helping him out?

Yet another man served at a media house that offered him a job by word of mouth.

Up until the day he resigned— because of repeated physical manifestations of job stress on his body like costochondritis and hospitalization for back pains— he never saw a written or signed contract.

Then there are those people who work hours enough for three employees in a month. 31-yearold Nancy, a mother with a young family, works over twelve hours most days, including weekends, barely able to spend time with her four-year-old daughter. With no degree, she is not offered an attractive salary or compensation for her time, but she works just as hard as somebody with one.

There are hopeful, noble young Saint Lucians who study medicine to help with the crippled health sector, only to come into an internship with the government that requires them to work an 8 a.m.-4 p.m. shift, remain on call until 8 a.m. the next day and not get paid for those extra 16-hours. When working for 24-hours, doctors have an area to rest, but as for the nurses: “If we get to sit at a desk for a few minutes and put our heads down, that’s what we have to do.”

That might be because of the trick question asked at job interviews: Can you work flexible hours? “Flexible hours” usually means overtime for free and if your answer is no, you do not get the job and your other options are not much different. I know, at the

very least, ten young people who carry some of the overbearing workload home regularly just to get the job done but are given nothing extra.

“These are hard economic times,” we hear over and over, and companies cannot afford to hire as many people as needed for the same number of tasks.

More than likely, it’s the younger work force that carries the burden of filling in for what’s missing.

Still, some young working people need a side hustle on top of the extra hours to meet the month’s expenses. They’re forced sometimes to give up leisure and social activities, miss out on seeing family and sacrifice most of their out-of-office hours in exchange for an ounce of financial freedom or experience to get another taxing job in hopes of better pay.

In reality, it’s hard being a young person in Saint Lucia.

The world is moving faster and there’s a tiring immediacy labelled on everything. If a young person wanted to slow down and enjoy their surroundings without

the extra weight on their minds, anyone else would regard it as wasting time, even if the world moves faster but not for their benefit.

If you do not believe me, the phenomenon that young people work harder for less is known elsewhere in the world. For example, a report by economists of the US Federal Reserve titled 'Are Millenials Different?' states, “In the economic sphere, millennials appear to have paid a price for coming of age during the Great Recession: millennials tend to have lower income than members of earlier generations at comparable ages, although the income of young households has not changed much.”

Also, “Millennials are less well off than members of earlier generations when they were young, with lower earnings, fewer assets, and less wealth.”

Young people do not want workshops, consultations or discussions. They just want some financial stability and a light at the end of the economic tunnel without being abused in return.

SDA churches to host seminar aimed at improving family life

T

he family is responsible to a large extent for setting a strong moral foundation for society. Sadly, it would appear that many of the core values that were once prevalent in many families are quickly disintegrating. Many social ills are on the rise as we continue to be negatively impacted by the incidences of crime in one way or another.

In order to address our current situation, the public is invited to participate in the upcoming “Happy family to family Bible Seminar”, which will explore effective solutions and practical modalities for improving family life.

The seminar runs from October 13 to November 9, 2019, at the Marisule Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church and will be conducted by family therapist and director of the Family Life Department at the SDA Saint Lucia Mission Office, Dr. Caius Alfred, Dmin. MAPH, FMT, BA. The nightly sessions begin at 7:00 pm while the day session begin at 9:00 am on Saturdays.

Several intriguing topics will be explored including: Is it really love? Seven ways to tell.

When young girls/boys won’t listen.

Seven steps to resolving conflict.

Seven ways to manage stress

Seminar facilitator Dr. Caius Alfred (left) alongside his wife Sara Alfred encourages the public to attend the event.

and enjoy inner peace.

The Seminar is guaranteed to provide valuable tools on how to strengthen your family relationships. Participants are also encouraged to take advantage of free pre and post marital counselling, parental counselling services and baby dedications. The “Happy family to family Bible Seminar”, is a collaborative effort of the Marisule and Mount Olives Seventh Day Adventist churches.

THE STAR

OCTOBER 12, 2019

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

11

The Father of Local Bodybuilding has Left the Building! warm-up weight of 150 pounds.

Coach’s first words on arrival: “You’re not going to warm up?”

When I informed him the weight on the bar had been set up for a couple of warm-up sets, he burst out laughing, then requested I follow him to the elliptical machine on which, after I gassed out after less than five minutes, he spent thirty or so minutes during which his breathing hardly elevated.

“Working out is about a lot more than strength, my boy,” he said. It’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten.

He was a founding father of bodybuilding in Saint Lucia and actively fought to keep the sport and lifestyle relevant through his activities with the Saint Lucia Bodybuilding Association. He judged numerous physique contests and even took part in a few during the latter part of his life,

By Alvin B. Charles

T

he Iron never lies to you.

You can walk outside and listen to all kinds of talk, get told that you’re a god or a total bastard. The Iron will always kick you the real deal. The Iron is the great reference point, the all-knowing perspective giver. Always there like a beacon in the pitch black.

I have found the Iron to be my greatest friend. It never freaks out on me, never runs . . . 200 hundred pounds is always 200 hundred pounds.” – Henry Rollins.

It is the quintessential assessment of an individual’s mettle. The pathway through the human condition is a veritable gauntlet of resistance in various forms. A touchstone of success and happiness is an individual’s ability to handle that resistance.

Those of you for whom weight training is a lifestyle and not merely a three to five times a week activity on your schedule will get it. Mr. Melitus Sidonie was such an individual. His fortitude and stick-to-it attitude at the gym mirrored the way he lived his life.

He was known to many as Jama. Others called him Melitus. And there are those to whom he was always Mr. Sidonie. To me and several other members of the Sidonie Brothers Gym, he was simply “Coach”.

The first time Coach laid a hand on an iron bar was in the late 1960s, when he was eighteen. It was love at first rep.

A torrid love which cut against the grain of back-in-the-day conventional wisdom with no knowledge of bodybuilding. The Iron was a demanding lover. A stubborn mistress that insisted on absolute dedication and sacrifice. Over the years, better to say throughout his life, the man who so many would come to know as Coach remained ever faithful.

When I first met Coach I was an insufferably arrogant teenager. I was self-convinced that the two or so years of weight-training I had under my lifting belt, boosted by what I’d read repeatedly from cover to

in the Masters category. But his passion was for mentoring and motivating other bodybuilders at all levels.

Coach was also a dedicated family man. I regularly saw him with one or more of his fifteen children and/or several grandchildren, particularly Milano who regularly accompanied his grandfather to the gym.

A distant third love of his was singing. He seldom missed Saturday Karaoke Night at his favourite Castries watering hole, where he confidently belted out his favourite country songs.

We thought he would outlive us all. How wrong we were. On Monday of last week Coach passed away in consequence of a blood clot lodged in his lungs. When I was informed of Coach’s passing, the best I could do was stand

for several minutes in silence as I tried to convince myself I was in the grip of my worst nightmare. Later, I talked with Shanta, his daughter. The profundity of her lamentation was clear as we discussed her father’s passing. “It has not quite sunk in that he is gone,” she said. “It feels as if he went away on a vacation. Every day I see his workout gear and other clothing at the home we shared. I deeply loved my father.

He took pride in taking care of his family, helping those in need . . . I will miss him. A lot.”

Coach left an indelible mark on the fitness landscape of Saint Lucia. He will be remembered as the loving patriarch of the Sidonie family, an unapologetic champion of fitness as well as for his infectious joie de vivre. Rest in peace, Coach.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS VACANCY NOTICE Melitus Sidonie made friendships with many Saint Lucian young men through bodybuilding.

cover in several issues of Flex, had rendered me an expert.

I was not receptive to any workout or dietary advice—until I met Coach.

I vividly remember my first day at the Sidonie Brothers Gym all those years ago. It was a scorching Sunday afternoon when I made the first of many treks from my residence at Barnard Hill to the Sidonie Brothers Gym in Cedars.

On my arrival I was welcomed

by Coach, his face lit up by his trademark beaming smile. He regaled me with anecdotes of misadventures he shared with my mother before stepping aside to observe my routine. I attempted to put on a show. I shoulder pressed and shrugged, upright rowed, lateral raised every pound I could. After I was done with my ostentatious plate-banging and grunting display, I confidently sauntered over to Coach, my breathing laboured, drenched in sweat, muscles screaming—in

great anticipation of Coach’s acknowledgement of my efforts. What I got instead was a lesson in humility and a not so subtle reminder of how little I knew about bodybuilding. He explained the key difference between weightlifting and bodybuilding and the importance of stretching before and after my workouts.

I emphasize: he did so by aligning his criticisms with my expressed goals, without coming off as pedantic or judgmental.

That’s who Coach was: one of the boys. He was a fixture at the gym. His love for the gym culture was clear every time he joined us unplanned in a workout, during which he offered advice or demonstrated the proper performance of an exercise.

I remember a particular workout with Coach. I had arrived at the gym before him and taken the liberty to set up a barbell for bench presses, with what I considered a

The Department of Health and Wellness hereby notifies the public of the following opportunities for employment at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex (Owen King EU Hospital):

• • • • • • • • • • •

Catering Supervisor Health Information Manager Manager, Laundry and Linen Services Portering Manager CSSD Manager CSSD Supervisor Deputy Manager, Safety and Security Laundry Shift Supervisor Security Shift Supervisor Housekeeping Shift Supervisor Portering Shift Supervisor

Interested persons are invited to submit a Letter of Application with Curriculum Vitae accompanied by two (2) reference letters, certified copies of documents pertaining to qualifications and character certificate addressed to: The Transitioning Director Millennium Heights Medical Complex Millennium Highway CASTRIES Applications should arrive no later than October 28, 2019.

Please note that unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview. Only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be shortlisted for interview.

Further information on the prerequisites for eligibility can be obtained at www.govt.lc/jobs.

12

COMMENT

OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Is Crisis Just Another Wo For Fools Without Tool W

ho knew when he wrote “nothing is we business until it reach crisis” so many moons ago how valid was Boo Hinkson’s observation? No matter, it is unlikely our nation’s premier guitarist-composer anticipated the rampant abuse by overly ambitious dreamers, to the extent that “crisis” has been denuded of its true meaning, turned by handicapped power seekers into a campaign weapon for manipulating the egregiously dumb.

The noun “crisis” comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word krisis, meaning “turning point in a disease.”

How ironic, then, that Boo had chosen to associate it in song with business, defined as “a person’s regular occupation, profession, or trade”—without which he or she could be denied vital bread and in consequence justice and freedom. As for the Greek reference to krisis and disease, another irony, keeping in mind the predilection in some quarters for marrying local healthcare with “crisis.” As if indeed there was ever a time when the healthcare situation in Saint Lucia was not critical.

Of course, those who feed off the C-word might say: “Oh, yes, healthcare was always bad but it’s worse today.” And

the assertion would not be altogether without merit. But then there is hardly a service you might mention that back in the day was by regular measure satisfactory.

As many mothers died from delivery complications pre-Internet as die today.

Unforgettable is the case of the Soufriere couple who drove to the town’s hospital to deliver their baby, only to be told they could not be accommodated at the inn, for whatever insane reason. Mother and child were left to die unattended on the pavement outside the government facility. Of course, as is the custom, not a head

rolled in consequence.

Long before the Soufriere nightmare the late health minister Romanus Lansiquot had not only talked the talk for improved healthcare, he had also walked the walk despite public ridicule encouraged by the opposing party. In the time of Dr. Winston Parris, there were constant complaints published in this newspaper about the intolerable conditions at Victoria Hospital, for patients and medical personnel. I need add that I refer to the early 80s. By 1997, the situation had deteriorated enough to move doctors Carol Bristol and Stephen King to mount what they described as “a campaign for healthcare reform.”

Politicians made them countless promises that proved empty.

One doctor fell exhausted and frustrated by the wayside. A hospital named for his partner’s departed father was expected to be operational before the end of 2015. Alas, that promise too

died on the vine.

In the interim broke and desperate administrations imagined the healthcare horrors might be ameliorated if patients paid a small fee. The idea was a disaster, thanks in great part to politicians self-servingly convincing their followers that not only was healthcare the responsibility only of the government but that available services should be free. Within a few years Victoria Hospital’s debts had gone through the roof, largely because of unpaid bills.

Lord alone knows how the privately owned Tapion hospital remained open. The bad publicity alone from irate patients and their relatives, both about the hospital’s fees and its cash in advance policy, threatened the facility’s existence. Like general healthcare, Tapion confronted its own daily crises. Throughout all of that, even when two doctors were on the advisory staff of the health ministry, little was heard from the politicians, save when there were political nuts to be gathered at the expense of the day’s administration.

I should add that by the early 80s the U.S. sponsored

C

If a “healthcare crisis” confronts St. Lucia, who’s responsible and how do we overcome it?

Perhaps the real crisis is related to our refusal to be held accountable for the promises we make, what we do and what we failed to do! Pictured: St. Lucians waiting outside the OKEU hospital to be treated two weeks ago by visiting medical personnel from USNS Comfort.

St. Jude Hospital was but a shell of its former self, for several reasons not necessarily relevant to this particular report. I speak again of the time of Romanus Lansiquot. Then came the fire in 2009. Miraculously, only three patients died as a result.

The survivors, as is common knowledge, were transferred to what was intended to serve only as temporary accommodation: the George Odlum sports stadium, built with Taiwanese money and with only the fittest in mind. Forgive the possible redundancy, dear reader, and permit me to say the previously existing healthcare crisis grew even worse. After all, a crisis is a crisis is a crisis!

We need not go into the most familiar mephitic political blame game that has followed the failure of the Kenny Anthony government to deliver to Saint Lucia, to the people of the south especially, “a state of the art hospital that will be the envy of the region.” The day’s prime minister and his health minister appeared regularly on TV to brag about the several impediments and official miscalculations they had encountered and overcome en route, but were positioned finally to say the hospital would be delivered “before the end of 2015.”

We know only too well that the government did not keep its promise, that it chose instead to call in June

ST LUCIA RECOGNIZED CONDÉ NAST TRA READERS’ CHOIC

ondé Nast Traveler on Monday announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Saint Lucia recognized as the #8 Island in the Caribbean & Atlantic, while seven resorts in the destination were named in the Top 50 Resorts in the Caribbean Islands list.

Resorts earning a spot on the Top 50 Resorts list include Jade Mountain (#15); Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (#17); Cap Maison (#20); Anse Chastanet Resort (#27); Ladera Resort (#33);

The Landings Resort and Spa (#34); and Rendezvous Resort (#49).

More than 600,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers across the globe submitted a record-breaking number of responses, rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel”.

“It is a true honour to be recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, not only as a destination overall but

THE STAR

Word ols?

St Lucian guitarist who toured with Morgan Heritage returns home

M

y ultimate goal as a musician is to go on tour with a big name performer. I believe Saint Lucia has a lot of changes to make in order for a musician to live comfortably. I wish to be that 2016 a snap election that caught change, but for now my focus is even its leading soldiers with their to reach international audiences pants around their boots. It should and then, after accomplishing be remembered that the government my goals, come back home could’ve waited another year or so to be the difference that we to go to the polls and concentrated musicians need.” instead on delivering a completed St.

That was musician Dwight Jude.

Florent, talking to the STAR in

Obviously Kenny & Company October 2017 when he was 18 miscalculated and now are years old. Last month Florent desperately seeking to make political returned to the island from the hay by heaping all of the blame for Loyalty World Tour with the two“the worst healthcare crisis” on the time Grammy award-winning Chastanet administration, for not band Morgan Heritage. The tour having done by now what their predecessors had failed to do over five began on July 6 in Nairobi and ended on September 22 in New years.

Which is not to say the Chastanet York. The group toured Kenya, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Italy, government is altogether blameless.

Belgium, Switzerland, France, It had campaigned on its promise the Netherlands, Austria and to deliver what the Kenny Anthony Germany. administration had not. By my

While in the USA they measure, the campaigning Chastanet performed in Utah, Colorado, crew must’ve—or should have— Arizona, Nevada, California, known the true state of St. Jude and Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, notified voters of what they planned Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania to do about the hospital upon taking and New York. Up in Canada, office. In all events, it is long past stops were made in Victoria, time for action at both the OKEU and Vancouver and Toronto.

St. Jude. Enough palavering. Enough

On Wednesday Florent, already of the blame game. a graduate of the Corinth

And yes, enough of trying to Secondary School, explained turn crises—real or conveniently that he was given the imagined—into wine, not to say opportunity to play as lead employment opportunities for guitarist by Gramps Morgan. demonstrably the most untalented, Occasionally, Florent uses the dangerously addicted to powerless social media platform Instagram power in our midst!

RECOGNIZED WITH MULTIPLE TRAVELER 2019 CHOICE AWARDS also for seven of our resorts,” said Dominic Fedee, Minister of Tourism for Saint Lucia. “Saint Lucians work diligently to provide impeccable tourism experiences to our visitors from around the world, from exploring the natural splendour of our island to our world-class hotels and culinary experiences, and this accolade is a celebration of everything Saint Lucia has to offer guests.”

Saint Lucia is experiencing a record year for tourism arrivals and has several new tourism developments in the pipeline. The Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club horse racing and entertainment complex

LOCAL 13

www.stluciastar.com

OCTOBER 12, 2019

will debut this December; several hotels and resorts are unveiling major refurbishments; new local restaurants are expanding visitors’ dining options; and infrastructure improvements such as a new airport are underway.

The 2019 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at www.cntraveler. com/rca and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.

to demonstrate his skill by uploading guitar covers. He recalled one day receiving a message from Gramps Morgan, who complimented his playing and told him to start practising the band’s material. Some months later, he received another message, this time with the tour dates.

The three-month world tour was not without hurdles.

Said Florent: “The most challenging part was being able to change from Dwight the guitarist playing gigs in Saint Lucia to being on lead guitar with a two-time Grammy award-winning band. There were high expectations and I had to make sure they were met. As much as it was difficult, it was a preparation-meetsopportunity situation for me.

I’ve been preparing for it so it wasn’t difficult to the point where it felt impossible. I just needed to put in the work.”

There is no room in the music industry for performers without passion and commitment, he said. Now that he has accomplished his goal of going on tour, Florent has his mind fixed on furthering his education. “I realised that, okay, now that I’ve toured the world I think I need to focus more on

Dwight Florent (left) jams out on stage with Peter Morgan in Denver, Colorado.

getting qualified in my art. I need to get some qualifications under my belt, so I will be applying to the Atlanta Institute of Music and my aim is to begin next year.”

His advice to budding Saint Lucian musicians: “Never feel

like it’s impossible because it’s very easy to feel like you can't do bigger things outside of Saint Lucia. Just know that there is a way to do everything that you want to do. Use social media and technology to your

advantage because everyone is connected and every opportunity is just a click away.

Never be afraid to display your talent to the world!”

---Joshua St. Aimee

Educators Trained in Using Library Books to Bring Classroom Lessons to Life

O

n Wednesday, October 2, 2019 a wide cross-section of educators successfully completed a Teachers’ Resource Guide Workshop hosted by the non-profit organisation Hands Across the Sea in collaboration with the Early Learners Programme. The programme was executed with support from the Sandals Foundation along with the Ministry of Education.

Participants included classroom teachers, special education teachers, school literacy co-ordinators, district literacy support coaches, school librarians, Early Learners Programme co-ordinators and an adaptive life skills teacher.

Attendees explored a Teachers Resource Guide (TRG) to the library which shares strategies to motivate students to read at school and at home. The publication was developed by a wide cross-section of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

Educators at the recently held Teachers’ Resource Guide Workshop hosted at Sandals Regency La Toc Resort and Spa by the non-profit organization Hands Across the Sea in collaboration with the Early Learners Programme.

educators, affiliates to Hands Across the Sea, as well as other international stakeholders.

Copies were distributed to the island’s primary and infant schools in 2018.

Hannah Knecht, Program Director at Hands Across the Sea and workshop facilitator, says the teaching tactics are aimed at building within students a lifelong interest in reading. “The workshop

highlighted to teachers how to integrate books into their lesson plans across the curriculum by sharing practical activities with books from their libraries that they can use with their students in hands-on, engaging, and meaningful ways,” she said.

Teachers, Knecht noted, “were also provided with evidence to show the direct

correlation between pleasure reading habits and increased student achievement”.

Sandals Foundation has supported Hands Across the Sea since 2013. In that time, over US$90,000 has been invested to fund upgrades and purchase of new age-appropriate books for 28 libraries in the Eastern Caribbean.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, says for the 2018/2019 academic year the Foundation “joined Hands through their literacy link to purchase twelve remedial reading tool kits which target students in high school who are reading below their grade level”.

The Sandals Foundation, Clarke says, “is committed to continue working alongside Hands Across the Sea to improve literacy levels for students of all ages as we believe that reading is the foundation for success in all other areas of students’ academic life, setting them on the path for prosperous futures”.

14 INTERNATIONAL

www.stluciastar.com

OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

Why Democracy is Crumbling in the West

By Patrick Gathara

Henry Mencken seems to adequately capture the situation: "As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."

Mencken believed that democratic competition would inevitably result in a race to the bottom and laid the blame on the ignorance and stupidity of the electorate. "The first and last aim of the politician," he wrote, "is to get votes, and the safest of all ways to get votes is to appear to the plain man to be a plain man like himself . . . filled to the brim with the flabby, banal, childish notions that challenge no prejudice and lay no burden of examination upon the mind."

This rather pessimistic view of the nature of the average voter, however, does not necessarily capture the complexity of the democratic

or squeezed into a two-minute news segment is abandoned.

Brought up on this fast news diet, voters believe that, in trange as it may seem, Somin's words, "the world is there was once a time not a very simple place [requiring] too long ago when the very little knowledge to make United Kingdom and the United an informed decision about States were held up to the politics". This leads to the developing world as exemplars embrace of simplistic panaceas of the benefits of democracy. for complex problems, and a Today, as the former hurtles preference for "plain speaking" seemingly inexorably towards populist politicians, like Trump a dreaded "no-deal Brexit" and or Johnson, who disregard the latter is in the throes of complexity. After all, if the an impeachment inquiry, one world is so simple, then fixing question springs to mind: is the it requires no specialised slide into populist idiocy the knowledge. inevitable fate of democracy?

Populism is thus less a

The current state of the cause of democratic demise Anglo-Saxon world would than it is a consequence of it. certainly appear to suggest so.

Western democracy has been Steeped in an ever-deepening US President Trump (right) and British Prime Minister Johnson meet on the crumbling from within for a long constitutional crisis, courtesy of sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York City time as a result of the "tacit its 2016 referendum on leaving on September 24, 2019 [File: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters] compact" between electorates the European Union, the UK and elites, where the former has installed a populist, Boris process and the day-to-day Schadenfreude many in the "experts", one risk is the defer to the latter as long as Johnson, as leader. On the reality we live in. third world feel at the chaos electorate may not know when they deliver economic growth other side of the Atlantic, the

Kenyan academic and of Brexit. "It requires constant they are being misled, as many and prosperity.

US is governed by a similarly author, Nanjala Nyabola, vigilance—something that we say was the case with Brexit.

This has transformed incompetent populist, Donald offers a different explanation: now see is difficult to achieve But then again, voters may not democracy into a reality show, Trump.

"Democracy is hard," she even under the most ideal care. where elites compete over who

A famous quote from a writes when discussing the circumstances."

Seeking the truth (shock, gets a turn at the trough, while 1920 article by US journalist

For many, life is already horror!) is not always the the media provides a running a soul-sapping constant reason one follows politics commentary and the public is struggle to put food on the and politicians. Ilya Somin, reduced to watching on TV and table and keep a roof over a professor of law at George GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA casting votes for the winner. Is one's head. In such Mason University, notes that it any wonder that this model DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE circumstances, constant political supporters tend to has produced a real-life reality popular engagement with the behave very much like sports show host as the leader of the INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF issues of the day as well as fans, less interested in the free world?

STATIONERY & OFFICE SUPPLIES keeping an eye on what the merits of arguments or how

Democracy is hard. That state and political elite get well the game is played than in is not news to the societies Tenders are invited for the “SUPPLY OF STATIONERY & OFFICE SUPPLIES” up to, as is necessary for any whether their side wins. struggling for democracy democracy to thrive, seem

If voters do not care about against tyrannical regimes for the Financial Year 2019/2020. onerous. So voters take shortpolitics, why do they even which time and again have For a bid to be considered “RESPONSIVE”, there MUST be strict and complete adherence to the “Terms cuts which include relying on bother to vote? Much like going been ridiculed by the West & Conditions” which form part of the Bid Documents; preliminary guidelines for participation in this bid, someone else to tell them what to a football game and cheering as "banana republics" and include, but are not limited, to the following: is going on in the democratic for your favourite team, voting "shithole countries" for kitchen. allows people the vicarious their trouble. What is news, i. Government does not bind itself and is under NO OBLIGATION to accept any tender, whether in full

For example, in Kenya, satisfaction of participation though, is the cost of trying to

or in part, from any bidder, including for price considerations; during the 2010 referendum on without the hard work of getting fake it, as the West has been adopting a new constitution, onto the field and wrestling with trying to do. ii. Unit prices offered for any one item MUST be completely independent of all other prices; many people openly admitted the issues.

Plato warned that "one that they did not bother

And like their sports of the penalties for refusing to iii. Unit prices offered and accepted on any tender MUST remain valid for the duration of the contract reading the document. "Baba teams, many voters rarely pick participate in politics is that you

and can only be altered on the written approval of the Central Tenders Board. amesoma" (father has read it), political teams based on their end up being governed by your a reference to Raila Odinga, ideas rather than on arbitrary inferiors". To that we can now BIDDING DOCUMENTS will become available from Tuesday, 8th October 2019, perhaps the best-known considerations such as ethnicity add the lesson from the ongoing by way of either: politician in the country, was a or place of birth. If your family political debacles in the US and common refrain. and neighbours vote for a a) The Procurement Unit, 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine; or the UK: the penalty for reducing

With little knowledge of particular side, the likelihood is democratic participation to b) E-mail to an address which it is the sole responsibility of bidders to provide to: constitutionalism and little so will you.

Procurement Officer Trevor O. A. Cyril at tcyril@gosl.gov.lc. mere voting is that you will be time to get clued in, voters

The media exacerbates governed by "morons".

Tenders are to be submitted in a properly sealed envelope clearly marked: were opting to take their cue this trend both in the content from him. Similarly, Brits were of their reporting and in which “TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF STATIONERY & OFFICE SUPPLIES”, not necessarily fully informed manner they do so. They report The views expressed in and clearly addressed to: before they headed to the the news, rather than analyse this article are the author's own The Secretary polling booths to cast their vote and explain it. To attract larger and do not necessarily reflect Central Tenders Board in the 2016 Brexit referendum. audiences, the sensational is Al Jazeera's editorial stance.

Department of Finance

Whether they take their prioritised over the important, 2nd Floor, Financial Administrative Centre cues from politicians, journalists and anything that cannot be Pointe Seraphine or other self-appointed easily reduced to a soundbite ---Al Jazeera Castries, Saint Lucia, West Indies

S

Deadline for the receipt of Tenders is 4:00 PM, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12th, 2019

THE STAR

october 12, 2019

REGIONal 15

www.stluciastar.com

Jamaica: Several Arrests in $50m Education Ministry Fraud

I

nvestigators have charged that nearly $50 million of public funds was diverted to the personal use of discarded Education Minister Ruel Reid and Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) President, Professor Fritz Pinnock, through a number of schemes, including one that mirrors the Career Advancement Programme-Youth Employment Solutions (CAP-YES).

I

The allegations, senior law enforcement sources say, are at the centre of the wide-ranging multimillion-dollar corruption probe by law enforcement agencies, which culminated on October 9 with criminal charges being filed against Reid, Pinnock, and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Councillor Kim Brown-Lawrence.

Reid, his wife, Sharen, and his daughter, Sharelle, were

arrested along with Pinnock and Brown-Lawrence during a series of co-ordinated pre-dawn operations at their homes in St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann, respectively. All five were expected to remain in police custody overnight.

In a statement given on the night of October 9, the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA)

TTPS Unearths Modern Day Slavery

n a sting operation co-ordinated by the Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith and executed by the Special Operation Response Team, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has rescued 69 T&T citizens (65 men and 4 women) ranging in ages from 20 to their 60s, all held captive, most of them in cages and some in handcuffs.

The operation commenced at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at a prominent church on Eastern Main Road,

Arouca. Search warrants were issued pursuant to Section 13 Chap. 12:10 of the Trafficking Persons Act, after a period of monitoring and investigations.

Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith, Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations (Ag.) Jayson Forde, the TTPS Victim and Witness Support Unit, Northern Division C.I.D. were also on scene as at 5:30 a.m. October 9, assisted by a medical unit comprising doctors, nurses and ambulance attendants from the North Central Regional Health Authority, who are also conducting initial on-scene

examination of the rescued nationals.

As a result, thus far six persons were arrested at the church which is supposed to be a rehabilitation centre.

Reports were given to senior officers months ago about possible imprisonment of persons and Commissioner Griffith is now investigating possible negligence of duties of officers. Subsequent reports will be issued in the near future.

Investigations are continuing.

DO REPORTERS USE PRESS BRIEFINGS TO GET FAMOUS?

W

hite House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said on September 23 there won’t be traditional press briefings “right now” because grandstanding reporters used the event as an opportunity to “get famous.”

“He’s his own best spokesperson . . . also, he’s the most accessible president in history,” Grisham said of President Trump on “Fox & Friends.”

Grisham was then asked if Trump’s frequent gaggles are the new form of press briefing, which previously consisted of press secretaries Sean Spicer and Sarah Sanders taking questions from sometimes-hostile reporters in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. “Ultimately, if the president decided it’s something we should do, we can do that, but right now he’s doing just fine and to be honest the briefings had become a lot of just theater,” she said. “I think that a lot of reporters were doing it to . . . get famous.”

“They’re writing books now, they’re all getting famous off of this presidency, so I think it’s great what we’re doing now,” Grisham added.

Grisham didn’t name names, but CNN White House reporter

Trump is the most accessible president in history says press secretary.

Jim Acosta has emerged as a household name for constantly sparring with members of the Trump administration when they are made available to the press.

Last year, Acosta was briefly banned from the White House after he engaged in a contentious back-and-forth with Trump and refused to pass the microphone to a female White House aide. He has since written a book about his time covering Trump.

CNN’s April Ryan, another White House reporter, also scuffled with Spicer and Sanders on a regular basis and wrote a book about it. ABC News White House reporter Jonathan Karl has a book about covering the Trump White House scheduled for 2020.

“Fox & Friends” co-host

Brian Kilmeade then asked how Trump reacted to the way Spicer and Sanders were treated by critics such as NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” which pokes fun at members of the administration with unflattering impersonations on a regular basis.

“Absolutely, I think it’s so important that the spokesperson for the president can adequately speak to his policies and get his message out there. I think the president saw that that’s not what was happening," Grisham said. "It had become, again, theater, and they weren’t being good to his people. He doesn’t like that. He’s very loyal to his people, and he put a stop to it.”

---Fox News

confirmed that all were charged for various illegal acts, including breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act, Conspiracy to Defraud, Misconduct in a Public Office at Common Law, and breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The parallel CAP-YES programme, sources alleged, was operated out of the CMU in a manner similar to the original project operated by the Education Ministry to assist at-risk youth.

But, according to one investigator, the CAP-YES programme operated out of the CMU was instead used to pay several ‘vendors’, including Brown-Lawrence, for services they did not provide.

Further, investigators have alleged that Reid was the architect of a scheme in which bogus catering contracts were created in the names of his former helper, Doreen Miller, and driver, Devon McQueen. The CMU has acknowledged that thousands of dollars were paid out in both names, but Miller and McQueen have insisted publicly that they were not associated with the east-Kingston university.

“This case is built on extensive analysis of documents and the flow of money from CMU’s bank accounts to

associates of Mr Reid and, eventually, to him,” a senior police investigator told The Gleaner.

Another target of the probe, former JLP member of parliament for St Ann North West, Othneil Lawrence, also got an early morning visit from detectives attached to MOCA. His St Ann home was searched, but he was not taken into custody, officials confirmed.

Christopher Townsend, the attorney for Brown-Lawrence, confirmed that the local official had been charged with conspiracy to defraud and being in possession of criminal property and was scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Townsend acknowledged that the criminal property in question referred to “money” that belongs to the CMU but asserted his client’s innocence and signalled that she intends to challenge those assertions. “I can’t say conclusively that it is CMU’s money. That’s a matter the Crown will attempt to prove at the appropriate time. Those monies belong to who . . . those are the issues the court must determine,” he said.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Reid has been charged with various offences

under the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Corruption Prevention Act. Reid’s attorney, Carolyn Chuck, could not be contacted for a comment. Calls to her cell phone went unanswered.

The Financial Investigation Division indicated, in a statement, that the probe would target other individuals. Reid was asked by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to resign as education minister in March amid allegations of irregularities and corruption at a number of entities that fall under the education ministry, including the CMU.

Nearly seven months later, investigators showed up at the homes of Reid and Pinnock, who twice went on leave to facilitate the corruption probe. The former education minister and government senator, along with his wife and daughter, covered their heads with a blanket as they were led out of their King’s House Avenue townhouse into a police service vehicle and whisked away.

Pinnock was led from his Hellshire home after he was initially hesitant to allow detectives access to his residence.

---St Kitts & Nevis Observer

16 HEALTH

www.stluciastar.com

KIM’S KORNER

F

Busting Back Pain Myths

or those of you who have suffered from back or neck pain, you know it can stop you in your tracks. You hope that after a few days your symptoms will resolve and your pain will go away but it seems to have taken up permanent residence. Before you go to the doctor, you start to scour the internet and what you see has you in a panic: you are reading about slipped discs and vertebrae out of alignment. Now you are not only worried about your back pain but you start to imagine a lifetime of pain and disability. The most important thing you missed though is that back pain is one of the most common problems, with around 80% of the population experiencing pain, and it isn’t always associated with trauma.

The good news is that most back pain will resolve within six weeks and only 20% of people will go on to develop chronic pain which can last twelve weeks or longer.

So, what causes the pain?

T

The first thing to clarify is that discs don’t slip and vertebrae don’t jump out of place. There are, however, many reasons for back pain. In some cases no cause can be found but that does not mean you have to live with your pain.

Before we talk about how to treat and manage your back pain, let us first debunk some of the more common myths.

Slipped disc – In between each vertebra of the spine there are 23 fluid-filled discs that act as shock absorbers. These discs are surrounded by a tough outer layer and although they can indeed get damaged, they do not slip out of place. Discs can be injured for any number of reasons but more often than not it can be a combination of tight muscles, weakness and poor movement patterns. The most common problems with discs are: • Degeneration: when the gel moves from the centre to the

edges of the disc.

• Protrusion: when the outer layer bulges, but remains intact.

This can create a pressure about the nerve.

• Extrusion: when some gel leaks out, but most stays in the disc.

• Sequestration: when the majority of the gel leaks out.

Bed rest is the best treatment – For years now, people with back pain have been advised to rest but this is in fact detrimental.

A lot of back problems are caused when in a flexed position and sitting just encourages more flexion.

Resting also causes the muscles Vertebra out of place (Vertebral to weaken so, even if resting subluxation) – Firstly it is eases the pain, it may return important to remember that the spine is a strong, sturdy structure once you resume your regular routine. The key to back pain is and is not easily misaligned. In fact, if any force is strong enough to keep moving as best you can; even some gentle exercise and to move the spine it would probably result in a spinal fracture stretching can help speed up your recovery. If in doubt about rather than a whole vertebra what you should be doing, shifting. Day to day activities do you can speak to a qualified not cause the spine to shift. physiotherapist who can advise on the best type of exercise.

X-rays and MRIs are often used to “diagnose” back pain Surgery is the only cure – It can – Research has shown that be a scary experience to even if changes to the discs and vertebrae are detected, it does not mean that these changes are

The Wonderful Sculptures of a Cultural Icon

he Cultural Icon Series, presented by the Cultural Development Foundation in collaboration with the Folk Research Centre and Events Company of Saint Lucia Inc, will take the form of an art exhibition this year.

The Cultural Icon Series is a production conceptualized with the main aim of paying tribute to the visual artists, actors, dancers, writers, musicians and folk artists who wrote about, painted, composed and created a large part of the Saint Lucian identity.

The Cultural Icons Series is a deliberate effort by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) to build a strong, united and proud Saint Lucian community empowered by culture and creativity. Into its fifth year, the Cultural Icon Series, will honour the work of sculptor giant, Vincent Joseph Eudovic.

Mr. Eudovic’s diversity, in terms of the respective stories and of the media that he works in (wood sculpture), will make the Cultural Icon Series exhibit a reference as regards artistic production by our communities of the wood and sculpture diversity.

As the foundation prepared to host the fifth edition of the Cultural Icon Series, the Culture Crew; a group of budding arts and cultural enthusiasts, embarked on an educational drive by sharing snippets of information on the Cultural Icon with students around the island.

The 20 – minute presentation included music, song, narrative and dance, documenting the life of Vincent Joseph Eudovic and his contribution to the arts. The schedule included the following schools: • Wednesday 25th September – Forrestierre Methodist School,

the cause of pain. Degenerative changes to the vertebrae and bulging discs can be seen in healthy adults, even those in their 20s, and are actually a normal part of the ageing process. It is often more beneficial to have a thorough physical examination which will identify aggravating and easing factors, which can help to resolve your pain more quickly than treating what is revealed on an x-ray, that may be just regular wear and tear.

Odsan Primary School, Bexon Primary School • Friday 27th September – Boguis Combined, Desbarras Combined, Entrepot Secondary • Thursday 3rd October – St Joseph Convent, Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School, Corinth Secondary • Friday 4th October – Bouton Primary and Soufriere Primary Schools

The Cultural Icon Series forms part of Creole Heritage Month. In previous years, icons that have been recognised include: Hon. Charles Cadet (2015), Virginia Alexander (2016), Garth St. Omer (2017) and Rameau Poleon (2018). This year’s showcase, Vincent J. Eudovic; Sculpture Art Exhibition –will be open to all from Friday 25th to Tuesday 29 October on the 2nd Floor of the BayWalk Mall from 9:00 am- 6:00pm daily, except Sunday.

OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

have back pain and neural symptoms (pins and needles and numbness) but not all back pain needs surgery, even if the disc has been herniated. Over 90% of herniated discs can recover with the right management and treatment. A short rest, along with graduated exercise and anti-inflammatories, is very effective at speeding up the healing process. Surgery is usually only undertaken when all other interventions have been ineffective.

Avoid activity; it will make it worse – This is definitely not a good approach. Inactivity can prolong the symptoms of back pain and slow down recovery.

If moving seems like an impossible task, there are steps you can take to get you back to action.

Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function and have a vast range of knowledge that can be used to speed up recovery. Expert skills, such as mobilising soft tissue and joints, can relax muscles and reduce the pressure on the structures of the spine, easing pain and making movement easier.

So remember, next time you have back pain, whether through injury, wear and tear or for no apparent reason, it is better to keep moving.

Movement can reduce inflammation, keep the muscles strong and help you to get back on your feet quicker than if you do nothing. The worst enemy of back pain is fear. The back is strong and made to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.

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

YOGA FOR KNEE PAIN

K

nee pain is one of the most common ailments in our society today. As Yoga therapists and teachers, we see the young who have knee injuries plus older adults who just have wear and tear or maybe too much weight on the knees.The question that we are asked is: “Can yoga help knee pain?” The answer is yes. With continued focus and discipline, the practice of yoga can strengthen the muscles supporting the knee and help to alleviate pain.

Yoga strengthens and creates flexibility within the body.

With attention on the painful areas of the knee, along with alignment and knowledge of the anatomy of the areas that need to be strengthened, relief can be achieved.

The meniscus is a cartilage, a tough, rubbery cushion or shock absorber located between the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (knee cap).

If this cartilage is torn, we may experience pain; from a medial meniscus tear, which is the inner knee, or a lateral meniscus tear, which is the outer knee. We can feel bone on bone, or arthritis in the knee joint.

With the practice of Yoga we first look at the feet and the way that we stand on the feet, which may have something to do with the pain in the knees. If we don’t

stand properly on the feet and distribute the weight evenly, we can create knee problems.

We must strengthen the muscles of the thighs, so that they support the knees. To achieve this we do Yoga poses such as Virabhadrasana I-II, (Warrior poses I-II), which are both standing poses. Vira I is a forward facing pose. Vira II is a lateral pose. The two poses strengthen the quadriceps above the knee and the muscles on each side to support the knee and make the legs stronger.

Virasana (Hero pose) is also a good pose for the knees but the student must work into the pose slowly. This is a seated pose with the knees bent, shins down onto the floor, sitting back onto the floor between the feet. In this pose we would sit higher off the floor with the help of blankets or blocks placed between the shins and under the buttocks to lift us.

The feet and legs must be in alignment. A little at a time we come closer to the floor to open the back of the knees.

This creates flexibility in the knees.

All of the above poses are good for the knees but should be attempted only with the assistance of a teacher who has been educated in Yoga and the therapy of the knees. If done incorrectly, more harm then good can come to the knees.

I personally had a torn meniscus about fifteen years ago.

My doctor told me that the only remedy was surgery. I told him that I didn’t have time for surgery and took it upon myself to heal my knee. I worked slowly and diligently to alleviate pain and heal my knee. I no longer have knee pain.

It takes time, discipline and practice but Yoga can make a big difference if done correctly.

Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist.

She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

THE STAR october 12, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

CREDIT UNION DAY 17

ICU 2019: ‘LOCAL SERVICE. GLOBAL REACH.’ T

he World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) will celebrate International Credit Union Day’s 71st anniversary on October 17 with a daylong social media promotion of ICU Day activities and events spanning multiple continents.

International Credit Union Day® is held annually on the third Thursday of October to celebrate the spirit of the global credit union movement.

Through ICU Day festivities worldwide, credit unions raise awareness through outreach and volunteering in the community, organising contests, charitable fundraisers and open houses.

As the international trade association and development platform for credit unions worldwide, World Council plans to showcase ICU Day 2019 celebrations from across the globe on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages throughout the day.

“This year’s theme for ICU Day is ‘Local Service. Global Reach.’ What better way to emphasize our role in that effort than to highlight the local service credit unions from around the world are providing to their members and staff,” said Brian Branch, World Council president/CEO.

In addition to promoting what credit unions across the

globe are doing, WOCCU professionals will provide ICU Day 2019 messages from different corners of the world.

Credit unions who would like to have their ICU Day 2019 activities or events featured on World Council’s social media pages can email communications@woccu. org before October 17, or simply tag their social media posts on ICU Day 2019 with the hashtags #ICUDay and #WOCCU.

Stay tuned to local credit union social media pages and CUNA News in the days after ICU Day for a full recap on how credit unions celebrated around the world.

Celebrating 71 years of LOCAL SERVICE & GLOBAL REACH Management and Staff of

Choiseul Credit Union (Co Op) would like to SAY Thank You to our members for believing in the power of TOGETHERNESS.

Happy International Credit Union Day 2019 Shares Two Types of Shares: •Ordinary Shares/Ordinary/Withdraw-able •Permanent Shares Family Indemnity Plan (FIP) This is a coverage insurance plan that provides financial protection and comfort; by providing cash benefits to cover funeral cost for yourself and eligible family members under your coverage.

Brazil Street corner of Coral Street, Saint Lucia Phone 1-758-452-6820 Fax: 758-452-2884 Email Address: elks@candw.lc

Loans Loan within shares: Member can apply for loans within their share balances.

•No appointment required •Over the counter services.

Medical Insurance Beacon Insurance Beacon medical insurance offers coverage for hospital benefits, emergency accident benefit, out of hospital medical benefits and much more.

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8am to 3pm Friday – 8am to 4pm Saturdays – 9am to 12pm

s d well wishe n e t x e o t e k would li to all of n io t ia c e r p and ap rs on this our Membe ersary 71st Anniv it Union of the Cred Movement.

H” OBAL REAC L G E IC V R E “LOCAL S

International Credit Union (ICU) Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognize the hard work and share member experiences.

International Credit Union (ICU) Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY 2019

18 CREDIT UNION DAY

www.stluciastar.com

Happy International Credit Union Day 2019 From

St. Lucia Teachers’ Credit Coop Ltd

In our continued efforts in ensuring a more focused quality of existence for our members. We say Thank You to our Teachers Past and Present for their continued belief and support, providing LOCAL SERVICE FOR GLOBAL REACH.

Make the Educated Choice and Join Us Today • • • • • • •

You are eligible for membership based on the following: You are a Teacher Or Ancillary staff member at a school Or Parent, spouse, child, sibling of a member Or Employee of the Ministry of Education Or Employee of the SLTU Or School thrift member (on completion of school) You must be 16 years and over to be a shareholder

Please contact us at 453 2538 for further information about the services offered, our friendly and knowledgeable staff, welcome the opportunity to serve you. Alternatively, you may visit our website:www.sltccu.com at your earliest convenience. We look forward to being your Partner on your financial journey. Thank you for choosing Saint Lucia Teachers’ Credit Co-operative Ltd.

29 Riverside Road, Box 1845, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 453 2538 | Fax: 458 1387

email: sltcc@hotmail.com website: www.sltccu.com

OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

Benefits Provided

by Credit Unions S

ince credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions, they can focus on providing better services for their memberowners. You can potentially benefit from this in a variety of ways.

Credit unions may go above and beyond to help their members reach financial success through personalized service. Since credit unions are not-for-profit institutions, they can focus on helping members with their individual financial needs. Some credit unions also provide training and counselling to help members understand complex financial matters.

Credit unions tend to have lower fees. They sometimes even have fewer fees for typical banking products. The price to borrow money from a credit union, known as the interest rate or APR, is typically lower than it would be from a bank.

Because of the membership

requirements, credit union members often have similar interests, live in the same geographic region, work closely together or are involved in a common organisation. Members generally enjoy being a part of a financial institution that focuses on the needs of consumers just like them.

When you’re a credit union member, you get to vote on important credit union decisions, including the selection of credit union board members. That’s because when you become a member, you also become a co-owner of the credit union.

Just because a credit union may be smaller than a bank doesn’t necessarily mean it has fewer services. In addition to financial education and counselling, credit unions often offer consumer loans, shared branches with other credit unions, home equity loans, mortgage loans, member

business loans, overdraft protection and more. Of course, some credit unions may not have as many products and services as other financial institutions, but they generally tend to cover a lot of banking needs.

Credit unions have many advantages, but there are still some downsides to consider.

Some credit unions may have a smaller geographic footprint. This might limit the number of branches available for your banking needs. But even if you don’t have access to a branch, most credit unions provide broad access to ATMs or offer fee reimbursements when using another financial institution’s machine. Some credit unions may even be a part of a credit union network that allows you to conduct your banking at other credit unions’ branches.

---Credit Karma

THE STAR

OCTOBER 12, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

19

20 SPORTS

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OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

Four in a row for Vieux Fort South Will they make it five?

David R Pascal

F

ive and counting! Don’t bet against them.

After all, winning four Blackheart Knockout Football championships was a tall order, but Vieux Fort South (VFS) achieved just that last Saturday evening at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.

VFS defeated Micoud 3-1 in the final before a large crowd who occupied every nook and cranny of the stadium to witness another night of history in the making for VFS. Just as they did in the semi-final, VFS got the jump on their opponent when Noah Nicholas opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Another goal

by Antonio Joseph in the 23rd minute put them ahead 2-0 at the half.

Down two goals and being soundly outplayed in the first half, Micoud could have thrown in the towel but they never gave up and got back in the game when Kyran Mathurin made good on a penalty kick, making it 2-1. Micoud had their chances to even the score. However, a late goal by Jervick McFarlane put the game out of reach, giving VFS a 3-1 win.

Commenting on the game, VFS Coach Uriah Samuel said: “I like the fight. From the word ‘go’ everyone was programmed and ready, and they executed, and look at the results now.”

VSF having won this competition four consecutive years, I asked him how likely a fifth win would be. He replied: There is always room for improvement. You know, it can always happen. We have young guys here; as long as they stay together, we should be all right.”

I asked VFS Captain Jamil Joseph how this championship compares with the rest. “Well, this one was a tough fight,” he said. “We had to work hard because all the teams were coming after us. They thought we were complacent because we won three already and would not win the fourth one, so it was a challenge for us, but we came through again as champions.”

CEO of Blackheart Productions, David “Shakes” Christopher, congratulated VFS on their victory and said: “Four in a row is history, and I don’t

Action from Saturday’s final between Micoud (front) and Vieux Fort South.

Vieux Fort South celebrate their fourth consecutive Blackheart Productions/SLFA football title.

know who’s going to beat this team. They are starting to age like wine. The longer they stay together, they get better and better.”

Preceding the final was the third place play-off.

Mabouya Valley prevailed over Marchand 3-2. Nick Mondesir led the way for the winning side with a hat trick. Ferguson St Claire and Jnai Lesmond were the goal scorers for Marchand.

After the final, the following awards were presented: Best Coach, Carlus Monchery (Deruisseaux); Fastest Goal, Antonio Joseph (VFS); Most Spectacular Goal, Dius Antonio Joseph of Vieux Fort David (Mabouya Valley); Best Goalkeeper, Marcus Marquis South (left) being congratulated

by CEO of Blackheart Productions, (Desruisseaux); Best Defender, Sarn Savery (VFS); Best David “Shakes” Christopher.

Midfielder, Gregson President (VFS); Top Goal Scorer, Nick Joseph was the tournament MVP Mondesir (Mabouya Valley); Fair Play Trophy (Central and received the award for the Castries); Tournament MVP, Antonio Joseph (VFS). fastest goal.

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A Marchand player guarded closely by a Mabouya Valley defender.

For placing first, VFS received the championship trophy, medals and a cheque for $30,000. In second place, Micoud received a trophy,

medals and a cheque for $10,000. Mabouya Valley, in third place, received a trophy, medals and a cheque for $5,000.

St Lucia Moto X Club says Thank You

he executive and members of the St Lucia Moto X Club extend a heartfelt thank you to its sponsors for their generous contributions in making the 2018/2019 motocross season a huge success.

A club official said: “Your commitment ensured that we had a complete motocross season, triggering a significant increase in membership signups and inquiries about the club, particularly of parents with children in the 8-12 age group.

Your sponsorship support is not something we take very lightly and, as we grow as a club, we look forward to building and strengthening our partnership with your organisation.”

He went on to say: “Motocross is a disciplined sport—to some, the most

physically demanding—which requires lots of practice. It is also a proven way in preparing teenagers both physically and mentally, producing in a more rounded individual. Like all sports, the rewards are determined by the amount of work one is prepared to put in, and motocross is no exception.

Saint Lucia made its name in the US in the person of Carlan Mitchel, a formidable rider in his time. He has opened the door for other motocross riders in Saint Lucia, a gateway this current executive is pursuing.”

In the region, Saint Lucia is the only Caribbean island where motocross is an active sport, hence the reason the French make a concerted effort to be on-island every time to participate during the club’s motocross season.

Members of the St Lucia Moto X Club at a recent prize giving.

Motocross is alive and well in Saint Lucia (28 years on November 9) and, thanks to its many sponsors, it will be around for a long time.

The executive, club members and everyone connected with the St Lucia

Moto X Club extend thanks to the Ministry of Sports, Saint Lucia National Lottery Authority, M&C General Insurance, St Lucia Red Cross, EMT/Life Savers, SLASPA, Customs, Saint Lucia Fire Service, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Digicel,

Courts, The Voice (Anthony De Beauville), The Star (David Pascal), The Mirror, HTS, DBS, MBC, Winners TV, Russel Lake—Drive By, WLBL/NBL, Ice Factory, KFC, Domino’s, Food Express, Monster/Blue Waters, St Lucia Distillers, Peter & Co, Flow, Lucelec, Solid Waste, Ecco, St Lucia Environmental, Gregory Monplaisir, Renwick & Co, Europa, Caribbean Metals, Joe Knows, Carlito, CPJ, Admac, Rayneau, Eden the Photographer, Richard Surage, Bel Jou, Jn Marie & Sons Ltd, Come To Me (Don “Poule Bois” Calderon), Just Tires, John Tires & More, Motorcycle Solutions, and Wayne’s Motorcycle Centre.

Remember to check Facebook and Instagram— St.LuciaMotoXClub—for club events and updates.

THE STAR

OCTOBER 12, 2019

sports

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Gros Islet District One Primary Schools Football Champs again

21

Football Scores and Highlights

By Michael “Midget” Pierre

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Gros Islet captured the District One Primary Schools Football title for the fourth consecutive year.

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he District One Primary Schools Football Competition, in which ten schools participated, came to a successful conclusion on Thursday, October 3 at the Sab playing facility.

In the first semi-final, Monchy got the better of Fond Assau 2–0. Their goals came from Marvinus Biscette in the 15th minute and Nirron Delice in the 24th minute.

In the second semi-final, defending champions Gros Islet made light work of Boguis 3–0.

Traylan Henry got a brace in the 21st and 29th minutes with the other goal coming from Malik Louis in the 17th minute.

The third place play-off between Fond Assau and Boguis was an exciting encounter which ended in a goal-less draw. In the penalty shootout, Fond Assau emerged victorious 1–0 to clinch a trophy and the bronze medals.

The grand final played between Monchy and defending champions Gros Islet was an

epic one, which was not reflected by the score line. However, despite missing a penalty, Gros Islet successfully defended their title 2–0.

Malik Louis scored in the 3rd minute of play while Devonte Herman hit another in the 27th minute. The result means that Gros Islet have won the competition on four consecutive occasions.

After the final, the following awards were presented: Best Goalkeeper, David Blackman (Gros Islet); Best Defender, Justie Jermaine (Gros Islet); Best Midfielder, Tavi Anthony (Monchy); Best Striker, Marvinus Biscette (Monchy); Most Goals, D’Andre Perez (Monchy).

The closing ceremony was addressed by Education Officer for District

A Gros Islet player tries getting past a Monchy defender.

One, Cyrus Cepal; School Sports Co-ordinator at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Isabel Marquis; and Michael Pierre representing the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc. They all lauded the schools and their supporters for their efforts and achievements throughout the three days of competition.

Monchy placed second in the District One Primary Schools Football Competition.

he Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc Island Cup is set to resume, with the second stage of competition being played in a single round-robin format at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.

Eight teams have qualified for this round of competition: Canaries, Central Castries, Dennery, Gros Islet, Mabouya Valley, Marchand, Roseau Valley and Vieux Fort South.

The first set of matches scheduled for the tournament is as follows: Saturday October 12, 6:00 pm: Central Castries vs Vieux Fort South; 8:00 pm: Roseau Valley vs Dennery.

Sunday October 13, 6:00 pm: Canaries vs Gros Islet; 8:00 pm: Marchand vs Mabouya Valley.

The SLFA Inc has released the names of the players who will represent the island in the second round of the Nations League. The team is as follows: Vino Barclette (goalkeeper), Caster James, Melvin Doxilly (defender), Sherwin Emmanuel, Kurt Frederick, Alvinus Myers, Raphael Joseph, Pernal Williams (midfielder), Zaine Pierre (Captain), Lester Joseph, Noah Nicholas, Shayne Paul, Eden Charles (forward), Bradley Nestor, Malik St Prix, Chaim Roserie, Aaron Richard and Antonio Joseph.

The team will be accompanied by technical director, Cess Podd; head coach, Jamaal Shabazz; assistant coach, Francis Lastic; equipment manager, Junior

The Saint Lucia National Football Team are preparing to play in the Nations League.

Phillip; trainer, Sabbatus Hunte; physiotherapist, Keiber Codrington; and manager, Denver Samuel.

The SLFA Inc. President’s Cup kicked off on Tuesday at the Marchand Grounds and the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.

In the first game played at the Marchand Grounds, B1 opened their campaign with a 2–0 victory against New Generations. Their goals came from Lamar George in the 4th minute and Miguel Remy in the 6th minute of play.

The second game, which featured Diamond Ballers of Desruisseaux and GMC, resulted in a 6–2 victory for GMC. For GMC, Kerry Joseph scored a hat trick, Rohan Lambert a brace and Shannon Phillip the other goal. Diamond Ballers’ goals were scored by Dalyan Johnson and Armed Francis.

Down at the Philip Marcellin Grounds, Victory Eagles defeated Knights 2–0.

Their goals were scored by Ricardo Miller in the 25th minute and Jamil Joseph in the 62nd minute.

Three games were played in the Bank of Saint Lucia, Blue Waters and SLFA Inc Safe Spaces Futsal Peace League at Agars on Tuesday.

In the night’s opener, Marchand defeated Faux Au Chaud 5–2, with O’Neal Edwards scoring a hat trick and one each by Levi Mederick and Jordan St Ange. Mitchel Ashley and Ricky Montout scored for Faux Au Chaud.

In the second encounter, La Clery defeated Rock Hall 1–0, the goal scorer, Daniel Sayers.

The final game of the evening resulted in CDC and Fire Service playing to a 4–4 draw. For CDC, Shaquille Degazon scored a brace, with one each by Tro Edwards and Simeon Francis. Fire Service goals came from Star Antoine with a brace, and one each from Marciano Poleon and Khisia Walter.

The organisers would like to compliment the teams for their level of discipline and professionalism displayed, with special mention going to the CDC team. A positive example for the youngsters present.

CFC LUCELEC BOSL Youth Tournament Third Round Results

T

he Castries Football Council (CFC) last weekend hosted matches in round three at the Sab playing facility.

Flow Lancers FC Under-11 team started off the weekend with a 5-1 win over Nyah FC. For Flow Lancers, Mickel St Clair and Torres Harris each scored two and Terrel Marcion scored one. The lone goal for Nyah came from Carter Clauzel.

In the other Under-11 match, Valley Soccer trashed VSADC 9-0. Aaron Bent was the star of the show with a hat-trick, Elia Southern and Tejohn Brown each scored two, while Christian Sidonie and Levi Stiede netted one each.

Saturday’s matches continued in the Under-15 division with a draw between Flow Lancers FC and GMC. Right

winger Michael Daniel volleyed from outside the 18 yard box to register one of the best goals of the tournament so far.

This proved not to be a match winner, as GMCs Josh George registered the equalizer.

The second Under-15 match saw the ever consistent Messiah Pinel netting two goals as his VSADC team beat Valley Soccer 2-1. Ethan Louisy scored at the other end for Valley Soccer.

The Sunday fixtures commenced with Under-13 games. In a keenly contested match, Big Players came away with the win over FC Pioneers.

Kyvante Gernier was the goal scorer in the encounter.

The second game was another keenly contested affair, this time between VSADC

Sharks and Flow Lancers FC. Keenan Joseph and Kacer Guiste scored one each as Flow Lancers FC registered another win. The final score was 2-0, keeping them undefeated so far.

The two matches in the Under-18 division had some fine football on display on Sunday. In the first match, Flow Lancers FC dominated in their game against New Generation, only to lose 2-1.

The Flow Lancers squandered at least four easy chances in the first half. Shakim Hunte and Yanic Noel netted the New Generation goals.

Jared Desir scored a well taken penalty in a comeback effort.

VSADC’s Keegan Caul was in the centre of the action again as he scored to help his team beat Valley Soccer 2-0. The other VSADC goal came from Isiah Modeste.

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sports

OCTOBER 12, 2019 THE STAR

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Brandon King’s century puts Guyana in final 4. Skipper Jason Holder then brought himself back into the attack, after earlier being taken uyana Amazon Warriors for 20 off his two Powerplay continued their unbeaten overs.

2019 Hero Caribbean Holder fared better with Premier League (CPL) journey by the softer ball, having Shimron crushing the Barbados Tridents, Hetmyer well held by Raymon thereby progressing to the CPL Reifer at deep mid-wicket for final at the Brian Lara Stadium three. in Trinidad today, Saturday 12

Warriors Captain Shoaib October.

Malik helped guide King to his Brandon King helped maiden T20 hundred. Malik himself to 11 sixes on his way brought up his career 9,000 to the highest ever Hero CPL runs in T20 cricket with a six, score of 132, sending him top only the fourth batsmen to of this season’s run-scoring get there in the history of the charts, with 453 runs. format.

The Guyana Amazon At the other end, King Warriors got off to a flier continued to play the knock through King and Chanderpaul of the tournament, reaching Hemraj. King’s 29 off 22 balls his 100 with a booming six off and Hemraj’s 19 off 14 saw Raymon Reifer. them to 48-0 off the Powerplay.

This scintillating

It took a sensational partnership was ended on 97 catch from Hayden Walsh Jr

by Tridents’ best bowler on the to dismiss Hemraj off his own day, Hayden Walsh Junior, when bowling, turning and sprinting, he dismissed Malik for 32 off then diving full-stretched to 19. Walsh bowled very well, but cling on to the ball. his figures were damaged when

King reached his 50 off Nicolas Pooran came in and hit 36 balls right on halfway of the his first two deliveries over the Warriors’ innings with a cut for rope.

By CPL

G

It was a record-setting batting performance by Brandon King.

The previous record score on this ground, 193-8 by the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in 2018, was surpassed on the first ball of the last over as four leg byes rubbed salt in the Tridents’ already large wounds.

The highest ever CPL score of 121 by Andre Russell was then surpassed by King who finished on a jaw-dropping 132

off 72 balls, Pooran’s handy cameo earned him 12 off 3.

The Tridents got off to what would be a great start in any normal game in this year’s CPL, but were always behind the eight-ball chasing 219.

Johnson Charles smashed a couple of early boundaries but then got bogged down, looping up a catch to

point off Imran Tahir’s second ball, out for 15 off 14.

Hales was then bowled

by Tahir attempting an ambitious slog sweep after an explosive 36 off 19 balls. When a shot from Shakib resulted in a great diving catch by Hetmyer, the Tridents were 59-3 after 7.5 and needed a massive partnership between the new batsmen, JP Duminy and Shai Hope.

This did not happen, Duminy chopping on for 14 off Odean Smith’s second ball, and then Hope went, to become the first of Romario Shepherd’s two victims. Jonathan Carter made a swift 49 to top-score for the Tridents but holed out one short of his half-century.

Odean Smith induced a chop on from Reifer’s first ball, before Ashley Nurse and Jason Holder hit some massive blows, but it was too little too late for the chasing side.

Barbados Tridents faced Trinbago Knight Riders on Thursday, with one last shot to meet the Amazon Warriors again in the final on Saturday.

Back to School for Grenada's Peters after Shock Javelin Win

By Brian Homewood, Reuters

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renada's Anderson Peters pulled off a shock win in the javelin at the world athletics championships in Doha, Qatar on Sunday, after an unpredictable event where Olympic champion Thomas Rohler failed to reach the final.

Peters won with a throw of 86.89 metres (m) as he gave the tiny Caribbean nation its second-ever world championship gold, following Kirani James' 400m win in 2011 —an event which inspired him to take up athletics.

However, he did not have much time to celebrate; Anderson Peters (left) with Albert Reynolds at the recent Pan American Games. (Photo by David R Pascal) the 21-year-old studies at Mississippi State University and told reporters he had to said. after appearing to injure his although he took part in the sit exams next week. "I've Estonia's Magnus Kirt was shoulder with his fifth throw. medal ceremony with his arm in definitely missed some classes. second with 86.21m although Kirt was wheeled off the field a sling.

I have a test on Tuesday," Peters he retired from the competition and unable to do a lap of honour Peters said he was

inspired by watching James' performance in Daegu, South Korea, eight years ago. "That was unbelievable for the whole country," he explained. "He showed it's possible for anyone to become a world champion."

Peters said he was "shaking with nerves" during qualifying. "I was so scared but, having made the final, I was a different guy today, I went out to be the world champion and here I am. It means a lot to me and I'm sure it means a lot to my country. I always wanted to be a sprinter but I kept getting injuries, so my coach and I decided to try another event and we chose javelin and it turned out that I was pretty good at it.”

Germany, who had been expected to dominate the competition, instead had to settle for a bronze with defending champion Johannes Vetter who threw 85.37m after

SLNCA Congratulates Joseph on T10 call up

West Indies Cricketer Qiana Joseph.

T

he St Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) congratulates Windward Islands and West Indies female cricketer Qiana Joseph on her selection for the two T10 exhibition matches in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday and today, Saturday.

The two matches, an initiative between CWI, CPL and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, were planned to precede the semi-finals and finals of the CPL. Joseph left the island on Tuesday to join the region’s best cricketers, to participate in two 10-oversa-side matches. The two teams are led by Jamaican Stafane Taylor and Windwards and Grenadian leg spinner Afy Fletcher.

Joseph is part of the team led by Fletcher.

an injury-plagued season.

Saint Lucia’s Albert Reynolds competed in the men’s javelin event but failed to make the finals. Reynolds recorded a Personal Best of 82.19m to place third at the recent Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Peters placed first in the event, setting a new Games record in the process.

Reynolds though did not come close to his PB at the World Championships.

He placed 15th in group A, qualifying with a throw of 73.91m.

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CLASSIFIED

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OCTOBER 12, 2019

23

CPJ St. Lucia Ltd is looking for a dynamic, results oriented team leader to lead its accounts team Job Title: Accountant Scope of Job:

JOB VACANCY

With the guidance of the Finance Manager, assists in preparing and reporting financial statements conforming to the principles of accounting and regulatory requirements. The individual would be required to Supervise/ provide guidance to Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Departments.

East Winds a luxury boutique hotel situated on La Brelotte Bay, St Lucia. We pride ourselves on friendly and discreet service and a safe and secure environment for our guests and staff. We are looking to fill the following positions: Position:

Requirements:

Position:

5 Years’ Experience Knowledge of different pastry techniques and plated desserts Efficient at cake making Creative and innovative in making desserts, bread making Self sufficient Team Player Must be able to work different shifts Must be eligible to work in St. Lucia References required Kitchen Steward Police Record required No experience needed Experienced Security officers needed.

Position: Closing date:

Full Time Pastry Chef

30th October 2019

Interested candidates can apply along with your CV and required documents to recruitment@eastwinds.com or drop it off at the security booth by hand.

FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR RENT IN MARISULE

1-758-519-0590

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Or alternatively emailed to cjohn@slu.cpj.com

Property FOR SALE

Nicole 519 6546

For further info Contact

Available: December 1st, 2019

CONTACT:

Applications should be mailed to the (along with resume and copies of certificates) The HR Officer CPJ St. Lucia Cul De Sac PO Box BJ 46, Castries

Contact:

$1,800.00 per month

PRICED FOR IMMEDIATE SALE

2. Qualifications and Experience Required: (i) A.C.C.A. or CGA Qualified, or (must be on final level of A.C.C.A or CGA.), Bachelor’s degree in

Accounting or Finance. (ii) 2 year experience in a supervisory level position in Finance (iii) Proficient computer skills and in-depth knowledge of relevant software such as MS Office

Suite. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics GP would be an asset. (iv) Specific understanding of all areas within the Finance function - Financial & Management

Accounting, Taxation and Treasury, Statutory reporting and regulatory requirements

Spacious,2600 sq ft 3 bedroom house for sale in the Village of Micoud.

Close to everything.

Estimated 10 mins drive from the international airport. open plan Living Area.

Private parking.

Saab convertible 2005, fully loaded (pristine condition) Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005 in excellent condition.

This spacious 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms house is located minutes away from the Castries/Gros Islet Hwy.

4,500 SQ FT HOUSE SITTING ON 38,728 SQ FT 4 BEDROOM, 3 BATHROOMS, OPEN PLAN LIVING AND DINING AREA, LAUNDRY ROOM 16,000 GAL CISTERN, SPECTACULAR VIEWS TOWARDS RODNEY BAY, MARTINIQUE, DAUPHIN BEACH AND LA SORCIERE.

1. Overview (i) Assist in ensuring timeliness and accuracy of the financial statements. (ii) Review financial data to ensure fairness and completeness of the data. (iii) Prepare financial reports and assist in their evaluation. (iv) Assist in maintaining internal control systems and adopting proper policies for financial reporting. (v) Conduct account reconciliations and analysis. (vi) Prepare monthly journal entries as needed. (vii) Review all monthly journal entries for accuracy and reasonableness. (viii) Analyse monthly research of expense accounts; review, investigate, and correct errors and

inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports. (ix) Work with external auditors during financial audits. (x) Provide technical support system to the finance team

1-758-285-4391

for sale

HELP WANTED

Epson Stylus Pro 9800 44” large format Printer Price: $1,800.00

VACANCIES EXIST FOR UPHOLSTERERS AND SEAMSTRESSES.

Call: 720-5041

BUSINESS LOCATED IN MARISULE. CONTACT: 1-758-450-1133 OR 1-758-458-4831

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 FOR RENT 2 Bedroom, 1 bath downstairs apartment at Beausejour Phase one, Gros Islet.

Hot and cold. $1,400.00 monthly Tel: 732-7852

VEHICLE FOR SALE White 2006 Nissan Altima in good condition.

Lady driven.

Left hand drive Best offer!

Call mobile: 720 5046 For more details

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019

S&S Come and apply for your S & S Loyalty Card

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

The Eyes Have It!

Could Dame Pearlette be passing on tips to the latest tenant on how Government House hairdryers work?

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE AT S&S THE PRICEBUSTERS

25 bagasse burger 50 bagasse bowls 25 10-inch bagasse 25 7-inch basasse 10 bagasse hot 100 sauce $9.75 dog boxes $12 plates $13 plates $5.25 boxes $13.75 containers with lids $26 Also on special: paper towels $3.50, 20 foil muffin cups $3, 50 4oz paper cups $8, Bois D Orange • Castries • Vieux Fort paper napkins $2.75, 100 straws $2.75, foil wrap $3.50, foil roast pan $1.75, foil roast www.facebook.com/the.pricebusters

pan 9 inch $0.75, 50 paper spoons $7, soup paper container with lid $1.25

Printed and published by STAR Publishing Co. (1987) Ltd., Rodney Bay Industrial Estate, Massade, Gros Islet, P.O. Box 1146, Castries, St. Lucia, W.I., Tel: (758) 450-7827 Email: info@stluciastar.com Website: www.stluciastar.com