All In, Our Journey, Our Future by Government of Saint Lucia

Building Resilience

Issue 18 | 02 Feb, 2019

OUR SAINT LUCIA www.govt.lc

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

YOUTH ALL IN for

INDEPENDENCE 40

CONTENTS

02 Feb 2019

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4 Meet the Contestants for Miss Independence

Communities prepare for Independence celebrations

Don’t miss Legacy Calypso with the Greats!

Children celebrate Independence at Laborie Schools

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12 Get set for Netball Classic

Pray for our Nation at Services across the island

Call to Action as Independence 40 draws near

even times British, and Seven Times French and This week’s OUR SAINT LUCIA publication is dedicated to Indecoming from a colonial past, Saint Lucia is now a sover- pendence 40. We highlight some of events thus far as well as what is to come for the year with a full list of the major events. eign Nation and has been since the February 22, 1979. On that We also feature the several competitions, which the public is day the island gained its independence from Great Britain. being called on to participate. Forty years on and as a people we stand tall - a proud nation The celebration of the island’s 40th Independence Anniversary with many successes and attributes attached to our Fair Helen is being observed under the theme “All In, Our Journey, Our to boast of. Future.” It is a call to action for every Saint Lucia at home and abroad to join in on this wonderful celebration of our people, The island is now in the midst of an exhilarating celebration of our country, our history, our political freedom, our culture, the our 40 Independence anniversary which was launched on arts, tourism, economics, sports, education and commerce. It is December 12, 2018. An array of events and activities have been about you, it is about me, it is about us. It is our time and it is planned which will culminate on December 12, 2019. our Saint Lucia! So read on and enjoy!

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“As a Nation we Must be Prepared to Work” Message by Minister with Responsibility for Culture & Creative Industries

Minister with Responsibility for Culture & Creative Industries Hon. Fortuna Belrose.

or us as a country over the last few years our Independence themes focused on us as proud sons and daughters of this land. The themes as you may recall were “A journey continues” and “I am Saint Lucia.” They were designed to keep us in perspective and cause us to reflect as we move about our business. Reflect on who we are, where we are and the contributions that we make and can continue to make in this society and the means through which we make that contribution and most importantly the values we espouse and cherish as we make that contribution to nation building. As Minister with responsibility for Culture, let me report at this juncture that the majority of our citizens are proud of their being and they want to succeed. They relish a better society and most importantly they value the encouragement of leadership on that journey. Those of us who are leaders we feel it every day. As we traverse our country, the people are saying to us they want it to be better. And so, we can be proud that we have a government that listens to the pulse of the people and is mindful of the realities and is responding and leading the way appropriately. So today we are here on the eve of our Nation’s 40th independence anniversary. You know at 40 one is expected to be very mature and know exactly what they are about and where they are headed and our Helen, Fair Helen of the west is very clear of that direction. We know that Biblically 40 years is the year of deliverance and one of the greatest stories of deliverance is that the children of Israel. They were in the wilderness for 40 years and were led to the promised land. So we know that there are many who have been caught in the wilderness; the wilderness of doubt and dependency, the wilderness of disbelief and they do not have the confidence as they are trapped and confused. But I want to assure them that liberation day is here. Our country is moving into deliverance mode and we all must be in as the theme for this year’s Independence celebration says. “All in - Our Journey, Our Future”. But we must be in with the right attitude, the right mind-set, we must understand the value of respect of our fellow men, we must believe in love, and the golden rule of doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. We must believe in give and take, we must understand that we do not bite the hand that feed us and expect everything to be alright. As a nation we must understand that we must be prepared to work and we must acknowledge, that there is no free ticket to lunch anymore and we must work at achieving success and be committed and discipline to reap the rewards that we aspire to. The good book says that “by the sweat of thigh brow though shall eat bread,” not reserving your sweat and sitting and waiting. If you want to eat you must work and in the year of deliverance we ask our citizens to continue to improve on themselves and set their goals to take advantage of the many opportunities that will become available. It is our country and we all belong and we must be ready to partake and contribute. I trust that the good Lord will continue to guide us, as we each find our purpose for being born in this land so that we can all be in, during the 40th Independence celebrations and even beyond.

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Ten for Miss Independence 2019

n 2018, the Government of Saint Lucia embraced the Miss Independence pageant, which was previously organized by Gregory Lorde Productions. This year, the event is once again endorsed by the Government of Saint Lucia through the Department of Culture. The Miss Independence Pageant is being staged by a subcommittee of the Independence 40 organizing committee. According to Sen. Hon. Fortuna Belrose Minister for Culture, the pageant has created the platform of opportunity for young women across the island and has involved the various councils in the selection process. “Last year we staged a wonderful event and we are hoping to build on that given the success of 2018. We saw some of the contestants from the Miss Independence pageant also participating in the National Carnival Queen pageant and one of them Miss Choiseul Earlyca Frederick eventually winning that pageant,” the Minister noted. “The process of selection has also helped us to capture the essence of the theme for Independence 40 All in, our journey, our future as it aﬀorded young ladies from all over Saint Lucia the opportunity to participate and become involved something that is quite meaningful,” she added.

Kieara Leon Babonneau

Tunisia President Micoud

Kamani Alphonse Gros Islet

Kershel Bousquet Castries/East

Keahni Hippolyte Castries/South East

Jenny Joseph Castries/ North

Tunisha Lansiquot Anse La Raye/Canaries

Trish Placide Laborie

Last year’s pageant which was keenly contested and superbly organized was won by Kurnisha Augustus from Dennery. She received a Monroe College scholarship worth EC$15,000.00, a trip to Martinique and a cheque of $3000.00 among other prizes. According to Mrs. Rosella King, Chairperson of the Miss Independence 40 Committee, the pageant this year will certainly be something to look forward to as there are several aspects that the committee is working on to make the event an event bigger spectacle to celebrate the 40 year milestone of the island’s independence. This year 10 contestants representing various communities will participate in the Miss Independence Pageant. They are Tunisia President representing Micoud, Kamani Alphonse Gros Islet, Keahni Hippolyte – Castries/South East, Kieara Leon - Babonneau, Trish Placide - Laborie, Kershel Bousquet – Castries/East, Timiqua Bursharn Deterville – Dennery/North, Jenny Joseph – Castries/ North, Sancia Charlemagne – Soufriere and Tunisha Lansiquot - Anse La Raye/Canaries. The event will take place on February 15 from 8 pm at the National Cultural Center where the contestants will make four appearances ambassadorial speech, talent, swimwear and evening wear.

Sancia Charlemagne Soufriere

Timiqua Bursharn Deterville Dennery/North

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he Celebration of Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence Anniversary is underway, after an exciting calendar of activities for the year-long observance was launched here in December. On Wednesday January 23, 2019 Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet and Chairperson of the Independence 40 committee Mrs. Jeanine Giraudy- Mcintyre, met with local Government councils to brief them on the upcoming celebrations and to solicit their input. The meeting, according to the Chair served to energize the Mayors and Chairpersons of the constituencies across the island. “In turn these persons are expected to inspire people from the communities to be “all in” as the theme for Independence 40 says,” she explained. The organizers also went through the calendar of activities planned for Independence 40, providing further details so as to enable the councils to better promote the various events and share the information. The various town councils will be also given support in the staging of activities which fall under Independence 40 during the year. Already there are a number of events that they are involved in including the “Pli Belle Vilaj” competition and the “legacy Project” details for which can be found on the independence 40 website at www.indepence.lc.

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet meets with members of Town and Village Councils.

Minister for Culture and Creative Industry Senator Fortuna Belrose says that the communities are also being excited to encourage as many persons as possible to converge on the city on February 21 and February 22 for the centerpiece of the independence activities. “While there are numerous activities happening throughout the constituencies not just in January and February, but right through the year, we really want to send the call out to all Saint Lucians, no matter where you are from to join us in the city on these two days as we celebrate Independence 40 in a very special way,” the Senator says. On the eve of Independence February 21, a grand production dubbed the Saint Lucia Story will unfold at the Vigie Playing Field. The free

event will start at 7 pm. Later that evening, the Events Company of Saint Lucia will stage The Best of Saint Lucia concert in the city ahead of the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag. Then at midnight, a grand firework display will take place at the Castries waterfront to usher in Independence 40, February 22. On the morning of February 22, the police and other uniformed groups will participate in the annual Independence Parade. The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia will also deliver his independence address on that day. The afternoon of February 22, will see a grand carnivalesque parade involving floats and various displays traversing down the John Compton highway and into the City of Castries. The day will culminate with a display by the Bikers and 4X4 club.

Calypso Legacy Independence Edition

aint Lucia has had a rich tradition of Calypso music from since the late sixties and moving into the 70’s. The art-form as in many other islands grew to form part of the annual carnival celebrations once held in February but is now during the months of June/July. Calypso Legacy – Independence edition is being held this weekend, in celebration of the art-form of Calypso and in recognition of the contribution that calypso and the calypsonian has made to arts, culture and indeed free expression over the past forty years. Organizers of the event are billing it as the real ignition to swing into action the activities for Independence 40. Described as a night of nostalgia and sweet calypso magic – Legacy Independence edition will feature some of the most celebrated calypsonians in Saint Lucia’s rich calypso tradition including Herb Black, former monarchs and multiple title holder De Invader, the undisputed people’s king De Ashanti, TC Brown - the 2018 Monarch, Eight time calypso king Pep, Wally; another former monarch as well as Black I, Lady Leen, Robbie and Simplicity.

The event will also be graced with the presence of two Saint Lucian calypsonians based in Texas, USA, Jaunty and Exterminator. Jaunty is a former road march winner who went on to gain regional and international recognition with songs like “Bobolist”, “We Shall Hop” and “Oo La Lay.” Exterminator once stood tall as being among the best stage performers and he will be performing on home soil for the ﬁrst time since migrating to the US more than two decades ago. He is best remembered for the songs “Entertain” and “Culture.” Legacy – Independence edition will also feature a guest appearance by the Baron of Trinidad. He is one of the icons of calypso and is described as having one of the sweetest and most melodious voices. The singer known for songs like “I am the Baron”, “Nobody’s Soldier,” “Come by Me,” and many others says he is eager to celebrate Saint Lucia’s rich and diverse calypso heritage with his compatriots. Legacy – Independence Edition will go down on Saturday February 2, 2019 from 8m at the National Cultural Centre with pre-show Steelpan entertainment. The event is endorsed by the Independence40 committee.

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Laborie Primary Schools hosts Su

t was standing room only in the hall of the Laborie Boys School, when a combined effort of the Laborie Boys and Laborie Girls school, saw the staging of the Mr. and Miss Independence pageant. The event which formed part of activities to celebrate Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence Anniversary, was held on Saturday January 26, 2019. The pageant saw varied presentations in song, dance, drama and instrumentation, as the students presented various pieces before the judges, reflecting the many facets of Saint Lucia. The contestants made five appearances on the day; introductory piece, professional wear, talent, creative evening wear and interview. The four girls participating were: Jheanne’ Divine Le Compte, Keithney Joseph, Zadee Chicot and Anita Mathurin. The four boys were Lenus Estaphane, Derrell Albert, Trevon Auguste and Ashtan Jn Baptiste. In the end, the boys category was won by Ashtan Jn. Baptiste who also won “Best Talent” and “Best Interview”. His creative wear was woven out of paper and CDs, while he also presented himself as his great grandfather, a violinist. For his talent, Ashtan performed a piece presenting himself as Saint Lucia-a woman. The first runner up among the boys Trevon Auguste, won “Best Creative Wear”, People’s Choice Award,” and “Mr. Photogenic”.

Reigning Carnival Queen Earlyca Frederick with winners of pageant

In the girls category Jhennae’ Divine Le Compte was crowned Miss Independence. She portrayed Dame Pearlette Louisy in her professional wear appear-

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ccessful Independence Pageant ance. For her talent she combined several dances to wow the judges, while her creative wear registered with colourful crepe paper. Jheanne’ also received the award for “Best Creative Wear”, “Miss Photogenic” and the “People’s Choice” award. The first runner up was Anita Mathurin who also won the “Best Talent” award. The organizing committee, principal and staff would like to thank the following persons who contributed to the success of the event including the parents, students and patrons. Special thanks goes out to Dr. Emsco Remy, Dr. Tamara Remy, Dr. Ravi Chiquot, Dr. Jacqueline Bird, WINERA Limited, SMJ Beverages, WLBL, La Place Salaizon, Peter & Company Distribution, M&C Drug Store, Cost U Less, Laborie Credit Union, Lazarus Funeral Home, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, Saint James Morgan Bay Resort, Frangies Kids, Neil’s Printing, Hair Plus, Trophy Center, Unicomer, Yves Renard, Julian Dubois, Sandy Collymore, Sancha Sadoo, Kimberlie Emile, Shayan Skinner, Perry Longville, 3Fold Imaging, Verline Monrose, Carlyle Powell, Keran Le’Compte, Camla Eduard and the Inependence40 Committee. The event, according to the principals was very successful and the schools are eternally grateful for all of the support afforded them. Proceeds from the event will go towards graduation expenses and a Duplo duplicating and printing machine.

Contestants show creativitity in the dress category

Saint Lucia in the spotlight for talent section

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Mr. Independence pageant makes its debut

regory Lord Productions will host the ﬁrst ever Mr. Independence Youth Development Pageant on February 9th. The event is part of the calendar of activities for the 40th anniversary celebration of Saint Lucia’s independence.

Jamiseon Edward Castries South/East

Treasure Actille Castries North

According to Mervin S. Joseph, the pageant coordinator, thus far it has been an exciting project coordinating the event which he says will translate into a night of explosive talent and showmanship. “Eight young men representing various districts in Saint Lucia will compete for the title of ﬁrst ever Mr. Independence Saint Lucia, and so far we are encouraged by the response from the general public,” Joseph says.

Brendon Joseph Castries South

Cardious Constatin Dennery

Jamal Springer Castries Central

Sherquil Florence Micoud

The contestants are Jamiseon Edward – Castries South/East, Treasure Actille – Castries North, Brendon Joseph – Castries South, Jamal Springer – Castries Central, Cardious Constatin – Dennery, Sherquil Florence – Micoud, Franeil Charlery – Gros Islet and Deshawn Augustin – Vieux Fort. The pageant will be held under the theme “Embracing Diversity, The Key to Unity,” and is intended to deepen the understanding and consciousness of young men of the need to make informed decisions that will positively impact their lives the organizers say. The pageant is committed to the promotion of the values and principles of the Commonwealth group of countries as enshrined in the Harare Declaration of 1991, including Empowerment, Equality, Democracy, Human Rights, Dialogue, Cooperation and Peace. The contestants will appear in four segmentsambassadorial speech, sport-wear, talent and evening wear (to be followed by the interview). The event will be held on February 9, at the National Cultural Centre, Barnard Hill, Castries from 7 p.m.

Franeil Charlery Gros Islet

Deshawn Augustin Vieux Fort

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02 Feb 2018

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Matches begin for Independence Netball Classic

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Liota Charlemange-Mason with Minister for Culture Hon. Fortuna Belrose.

porting activities will play a major part in the celebrations of Independence 40. A grand sports fun day is scheduled for the Phillip Marcelin Grounds in Vieux Fort in April and the National Sports Awards will also reflect the theme “All in: Our Journey, Our Future.” The Bikers Island-wide ride and the Dash colour run are also part of the varied sporting activities included on the Independence calendar. However, on Saturday January 26, 2019 it was the netballers who took off with their program of activities for Independence 40. The Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex came alive last Saturday with the launch of the Independence Netball Classic. Several teams were present for the official March past and were welcomed by deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Liota Charlemange – Mason who promised players an upgraded playing court soon. Also present was the Saint Lucia National

Netball Association President Ruﬁna Paul, General Secretary of the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Alfred Emmanuel and Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose. Three matches were scheduled following the oﬃcial opening ceremony with only two being played. Avengers defeated Soufriere in game one while Soufriere’s division 2 ladies also went down to SJC Egrets. On Saturday February 2, 2019 the independence netball classic moves to Micoud where Micoud will play Avengers. On that same day over at the Anse La Raye court, Soufriere will play Shamrock while Anse La Rae will play SJC Egrets. Matches continue on Sunday February 3 when the 2019 Independence Netball classic returns to the Vigie Multi-Purpose sports complex: Northern Arrow will play Soufriere and Anse La Raye will come up against Canaries.

Teams take part in march past to signal start to tournament.

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Rosemary Husbands-Mathurin speaking at recent Independence 40 press conference.

osemary Husbands-Mathurin is the chairperson of the Independence 40 sub-committee, responsible for faith based activities. According to Mathurin, with the tremendous backing of several churches, religious organizations and faith based groups, a comprehensive program has been realized in commemoration of the island’s 40th Independence anniversary. “It all started on Sunday January 13 with a forty day prayer and healing for the nation which will end on February 21,” Mathurin says. “Forty is known to be very signiﬁcant for Biblical reasons and so we are calling on the nation to join us in fasting. And there are various ways in which one can fast during this period, not just the complete abstaining from food,” she explained.

February 17, Ecumenical services are planned at ﬁve locations. In the North it will be at the SDA church in Gros Islet, South the Victorine Pentecostal Church, The East – Faith Pentecostal Church in Micoud, West – The Catholic Church in Anse La Raye and Castries (Central) – The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Parliamentarians, the Governor General and various dignitaries will be invited to

these services. The organizers of the faith based program recognize the theme for Independence 40 – “All in, Our Journey, Our Future”, but have come up with a sub theme. “It is our nation, our journey, come thus far by faith” and we will have various banners erected around the island proclaiming this,” Rosemary Husbands-Mathurin says.

Each morning, until Independence the various faiths will engage in morning devotions, some in both English and Creole. From January 19, faith based activities continue, with praise and worship at the various squares and open spaces all over the island. Saturday January 26th also saw the start of a prayer train island-wide. A number of radio and TV programs have been organized by the committee to discuss topics such as “Why pray as a nation?” and “The signiﬁcance of fasting.” An all-night vigil is scheduled for February 1 and on Sunday

Young persons from Dennery came together to participate in the prayer train.

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national awards of excellence A

s the country continued to observe activities marking the 2017 Nobel Laureate Festival which this year was incorporated into Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Minister with responsibility for Education Hon. Gale Rigobert remains unwavering in her commitment to develop an education sector that is more inclusive and equipped with the resources to allow for all learners to maximize their capabilities. The minister spoke at the 2019 National Awards of Excellence put on at the National Cultural Center by the Division of Education. The introduction of smart classrooms, accompanied by the training of teachers to be technologically savvy, with the various learning modalities, the minister says, continues to be a priority for her ministry, in support of excellence in education.

The Ministry’s vision, Dr. Rigobert says, is to create a culture of equity and equality where every learner is empowered and provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to excel optimally within their areas of interest and in keeping with their capabilities. The aim is to ensure that positive morals and attitudes, likewise skills of critical thinking and digital literacy, as well as a culture of inclusion, equity, innovation and entrepreneurship are engendered within our schools. The Awards of Excellence was held on January 15, 2019 and rewarded teachers, educators, students and others who have made remarkable contributions to Education over the last year. Held since 2004, the National Awards of Excellence awards individuals who have excelled in the areas of sports, arts and academics and also educators for their outstanding service in education on the island.

official independence 40 song launched A song commissioned for the celebration of the 40th Independence Anniversary has been released. The song was commissioned by the Independence 40 Committee. Written by Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, “We’re all in” features the vocals of three young Saint Lucians; Manasseh Stanislaus, Wilburne Mason and Jennifer St. Louis. It is anticipated that the song will be performed at a number of Independence events here in Saint Lucia and throughout the diaspora. Here ae the lyrics so you can learn the song too:

ALL IN Your history is my history It shaped you it shaped me Our journey’s the same Though from diﬀerent parts we came But from this dark and painful journey Unfolds a great destiny And a brighter future For our home ST.LUCIA CHORUS We’re all in the journey Let’s shape and share a brighter future We’re all in the journey Let’s shape and share a brighter future We’re all in together For ST. LUCIA We’re all in This is a call to action To every St. Lucian Lift one another So we can progress together And let our future be truly blessed

As we journey with godliness Ek sé pou nou tout chonjé Ansanm pwogwé pli ézé CHORUS We’re all in the journey Let’s shape and share a brighter future We’re all in the journey Let’s shape and share a brighter future We’re all in together for ST. LUCIA We’re all in BRIDGE Let every ST. Lucian See the greater vision Overcome all weakness To ensure our progress CHORUS We’re all in the journey Let’s shape and share a brighter future We’re all in the journey let us shape and share a brighter future We’re all in together for ST. Lucia We’re all in We’re all in We’re all in

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