Public Continues To Blast Police: Who's Really To Blame?

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Public Continues To Blast Police:

Who’s Really To Blame?

Top row (l-r): Vernon Francois, Kenny Anthony, Allen Chastanet, DPP Daarsrean Greene.

Below: Commissioner Severin Monchery.

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

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september 07, 2019 THE STAR

INSURANCE – PAY AS YOU LEARN

was in Barbados and needed car insurance badly which, as the man trying to sell me a Mini Moke responded, “Dey have ‘nuff companies doing that here. They’re as bad as you could get.” In insurance terms, the feeling was mutual so I tried grammatical reconstruction. “I badly need some insurance,” I told my favourite insurance honcho, Gerry Hadeed, owner of Beacon Insurance which has

branches all over the Caribbean including Barbados, where I had just scored a PAHO consultancy for an indefinite period and was looking at acquiring some wheels.

It was not my first vehicle or insurance policy and I had learnt a few hard facts. The primary truth is that while nothing succeeds like success, nothing exceeds like “excess”, the term used to define the

amount you will be required to pay when you make a claim on your policy. In some cases, especially motor-vehicle insurance, the excess is around US$1,000 and so, even if you’re not dead in an accident, you would be badly wounded, particularly when you add the loss of your “no claim” bonus.

As one expert told me bluntly, “It is not ‘No Blame’, it is ‘No Claim’. Even if you’re right, once

you make a claim, your premium rises.”

Your blood pressure too, I found out later.

There are all kinds of jokes that I drop on my insurance friends. There is one who loves the ladies so whenever I see him, I generally ask, “You still doing it with third parties?” Another old favourite that I have used, but never in the presence of my beloved wife (for obvious reasons) is the question, “What do an insurance policy and a woman have in common?” They are both expensive, difficult to understand and what you get

Invitation for Bids SAINT LUCIA DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.:IDA Credit # 5493LC, SCF Loan # TF017101, SCF Grant # TF017143 Contract Title: Rehabilitation of Selected Health Facilities - Micoud Wellness Centre Reference No: SLU-DVRP-W-NCB-RHMW-01-16 1. The Government of Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Construction of the Micoud Wellness Centre.

2. The Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for to carry out the works located at Micoud located A-1725-101 at which includes demolitions of the existing reinforced concrete columns, beams and slabs, earthworks entailing excavation and filling works including hard excavation, construction of a single storey building on suspended concrete slab Including ancillary paved roads and car park areas, concrete walkways and storm water drainage works, electrical, plumbing, air-condition, communications, firefighting, Equipment Installations and fencing and landscaping works.. The Construction period is twelve months.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and NonConsulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011 (and revised July 2014) (“Procurement Guidelines”), and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Guidelines.

In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

4. Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from Project Coordinator, Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, email chmathurin@gosl.gov.lc and inspect the bidding documents during office hours 0900 hours (9:00am) to 1500 hours (3:00 pm) daily from Monday to Friday at the address given below (*) from August 2, 2019.

5. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable feeof Eastern Caribbean one hundred dollars (XCD100.00). The method of payment will be by certified cheque, or telegraphic Bank transfer to Bank of Saint Lucia (Account # 901367740, Swift Code: bosllclc) payable to the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project. The document will be sent by Courier to bidders overseas.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below (**) on or before September 11, 2019 at 9:30 a.m (0930 hours on or before. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who choose to attend at the address below (***) on September 11, 2019 at 10:00a.m (1000 hours).

7. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid-Securing Declaration.

8. The address(es) referred to above are: *The Project Coordinator (For clarification and Pre-Bid Meeting) Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia Telephone: 758-468-2413/20 Email: slupcu@govt.lc **The Secretary (Submission of Bids) Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia ***Meeting of the Central Tenders Board (Opening of Bids) Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia

is not guaranteed. The guarantee and inevitable lack of it are critical. This is why when I ended up in hospital undergoing surgery for damages caused by my falling off a dirt-bike, I learnt from the nurses in the ward when they passed my bed and playfully flipped my blanket, that hospital gowns and insurance policies have in common that you’re never covered as much as you think you are.

Even though I tease my friends—I told the CEO of an insurance company that I heard one of his salesmen won a prize trip to New York but is now trying to win another one so he could come back home—I value their help and advice. I bought an earthquake and fire insurance policy from one and he got upset when I dubbed him Mr. Shake and Bake. But when I called Gerry Hadeed in Trinidad, he answered immediately.

The fact is that while Barbadians do not consider a “Mini Moke” a car, I had arrived in their country with limited funds and no idea how long I would be there so the Moke was ideal. The Barbados sun can be merciless and I really could not deal with the long walk in the scorching heat. When Samuel Selvon wrote his book A Brighter Sun, I am sure Barbados was on his mind. The other problem was my fear of the Barbados mini-buses which even now require both life insurance and divine intervention. I found kneeling down and making the sign of the cross in one was too much of a tight fit. What helped was that I had seen this little, red Moke (Australian for “mule”) in a garage in Bridgetown and, despite its lack of doors and a metal roof, was immediately attracted to it. I wouldn’t have dared own one in Trinidad because it (and even me) would have been hijacked within a few minutes of my hitting the road and, given that I could not lock the trunk or the “bonnet”, I would have lost my battery and spare tyre in seconds.

I believe that this seller’s market for insurance in Barbados is why the first company I called told me that it would cost me $1,500 to cover a $1,000 car. I was upset and angry. I called Gerry Hadeed in Trinidad and complained, “Gerry, the car cost me $1,000 and they want to charge me one-and-a-half times the price of the car for the insurance. $1,500!”

I added, “I now reach here. I haven’t worked for a cent as yet. What they want me to do? It looks like I will have to sell the car to pay the insurance.” He eased me up a bit with the cost but I was still very much in the red and doubly so since that was the colour of the car as well as what I was seeing when I had to pay the insurance. However, I had no choice since the law demanded that I insure the car and Confucius said, “Needing insurance is like needing a parachute—if it isn't there the first time, chances are you won't be needing it again.” It was a chance I was unwilling to take.

What gets me about insurance in any form, fashion or type of coverage is the ability of its salesmen and executives to ignore and leave out the “e” in “liability”. This is why I am not too hard on some of the drivers who come up with truly original excuses for getting into accidents. One said, “Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have.” Another explained, “A truck backed through my windshield into my wife’s face.” There are some others like “My car was legally parked as it backed into another vehicle”, “The indirect cause of the accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth” (lots of those around) and “I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I struck him.” But for me the one that takes the full premium and no claim bonus is, “An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished.”

However, none of the excuses can compete with what a salesman told his customer, “Yes, your policy does cover you falling off the roof, but it doesn't cover your hitting the ground.”

Author Tony Deyal was last seen saying medical insurance is what allows people to be ill at ease.

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

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St. Lucia-US Combine against Anonymous Online Efforts to Discourage Public Acceptance of Free USNS Medical Services!

Comfort’s assistance to Haiti in 2010 following a deadly earthquake.

Conspirators insist that the US induced the earthquake with a “tectonic machine” to later invade Haiti. “That was never true,” Soocha insisted.

“We are here nine years later, and Haiti remains a sovereign independent country. The ship went to Haiti to provide over 850 on-board surgeries in the immediate aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.”

As for the many sceptics that insist America gives away nothing without

US Embassy PAO, Larry Soocha (pictured) encourges citizens to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the USNS Comfort.

Claudia Mc Dowell

A

t a press conference last week, aimed at countering widespread propaganda against the scheduled arrival of US Navy Ship Comfort, Dr Merlene Fredericks-James, Saint Lucia’s Chief Medical Officer, sought to reassure potential recipients of the floating hospital’s services. The USNS Comfort is expected to be in Saint Lucia from September 25 to 30. This week it was the turn of the US Embassy in Barbados, through its Public Affairs Officer Larry Soocha, to take a shot at dispelling the persistent rumours.

During a short interview this is what he told this reporter: “I understand that there are voice notes and other viral information out there implying there’s some negative ulterior motive to the US Comfort coming to Saint Lucia. I wouldn’t even call them rumours, I’d call them falsehoods. The USNS Comfort, in the last twelve years, has treated more than 400,000 patients and has performed more than 6,000 surgeries. The rumours are totally unfounded. You have not only American medical staff, you will have working on board the ship medical personnel from Saint Lucia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica.”

Among the social media anonymous allegations: members of the ship’s staff have been convicted of malpractice and that the plan is to use Saint Lucians as guinea pigs for various experiments. References have been made to America’s abuse of native Americans and Guatemalans in the name of research, without their consent. But Soocha insists that the USNS Comfort offers nothing but health aid. He said: “I can tell you that it’s 2019 and that this is a hospital ship which will provide free medical care for the benefit of Saint Lucians, and will do so openly and transparently with support of the host government.

We are here and open about the mission.”

He referenced the falsohoods around USNS

LOCAL 03 a price, Soocha said: “I’d say that’s a pretty pessimistic attitude.

I think that if you have an ailment, if you have an injury that fits into one of those areas—dentistry, optometry, physical therapy—I think it will be beneficial to you, your family and your community to take full advantage of available free medical care. I think those who are telling you not to receive medical care are doing an injustice to their communities and to their fellow citizens by spreading falsehoods.”

Saint Lucia is one of twelve countries that the USNS Comfort will visit during its five-month deployment. The staff hopes to perform over 100 surgeries, and anticipates providing service to 500 people per day during the walk-in service at the Owen King-European Union Hospital and at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School. Patients are restricted to one consultation per visit. The deadline for submitting information for surgery was Friday, September 6.

04 LOCAL

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

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DOES ST LUCIA HAVE A LAND USE PLAN? Peter Josie

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ast Sunday, while on a casual drive with friends to Soufriere and Vieux Fort, we travelled along the back of the Morne Road, perchance to recapture the landmarks that were familiar before unplanned development, including rude, rusty, galvanize huts along roadsides, became the order of the day. On approaching the Cul-de-Sac valley I beheld two significant land clearings alongside the main road, each about an acre in extent, which were being back-filled with rocks and quarry waste for some sort of structure, in the name of development. I was reliably informed that the work had nothing to do with agriculture or with farmers. As an agronomist and an advocate of anti-colonialism, I am compelled to admit that such an assault on the Cul-de-Sac valley would never have happened in the worst days of colonialism.

The seeming lack of any scientific approach to planned land usages in Saint Lucia saddens me.

We are inflicting upon ourselves what the former colonial authority never attempted: reckless and unplanned land use. Before political independence, the island’s agriculture was carefully planned so that the more productive valley lands were reserved for the cultivation of export crops. Homes, schools and other structures were built on hillsides with poor soil and low agriculture productivity.

The natives may not have benefitted directly from such planned land usage but at Independence

they inherited the whole estate after years of training and observation.

Sensible application of scientific land use by the former colonial power, with reference to topography and soil type, ensured that future generations of Saint Lucians were bequeathed a foundation of proper land use on which to build a new national economy. Whether for agriculture, tourism, sports or healthcare, including modern hospitals, the way we planned and developed the land was largely in our hands after Independence. Political visionaries were challenged to out-perform the colonial agenda they so hated.

An awareness of the island’s history, and the use to which the Cul-de-Sac, Roseau and other valleys were put before Independence, leaves conscientious and knowledgeable Saint Lucians heartbroken.

To witness the reckless bastardization of the Cul-de-Sac valley among the limited, productive, agriculture lands on the island is to be left in disgust. Clearly, something has gone terribly wrong here. Let me be clear: this reckless misuse of the island’s limited agriculture lands did not begin yesterday. I will not join the herd that merely stands aside while pointing critical fingers at the abuse.

It’s a crying shame, what has been happening on the floor of the Cul-de-Sac valley. Surely, the government’s planning department

is sufficiently competent to suggest to policy makers that contouring the hill slopes overlooking the fertile valleys and investing in roads, water and electricity is a better path to sustainable development than the haphazard use of leasing and selling these valley lands to people who have no plans to practise any form of agriculture.

This steady reduction of fertile lands to grow our food will lead to our demise if we are not careful. It must confound anyone armed with the knowledge of modernday reparations debates, to witness what seems a deliberate pushing aside of agriculture from productive and accessible lands. Sometimes I wonder whether this reckless land use is a result of a gap in the education of those in charge. If so, this gap must quickly be filled with a dose of education that informs the more perceptive that there are people who would recreate a new world of serfs and slaves.

It will do no harm if the minister responsible for planning presents a paper in parliament stating his government’s policy towards planned land utilization. It should also state the government’s policy regarding the acquisition of idle land which can form the basis of a land bank, from which appropriate land can be withdrawn to sell and/or lease to local and foreign investors.

We are marking the 40th anniversary of political independence with a year-long programme of activities, so a policy statement on land use should be the grand development axis that distinguishes this anniversary from all previous efforts. To build resilience and a new country, the people must be fully engaged and give full expression of their desire to own a piece of this country as they pursue freedom from want and hunger. To this end, a scientific land use plan must assume increasing importance, and be grasped with both

hands.

The era when the newfangled degree-carrying Saint Lucians, with modern technology at their fingertips, gleefully supported foreign encroachment on valuable agriculture lands, calling it progress, must be a thing of the past. This vulgarity must be relegated to the back burner.

It’s time for something new— intelligent policy, wholly Saint Lucian—to replace the former recklessness. The Saint Lucian national motto of ‘The Land, The People, The Light’ must mean more than mere words for those who profess to lead. The Dominica motto is: ‘After God is the Land’.

Throughout history man has fought for a land to call home; some still do. The next national fight may be over the use of clean drinking water.

The judicious use of the land will secure Saint Lucia’s food and water supplies in the foreseeable future. Wise land use planning should ensure it stays that way.

The Week at SLHTA Tourism Matters

We would like to inform that Dr. Raul NunezDelgado, a national of Cuba, has applied for Saint Lucia Citizenship.

He currently resides at Rodney Heights, Rodney Bay. If there is any reason why Dr. Raul should not be a citizen of Saint Lucia, we would like you to inform the Minister of Home Affairs and National Security immediately.

SLHTA gets new Directors and undergoes Name Change only comprises hotels, but has grown to include various other components. “For decades now, the SLHTA has always aspired to offer the best in hospitality while enabling our sector to enjoy healthy and durable growth in accommodation and in destination experiences,” Members agreed to rename the organisation the Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association. Troubetzkoy told the membership.

SLHTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Noorani Azeez, said the he Board of Directors of the Saint Lucia Committee – Airlines, Travel Azeez thanked the outgoing organisation’s legal counsel, Directors for their selfless Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) Consultants, Destination Brenda Floissac, will work on the service to the Association and has been appointed. This followed Management Companies & encouraged the new appointees legal process to accommodate elections conducted during the closed session Wedding Service Providers; to work together in the interest the name change. of the SLHTA’s Annual General Meeting • Zilta George-Leslie, Water

The SLHTA is the principal held Friday August 30, 2019 at the Finance and Sewerage Company Inc. of the Association. tourism private sector agency

Originally known as the Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine.

(WASCO) – Utility Companies, “Hotel Association”, since 1988 in Saint Lucia. Its mandate

The new Directors and their substantive Statutory Corporations & is to facilitate tourism sector the organisation has been the portfolios are: Financial Institutions; development and management “Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism • Perle Flavien, Marigot Bay Resort and • Orlando Satchell, Marina – Luxury Villas and Vacation Rentals; Orlando’s Restaurant – Food Association”. At the AGM, SLHTA on the island. A private nonprofit membership organisation members considered a motion • Winston Anderson, Sandals Resorts and Beverage Suppliers & by nature, it functions as the for the Saint Lucia Hotel & International – Large Hotels; Independent Restaurants. official organisation and national Tourism Association (SLHTA) to • Kirk Elliott, Kirk Elliott Photography –

“The new Directors spokesperson for the hospitality change its name to the Saint Banks, Professionals, Educational/Training will join President Karolin industry and its wide and growing Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Institutions and other Allied Members; Troubetzkoy, First Vicemembership.

Association. Members in • Ross Stevenson, Cap Maison – High-end President John Mathurin and

Current membership in Boutique Hotels; Second Vice-President Erwin attendance voted unanimously the organisation stands at 259 in favour of the change.

• Sean Devaux, IGY Marina – Maritime & Louisy to lead the discussions members, inclusive of 22 new Members also voted to select Yachting; over the next two years on corporate members and 55 new a new logo from three entries • Dean La Force, Bel Jou Hotel – Small matters relevant to the Saint independent employee members shortlisted for consideration.

Properties; Lucia Hospitality & Tourism who successfully applied for

According to President of • Corey Devaux, Sea Spray Cruises – Association,” SLHTA’s Chief the SLHTA, Karolin Troubetzkoy, membership consideration during Ground Transportation, Cruise Sub-sectors, Executive Officer, Noorani the course of the past financial Tour Service Providers & Duty-free Shops; Azeez, said. the name change was year. necessary as tourism not • Kennedy Rene, Airline Operators

Both Troubetzkoy and

T

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

Fourth UWI landed campus officially opens in Antigua serve as a hub for the eleven members of the OECS. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the day as a glorious one in the country’s history. Had the Campus not been established, he said, the nation would be deprived of the skilled and educated workforce it so desperately needs. Browne expressed confidence that the University will continue the enrichment of his countrymen, expand their knowledge and enhance their capacity, placing them on equal footing with the brightest in the world.

He referenced Benjamin Franklin, who declared that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

“In today’s highly competitive global environment,” said the Prime Minister, “there is a direct correlation between education and economic growth and development. Countries that neglect education and that fail to develop their human resources are being left behind.”

He went on: “According to the World Bank, currently fewer than 15% of school

Joshua St. Aimee

O

ne small step for The University of the West Indies (UWI), a giant step for Antigua and Barbuda,” declared Sir Hilary Beckles, UWI’s Vice Chancellor, on Tuesday, speaking at the ceremonial opening of The Five Islands Campus. With landed campuses in Mona, Jamaica; St. Augustine, Trinidad; and Cave Hill, Barbados, the newest landed campus marks the first located in a member country of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The Five Islands Campus will open with three areas of specialization: the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, the School of Management, Sciences and Technology, and the School of Humanities and Education.

Professor Stafford A. Griffith has been appointed Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Campus. He will serve until July 31, 2020.

Located in Antigua and Barbuda, the Campus will

leavers in the countries of the OECS enrol in a university.

That is a statistic as shocking as it is alarming . . . If the countries of the OECS, including Antigua and Barbuda, fail to improve productivity and competitiveness, we will be left behind. Providing a university education is not a cheap undertaking, but ignorance is debilitatingly expensive.”

Browne added that availability of a university education for everyone is an imperative.

For his part, Sir Hilary revealed that a fourth landed campus had been in the making a long time: “This is my 40th year of unbroken service to this university and I say this because we have always known that we had to bring a campus of our university into the OECS. We have just been waiting for one of our distinguished prime ministers to put up a hand and say ‘come hither’.”

Last October, during a visit to Saint Lucia, Sir Hilary told reporters that UWI had for twenty years been trying to persuade successive Saint Lucian governments to let it develop Sir Arthur Lewis

last addressed in the August 31 issue of the government’s bi-monthly publication Our Saint Lucia. Education Minister Gale Rigobert stated that over the last three months, an intense review of subject offerings was done to determine which courses are obsolete, which are to be kept on, and which new ones need to be introduced.

A 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is “designed to enable the college to transition into a university college,” she said.

It remains unclear if that transition will be done with UWI, another university or on its own.

Former PS in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Didacus Jules, is sceptical of the last option; he Prime Minister Gaston Browne (left) and Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles celebrate the believes the transition should opening of UWI’s newest campus at an be done with UWI. As he told the Ecumenical Service in Antigua on September 1.

STAR last October: “Successive administrations have spoken Community College into a 2017. “They said, ‘Not only about SALCC as a university by university college. SALCC would do we want to be a university itself and I have consistently be partnered with the regional college, we’re going to pull voiced my opposition to this. If institution and make available all of our community colleges we cannot sustain a community to students a large number of together into one and make that college, what kind of university UWI programmes. one college a university, and are you talking about?”

Beckles revealed that grow it into a campus of UWI.’ ” On Monday September 2 the Antigua and Barbuda

Talk of transitioning SALCC SALCC began another school government stepped up and to a university college has been year without a principal at the agreed to work with UWI in ongoing for eons. The topic was helm.

Jus’ Sail Recipient of CTO Community Benefit Award 2019

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eritage, day-sailing charter business, Jus’ Sail, is extremely proud to announce that it has been awarded the Caribbean Tourism Organization “Community Benefit Award 2019”. The awards are given in recognition of excellence in showcasing “Sustainable Tourism Good Practices in the Caribbean”.

According to the CTO, “The awards recognize individuals, groups, organizations . . . which have developed responsible tourism products or are engaged with implementing initiatives that embrace sustainable tourism concepts and core values. These initiatives should also help to enhance the country’s tourism product offerings and advance sustainable and responsible tourism in the Caribbean. The Community Benefit Award specifically honours an entity that manages tourism well for the long-term benefit of the destination, local people and visitors.”

Jus’ Sail contributes to the communities within Saint Lucia through offering a career path in the maritime sector with internationally recognised

Jus’ Sail co-owners Pepsi (left) and James Crockett with their trophy and award certificate.

certification for marginalised and at-risk youth through a tried and tested training programme which delivers marked changes in attitude and skills within the participants. Young persons who were losing hope of gaining meaningful employment grow immensely in confidence and attain a more positive “can do” attitude, backed by practical skills in sailing and seamanship plus certification in swimming, first aid and basic customer service training. They can enter the workplace and not only fit in, but also thrive.

Now in its seventh year, the programme continues to enjoy a strong relationship with Saint Lucia’s private sector maritime industry, with most graduates gaining employment within the sector and wider tourism industry on graduation.

Jus’ Sail is proud to bring this award to Saint Lucia to help build the island’s reputation as a destination that is committed to responsible tourism practices that enhance the tourism industry’s contribution towards sustainable livelihoods for citizens.

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Marijuana Commission holds first meeting

T

he newly formed Marijuana Commission on Friday held its first meeting to plan the way forward for activities.

In a March interview with the STAR, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet announced a decision had been reached to decriminalize cannabis, following which commercial opportunities would be looked into. Then last month Commerce Minister Bradley

Felix, the government’s point man on cannabis, announced the formation of a Marijuana Commission mandated to “consult and provide advice on the design of a legislative and regulatory framework for cannabis”. Felix indicated that $100,000 had been budgeted for the initiative but that this amount might be increased.

The Commission is expected to engage in public consultation

over a three-month period before reporting to Cabinet.

At Friday’s get-together Minister Felix said: “We were hoping we would have had an earlier meeting but unfortunately there was a slight delay in everybody sending in their representative. This first meeting is basically going to address logistics, as far as future scheduling of meetings, the structure, where they’ll be

Invitation for Bids SAINT LUCIA

DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.:_ IDA Credit # 5493-LC, SCF Loan # TF017101, SCF Grant # TF017143 Contract Title: Rehabilitation of the Blanchard Community Centre Reference No. SLU-DVRP-W-NCB-RBCC-01-19 1. The Government of Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Rehabilitation of the Blanchard Community Centre.

2. The Department of Development, Transport & Civil Aviation now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Rehabilitation of the Blanchard Community Centre, Micoud, Saint Lucia, which comprises of: • The Site Clearance and removal of topsoil off site.

• The excavation and filling works to formation levels.

• The Construction of one (1) building block of reinforced concrete construction housing cafeteria, meeting room open deck, etc.

• Electrical, plumbing and Air-Conditioning works • External Ramp, Pavement, drainage and fencing works etc.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011 (and revised July 2014) (“Procurement Guidelines”), and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Guidelines. In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Project Coordinator, Project Coordination Unit, Department of Economic Development Transport & Civil Aviation, 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia, email chmathurin@gosl.gov.lc and inspect the bidding documents during office hours from 0900 hours (9:00am) to 1500 hours (3:00 pm) daily from Monday to Friday at the address given below (*) from 22nd July, 2019.

5. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Eastern Caribbean one hundred dollars (XCD100.00). The method of payment will be by certified cheque, or telegraphic Bank transfer to Bank of Saint Lucia (Account # 901367740, Swift Code: bosllclc) payable to the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project. The document will be sent by Courier to bidders overseas.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below (**) on or before, September 11, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. (0930 hours on or before). Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who choose to attend at the address below (***) on September 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (1000 hours).

7. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid-Securing Declaration.

8. The address(es) referred to above is(are): *The Project Coordinator (For clarification and Pre-Bid Meeting) Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia Telephone: 758-468-2413/20 Email: slupcu@govt.lc **The Secretary (Submission of Bids) Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia ***Meeting of the Central Tenders Board (Opening of Bids) Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia

Referencing the decriminalization of marijuana, Commerce Minister Bradley Felix says there must first be wide public consultation, including town hall meetings and educational forums involving the media.

held and the whole ‘A-Z’ of how we’ll go forward.”

He added: “As soon as the first meeting is through, the days for public consultation will be established. I cannot pre-empt it. In an effort to expedite the whole process, one of the suggestions is that the Commission can be divided into at least two groups but that has not been finalized.”

The announcement of the Commission has not sat well with chairman of the Cannabis Movement, Mr. Andre de Caires, who has accused the government of stalling. Meanwhile the government insists that the setting up of a cannabis industry must be handled carefully.

Felix disclosed that the Commission includes representatives from the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture, Health, Home Affairs and Equity.

Representatives from Invest Saint Lucia, the Christian Council, the Cannabis Movement, the National Youth Council, a nominee from the House Opposition Leader and the Attorney General, or designate, round off the list.

---JSA

Regional Company Brings Responsible Employee Loan Solution to St Lucia

S

aint Lucian businessman Gordon Charles has acquired a stake in the local arm of Term Finance Holdings Limited.

Term Finance was established in 2014 as the Caribbean’s first completely web-based credit institution focused on providing employees of reputable organisations with a responsible and transparent alternative to credit, when needed.

To date, the web-based lender has disbursed over 20,000 loans across Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana. According to Charles, “What all these regional markets have in common is that over the years employees have had limited short-term lending options, borrowing from institutions or, in some markets, unregulated lenders who provide irresponsible amounts at inflated rates.

Term Finance was specifically designed to offer a solution to this problem and I am excited that we can finally make this service available to employees across Saint Lucia.”

Term Finance utilizes proprietary systems and technology that enables it to make credit decisions a lot quicker than legacy financial institutions. Term Finance (St. Lucia) disbursed its first loan on July 30, 2019. The local branch is run by Saint Lucian national Jaden Charles who recently returned home from Canada where he had been working in the finance sector since graduating from the University of Toronto.

THE STAR

september 07, 2019

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10 LOCAL

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www.stluciastar.com

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

No plans yet to observe Suicide Prevention Day

he World Health Organization estimates that close to 800,000 people commit suicide annually—one every forty seconds.

Data provided by the local Ministry of Health shows that for the years 2010 to 2018 there were 11, 10, 13, 10, 13, 7, 7, 12 and 3 suicides recorded respectively in Saint Lucia.

There have already been five recorded this year.

On 10 September each year, World Suicide Prevention Day is recognized globally, with activities geared toward raising awareness and prevention.

Last year Saint Lucia joined the rest of the world in observing the day with many activities, including the hosting of free screenings for mental health conditions. However, the jury is still out on whether there will be any similar activities this year.

Dr. Julius Gillard, Consultant Psychiatrist at

the National Mental Wellness Centre, told the STAR this week: “The day in itself may not be observed but, closer to World Mental Health Day on October 10, we hope to have some plans in place to observe Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Week. Last year we had it mainly in Castries, so we’re trying to decentralize it a bit so we might have something in Vieux Fort, if possible Soufriere, where persons can have access to mental heath screenings and other mental health paraphernalia, and receive advice as to what to do about mental health issues, including thoughts of suicide.”

Dr. Gillard cited “personal issues” which prevented him from planning this year’s activities. Others cited a shortage of resources. Gillard said a colleague had indicated a willingness to plan the activities in October, "so we'll see what happens”.

In 2015 the National Health Helpline was launched to provide an avenue for those who require support in overcoming challenging mental or emotional states. Dr. Gillard said that the effectiveness of the helpline is evident in that there has been a reduction in the number of suicides recorded. However, he believes there is still need for more public sensitization. He added that many of the persons he consults with are not aware of the helpline’s existence. “There are people going to school who don’t know about the helpline. That, in my opinion, is unacceptable. All schools should have programmes to sensitize students as to the existence of the helpline,” he said.

Dr. Gillard is concerned that there may be some people who argue that the helpline is ineffective because they believe that once an individual is contemplating suicide, you

that person safe until adequate help is received. His advice is to stay with the person or have a family member do so. A visit to a psychiatrist is recommended.

Additionally, a call can be placed to the National Health Helpline where an assessment as to the level of risk of the person will be conducted, to determine whether they are safe or not.

If the person cannot be kept safe, then in-patient treatment at the Mental Wellness Centre will be needed for at least 24 hours.

In Saint Lucia a person who attempts suicide is liable on conviction to imprisonment for two years. Dr. Gillard believes that this law should Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Julius Gillard urges all who be amended. He pointed to the may need help to contact the National Health Helpline inadequacy of the mental health by dialling 203. services on-island. “Imprisoning people with mental health can’t help them. This, he says, attempting suicide. issues will only make things couldn’t be further from the

When someone makes a worse,” he lamented. truth, because most persons try suicide threat to you, said Dr. to reach out to someone before Gillard, it is your duty to keep ---Joshua St. Aimee

The management of

Lewis Industries Ltd. would like to inform the public that

Tristan Francis or Francis Steamers

is not affiliated with or authorized to conduct any business on behalf of

Lewis Industries ltd.

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

11

Do local journalists really imagine ourselves infallible?

About a week after the Williams explosion on TV, Claudius Francis, commenting on his Straight Up show about the interviews usually he reality is that the conducted outside the House, media are probably the offered this: “That MBC story I most powerful of all our saw on HTS last night, where institutions today and they, or rather we [journalists], too often ministers were interviewed outside of parliament regarding are squandering our power the topic of the day—an alleged and ignoring our obligations. kidnapping, assault, said to The consequence of our be involving a government abdication of responsibility minister—I was appalled last is the ugly spectacle of idiot night when I saw the news, culture!" (Carl Bernstein, at about the press asking Ezekiel the annual convention of Radio Joseph and Spider Montoute if and Television News Directors they own farms. You know they Association, September 26, have farms. What’s your point?

1998.)

You also know the locations of

Although Carl Bernstein their farms!” is a world renowned journalist,

He offered a lesson: particularly for his work with Bob Woodward on the notorious “What would be so wrong in Watergate scandal, he harbours simply asking either minister about a publicized allegation no qualms about criticising that someone had been his profession. Of course, with kidnapped and taken to a the advent of social media, particular farm? What’s this everyone and his illiterate about asking whether he owns cousin is free to critique the a farm when what you need to oeuvre even of Pulitzer Prize winners. Saint Lucia also has its know is something else? I have to tell you I loved Stephenson experts, ever ready to dish out meaningless awards to favourite King’s response when asked if he owned a farm. He said he media personnel. During a recent episode of his Keeping it did not, unless the question Real show, the prime minister’s referred to his kitchen garden.

I loved that. It made the press attache Norbert Williams look inept and bad as they offered the following: “I want asked questions, the answers to talk about the deficiency of to which they already knew.” so many of our media people.

Francis’s assessment We need to up our game. And evidently touched a nerve. this is not coming just from Hours after his critique of me. Saint Lucians continue to lament the poor quality of news particular reporters, MBC’s advertised “senior political presentation in this country. correspondent” posted on They have lamented that news stories that they expect to bring Facebook his response: “I the truth to light, too often raise think, Claudius J. Francis, it will serve us better if you question more questions.” some of the mayor's [Petersen

He offered elucidation: Francis] pronouncements “We have this nonsense going instead of placing focus on how on in Saint Lucia. The SLP says the media asks questions. And the UWP is this and that. The you can quote me on that one. media trot over to the prime minister: ‘Sir, the SLP says this,' Thanks.”

A non sequitur? No matter, or 'Ernest Hilaire said that.’

Claudius fired back: “Miguel, Upon hearing the prime stop being thin-skinned. What minister’s reaction to what was the point of the question they told him, the same when it is well known the media people run back to SLP ministers were farm owners. headquarters, to the leader of The media are neither all the opposition: ‘Well, the prime knowing nor perfect. So stop minister said this . . . what do the bullshit about me putting you have to say? And so the back and forth continues. These questions to the mayor.”

The non sequiturs did not people who call themselves end there. I asked at a press journalists never take the time conference on Monday whether to investigate. All they do is “the kidnapping victim” is transmit what has been said currently being investigated for to them in hope of receiving a breaking and entering. reaction. That’s journalism?”

Dean Nestor

T

For a change it was the media being lectured to.

Left to right: Claudius Francis, Wayne Charlery, Norbert Williams, Miguel Fevrier.

ACP Wayne Charlery responded: “I cannot speak to that at this time. Obviously I will update you as I get my facts straight. But let me just say this much about this entire scenario at Gros Islet: the media represents the fourth power, the three other powers being the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. So, the Executive would of course enforce the laws. Our agency, the police force, is one of the dominant agencies within the Executive, and the Judiciary interprets the laws made by the Legislature.

I want to appeal to you, the media. You have quite a lot of influence and power, in terms of influencing public opinion and developing the country as we move along. With that kind of power and influence comes great responsibility.” (Could it be the ACP is a fan of Carl Berstein?)

His lecture was interrupted

by MBC’s senior political hotshot, Miguel Fevrier: “Are you suggesting that there has been some irresponsible reporting on this incident, sir?”

“I am saying that we all need to be credible and to keep our integrity intact,” the officer fired back. “We exert great influence over public opinion and therefore all our actions should be above board, true and accurate.”

Fevrier: “Sir, obviously something triggered that statement. I mean, it almost seems to come out of left field to ask us to be responsible. So obviously, if we’re speaking of the kidnapping, why are you suggesting there’s been irresponsible reporting?”

ACP Charlery: “I maintain that we are all in this thing together, developing a country with various influences. And I’m saying that we all should look at our integrity and keep our credibility together for the successful future development of our country.”

It’ll be interesting to observe in the coming days the effect of the lectures by Claudius Francis, Norbert Williams and ACP Wayne Charlery on our media practitioners.

As for me , I agree wholeheartedly with what

Francis said. Journalists are human, and humans have never been infallible. The best among us recognize that there’s always room for improvement.

To repeat Francis’s reminder to Miguel: “The media is not all knowing; neither perfect.”

IN THE MATTER OF BRITISH-AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED (“BAICO”) (JUDICIAL MANAGER APPOINTED) RELEASING EC$30 MILLION IN SECOND DISTRIBUTION The Judicial Manager of British American Insurance Company Limited (The Bahamas) is pleased to advise that approximately EC$30 million is to be released to make a further Distribution of 4% on agreed Plan Claims that will be paid to Plan Creditors, making a cumulative total of 14%.

In the event that any Plan Creditor has not yet collected a first Distribution to which they are entitled, the amount payable in the second Distribution will additionally include such first Distribution amount.

In Saint Lucia, payment of the second Distribution will be made by CHEQUE and will commence on Monday September 2, 2019. Cheques can be collected from the top floor of the Jeremie Building at Barnard Hill (formerly Olympic House) during the hours of 9:00am to 4:00 pm.

All Plan Creditors are asked to walk with proper identification (e.g. driver’s license or passport) when presenting themselves for payment. Representatives of Plan Creditors should present, in addition to their own ID:

• A notarized Letter of Authorization from the Plan Creditor

• A notarized copy of the Plan Creditor’s ID Executors of wills should also present notarized copies confirming their standing as executors.

If you have any questions, please contact: - Toll Free: 1-855-584-3122 or - 1 758 453 1471 or By email to: admin@frankmyersconsulting.com

Frank V. Myers Judicial Manager August 23, 2019

12

COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

Who’s Reall for Our Pol H

ow quickly we forget.

Then again perhaps I should be underscoring instead our ability to remember only when convenient—not to mention the established price to be paid by those who simply cannot remember the past. On Monday caller after declared heartbroken caller sobbed on the shoulders of accommodating talk-radio presenters over Saint Lucia’s recent loss of her innocence, to the extent that violent crime was now commonplace even in communities populated mainly by blood relatives.

This time around the tearful hyperbole was inspired by last Saturday’s 3 a.m. fatal shooting of a 66-year-old male by masked individuals outside a late-night watering hole.

“Who could’ve imagined such a thing happening in Micoud?” a discombobulated caller to Newsspin asked on Monday. The way he spoke the name of the village reminded me of the Garden of Eden before the world’s most famous serpent locked eyes on a naked Eve. Obviously the Newsspin caller had long forgotten the middle of the night murderous machete attack on an elderly Micoud couple just over a year ago. By their own accounts this particular incident had also reduced total strangers to tears. It actually arrested—for a full three days!—the attention of our notoriously fickle news editors, until they were seduced by another excitement centered, if memory serves, on the uniquely perverse private proclivities of a third-rate politician. To date

there has been no resolution of the Desruisseaux incident, by which I mean to say no one has been arrested or charged with the heinous attack on Elias and Muriel Louisy in the early hours of May 26, 2018. Admittedly, there have been no special demands on law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.

Then there was the obviously forgettable rape and sodomy of a 97-year-old greatgranny in 2015, yes, again in Micoud. Not that I mean to imply something demonic is at work there. The irreducible truth is that it’s folly to believe beautiful and safe are synonymous. Few crimes have been resolved here that were not committed in full view of the police and other witnesses. It’s been close to 50 years since a local murder was solved thanks to the efforts of committed police officers. Early on a June morning in 1971 the charred remains of John Etherington and his wife Marjorie were recovered amidst the smoking debris of their Goodlands home, minutes away from the Castries fire station. By the time the allegedly misdirected firemen arrived at the scene the residence had been totally consumed.

A Scotsman, Etherington had been the general manager of Geest Windward Islands Estates. His wife was a white Barbados native. Within hours of the grisly discovery the government of the day, led

by Premier John Compton, had imported Scotland Yard personnel to take charge

of a related investigation.

Meanwhile notices were posted all over the island offering a large cash reward for information leading to the conviction of the Etheringtons’ killer or killers. There could be no denying the government’s determination to settle the case quickly—which many attributed to the status of the victims, their race and their connection with the hand that fed Saint Lucia’s economy: John van Geest, the individual officially credited at every opportunity with the success of the island’s banana industry. It didn’t hurt the government’s efforts that the publisher of the Voice newspaper was also the chairman of Geest Industries, as committed as the premier to a quick solution of the Etherington mystery.

The government need not have requested the Yard’s assistance. Finally it was the excellent work of a long-time member of the local CID that resulted in the arrest and successful prosecution of three small-time thieves, one with no recorded date of birth. Superintendent Collis Barrow had recovered from the ashes of the burnedout Etherington residence a piece of glass that under forensic examination yielded fingerprints that matched samples on the police files.

The rest is history, parts flattering of Saint Lucians, parts not. The detailed story is told in my book It’ll Be Alright In The Morning, now in its seventh or eighth printing, still worth a read in our current circumstances. And just in case

Contrary to the gospel of the deluded, heinous crime is not new to Saint Lucia. If there that may be because that’s where most of us live and work. As for the evident polic that may have a lot to do with those we elect every five years to take re (Pictured left to right: Police Commissioner Moncherry and A

you may be wondering, dear reader, we had no crime lab at the time of the Etherington murders.

What we had, albeit grossly unappreciated, were dedicated officers of the law.

It is worth adding that the lawyers carefully chosen by the state to defend the accused had little experience in criminal law. Something else they had in common: all were members of the incumbent party. On the other hand, there was the state-imported forensic expert from the UK, described by visiting foreign journalists in their dispatches as “one of the world’s best.” He had absolutely no difficulty convincing the good Catholics on the jury that the Etheringtons were still alive when their home was set ablaze—and that the

remorseless accused scumbags in the dock had battered and raped Marjorie Etherington before setting her gasolinesoaked body afire. Following the predictable guilty verdicts, the men from the Yard were generous in their praise of the local police officer who had discovered the undeniable clue at the crime scene.

But back to Tuesday’s Newsspin. One caller identified himself as a Saint Lucian living in Canada. He told a riveting tale: “I listened intently to your earlier calls by the police officers, one current, one former, appealing to the people and trying to put blame on them. Here’s a situation that happened just last week.

There’s a crime spree in Bexon and Sarrot right now. Somebody just got killed. Three nights in a row residents in the Bexon area

were robbed. The people knew the [perpetrators] they lived close to them. They identified their hair, their shoes, their clothes, their voice, everything to the police.

The people even did their own investigation. They talked with their neighbours. They got a vehicle number, which I also have. It leaves between one and 1:30 every morning and comes back 4:30 to 5 o’clock every morning. They gave the police that information. When they went to the police, a lady had been robbed at four-something in the morning. Another woman was robbed about an hour before. They went down to the police station between 5:00am and 8:00am. Three people made three different reports at the police station. The police told them, ‘We have no vehicles and no resources at this time to go up there and see about it.’ The people turned back and three days in a row they’ve been going to different police

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

local

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13

lly to Blame olice Farce?

a. If there is more criminal activity in the north of the island, dent police inability to keep the nation reasonably safe, to take responsibility for our justice system. herry and ACP Wayne Charlery.)

officers; morning, afternoon, this police officer is not there, that person is not there, we don’t have resources, we don’t have vehicles.

“The people gave the police the vehicle number, names, where they work.

I called one of the alleged thieves and spoke with him.

That’s to prove that the people gave good intelligence. One of the people even suggested, ‘If you think I’m lying, why don’t you come, park a vehicle somewhere, do surveillance, hide, and watch the vehicle leave at 1:30, 2 o’clock in the morning.’ That’s a citizen, advising the police what to do. That’s how bad it’s gotten.

And the police never did it.

Until yesterday it was not done. People are cooperating with the police, giving them information, but it’s not acted upon. What somebody has said is he will never tell the police anything again, 'because now the people know I told the police; I went to the police for them. They might come after me.' Somebody else said: ‘As Christmas gets

near, it’s going to get worse.’

These thieves believe they can act with impunity. I heard the police officer say the people don’t cooperate, when just this past week they’ve been coming to your station; people have been clamouring at you for you to come and help them; and they’ve given you more information than you might’ve gathered on your own.

“So I agree with Rick [Wayne] when he says ‘same thing, different day.’ The primary responsibility of any government is the security of its people. Without security you have nothing. You need a secure country. That’s why countries have armies, a military, to safeguard people and make sure they’re safe in their own homes. As a kid in Saint Lucia, I was able to walk from Castries to Bexon, from Castries to Babonneau, Babonneau to . . . anytime day or night, one or two o’clock in the morning.

Park anywhere; do anything.

Now people are in their homes, with burglar bars and locks and they cannot, they cannot get out of their homes at certain

times of the night. We live in an armed camp and the thieves are winning. And we need the police to get up and do their job. We need the government of Saint Lucia to provide the security the people need. Don’t just blame the police. It’s a governmental thing, too. Hold the government responsible. It starts with the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security, the Attorney General: They’re all being paid. They all have their jobs to do. They all took an oath to safeguard the people of Saint Lucia.”

I desperately want to believe all the caller from Canada shared with Newsspin.

As credible as he sounded, however, it’s a safe bet most listeners had no idea how close he is to the complaints he cited.

In any case, I dare to say it’s not that the government is ignoring the crime situation. The problem lies in the fact that it is doing only what other administrations have done before, to little avail, whenever there’s an upsurge in crime: provide more police vehicles, idly threaten unknown criminals, enact

draconian legislation destined not to be implemented or, if implemented, guaranteed to generate politician versus politician conflict—and greater polarization of their respective supporters.

In short, the same failed remedies are administered over and over while hoping in vain for miraculous results.

It is no secret that the people, even those who report criminal activity, do not trust the police.

And not without good reason.

But then how can a largely undertrained, under-equipped, demoralized, under-manned, widely distrusted force of about 1,340 effectively protect and serve a population of 180,000— one cop to every 134 citizens—many of whom are themselves career criminals or accomplices? Often we hear critics stating with palpable self-assuredness that the problem with our police force is “poor leadership.”

I suggest it might be more useful when assessing our leaders to know the difference between de jure and de facto!

14 LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

Law firm of former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony to represent family of electrocuted British tourist

L

ast Friday the law firm of Anthony & Antoine issued a press release on behalf of the family of 68-year-old Englishman Martin Ellis who was reportedly electrocuted while visiting the John Compton Dam on August 16 with his three young sons.

According to the statement: “We do not accept that we accessed a clearly restricted area of the dam or that we were in any way notified before or on arrival that we had to secure prior permission to visit the site. Indeed, we were shown where to park so as not to be in the way of other vehicles on the site.”

WASCO had previously stated that the area was “clearly restricted” and that Ellis and his sons entered without “first obtaining permission”.

ACP Wayne Charlery referenced the apparent contradiction at a press conference on Monday. “If there are discrepancies in the statements by WASCO and representatives of the deceased, then it is for WASCO to provide clarification.”

Asked about updates on the matter, he said: “I can say that our investigation is ongoing and obviously our investigators will take all of that into consideration.”

UK national Martin Ellis died after being accidentally electrocuted while on a visit with his family to the John Compton Dam.

Also, according to WASCO: “Mr. Ellis reportedly collapsed in this restricted area of the dam.”

The cause of death, according to the police press office, was “arrhythmia due to suspected electrocution.”

This week Kenny Anthony of Anthony & Antoine Chambers told local reporters: “The [Ellis] family is very distressed. For them it’s an occasion of considerable pain. The boys were exceedingly close to their father and, having witnessed what occurred, their pain is even deeper. I think they’re going to live with the memory of what happened for a very long time.”

He added: “Despite the fact that they are in deep pain and are mourning the loss of a father, they were also very touched by the kindness of the people of Saint Lucia.”

---Claudia Mc Dowell

THE STAR

Police grateful for Public Assistance in Kidnapping Case!

The family of the kidnapping victim are relieved their loved one is now safe.

A

ntonius Jn Baptiste was arrested and charged on Tuesday, August 27, four days after he reportedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend. On that day, per a police statement, the victim’s mother reported the matter to the police. Jn Baptiste appeared in court three days following his arrest and is currently on custodial remand at Bordelais.

A family member told the STAR: “We are very relieved.

Our main concern was getting her back safe. We know the guy could have hurt her because he attacked her a few days before that kidnapping incident. That was reported to the police.”

Police have confirmed the report was indeed made but, at the time, charges were not pursued.

LOCAL

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

The relative described the kidnapping as “a very nerve-wracking situation for our family. Everyone handled it differently.”

Particularly testing was the social media reaction to a video of the victim claiming she went with Jn Baptiste willingly. “It was difficult,” said our source, “because we had to deal with the media backlash.” The alleged kidnap was picked up by the police acting on a tip-off. Jn Baptiste was later arrested.

“The community support that we’ve always requested, lobbied for, pleaded for, in this case, was in this instance 100%,” ACP Wayne Charlery said this week. “Informants came to the fore to assist us.”

If convicted, Jn Baptiste faces a maximum sentence of twenty years' imprisonment.

---Dean Nestor

Is there a sexual component to male-on-male violence?

I

n an article written years ago, I acknowledged that I wrote mainly because I enjoyed doing so. Life has changed me. I now write in the hope of encouraging discussion and action at a national level. I believe the problem of our young men injuring, even killing one another, deserves a broader response.

I was struck by the recent stabbing of an eighteen-year-old by someone who has been described as the victim’s friend. I recall a similar incident in which a friend of mine lost his well-loved

OPEN SESSION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Credit Union Prayer Adoption of Standing Orders Fraternal Greetings Feature Address Vote of Thanks

CLOSED SESSION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Call to Order Ascertainment of Quorum (Rule 42 1(b) Apologies for Absence Adoption/Confirmation of Reports:(a) Board of Directors (b) Treasurer (c) Auditor (d) Credit Committee (e) Supervisory Committee (f) Nominations Committee/Nominations Elections to:(a) Board of Directors (b) Credit Committee (c) Supervisory Committee

1.

Appointment of Auditor

2.

Resolutions if any 3.

Other Business 4.

Adjournment LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED. Registration begins at 1pm.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Alice Minville - Secretary

son to a knife attack at the boy’s birthday party at their home. A young man whom he recognized, but who was not invited to the party, was offended when told he should leave. The young man left but returned soon afterward armed with a knife.

We may need the expert input of trained psychiatrists and psychologists to help us understand such behaviour. In a recent conversation it was suggested that there may be envy and a hidden homosexual motive when young males turn on each other. I have no way of confirming this. Besides, in today’s world even the word

“homosexual” may have lost its meaning. My hope is that Rick Wayne and others who represent themselves as working journalists will take up the challenge to discuss “friend-on-friend” murders, perchance to bring the truth to light.

In the meantime, how should a parent instruct his or her child to say to another that he or she does not need any more friends? Such a conversation may be seen as rejection, arousing a violent reaction.

---Peter Josie

JOB OPPORTUNITY

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the West Coast Communities Co-operative Credit Union Society Ltd will be held at the Anse La Parish Hall, Church Street, Anse La Raye on Sunday September 15, 2019 at 2pm.

AGENDA

15

Operations Manager

Position Overview An internationally recognized and prestigious company based in Saint Lucia is seeking a proactive, and dynamic Operations Manager.

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

Competencies/Skills: • Strong background in championing and upholding organizational policies and procedures • Strong people-management, organizational, and communication skills, • Proven experience in effective leadership, mentorship, and training.

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to quickly learn other computer applications.

Qualifications: • At Least a Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior management role.

Other requirements: • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, based on the needs of the company.

• Ability to travel when requested.

Compensation: • Salary range of XCD $72,000 to $85,000 per annum (commensurate with experience and qualifications) plus commissions which could be up to XCD $27,000 per annum.

• Participation in the company’s various life, health and pension plans.

Please email resume and cover letter to slu.recruitment1@gmail.com by September 13th 2019.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

16 REGIONAL

september 07, 2019 THE STAR

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CARICOM Chairman Leads Delegation to The Bahamas

C

aribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet on Thursday, September 5 led a high-level delegation to the Bahamas, which was ravaged by Hurricane Dorianearlyier this week. The slow-moving hurricane brought strong winds, heavy rain and a life-threatening storm surge to the Bahamas, flooding homes and entire villages. The death toll linked to the hurricane rose to

thirty (as of press time).

CARICOM and OECS Member Countries have pledged their support. Prime Minister Chastanet is being accompanied to the Bahamas by Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley; Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Chairman and Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism Dominic Fedee; Secretary-General of CARICOM Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; and the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster

Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ronald Jackson.

The CARICOM Chairman has been in regular contact with Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis and, in a statement released this week, Prime Minister Chastanet said that the Caribbean is in full solidarity with the government and people of the Bahamas and stands ready to give whatever assistance is required to deal with the effects of this tragedy.

“Immediately, the emphasis must be on assisting our brothers and sisters in the Bahamas in getting back on their feet in the quickest possible time,” he said.

In advance of Hurricane Dorian, CDEMA took the lead to co-ordinate the Regional Response Mechanism and deployed two Rapid Needs Assessment teams to the Bahamas.

L-R: Secretary-General, Caribbean Community

The purpose of the visit is (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Chairman to continue discussions and see of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and where CARICOM can provide more Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen M. Chastanet; immediate support. and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley.

Australia Invites Applications for Development Project Funding The Australian High Commission invites applications for funding under the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP). DAP is a small grants program that supports development projects which contribute to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. Community groups, NGOs, local government organisations and other entities engaged in development activities on a not-for-profit basis are eligible to apply.

In 2019-20, Australia will support DAP projects that focus on addressing community health challenges and noncommunicable diseases; promoting human rights, including empowering women, youth, Indigenous communities and people with disabilities; improving access to safe water and levels of sanitation and hygiene in communities; and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Australia has been supporting DAP projects in St Lucia since 2005. The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is a recent beneficiary. Due to high rates of physical disability and amputations in St Lucia, a solution was required to improve the mobility of people with disabilities. NCPD received DAP funding to establish a Wheelchair Repair Centre in Vieux Fort and Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Repairs Centre in Castries.

NCPD technician repairing a wheelchair.

NCPD technicians with a prosthetic recipient.

NCPD used DAP funding to train their staff and purchase tools and equipment to repair wheelchairs and construct and repair prosthetic limbs. Since establishment, the Wheelchair Repair Centre has repaired over 30 wheelchairs and the Prosthetics Rehabilitation and Repairs Centre has constructed or repaired over 17 prosthetic limbs.

DAP Round One applications open on 14 September 2019 and close on 20 October 2019.

DAP Round Two applications are currently scheduled to open on 7 December 2019 and close on 12 January 020.

Further information is available at

https://trinidadandtobago.highcommission.gov.au/ptsp/cooperation.html

Bahamas official warns people to prepare for the 'unimaginable' as hurricane death toll rises to 30

O

fficials in the Bahamas brought in more body bags and coolers as the death toll from Hurricane Dorian rose to 30 and hundreds remain missing. The number of fatalities is expected to climb as the extent of the damage becomes clear.

"Literally hundreds, up to thousands, of people are still missing," said Joy Jibrilu, director general of the country's tourism and aviation ministry.

Body bags, additional morticians and refrigerated coolers to store bodies are being transported to Abaco and other affected areas, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands told Guardian Radio 96.9 FM. Four morticians in Abaco are embalming remains because officials have run out of coolers, he said.

"The public needs to prepare for unimaginable information about the death toll and the human suffering," Sands said.

"Make no bones about it, the numbers will be far higher," he said. "It is going to be significantly higher than that. And it's just a matter of retrieving those bodies, making sure we understand how they died. It seems like we are splitting hairs, but not everyone who died, died in the storm."

Even with the grim update, there was some good news amid the desperate search for survivors. The US Coast Guard said it had rescued 205 people as of Friday.

Rescues concentrated on Bahamas' northern islands as international teams sent small planes and helicopters to reach those stranded and feed the displaced.

"Our emergent priority is to get the critically wounded out and help the government of the Bahamas get the infrastructure back up so it's safe, sanitary and livable—at least on a temporary basis—for those folks," said Capt. James Passarelli of the US Coast Guard.

A British naval vessel has joined the effort, distributing food and water, and clearing streets of debris, Bahamian Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said.

Dorian, the strongest recorded hurricane ever to hit the Bahamas, wiped out whole neighbourhoods, then lingered for days, pounding the same battered places again and again.

Though the storm targeted only a small section of the Bahamas—a nation of more than 700 islands—it still inflicted "generational devastation," Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said.

As authorities rushed to respond to the damage, they have come up against limited access to important resources. The only international airport on the island of Grand Bahama was devastated and cannot serve as a staging ground for medical evacuations or emergency aid deliveries. The runway was littered with debris. Inside the domestic terminal, the wreckage of a small passenger plane lay among the detritus.

---CNN

THE STAR SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

KIM’S KORNER World Physiotherapy Day S

eptember 8 is World Physiotherapy Day, when the World Confederation of Physical Therapists encourages physiotherapists around the world to come together to speak about the benefits of physiotherapy and to raise awareness of the amazing contributions physiotherapists make in keeping people well, mobile and independent. Each year an aspect of physiotherapy is highlighted to showcase around the world; this year the theme is chronic pain.

Although pain management is just one of the physiotherapist’s many skills, it is a very important one, allowing people to improve the quality of their life, in spite of daily pain.

Also known as physical therapy, physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that primarily focuses on movement and function. The core message that every physiotherapist wants to impart is that they work hard to help achieve

independence, whether through teaching new skills, suggesting coping mechanisms or reinforcing the positive effects of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. It may not always be possible to achieve the impossible but physiotherapists sure work hard to help people reach their maximum potential.

For some that may mean retraining movement patterns; for others it could be advising on ways to cope with pain and disability or teaching how to independently transfer to/from and use a wheelchair.

People often have visions of physiotherapists working in sports to speed up the healing process after an injury but physiotherapists actually do far more than just treat injuries; they also look at ways of improving function, whether in sport or day-to-day activities.

Physiotherapists have a range of skills and modalities that they use to help people achieve their goals. This is one of the things

HEALTH

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that make them the perfect choice for people suffering from chronic pain.

Before discussing how physiotherapists can help it is important to understand pain and the differences between acute and chronic pain. Pain often acts as a warning of potential tissue damage and typically comes on suddenly as a result of a specific incident such as trauma, childbirth or surgery. However, chronic pain, which can last for months or even years, may be the result of inflammation and tissue damage but in some cases it can occur for no obvious reason. Chronic pain can also be a symptom of conditions such as diabetes, low back pain, fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome.

When managing chronic pain, it is important to understand that pain is not a standalone physical experience; not only can it be affected by our emotions but it can also

affect our physical, emotional and social well-being. How we feel and react to pain is often influenced by our upbringing and social environment. One’s beliefs, attitude and personality can determine the response to pain. This is apparent when looking at two people living with chronic pain. One may be governed by their pain that limits their function whereas another person with exactly the same problem and pain levels will continue to function almost normally regardless.

Once the body detects tissue damage or potential tissue damage, the body’s defence mechanism is triggered. Nerves within the tissue send signals from the area affected, along the spinal cord and into the brain where the signal is then interpreted.

The brain then processes this information and determines the action that needs to be taken.

This is why certain medications or alcohol that interfere with

how the brain processes signals can alter the sensation and perception of pain.

Those who experience chronic pain are often made to feel that the pain is in their head and not real. The signals for pain are governed by the brain so part of that statement is correct but the “not real” suggestion couldn’t be further from the truth. The pain is definitely real and has an impact on many areas of life.

It can often make the simplest of tasks seem like a mission impossible.

So how can physiotherapy help? It may not be possible to achieve a pain level of zero but a physiotherapist can help with the management of pain and improvement of function.

There are many techniques that can provide temporary

17

relief such as electrotherapy, soft tissue mobilisation and acupuncture, but easing pain is not enough. Physiotherapists understand the importance of the need to continue despite the pain and can give advice on posture and correct movement patterns; suggest suitable exercise and lifestyle changes and recommend relaxation techniques to help the body recover and promote sleep. So, if you experience chronic pain, remember the pain is in your head—your brain controls your perceptions of pain. Although you may not be able to control the signals, you can control the way you deal with the pain.

For more advice on how to conquer chronic pain, speak to your physiotherapist today. Take back the control and maximise your potential.

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, tel. 458 4409 or 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com

18 health

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SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

YOGA AND MEDITATION

M

editation is the 7th limb of the 8 limbs of the tree of yoga, which are the basic disciplines and guidances of yoga.

In yoga we strengthen the body with the asanas, the physical practice, which is the 3rd limb. When the body has become flexible and strong, we go on to pranayama, the 4th limb, which is the rhythmic,

disciplined breathing. The discipline of the breath brings withdrawal of the senses, which is pratyahara, the 5th limb. The sense organs are sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. This brings us to a state of focused concentration: dharana.

With the strength and flexibility of the body, the discipline of the breath, withdrawal of the senses, and

concentration, we are then ready for the 7th limb, dhyana, which is meditative absorption.

Meditation can be defined as a set of techniques intended to encourage a heightened state of self-awareness and focused attention. It is the practice of bringing the mind to a quiet state, calming the thousands of thought patterns or fluctuations which we experience 24/7.

NOTICE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA MINISTRY OF EQUITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE, EMPOWERMENT, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORTS, CULTURE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT BASIC NEEDS TRUST FUND 9 - PROJECT INVITATION TO BID –WORKS CONTRACT

Meditation relieves stress and anxiety, and develops better stress management skills.

It brings a quiet state of calm and guides us into a more peaceful, positive existence and improved emotional well-being. It is a means of transforming the mind; a consciousness-changing technique that has been shown to have a wide number of benefits on psychological well-being. It can also be used as a psychotherapeutic technique.

Individuals who practise daily

experience; three (3) years of which have been spent in works of an equivalent nature and scope, including not less than two (2) years as a Manager, for each Package; and

7.

Eligible contractors are required to submit full qualification information outlining: (1) their experience and record on similar projects, (2) financial capacity, (3) qualifications and experience of supervising personnel, (4) equipment capabilities and details of any ongoing projects in which they may be presently involved. (5) Projects previously or currently subject to litigation.

8.

Qualification information is to be submitted in the English language and presented on the prescribed forms contained in the Bid Document.

Submissions which do not provide the information required, or do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation

9.

Bidding Documents may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below for a non-refundable fee of Three Hundred and Fifty; East Caribbean dollars (EC$350.00). Requests may be made by written application including email. Written applications must be clearly marked:

1. The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has secured a Grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the implementation of the Ninth Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme (BNTF 9) and now intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments arising out of a number of sub-projects in Education, Human Resource Development, Water and Sanitation Services and Basic Community Access and Drainage to be implemented in 2019 and 2020. Payment by SSDF on behalf of will be made upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement. The Grant Agreement prohibits a withdrawal from the Grant Account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOSL shall derive any rights from the Grant Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Grant.

along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested. Payment should be by wire transfer, bank draft or bank guaranteed cheque made payable to: St. Lucia Social Development Fund – BNTF.

2.

Information to pay by wire transfer can be obtained from the first address below.

The sub-project to be financed include the following

Package Package 6

Sector Education

Sub-Project

Applicants who request that documents be forwarded to them must submit an account number from a local courier agent that accepts freight collect charges.

Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will The GoSL, SSDF or BNTF or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted.

Contract Type Location

Monchy Early Building Childhood Works- New Development Construction Centre

Monchy, Quarter of Gros Islet

3. The St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) is implementing the sub projects.

4.

SSDF now invites from eligible Contractors seal Bids for the construction of the above works

5.

Consideration of eligibility will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible member country of CDB and are either:

(a) More than 50% beneficially-owned by a citizen or citizens and/ or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country or countries, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; or

(b) Owned or controlled by the government of an eligible country

provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement.

6. The requirements for qualification must include inter alia evidence of:

(a) An average annual turnover (defined as billing for works in

progress and completed) over the last five years: and

“Request for Bidding Documents for the: Construction of Monchy Early Childhood Development Centre, Gros Islet”

(b) Demonstrable cash flow including access to credit as follows:

(c) Experience as a prime contractor in the construction of at least two assignments of a nature and complexity comparable to the proposed project activity within the last ten years (to comply with this requirement, works quoted should be at least 80 percent complete) for each Contract;

(d) Project Management Team or key personnel with five (5) years’

Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked: “Bid for the Construction of the Monchy Early Childhood Development Centre, Gros Islet must be received at the first address below not later than 2:00 PM on Tuesday 8th October, 2019. Bidders in the construction of their bids should consider engagement of human resources from within the beneficiary communities.

Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for submission, at the first address below in the presence of bidders representatives who choose to attend. Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted by email to the second address below.

Bid documents for the sub-project will not be available ten (10) days) prior to the Bid submission deadline.

All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of: Three thousand Five hundred and fifty East Caribbean dollars (EC$ 3,500.00).

GoSL, and SSDF reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for GoSl, and SSDF action. GoSL and SSDF will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids.

Payments can be made in local currency. *NB. EC equivalent of the quoted USD amount is at a conversion rate of $2.6949 EC, fees and security payments can be made in ECD equivalent 10.

Addresses for Correspondence 1. Project Manager Basic Needs Trust Fund Project St. Lucia Social Development Fund Unit 10 Colony House John Compton Highway P.O. Box Choc 8180 Castries Tel: 1(758) 452-6699, 458-1483, 452-4316 Email: info@slusdf.net; chippolyte@slusdf.net / bntfproj@candw.lc Copied: Executive Director St. Lucia Social Development Fund

2. Caribbean Development Bank C/o Procurement Policy Unit Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408 Wildey St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I. Tel: + (246) 431-1600 Fax: + (246) 426-7269 procurement@caribank.org

Meditation is not as simple as it looks; it takes disciplined focus.

meditation find improvement of memory, a better attention level, and management of depression, pain disorders and high blood pressure. We connect better with others and become kinder to ourselves. We learn to be present and remain in the present moment.

Meditation has been practised for thousands of years in one form or another in every religion in recorded history. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism have a tradition of using meditative practices. It has been used for gaining a better understanding of one’s faith, deity and self; it is where we find our true meaning.

The ultimate goal of meditation, according to Patanjali, the father of yoga, is the destruction of ignorance, and realization of the true nature of the self.

Iyengar Yoga is meditation in movement. We first learn the postures and take the focus within to feel the movement of each and every part of the body as it is being activated. It brings an awareness to the disciplined practitioner of how the body works and moves, as well as the connection between the body and mind. When we practice and learn to perform more difficult or advanced postures, we experience expansion of the mind and realize that, with disciplined focus, we can develop a practice that we may not have believed possible.

When beginning to practice meditation it can be challenging due to the fact that it’s difficult to remain focused; the mind tends to wander. Learning to concentrate on the breath and the rhythmic inhalation and exhalation of the breath helps us to attain more focused attention. Meditation is similar to working out at the gym—continual practice and discipline.

We can learn to meditate while remaining still, in a comfortable, seated position, focusing on an object such as a candle or flower—something we can look at that will hold our attention and bring the mind to a quiet state.

We can also repeat a mantra such as Om or Aum which is the primordial sound of the universe; it is a sacred sound. A mantra is a syllable, word or group of words believed to have psychological powers.

It is often used in meditation as a way to harness and focus the mind. Om is the most powerful of the mantras and, if repeated softly or to oneself silently, it can bring the mind to quiet the habitual fluctuations of our consciousness. A mantra is a tool to transport the mind from a state of activity to one of stillness and silence.

Meditation can change our lives. It gives us the freedom to be what we want, instead of what we are conditioned to be.

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

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

Sports

www.stluciastar.com

19

Six St Lucians on 2019 ARC Youth Team

W

orld Cruising Club is delighted to reveal the names of the twelve crew members who have been selected to sail on board the ARC Youth Team yacht as part of the 2019 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. The initiative brings together ambitious young people from Gran Canaria, Saint Lucia and the UK to sail across the Atlantic on board a Tall Ships Youth Trust 72-foot Challenger yacht, supported by a professional skipper and mate and experienced watchleaders.

All aged from 18 to 30, the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean will be an incredible adventure for the young participants, and one that they will all remember for the rest of their lives. It will be a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for the youth to develop essential life skills.

Funding for the initiative has been raised from benefactors in Gran Canaria and Saint Lucia with a philanthropic interest in supporting these young people enhance their skills. ARC organiser World Cruising Club is financially supporting two of the selected crew as well as co-ordinating the planning and logistics of the project.

Tall Ships Youth Trust, the UK’s oldest sail-training charity, is a specialist in bringing together young people for a unique, physically and mentally challenging, residential experience on an ocean sailing vessel. Professional skipper Gary Rutherford has sailed with the past three editions of the ARC so the Youth Team crew are in experienced hands. “We are incredibly excited to be part of this project,” said Tall Ships CEO Richard Leaman-Grey. “Tall Ships have been taking part in the ARC for over 10 years but we have never entered such a young crew. This will be a really challenging voyage for our young people, but will undoubtedly be an unforgettable life-changing experience for all on board. This is exactly what the Tall Ships Youth Trust are all about.”

The ARC Youth Team will gather in Gran Canaria from November 16 for a week of sail training and safety guidance before they embark on the 2,700nm sail to the Caribbean.

They will join the spectacular ARC 2019 start from Las Palmas on Sunday, November 24, alongside around 200 other yachts from over 30 different nationalities who come together

to cross the Atlantic as part of the world’s largest trans-ocean sailing event.

The ARC Youth Team will sail as part of the Racing Division, a competitive class in the ARC, where no engines are allowed, and they will be at the will of the weather for the entire crossing. Sailing the boat 24 hours a day, the crew will work together to cover all aspects of life on board including steering, sail changes, cooking and cleaning duties.

The voyage is anticipated to take 13 to 18 days and, when they reach the shores of Saint Lucia, a remarkable welcome will await these young sailors as they revel in achieving a truly lifechanging experience.

2019 is a special year for the ARC’s arrival in Saint Lucia as the island celebrates the 40th anniversary of the nation’s independence and the 30th consecutive year that the rally has arrived in Rodney Bay. Six lucky Saint Lucians have been selected to join the ARC Youth Team and be great ambassadors for the island. Each hopes to bring their experiences from sailing with the ARC back to their daily lives in Saint Lucia, benefitting the marine and tourism community.

A keen supporter giving the youngsters guidance on this goal is Jus’ Sail, Saint Lucia’s top-rated, day-sailing, charter company and the home of the Jus’ Sail Youth Training Programme. The company contributes to building the next generation of Saint Lucian sailors by offering training, certification and employment opportunities within the marine industry to disadvantaged, local youth during the off-season period. Jus’ Sail has been fundamental in ensuring the success of the ARC Youth Team project in Saint Lucia, having helped to secure sponsors, find suitable crew, and assist with sail training of some of the successful applicants.

Adonai Modeste, aged 19, is the youngest Saint Lucian on the ARC Youth Team. He is an avid sailor with the St. Lucia Yacht Club where he heard about the ARC opportunity.

He will be supported by the SLYC and IGY Rodney Bay Marina, encouraging his dreams of becoming a charter boat captain. He has already represented his country at sailing regattas around the Caribbean and Europe and will no doubt bring a competitive

Adonai Modeste is the youngest Saint Lucian on the 2019 ARC Youth Team.

outlook to the team as he takes part in his longest race to date.

“This opportunity is a very big one that could be a lifechanger in terms of the sailing industry for me as a person,” said Adonai. “I am quite anxious about the trip, but I can’t wait to set sail. I am most looking forward to the good memories and friendships that will be developed with my shipmates.”

Also looking to enhance his future career in the marine industry, Neil Melius earned his sea legs as a fisherman but has now set his sights on better serving the visiting yachts of Soufriere and learning to sail. At 26, he is currently training with the Jus’Sail programme and is president of the newly formed Soufriere Yacht Service Association. He is hoping to gain a broad insight into the international sailing community and utilise this to improve the general service and experience for visiting yachts to Soufriere and the island of Saint Lucia. World Cruising Club selected Neil to benefit from its sponsorship as an ambitious individual with a great longterm vision for nautical tourism in the Caribbean.

Representing the ladies of Saint Lucia are two special female sailors joining the ARC Youth Team. Krishna Joseph, aged 21 and from Anse La Raye, dreams of being the first female skipper in Saint Lucia. She will be sponsored by long-term ARC supporter Spinnakers

Restaurant. The Richings family, owners of the Reduit Beach hangout, have sailed in the ARC themselves, and

recognise what an opportunity this will be for Krishna. “We are sure that Krishna will not only enjoy her experience but also we hope this opportunity will help her to develop her career; and we wish her the very best,” said Spinnakers’ owner, Michael Richings. “We chose to sponsor Krishna for the ARC Youth Team because we wanted to support the idea of having more professional lady sailors from Saint Lucia, and we really admire her ambition to be the country’s first female skipper.”

Gabie Chreiki is taking part to further her passion for travel and hopes of working as a stewardess on luxury yachts. Her father Mars, who is financing her place through the family business Taxi sportswear, said, “Gabie decided that she did not want to be involved with the business as she prefers to be outdoors and active. I wanted to help her fulfill her dream which is why I decided to sponsor her place on the ARC Youth Team. We love the concept and I know she will gain so much from this great life experience!”

20-year-old Tyrus Antoine admits to being “a bit anxious about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”. He has not had much sailing experience but recognises how life-changing this voyage could be for him, having never travelled before.

To gain some basic knowledge, he has enrolled in the Jus’Sail training programme. An anonymous supporter in Saint Lucia will be funding Tyrus’s place, enabling this unbelievable opportunity for him.

The final crew member from Saint Lucia is Crisanki Flood, the youngest member of the watersports team at BodyHoliday Saint Lucia resort.

Aged 21, he was chosen for the ARC Youth Team to expand his skills and knowledge for a future in the marine tourism industry. “We are delighted to be able to provide Chrisanki with this amazing opportunity,” said Rebecca Platt, Sales and Marketing Director at BodyHoliday Saint Lucia.

“We are sure that he will be a great asset to the ARC youth team.”

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20 SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

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Expectation Sky High for St Lucia Zouks

By David R Pascal

T

here is no guarantee that a name change from the St Lucia Stars to St Lucia Zouks will bring about immediate success in the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL). However, Captain Daren Sammy and Coach James Foster were optimistic as the team prepared to play in Guyana on Thursday in their CPL opener.

An August 15 press release from Hero CPL T20 stated that the St Lucia Zouks will replace the St Lucia Stars for the 2019 CPL season, following the recent termination of the participation agreement with the company operating the Stars franchise.

Details about what led to the termination of the participation agreement were not disclosed during a press conference at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Tuesday morning. In fact, the press was not allowed to ask questions pertaining to that matter.

In addition to Sammy and Foster, Minister of Tourism Dominic Fedee attended the press conference. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who had had to attend to an urgent matter, apologized for being very late but was still able to address the gathering.

A

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (right) with St Lucia Zouks Captain Daren Sammy at Tuesday’s press conference.

Right off the bat, the captain delivered the opening remarks: “I think the buzz around the island with the St Lucia Zouks being back is one that I am very excited about,” said Sammy. “Last year the prime minister and myself, I think there was a video that we were calling to bring back the Zouks, so maybe we saw the future from last year. Being at this franchise for the last five years or six years, I think we are back to our rightful name.”

The Zouks don’t have a

star-studded line-up, which might be of concern to some.

Not this captain! He said: “What I envision with the squad we have put together is a lot of effective players. You might look at the Zouks team and see that we don’t have the stars, the superstars, but I think the coach and myself, we could be very happy with what we have. It’s a bunch of effective players. We have players for every position.

We can’t wait to start our campaign in Guyana and when we come back here at home

to entertain the Saint Lucian public.”

He went on to say: “Obviously, when I get out on the field, my goal is to win cricket games. I feel I have the manpower to go out there and do that. I am really looking forward to an exciting season where the first objective will be to get to the play-offs and eventually win the cup.”

Foster added: “There is a huge buzz about our squad; not just the playing squad, but most of the management squad. With

the fact that we are now Zouks, we’ve got a very, very happy team.”

As the Zouks coach, he supports Sammy one hundred per cent and said: “I have worked with Daren before. He is an exceptional leader and, for me, it is about facilitating and trying to get the best out of our players.”

In the past the Government of Saint Lucia has provided financial assistance to the Zouks. This year is no different.

Minister Fedee said: “The Government of Saint Lucia is extremely delighted to be part of this game. Cricket is one of those passions of our island and the Zouks, as well, is one of our favourites. We have been supporting this for three years now. The total sum is over US$1 million and that is really a testament to our own commitment to the Zouks.”

Fedee called on Saint Lucians to give their overwhelming support to the team by coming out in large numbers.

What followed next was a question and answer session.

Well sort of! It commenced with Marketing Co-ordinator Sue Monplaisir announcing to the media: “We will not be discussing the past ownership.

There are a few matters that are still with legal and we are just not permitted to discuss certain

things when it comes to the past. We are here to discuss the future. Any questions you have for our panel would be great.”

One question centred on the Zouks line-up. It was then that Sammy pointed out that the team was forced to make a couple of changes due to the unavailability of Lasith Malinga and Niroshan Dickwella who were originally drafted by the team. They have since been replaced.

Following his arrival, Prime Minister Chastanet delivered brief remarks: “We as a government, and I think like all governments, have done everything that we possibly can to be able to support the franchise here in Saint Lucia. The franchise went in a different direction the last two years. I think that we were all . . . I can say that publicly we were all uncomfortable with some of the directions that franchise was going in, so when the opportunity came for the Government of Saint Lucia to support this new initiative, we did not hesitate.”

The prime minister went on to say: “My government is a thousand per cent behind the Zouk franchise and two thousand per cent behind Daren. We are really hoping that all Saint Lucians will come out and support this team.”

Team 758 Swimmers attend FINA World Junior Swimming Championships

ugust 20-25, the best junior swimmers aged 14-18 years from around the world gathered at the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The primary objective was to showcase their best in the competitive arena, in a 50-metre, state-of-theart swimming pool. Saint Lucia was represented by senior swimmer Mikaili Charlemagne and Naimi Hazell who, in July, made her inaugural entry into the World Championships circuit, along with first-timer

Naekeisha Louis. The team was under the guidance of National Swimming Coach Yasmin Tyson.

The swimmers had never before experienced that international level of competition among their age groups. The age range for the girls was 14–17 years and, for boys, 15–18 years. The girls were anxious at times but, like true champions, they persevered and attained four personal best times and one national record.

Louis’s registered swim time was slower than her entry times in the 50m butterfly but

improved in the two swims that followed: 50m butterfly: entry time 30.17 secs, time 30.28, reaction time (RT), 0.71.

Louis went on to clock personal best times in the 100m freestyle: entry time 1:03.70, time 1:03.15, RT, 0.74. 50m backstroke: entry time, 36.52, time 35.38, RT, 0.70.

Her reaction time also improved as the meet progressed, moving from 0.74 to 0.70 in her final race.

Hazell, at her first FINA World Junior Championships, got off to a tough start but was a bullet off the blocks, recording the fastest reaction

times of the three swimmers.

She bettered her time in the 50m breaststroke and was very close to her time in the 50m freestyle from World Championships in Gwangju, Korea in July.

Her times at FINA World Junior: 50m freestyle: entry time: 27.47, time, 27.79, RT 0.60. 50m breaststroke: entry time 34.87, time 34.80, RT 0.65.

100m breaststroke: entry time 1.20.77, time 1:21.59, RT 0.67.

Charlemagne, in her second FINA World Junior Championships, was determined to rise to the occasion. With DQs coming in

fast and furious around her, Charlemagne was able to focus and clocked 27.27 in the 50m freestyle to record a personal best, improve on her reaction time and set a national record in the process.

These Championships will forever be etched in the memory of our swimmers.

Coach Tyson advised the team that their journey has just begun; they need to embrace the challenges and recognise that their training regiment, diet and mental preparation, as well as dryland training, have to improve in order to rise among

the champions. Most of all, they need to stay healthy as the 2021 and 2024 Olympic Games are not too far away.

Team 758 had the honour of meeting Olympic Gold medalist and World Champion Katinka Houssu.

She encouraged them to continue training hard and push themselves beyond the challenges.

The team described the Championships as an amazing experience in which they had the honour and privilege to represent their country.

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

St Lucia Football Association and Blackheart join forces

By David R Pascal

T

he race for the Big Eight Blackheart Productions Competition sees only one final spot up for grabs in Group 1. The final spot was determined following the outcome of the match between Desruisseaux and Vieux Fort South, played at Marchand Grounds on Wednesday evening. The game ended 1-1 which means Desruisseaux move on to play in the Big Eight.

The qualifiers to date are: Group 1: Canaries, Roseau Valley, Gros Islet and Desruisseaux. Group 2: Marchand, Dennery, Central Castries and Mabouya Valley.

The Big Eight will be played this weekend at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort. Matches are slated to commence at 4:00 pm daily.

Up for grabs is a first prize purse of $4,000 while the second place team will receive $2,000.

The structure of the Big Eight will see the teams placed in two groups of four, with matches played on a knockout basis. Matches will be of 60 minutes duration, in two halves of thirty minutes. The draw for the groupings was finalized after the playing of matches in the Island Cup on September 4 at the Marchand Grounds.

Details of the Big Eight Tournament, along with the upcoming Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament, were unveiled at Tuesday’s press conference at the St Lucia

Football Association Inc headquarters in La Clery.

At the press conference General Secretary of the SLFA Inc, Victor Reid, announced the following: “There is a total marriage of SLFA Inc and Blackheart in the implementation and presentation of the 2019 Blackheart Championship. I am sure you would recall there was some friction in the past as to how the tournament was being run, in that it was a very private company running the football competition. After years of dialogue, compromise and so on, we came to an agreement that the tournament would come under the auspices of the St Lucia Football Association.

Now that we have achieved the final part of the puzzle, the St Lucia Football Association has declared that the SLFA Island Cup, taking place every year, will include the Blackheart Championship. So the whole plan this year really is to make Blackheart an integral part of the SLFA Island Cup.” Reid pointed out that the SLFA wants to make the Island Cup its biggest championship, with in excess of 90 matches being played.

This year will see a notable change when it comes to qualification for the Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament.

Reid said: “A number of things have changed. I think in the past there were qualifiers for teams to qualify for the Big Eight and also there were qualifiers in terms of selecting 16 teams to play in Blackheart.

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St Lucia reigns again in ECVA Junior Competition

A jubilant Saint Lucia team after winning the 2019 ECVA Under-20 male championship.

S

aint Lucia’s male Under-21 team mirrored the feat of their female counterparts one week ago, by winning the ECVA Junior Male tournament.

They defeated St Vincent and What we have agreed to now, Football Association Inc. is that the top eight teams Western Zone Under-17 football the Grenadines (SVG) in an epic battle for supremacy, which in the Island Cup would now competition. In the second Saint Lucia won 3-2 (25-22, automatically qualify to the semi-final, played on Tuesday 25-21, 23-25, 19-25 and 15-9).

Big Eight play-offs and also all at the Marigot playing field, CT the teams that played in the Foundation FC defeated T Valley The match lived up to the Island Cup would be eligible FC 3–1 to advance to the finals. predictable expectations of being extremely competitive to play in the Blackheart T Valley jumped to an and close.

Tournament.” early 1–0 lead following a goal Noah Gaspard (opposite) CEO of Blackheart

by Kevin James in the ninth was the standout player Productions, David “Shakes” minute of play. However, a for the winners as he had a Christopher, elaborated on brace by Ozem Thomas in the Reid’s announcement: “I think 30th and 39th minutes gave CT game-high 22 points. Gaspard is left-handed and SVG had we have been clamouring for Foundation a 2–1 advantage problems in figuring out his this a long time, to really work at the end of the first half. mode of attack. He was aided under one umbrella. The sport Following the resumption, by outside hitter Joshua Florent could be the winner and not Dwayne Louis sealed the individuals, and I think we are initiative with a goal in the 70th who was also rampant at the net, knocking down 18 spikes at the juncture now where we minute as CT Foundation ran in his overall tally of 19. Further decided to work together. The away winners 3–1. assistance came in the form of Blackheart SLFA Island Cup The grand final of the 13 points from outside hitter Knockout Tournament is going competition was played on to be one segment.”

Thursday at the Marigot playing Fabio Lamontagne.

In other news, the finals field between 1987 All Stars and Team SVG also had a varied attack, leading with are now set for the St Lucia CT Foundation. outside hitter Kyle Liverpool with 18 points. Setter and Captain Jamaar Cropper, along with Enrico Louraine, combined for 25 points but all in a losing cause.

No one team dominated the team scoresheet. Saint Lucia led in spikes 50 to 43 but SVG took the edge in blocks hen Levern Spencer entered the her achievements that she is the most eight to seven and also service stadium yesterday, September 6, in prolific and decorated high jumper the points eight to five.

Brussels, Belgium for the Diamond Caribbean region has ever produced, by By the time the coaches going where no other female high jumper League finals, she was one of only nine were interviewed, Coach from the region has gone.

Caribbean athletes out of a total of 197 Verdant’s heart was still qualifiers on the day.

The 35-year-old, 15-time Saint racing from the tension of the She is also one of only five Caribbean Lucia Sportswoman of the Year has game. “For the first time in women and one of only two athletes from the already qualified for her sixth World my coaching career, I felt like Eastern Caribbean, plus the only high jumper Championship taking place in Doha, I would have suffered a heart Qatar from September 28 to October 6, from the western hemisphere to qualify for attack. From the onset of the this prestigious event.

2019. However, her immediate sights third set I was at a loss and Spencer, who is the reigning Pan yesterday were on the finals of the 2019 wondering what was going on.

American Champion, CAC Champion, Diamond League where she came up Levern Spencer who competed The hits were not going down, NACAC Champion and Commonwealth against 12 of the best high jumpers in yesterday at the Diamond League the sets were double playing, Champion, continues to demonstrate by the world. finals.

General Secretary of the St Lucia Football Association Inc, Victor Reid (left) and CEO of Blackheart Productions, David “Shakes” Christopher seal the deal.

Spencer maintains her World-class Status

W

21

almost everything was going wrong. Fortunately for me the setter got it going and our offence was successful once again and I am very happy for that,” said the coach.

Captain Remy Kernel of Saint Lucia said: “To be honest, I was a little bit scared when I realized that we were letting the game go, especially in the third and fourth sets. So I called in my team and really urged them to give it their all. It was a real emotional and amazing win.

Even now I am fighting back tears of joy.”

Captain Jamaar Cropper of Team SVG was in tears, sobbing uncontrollably, and could not be interviewed.

Coach Vance Andrews gave his version of the game: “We really started terrible. Our passing was under par and hence we could not get the ball up to our hitters. That we rectified in the third and fourth set, but our guys seemed to have lost mental focus for a moment in the fifth set and, by the time we readjusted, Saint Lucia was on set point. The guys are really down because they felt as if they really could have won that match, hence most of them are in tears.”

Earlier on in the night, hosts Antigua & Barbuda consoled themselves with the bronze medal after defeating St Kitts & Nevis in straight sets (25-14, 25-10, 25-12).

The final positions are as follows: (1) Saint Lucia, (2) SVG, (3) Antigua & Barbuda, (4) St Kitts & Nevis.

Florent (Saint Lucia) was named ECVA Junior Male MVP. He also received the Best Scorer award. Other teammates receiving awards were Noah (Best Opposite) and Lamontagne (Best Server).

22

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Franco Columbu dies in drowning accident

Young Cricketer Dies in Road Accident

Chaz Cepal.

N

ational Youth cricketer Chaz Cepal was killed in a car crash early Saturday morning when the Suzuki motor vehicle he was driving ran off the road and hit a utility pole on the Babonneau-Union Highway. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Cepal, aged 20, was a former student of the Seventh Day Academy and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. He had an extensive

background in cricket, having played in the Massy United Insurance Secondary Schools Cricket Tournament, the Sandals Under-19 Cricket Tournament, the Gros Islet Cricket League and various other tournaments. He was a member of the Windward Islands Under-15 and Under-17 cricket teams.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who was present at the St Lucia Zouks press conference, commented afterwards on the passing of the young, talented cricketer: “I was so saddened. I got to play with him when we did the opening of the Canaries playing field. He actually played with me on the side. Anytime that we lose a talent like that in our country it’s very, very sorrowful.

I happen to know the father who has made a significant contribution, as you know, to the educational field.”

Chastanet mentioned at least two other family members who are going through health issues and said, “It is a lot for one family to handle but, more importantly, anytime we lose a young person, it is very heartbreaking.”

When asked if he had any advice to young motorists, he replied: “We keep on saying that people need to be a lot more cautious and follow the rules. I know that the Ministry of Infrastructure is in the process of putting up more signs. We are in the process of beefing up our legislation so that we can give tickets for speeding and also for people who are driving inebriated.

I am not saying he [Cepal] was drunk when he was driving. Too many lives have been lost on the road and we have to do a better job.”

Van Dijk, Ronaldo and Messi shortlisted for FIFA Award

L

iverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is on the shortlist to add FIFA's Best Player award to his UEFA Men's Player of the Year honour.

The Dutch international denied Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi the European title last week and the same trio is in the running for the FIFA accolade to be announced in Milan on September 23.

Van Dijk starred in Liverpool's triumphant Champions League campaign.

England full-back Lucy Bronze won UEFA's Women’s award and is on FIFA's shortlist with the United States' World Cup-winning duo Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is up against

Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino of Tottenham for Best Men's Coach.

Phil Neville, who led England's women to a World Cup semi-final, is up for the Women’s Coach award with the USA's Jill Ellis and Sarina Wiegman who guided European champions the Netherlands to the World Cup final.

FIFA Best shortlists: Men's Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Portugal), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/ Netherlands).

Women's Player: Lucy Bronze (Lyon/England), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/USA), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC/USA).

Men's Coach: Pep

Guardiola (Manchester City), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham).

Women's Coach: Jill Ellis (USA), Phil Neville (England), Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands).

Women's Goalkeeper: Christiane Endler (Paris StGermain/Chile), Hedvig Lindahl (Wolfsburg/Sweden), Sari van Veenendaal (Atletico Madrid/ Netherlands).

Men's Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool/Brazil), Ederson (Manchester City/Brazil), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona/Germany).

Puskas award (for best goal): Lionel Messi (Barcelona v Real Betis), Juan Quintero (River Plate v Racing Club), Daniel Zsori (Debrecen v Ferencvaros).

South Castries Cricket Association T10 results

T

he South Castries Cricket Association T10 Smash-Up got off to an exciting start with a 46run win for the Police on Wednesday.

Batting first, the lawmen chalked up 135 for 2 in their allotted 10 overs, benefitting from a 36-run penalty as the Ravaging Royals could field only nine players. Calvin Stanislaus led the batting for the Police with 39, which included three maximums.

The Royals put up a spirited fight with Tennessey Hippolyte 29, and Denzil James and Chad Polius 25 each.

A total of 10 sixes, 13 fours and three catches were registered. Stanislaus (Police) with three sixes and James (Ravaging Royals) with three fours were the main performers.

The competition continued on Thursday afternoon with Warriors vs Spartan Strikers, while on Friday Cobras took on Spartan Strikers.

SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 THE STAR

By Anita Bennett

F

ranco Columbu, a bodybuilder, boxer and actor who appeared in the films The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian alongside his close friend Arnold Schwarzenegger, has died.

Columbu was 78.

The Italian star passed away Friday August 30 after drowning in his native Sardinia, The Associated Press reported.

He lived in Los Angeles but had been vacationing in Sardinia when he fell ill while swimming. He was pronounced dead at a hospital in the city of Olbia.

Columbu was a former Mr Olympia and Mr Universe.

Schwarzenegger described him as his “best friend” in an online tribute. “I love you Franco,” Schwarzenegger tweeted Friday. “I will always remember the joy you brought to my life, the advices you gave me, and the twinkle in your eye that never disappeared.”

The Hollywood legend and former California governor also shared a link to an essay he wrote on Medium about Columbu. “From the minute we met in Munich, you were my partner in crime,”

Former Mr Olympia, Franco Columbu (centre) passed away last Friday. At left, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rick Wayne.

Schwarzenegger wrote.

“We pushed each other, we competed with each other, and we laughed at every moment along the way.”

He continued: “When I finally got to America, I was alone. I’d left my family, my country, my whole life behind.

So when I asked Joe Weider to bring you to train with me, it was because I knew I wasn’t the same without my best friend. I could thrive without money, without my parents, but

I couldn’t thrive without you.”

He went on to say the two had been friends for 54 years.

“I am devastated today.

But I am also so, so grateful for the 54 years of friendship and joy we shared,” he added. “The pumps, the chess games, the construction work, the meals, the pranks, the life lessons — we did it all together. We grew and we learned and we loved.

My life was more fun, more colorful, and more complete because of you.”

Calderon triumphant in Table Tennis Competition

F

ourteen-year-old De Andre Calderon was in ripping form at the Scouters Under-21 Open Table Tennis Singles competition held in Barbados last weekend.

Calderon reached the quarter-finals easily when he dispatched four of his rivals in the preliminary rounds. In the quarter-finals he beat Tre Riley in straight sets (11-5, 11-1, 11-6). In the semi-finals he also made light work of Jarad Sandiford (11-5, 11-6, 11-8, 11-1).

The finals against Marcus Smith saw Calderon losing the first game 7-11 but he rallied in a tight second game to win 13-11. After the second game the consistency and control in Calderon’s approach wore down Smith who succumbed in the last three games (11-7, 11-9, 11-4).

De Andre Calderon won last weekend’s table tennis tournament in Barbados.

Calderon has signalled his intentions to his rivals locally and now awaits the Saint Lucia Senior National Table Tennis Championship. It begins September 14 with the Men’s Team title and ends with the Men’s Singles title on September 21.

THE STAR

VACANCY

VEHICLE FOR SALE

DATA ENTRY CLERK

White 2006 Nissan Altima in good condition.

Lady driven.

Left hand drive

Harry Edwards Jewelers has been a top-level duty-free retailer in St Lucia for over 18 years, specializing in luxury branded jewelry and watches, crystal, and accessories. With several locations spanning St Lucia and Grenada, we are seeking a reliable Data Entry Clerk to join our Inventory Department.

Best offer!

The successful candidate will possess certain essential software skills like using word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and other related record management software. He/she will have quick typing skills, an analytical mind, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for precision.

Call mobile: 720 5046 For more details

FOR rent Unfurnished Apartment for Rent In the Castries area Bathroom with hot and cold And Internet

CLASSIFIED

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september 07, 2019

Qualifications • Working knowledge of word processing tools,

spreadsheets, and databases • Strong organizational skills • Good written and communication skills.

• Great attention to detail • Ability to maintain confidentiality We’re looking for a long-term employee who wants to grow within our business. If you enjoy data entry and can work efficiently in a fast-paced office setting, please submit your CV by September 20, 2019 to info@harryedwardsjewelers.com

Contact #

724 - 2888

or mail to: Harry Edwards Jewelers Attn.: Hiring Manager P.O. Box 1889 Maurice Mason Avenue Sans Souci Castries LC04 101

Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts are seeking the services of a

Security & Loss Prevention Manager to manage the resort’s Loss Prevention/Security operations.

Job Summary

The successful applicant will be responsible for managing the daily functions of the department to ensure protection of property assets, employees, guests and property. Trains staff in established emergency procedures and implement accident and fire prevention procedures.

Education and Experience • 4 years experience in the security/loss prevention or related professional area.

• 2-year degree from an accredited university Main Duties and Responsibilities • Direct and coordinate the activities of all security personnel.

• Ensure that all security staff provides services that are above and beyond for customer satisfaction and retention.

• Ensure the safety and security of guest, staff, visitors and contractors at all times.

• Responsible to manage all safety & security, Fire Life Safety and food hygiene risks faced by the hotel.

• Liaise with all department heads to ensure hotel employees are adhering to established security procedures.

• Record and notify all risks, deviations from hotels safety standards and any untoward incidents.

• Supervision of all Security Personnel and giving clear direction on all security related aspects.

• Perform all tasks consistently in line with the hotel standards and adhere to all legal and statutory requirements.

• Be available 24 hours a day for genuine emergencies within the property.

Please send your resume to: kabsearch@gmail.com

Applications are required from qualified persons to fill the positions of:

• Cashier • Bartender Please address your applications to: The Manager Castries Fishers Co-operative Society Ltd. P. O. Box GM687 Sunny Acres Castries, St. Lucia.

E-mail address: alynch@cfcooperative.org Telephone number: 758-452-6949 Deadline for applications is Monday 16th September, 2019

Online Classifieds Get maximum exposure for your dollar.

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

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

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23

We would like to inform that Dr. Raul NunezDelgado, a national of Cuba, has applied for Saint Lucia Citizenship.

He currently resides at Rodney Heights, Rodney Bay. If there is any reason why Dr. Raul should not be a citizen of Saint Lucia, we would like you to inform the Minister of Home Affairs and National Security immediately.

Property FOR SALE 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.

For further info Contact

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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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2019

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$2.00

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The New Wedding Photographers at Work!

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