STAR Newspaper - 23 June 2018 by STAR Publishing

SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018

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SCRATCH MY BACK, I’LL SCRATCH YOURS! At the OECS meeting here on Monday, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (left) and Ralph Gonsalves make like Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore (inset)!

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02 LOCAL

june 23, 2018 THE STAR

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A-M u s i n g s FLOOD-BEAUBRUN Musings are thoughts, the thoughtful kind. For the purpose of these articles, a-musings are thoughts that might amuse, entertain and even enlighten.

Green Love

By Michael Walker

verything is Green these days. As usual, I suppose, Shakespeare got it right, but before I go on to expand upon that somewhat cryptic remark just let me say that Jealousy, the green-eyed monster, is alive and well, according to the findings of a fairly recent international study. Apparently, men are mostly jealous about sexual adventures, while women are jealous about emotional attachments. Whether this is due to environment, evolution or culture is something experts disagree upon. But why should jealousy be Green? Green is, admittedly, a colour associated with sickness, possibly because people's skin sometimes takes on a slightly yellow/green tinge when they are seriously ill. And Green is also the colour of many unripe fruits that might cause stomach pains. But other than that, why Green? But back to the Bard! The phrase was used by, and possibly coined by, Shakespeare in 1596 to denote jealousy in The Merchant of Venice when he has Portia say: "How all the other passions fleet to air, As doubtful thoughts, and rash-embraced despair, And shuddering fear, and green-eyed jealousy! O love, Be moderate; allay thy ecstasy, In measure rein thy joy; scant this excess. I feel too much thy blessing: make it less, For fear I surfeit." Now you could spend the rest of the day trying to work out what Portia really wanted, but for the moment let it suffice that she was not too keen on jealousy and wanted her chappie to calm down a bit. Eight years later, in 1604, Willie still had a thing about Green. In Othello he alludes to cats as green-eyed monsters in the way that they play with mice before killing them. Iago proclaims: "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on; that cuckold lives in bliss Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'er Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!" Clearly, jealousy leads or led to muddled

thinking even in the time of good old Bill. Men tend to be most jealous about their partners having sex with someone else. It seems that males need to know if their rival was good in bed—or better yet, bigger. It used to be thought that jealousy in men could also be due to the fact that a man could never be absolutely certain that a child was really his; of course, DNA testing has taken the uncertainty and fun out of on-the-side pregnancies. Men seem pretty confused about their desire for a partner not to have sex with another man. It seems that men may be upset by sex because they think it implies emotional commitment, although they also believe a woman can be emotionally involved without having sex. Or at least, that’s how I read the report. Women are more likely to be upset about their partners forming an emotional attachment with someone else; females want to know if he loves the "other woman". Women are upset by emotional infidelity because they believe that for men it automatically means sex. At the same time, women believe that men can have sex without commitment. It may also be possible that the origin of jealousy in women is due to the substantial investment they make in producing a child; an investment that would be “wasted” if their partner fell in love with someone else. On the other hand, many a woman left with a child to take care of without paternal support might appear to go along with the situation with a certain equanimity. She has, after all, “her child”, an attitude I find quite disturbing. And finally, here’s something for you to get your teeth into: It seems that the fertility rate of a country affects jealousy. Men in countries with high fertility rates are very jealous about their partners having sex with others. Men in countries with lower fertility rates seem less concerned. How women feel about infidelity in infertile environments is not clear. The preceding was first published in the August 29, 2015 edition of The STAR Newspaper.

LAUNCHES SYNERGY PROGRAMME

une 15 marked the official launch for 'Synergy'. The programme is headquartered in the Central Castries constituency and was conceptualized to tackle unemployment in the city and in other parts of the island. This initiative comprises seven different avenues, providing different options for interested individuals. Included under the Synergy umbrella are: a compulsory personal development programme, farming, financial support for artists, hospitality training, learning of a trade, and start-up aid for persons interested in running a car wash. This undertaking, which commenced earlier this year and is an 18-month pilot for now, is the brainchild of Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, the MP for Castries Central. Depending on how the pilot goes, the decision will then be made on whether or not the project will be kept in its current form. Speaking on the subject Minister Beaubrun said: "This is a leap of faith, responding to the great need both in Castries Central and the rest of Saint Lucia. It came out of the need and desire to respond to the cry of the people." She revealed that the Department of Statistics will be carrying out an evaluation so that the exact impact will be recorded. Also present at the

Castries Central MP Sarah Flood-Beaubrun (right) with a jubilant Ashley Mitchell.

launch, which took place at The Financial Centre, was Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. He said: "It could have been very easy for the minister to impose projects on the community regardless of whether or not they wanted it. That’s the usual thing. But she has gone among the people and spent time listening to what they had to say. The programme she has developed embraces their ideas and their thoughts." So how exactly will this new programme work? Project manager Ms. Nadine Jn Baptiste explained: "Every participant will earn points for their participation in training

and in the Synergy Pathway programme." These points, she says, can then be redeemed for supplies that each person needs, such as art supplies and tools, even getting clothes for a job interview. Five individuals, including Ashley Mitchell, who signed up under the “Urban Grow” programme recently took part in a 12-week farming course organized by the Ministry of Agriculture. A beaming Ms. Jn Baptiste said: "We have gotten stellar reviews from the facilitators and we are every proud!" The five recipients are now the first to earn points. ---JSA

BARON FOODS (ST. LUCIA) LTD ANNUAL STOCK TAKE CLOSURE

aron Foods (St. Lucia) Ltd will be closed on Monday July 2 and Tuesday July 3, 2018 for its annual stock take. The company's last day for delivery is Friday June 29, 2018. The company encourages all customers to place their orders by 3 p.m. Thursday June 28. Orders rceived after then and orders placed on June 29 will be delivered on Wednesday July 4, 2018. Please note that Baron Foods (St. Lucia) Ltd will not deliver, arrange delivery for or accept any receivers for any orders on July 2 and July 3 due to auditing requirements. Customers should submit their orders via fax at (758) 454-9231 or email at adminassistant1@baronfoodsltd.com or call (758) 454-9230. For further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the company's team at any time. Baron Foods (St. Lucia) Ltd apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

THE STAR

june 23, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

KM2 Opens in Massade K

M2 Solutions opened in 2004, having invited unemployed young Saint Lucians to apply for jobs within its walls in Union, Gros Islet. The business process outsourcing company is now, fourteen years later, proud of its record for providing quality award solutions to clients worldwide. Today KM2 boasts locations in six countries, operating 24 hours a day with some 4,000 employees. On Tuesday KM2 founder David Kreiss came to the birthplace of his business for the unveiling of its second branch. In his address at the opening ceremony, Kreiss gave a brief backstory of how KM2 began, when he was searching for business solutions for America Online. He said: “With continued commitments from the government, KM2 has grown steadily from 25 agents for AOL to over 500 employees performing a variety of services and we do expect to hire another 500 agents in the next six months.” Kreiss commended the Saint Lucian branch, emphasizing that many of those employed in the beginning years are still with the company. He credits the opportunity to open a new location to “effort, patience, great performance and quality . . . a great work force”. He added: “KM2 Saint Lucia is regarded as the benchmark that all of our other facilities are measured to.” But the congratulatory message to Saint Lucian staff and his expressions of gratitude to the Government of Saint Lucia and Invest Saint Lucia would not be complete without the founder emphasizing KM2’s contribution to the island. Said Kreiss: “We spent $3 million in building renovations this year. We spend half a million dollars on transportation annually. KM2 Saint Lucia has an annual payroll of over $13 million. It’s worth every penny. In the last six months alone we spent over $2 million on electrical data wiring and local labour to support our renovations and construction. Five canteen operations are supported entirely by the employees. We have employees that have been with us over ten years. The average tenure of our supervisors is eight years.” By the end of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for KM2 Saint Lucia’s new branch at Massade Industrial Estate, David Kreiss and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet had already twice indicated the company was looking to open a third branch in the south of Saint Lucia in the near future. Addressing local youth, the prime minister said: “If you have the confidence and ability to sell on the phone, you can sell anywhere in the world. And your government will continue to do everything that’s necessary to continue to grow this industry.” ---Claudia Eleibox

An elated prime minister Allen Chastanet (left) with KM2 Solutions founder David Kreiss (centre) and his son Dana Kreiss.

LOCAL

04 LOCAL

JUNE 23, 2018 THE STAR

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SLP says Thanks But No Thanks to Guy Joseph’s Debate Challenge! Joshua St. Aimee

n June 14, after an extended absence, the United Workers Party returned to the William Peter Boulevard. The rally was held as one of the activities to mark the UWP’s two years in office. The boulevard was filled with supporters, many attired from head to toe in yellow, the party colour. The night had both elected ministers and senators accounting, some in person, others via video—an interesting touch. The audience was fully warmed up by the time Guy Joseph took his turn with the microphone. Arguably the UWP’s fastest gun, the parliamentary representative for Castries Southeast seemed in a mood to make waves. He opened with a tantalizing bang: “I want to touch on the fact that when we came into government this country was in chaos. It was a mess! Tonight I will expose the Labour

The president of the Republic of Laborie’s Alva Baptiste (left) and Guy Joseph of the United Workers Party. The question is: Who’s killin’ whom softly . . . with his song?

Party that is scared to death of the United Workers Party under the leadership of Allen

Chastanet.” Mr. Joseph soon shifted his attention to another target.

Praising the current health minister, he claimed: “The ministry of health today is

performing better after two years than it did for five years under Alvina Reynolds.” A blazing Guy Joseph then called out more than half of the elected opposition members: “I’m challenging them tonight. I want Phillip J. Pierre, Kenny Anthony, Moses Jn. Baptiste and Alva Baptiste. I want to debate them on St. Jude!” What came next could not have been more of a surprise: “I want it to be a public debate and I am tonight nominating as moderator of the show, Rick Wayne.” The key word in that statement was to my mind “show”. A show unlikely to materialize, for several reasons, beginning with his choice of moderator who has long stated that the House is the place for public debates, moderated by the Speaker. Of course, the MP for Castries Southeast had himself ignored several open invitations to appear on TV with his once upon a time parliamentary colleague Richard Frederick. At the risk of being blown away by a whirlwind, Mr. Joseph

turned to a subject currently under investigation, or soon to be. “Kenny Anthony, after 17 years, has not answered one question on Grynberg. I think the people of Saint Lucia and the supporters of the Labour Party who say that they love Saint Lucia . . . they are all entitled to question Kenny Anthony about Grynberg, and what deal he and Earl Huntley made on the seabed.” “When I spoke to the attorney general during the week,” Joseph said, “he told me are still fighting the case to get back the seabed of Saint Lucia.” The SLP fired back a response on Tuesday: “ The SLP believes that the issues surrounding the completion of St. Jude are of a technical nature, and Mr. Joseph is not qualified . . . to opine on these issues.” As for the Grynberg matter, the SLP had no comment. Maybe, that will come next Tuesday!

Soufriere Comprehensive Captures CISCO 2018 Championship Title

oufriere Comprehensive Secondary School has been crowned champion in the 2018 SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off competition (CISCO 2018). Karina Abraham and Cheyenne Hippolyte were declared the winning team in a keenly contested challenge that took place on Friday June 15 at the Ciceron Secondary School, home of the defending champions. The Entrepot Secondary School team of Norma Bernard and Kourtney Mohammed clinched second place while Tanicka Ettienne and Julian Henry of Micoud Secondary placed third. The victorious Soufriere team was coached by Chef Frank Faucher of Anse Chastanet Resort. Chef Edna Butcher of Cap Maison trained the Entrepot Secondary team and Chef Clayton Julien of Sandals Regency La Toc coached the Micoud Secondary team.

The competition judges were Chef Nicodemus Joseph of Bay Gardens Resorts, Chef Niguel Gerald and Refer Leonce of Sandals Resorts and Chef Orlando Satchell of Orlando’s Restaurant & Bar. The Chefs in Schools CookOff competition is organised annually by the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association and funded by the SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund. Twelve students from six secondary schools took part in the competition: Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary, Micoud Secondary, Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary, Ciceron Secondary, Entrepot Secondary and Castries Comprehensive Secondary. This year’s competition kicked off on a high note. Supporters from the participating schools turned up to cheer on their respective teams and excitement was running high all throughout the event.

Each team was given an hour to prepare a National/ Signature Dish. After the first round, the scores were tallied and the three teams with the highest scores proceeded to battle it out in the second round—the Mystery Basket Challenge—for the championship title. They had ninety minutes to prepare their dishes. The winning duo will now go on to represent Saint Lucia at the upcoming Caribbean Junior Duelling Competition in Barbados slated for August 13-20, 2018. The Chefs in Schools Cook-Off competition is the culmination of a year-long internship involving local hotel chefs and the participating students who are enrolled in the secondary schools’ food and nutrition programme. The chefs provide them with hands-on training and mentorship to help them sharpen their culinary skills. Each team is adopted

by a hotel in close proximity to their school. The SLHTA coordinates the mentorship programme. Tourism Enhancement Fund Projects Co-ordinator, Wendel George hailed this year’s competition as one of the best yet and praised the junior chefs for their talent and dedication. “The teams came out really strong this year. The presentations and techniques were fantastic. Kudos to the chefs who trained them and the hotels that sponsored the students and gave them the opportunity to get exposure in the industry at such a young age. “I’d also like to say thank you to all the sponsors for investing in our youth because this goes a long way in terms of developing the next generation of up-andcoming chefs. The Tourism Enhancement Fund and the SLHTA remain firmly

The next generation of chefs, including the winning duo from Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, who did not get “Chopped!”

committed to nurturing local talent. This is crucial to the development of our industry; that’s why wherever we discover this talent, especially among young people, we’re always eager to support them,

and look forward to great things from them.” The competition was sponsored by CPJ St Lucia Ltd, RJB Hotel Supplies, Bank of St. Lucia, Courts St Lucia Ltd and the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

june 23, 2018

LOCAL

Mass Events call for Mass Planning! A

recent nighttime party at Cas-en-Bas beach drew some 2,000 thrill seekers. Hours afterward there were muted reports of sexual assaults, theft, robbery, sand mining and litter left behind. (See last Saturday’s STAR.) Finally the promoters took to social media to deny the reports concerning garbage disposal. Of course, the reports about the most recent beach fete apply also to similar promotions of the past. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), which is responsible for oversight of aspects of such events, says: “A mass event is any event with more than 200 people that could compromise our resources.” The mass events officer,

Hildreth Augustin, also says that classifying an activity as a mass event depends largely on the associated risks. He cites, as if to elucidate, a church gospel session with 800 attendants. Such an activity is considered less risky than a liquor-soaked beach party with only 200 celebrants. By Augustin’s measure, the latter would require at least two lifeguards, an alcohol license, adequate security and an ambulance. A gospel event, on the other hand, would require a few police officers and first aid facilities. The mandated requirements for a mass event include a medical doctor who will decide how many nurses should be at hand. Planners would also have to enlist the

services of the Saint Lucia Fire Service and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Depending on the size and nature of the event, the RSLPF will advise to also contract private security. Venues for mass events have to be approved by NEMO, the RSLPF and, in some instances, the National Conservation Authority and Department of Fisheries. Each department has its own list of requirements for the organiser to fulfill, but they uniformly enforce the need for proper waste collection and disposal during and after the event, as well as bathroom facilities. The final approval for a mass event comes only after all the necessary information has been satisfactorily submitted to

Local Farmers praise Farmer Field School Programmme

Dignitaries atttended the ceremony when participants of Farmer Field School 2018 received their certificates.

he ‘Farmer Field School Programme 2018’, a joint initiative between Saint Lucia and Taiwan, held a graduation ceremony at Jon Odlum Secondary School on June 20, 2018. The 53 local farmers who completed the three-month training course were given certificates of recognition. H.E. Douglas C. T. Shen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Hon. Ezechiel Joseph, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Minister for External Affairs and

Hon. Dominic Fedee, Minister for Tourism attended the ceremony as VIP guests. In his remarks, Ambassador Shen emphasized the importance of enhancing professional capacity of local farmers through practical field training. He noted that the two governments have worked together since the initial Farmer Field School Programme in 2010 under the Vegetable and Fruit Demonstration and Extension Project between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. More than 2,000 local

farmers have participated in this programme and most of them are using the knowledge at their farms every day. The ambassador encouraged farmers to keep learning new agriculture techniques and assured that Taiwan will continue to provide the necessary assistance. Minister Ezechiel Joseph gave thanks to Taiwan for its contributions in assisting the country in agricultural development over the years. He vowed that the government will continue to co-operate with Taiwan to increase the island’s self-sufficiency rate in fruits and vegetables. Minister FloodBeaubrun and Minister Fedee both extended their gratitude to Taiwan for its long-term friendship, emphasizing that all the bilateral co-operation projects are deeply beneficial to the people of Saint Lucia. The Farmer Field School Programme allows the participants to engage in hands-on learning experience. Farmers are taught the latest agricultural know-hows, including crop cultivation, production management, and marketing, which are essential for increased productivity and profit.

No matter the size of an event, authorities have the right to intervene in planning and safety procedures.

NEMO and the RSLPF. Proper planning is the responsibility of the organiser. According to NEMO’s Augustin, “I sometimes have to be pro-active, depending on the type of event, and try to get in touch with the organisers myself.” NEMO then works with the organiser to follow protocol and safety precautions. During an event, Augustin adds, “Sometimes you look at the crowd and it’s not what was expected. If there’s any risk involved, the police have the authority to discontinue the event.” ---Claudia Eleibox

06 LOCAL

june 23, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Have we learnt our lesson? Keryn Nelson

eventy years ago a fired-up coal iron was left unattended in the wooden confines of a tailor’s shop in Castries. Not much remained after the first embers evolved into a roaring blaze that would eventually devour acres. Later there was unsubstantiated talk that the tailor’s iron had been purposefully planted to torch the shop with insurance dollars on the his mind. It was 8 p.m. on Saturday June 19, 1948 when the initial alarm cry had gone out to emergency services but destiny would have its way. Due to a strong southeasterly wind, an ill-prepared fire brigade with elusive command, and an insufficient water supply, the flames were fanned along a vengeful course of destruction. Within hours, four-fifths of the town of Castries had been reduced to ashes. By the time a fire squad from a United States Air Force Base in Vieux Fort arrived and

successfully put out the inferno, 809 families—2,293 residents to be exact—were homeless. Fortunately, no lives were lost. Destroyed were the government treasury, the court building, post office, printery, Carnegie Library and commercial buildings. One week after what early reports had referred to as “the greatest calamity to befall a colony of its size and resources in so short a time”, attempts to resume business began. The local government, along with administrators of neighbouring islands and far away countries, offered assistance. Those with the means soon started to rebuild their homes. Some were rehoused in the ‘CDC’ buildings in Castries. Others found shelter wherever they could. It was not the first time fire had brought down Castries. There had been earlier fires in 1796, 1805, 1813 and 1927. Then there were the fires of 1951, 1959 and 1960. It’s the fire of 1948, however, that is most often cited by local historians and purveyors of

local folklore, possibly because of the extent of damage it wreaked . . . or maybe for lack of reliable information about the earlier disasters. This year, the fire’s anniversary was commemorated with an exhibition by the Saint Lucia National Trust at the Castries City Council on Peynier Street. Derek Walcott’s “A City’s Death By Fire” and visual art pieces from local artists, teachers and students were put on display, along with photographs of a Castries built mostly with timber. Now, Castries still stands in its rightful place. The wooden panels which had burned to the ground years ago have been replaced with concrete, while the buildings still hug one another, nearly spilling over onto sidewalks. On the outskirts of the capital, in La Clery, CDC buildings will soon be demolished, to the dismay of a few residents although plans for redevelopment are several years old. In central Castries, however, those CDC

It’s been 70 years since the oft-cited 1948 Castries fire. But are we better placed today to handle a similar occurrence?

buildings remain almost as they were when constructed years ago except that now, in some places, they are blackened with mildew. As for the fire-prone city, Saint Lucia’s Fire Service Department personnel say that in terms of preparedness, things could be a lot better. The upside: there are fire hydrants throughout the city; regulations are in place for commercial buildings and regular checks are conducted to ensure full compliance. Most of the city’s infrastructure has been built with concrete instead of highly flammable timber, and drywall, known for its high level fire resistance, is becoming more

common for building interiors. The downside outweighs the good, however: no regulations exist for residents in the city and so, despite the close proximity of homes and buildings, it is left to individuals to ensure emergency exit and entry points remain clear and that fire-resistant doors remain closed so as to contain flames. While hydrants dot the city and an underground, sea-water supply is available in certain areas, the fire department says, hydrants depend on availability of water from WASCO’s main pipelines; a dicey proposition. God lend a hand should a fire occur simultaneously with a water shortage!

The Fire Service Department’s equipment is in dire need of some TLC. The department’s allocated budget, which seems annually to decrease, cannot cover the required upgrades. The Fire Prevention Divisional Officer, George Victorin, says many hoses, trucks, ambulance vans, ladders and the like, are nearing the end of their lifespan. It appears that firefighters, whom the divisional officer says are well trained to work under difficult circumstances, are left to rely more and more on Lady Luck. So far so good, but the lady has often shown a fickle streak!

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

TIME OFF FOR SOUFRIERE CARNIVAL

he Soufriere Events Committee will be hosting Soufriere Carnival 2018 under the theme ‘Unleash the Culture, the Journey Continues’. Part of the schedule of activities includes the Parade of the Band throughout the town circuit on Sunday June 24 and Monday June 25, 2018. The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture wishes to suggest to members and the wider business community that, in the spirit of Carnival, employers should give their employees time off on the stipulated days to participate in Soufriere Carnival 2018. This should be done at employers’ own discretion as a show of goodwill. Carnival is a national cultural activity, and the private sector, as the main sponsor of this event, should feel proud of its contribution and continued support, and thus allow staff the time to enjoy and participate, where possible.

THE STAR

june 23, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

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08 LOCAL

june 23, 2018 THE STAR

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What will come of latest OECS get-together? A

t the opening ceremony for the 65th meeting of the OECS on 18 June, Mia Mottley made her first regional address since becoming prime minister of Barbados. Notwithstanding this being her first time, Ms. Mottley displayed poise and eloquence as she effortlessly delivered her speech. After reminiscing on a visit to Saint Lucia as a child, where she attended her first political meeting (albeit in patois), she began her presentation. Ms. Mottley noted: “Barbados, in spite of us being outside of this institution, has been ever-conscious that you are our family.” She believes that there is room to improve the level of inter-governmental co-operation; especially since Caribbean countries are confronted with similar challenges. After last year’s deadly hurricane season, which “reminded us of our fragility,” she said, “there but for the grace of God goes any one

Prime Ministers Mia Mottley (left) and Allen Chastanet whisper private exchanges following Monday evening’s OECS meeting.

of us. The only way we can move forward, conscious that we’ve already started another season, is by recognizing that

our fragility requires of us an effort and commitment that goes beyond anything we have seen thus far. We must find

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

modalities to help each other in this Caribbean region— particularly as we confront the issues of climate change, and our ability to adapt as we go forward.” One issue that has plagued many Caribbean islands, and is growing increasingly over the years, is that of the invasion of seaweed. Here in Saint Lucia it has affected many beaches, and negatively affects the livelihood of countless fishermen. The accompanying stench is an intolerable irritant. Mottley called for a collective approach in harvesting the seaweed and maximizing economic benefits from it, instead of only treating it as a nuisance. Referencing the movement of people throughout the region, Ms. Mottley suggested it was time that we stopped talking about inter-island ferry transportation and got down to making it happen. “These meetings mean nothing unless they bring benefit to our

people!” Present at Monday evening’s gathering were most of the heads of government from the member countries, including the outgoing OECS chairman, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. He followed his Barbados counterpart at the podium. Obviously impressed by her performance, he recalled a time when the late Dunstan St. Omer cursed his luck at being required to deliver an address immediately after George Odlum, in his time considered one of the region’s most arresting public speakers. Mr. Chastanet, who has responsibility for disaster management in the CARICOM quasi-government, seemed to be fighting back tears as he recalled the “fury of storms Irma and Maria”. Although the season “left a significant trail of death, destruction and dislocation in a number of states,” he said, “it also brought out the best in us

SAINT LUCIA DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT IDA Credit #6000-LC

Assignment Title: Consulting Services – Senior Procurement Specialist

Assignment Title: Consulting Services – Procurement Officer

Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services for engagement of a Senior Procurement Specialist. The Consulting Services (“the services”) include leading and reviewing the work of the Procurement Team in order to meet Procurement Deliverables. The Senior Procurement Specialist will prepare, maintain and update the Procurement Plans for the assigned Projects, review the Procurement Plans for all other Projects, prepare procurement reports including expenditure reports and monitoring of approved project objectives, acting in accordance with the regulations and guidelines on procurement and contracting outlined in the Operations Manual and in consultation with the Project Coordinator; and oversee the bidding process relating to approved projects. The Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should obtain further information by accessing the Ministry of Finance Website “www.finance.gov.lc” or contact the Project Coordination Unit via the address below during office hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (0800 to 1630 hours). Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by July 16, 2018. Project Coordination Unit Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation Attn: Project Coordinator 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre Trou Garnier, Pointe Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: 758-468-2413 E-mail: slupcu@gosl.gov.lc Website: www.finance.gov.lc

----Joshua St. Aimee

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

SAINT LUCIA DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT IDA Credit #6000-LC

Reference No. SLU-DVRP-CS-IC-PM-01-17

as individuals, communities, nations and institutions.” He had some special words for international organisations: “All too often we, as small states, are invited to meetings and given three minutes to make a presentation—as if that were all the time we deserved. And then we are further insulted: they obviously don’t even listen to what we say!” Chastanet suggested the solution could be resolved “only through a collaborative effort on our part”. Like the speaker before him, Chastanet urged representatives not to allow meetings to simply be talk shops. He said Saint Lucia measures its participation in regional meetings on basic principles. Will the participation improve governance in the country and will it reduce the cost of governance?

Reference No. SLU-DVRP-CS-IC-PM-01-17 Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services for engagement of a Procurement Officer. The Consulting Services (the Services) include preparing, maintaining and updating the Procurement Plan, contract management records, data bases, Contract and Fixed Assets Registers for Project assigned. The Officer will work with the Senior Procurement and Monitoring Specialist in managing the outcomes of procurement data/activities and contracts and monitoring of approved project objectives, acting in accordance with the regulations and guidelines on procurement and contracting outlined in the Operations Manual and in consultation with the Project Coordinator. The Officer will oversee the shopping process relating to the project under responsibility. The Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation now invites eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should obtain further information by accessing the Ministry of Finance Website “www.finance.gov.lc” or contact the Project Coordination Unit via the address below during office hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (0800 to 1630 hours). Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by July 16, 2018. Project Coordination Unit Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation Attn: Project Coordinator 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre Trou Garnier, Pointe Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: 758-468-2413 E-mail: slupcu@gosl.gov.lc Website: www.finance.gov.lc

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Carnival Calendar continues full steam ahead! W

e are officially one month into Saint Lucia's carnival season with 23 events behind us and four more taking place today: the Just For Fun Cooler Fete, Hooked, the Roseau Valley Carnival Queen Show and the Dennery Carnival Queen Show. The Minister of Culture, Fortuna Belrose, used the opportunity at Monday’s pre-cabinet meeting to provide administrative updates: “We are happy with the decentralization thrust that happened this year. Most of the communities have come through with their scheduled events. A few of them have held their queen shows and their calypso tents.” Thus far, the Soufriere Carnival Queen Show, which was held on June 16, saw Ann Cecile Thomas walk

away with the coveted crown. Other champions of the season include Schools' Calypso Competition winners Kishana “Baby K” Smith of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School with her song “Lord Help Me” composed by Mac Stephen, and Venus “Lady Venus” Edward from the Anse La Raye Primary school with a song composed by Gregory Lawrence. During her Monday address Minister Belrose also drew attention to concerns regarding the relocation of the National Carnival Queen Pageant from its usual venue, the National Cultural Centre in Castries, to the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa in Cap Estate. “I think, for the first time, the show is completely sold out,” she revealed. “There was a concern that we had taken it from the public but I think,

Promises have been made to present a 2018 Carnival season packed with exciting changes!

Request for Proposals The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. invites reputable organizations to submit proposals for the provision of the services below. These services will be for Roots & Soul (August 31 to September 2) which forms part of the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival 2018.

Bar Management Catering Services – Artiste, Production, VIP Crash Barriers Customs Brokerage Event Décor Ground Transportation Electrical Installation (Temporary) Mobile Containerized Washrooms Photography Plumbing Road Side Cleaning Services Security VIP Shuttle Services Temporary Structures – Tents & Stage Travel Services Venue Cleaning Please contact Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. for detailed guidelines and submission details for any of the above-mentioned services. E-mail Address: admin@eventssaintlucia.com Tel. # (758) 458-6076 The deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday, June 29, 2018

given the work that was done to elevate the standard of the show and ensuring that we got all the vibes right, there’s nothing wrong in us saying next year we can take it back into Carnival City where there would probably be a greater appetite for the Queen Show. In recent times the numbers supporting that event had dwindled. I think what we’ve done is created a new standard, a product that people now want to be a part of.” Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee and Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) Mr. Danny Belizaire also made an address at Monday’s pre-cabinet session: “There’s a lot of excitement within the CDF and the Events Company of Saint Lucia. You will notice some improvements along the parade route including various washrooms. Those places will be indicated on a map which we will be sharing later on. There will also be medical tents along the route, and places where drink trucks can restock.” Belizaire also informed that the Sab playing field will this year be used as a judging point during the two-day Parade of the Bands on July 16 and 17. “Last year the amount was a little over $1 million,”

he said before adding, “A lot of the increase has gone in to prize-giving. There has been an overall increase of about 45% for prizes across all competitions.” He promised that at an upcoming press conference a more detailed breakdown of expenses will be provided.

Next on the 2018 Carnival agenda are the Vieux Fort Kiddies Carnival, Soufriere Carnival Parade of the Bands, Soca Preliminaries and the National Carnival Queen Pageant—all scheduled for the upcoming week, June 24, 24-25, 29 and 30 respectively. --- Keryn Nelson

National Carnival Queen Pageant Transportation Amenities

he public is advised of the following special transportation amenities for ticket-holders of the National Carnival Queen Pageant, to be held on Saturday June 30, 2018 at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa from 8 p.m. There will be paid transportation from the northbound Gros Islet bus stop (opposite Gros Islet Police Station) to Great House Grounds. Ticket-holders will receive free shuttle service to Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa from 6 p.m. to 9.p.m. and again at 11 p.m. to midnight. There will be a secured parking facility for motorists at the Great House Grounds Events Company of Saint Lucia thanks the public for co-operating with the Saint Lucia Police and Traffic Departments and for your support of Saint Lucia Carnival and the National Carnival Queen Pageant.

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june 23, 2018

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june 23, 2018 THE STAR

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Reflections on a Beachside Concert By Doretta Francois

ast Saturday night the Saint Lucia School of Music (SLSM) presented another first-rate concert. Friends and supporters of the school gathered at the St Lucia Yacht Club in Rodney Bay for Interlude at the Beach, a fund-raising performance featuring the group Reflejos. The SLSM opened in January 1988 and the concert was one of a series throughout the year in celebration of the school’s 30th anniversary. In those decades, many students have passed through the school’s doors and received quality musical education. Some have gone on to careers in the field of music, performing at home and abroad, spreading joy to audiences while flying the flag for the SLSM and for our island. This concert highlighted three success stories with former students giving their time to help the

up-and-coming generation of musicians. Richard Payne, Director of the SLSM, welcomed patrons and introduced them to Coman Fevrier, an 18-year-old cellist who studies at the school and who, through a combination of talent, practice, discipline and hard work, has won a full tuition music scholarship to North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Coman gave the audience a taste of his skills by performing an introductory piece by Bach: Prelude from Suite No. 1. Then it was on to the main act, Reflejos (Spanish for Relections), a quartet comprising a visiting Venezuelan music teacher and three of the SLSM’S accomplished alumni. Guitarist Daniel Petrocelli was introduced to music in Venezuela at an early age through El Sistema, the nation’s programme of exposing all children to musical education. Flautist Anderson Charles is a former member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

Reflejos quartet plus one. L-R: Ronnie Duplessis (bass), Daniel Petrocelli (guitar), Kervis Gonzalez (percussion), Anderson Charles (flute) and Jesse Billy (drums).

(RSLPF), playing flute and saxophone in the police band. Ronnie Duplessis, who also joined the RSLPF and police band, is competent on trumpet but last Saturday played his current choice of instrument,

the upright bass. Jesse Billy, who received a scholarship to the SLSM to study piano, is also in demand as a drummer and this was his contribution to the night’s quartet. Joining Reflejos in this

concert was visiting Venezuelan teacher Kervis Gonzalez on percussion. Reflejos plus one had the audience hooked from the first bar of their playlist, a fusion of Latin and Caribbean sounds.

Tunes included a composition by Daniel Petrocelli and covers of classics: Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ plus ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ originally recorded by Roberta Flack. All musicians were outstanding so there was disappointment when Charles announced that the group was about to play its final piece; the audience wanted more! As Richard Payne said, “One thing we at the Saint Lucia School of Music can always promise: the music will be spectacular!” The next SLSM concert at the St Lucia Yacht Club will be a Beatles tribute on Saturday July 28. Before then, students will give an end-of-year performance, complete with some Beatles numbers, at the school’s premises in Tapion on Sunday 1st July. The SLSM is proud of all that the students have achieved this school year including a 100% pass rate in the practical examination of the ABRSM (examining board of the UK Royal Schools of Music).

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JUNE 23, 2018 THE STAR

It Pays Always Remember Loose Can Sink Ship Y

ou just can’t beat experience. And trust St. Vincent & the Grenadines prime minister Ralph Gonsalves to drive the point forcefully home at, of all places, the latest OECS shindig held here on Monday evening. Speaking of which, wouldn’t it be far less expensive to mark our regional anniversaries via Skype or something like it? Certainly we’d save a ton on expensive hotel banquets, to say nothing of lubricants for diplomatic intercourse, which, evidently Gonsalves did not need. Unless of course he came down well lubed from his Harbor Club suite to the dignitary-packed auditorium. He was preceded in turn at the lectern by Saint Lucia’s prime minister Allen Chastanet and the region’s current most talked about leader of government, and not only because her party had turned the most recent Bajan general elections into a 30-0 cakewalk. There’s her name, for one thing. Say it at the wrong rpm, or with a stutter, and it comes out embarrassingly, some might say presumptuously, as My Love in Spanish. Then there’s that open space between her front teeth that won’t be denied, to which the Mighty Sparrow

had attributed magic so potent as to be capable of bringing strong men and priests to their knees. One can only speculate about the impact on her famously libidinous colleagues, untouchable as it seems they are even in the era of #MeToo. But we were talking about the Vincie prime minister’s contribution to Monday evening’s OECS show. Clearly he had carefully calculated his approach to the issue of Venezuela’s expulsion from the OAS. Allen Chastanet was among those who had openly acknowledged the plight of the Venezuelan people, the incarceration of opposition members, and other human rights abuses commonplace under Maduro. The experienced Vincentian leader could’ve chosen to express privately to his OECS colleagues his distaste for American highhandedness and hypocrisy. That he chose instead to advertise his socialist spleen in the presence of several diplomats from countries including the United States and Venezuela (the latter with its own on-island embassy) was hardly accidental. With several video cameras in attendance he had the perfect opportunity to not only cement relationships

of Maduro, it is my own personal conviction that when leaders of democracies speak in favor of dictators they betray the dictator in their own souls. It is as disturbing to me actually to see Donald Trump massaging Kim Jong-un’s back while waxing dithyrambic about the Korean dictator’s love for his starving people as it is to witness an OECS leader shilling for the current master of the recently established but also to embarrass his host the Saint Venezuelan people—regardless of how many bridges too far Lucian prime minister—whom he may have financed in the he was about to replace as particular shill’s backwater. Did chairman of the OECS—his the region learn no lessons from fellow small-island evictors, the Grenada debacle? and, importantly, the big To judge by their televised Republican elephant in the demeanor, it seemed to me room. many in his Harbor Club Of course Gonsalves was audience were rendered ill sufficiently well schooled to at ease, bewildered, even, avoid actually naming Donald by the calculated show-time Trump, neither the United radicalism of Ralph Gonsalves. States. Why bother when everyone who heard him would It’s almost guaranteed he will have the last laugh, however, know he was referring to the whether or not at further great giant of the north, to expense to abused thousands whom he was admittedly “so who heard not a word of what grateful for its protection of he said at the Harbor Club. our borders.” But undeniably Then again it made sense when important as that was, and as Gonsalves advised that fellow thankful as the Vincie prime OECS leaders devote more minister claimed to be, it did not mean the OECS had to bow of their time and energy to pursuing goals that are possible to the giant’s every demand. in the short term than the other Sometimes beggars can way around. choose whom they beg from. I Referencing the issue should acknowledge that Ralph of free travel throughout the Gonsalves spoke nothing but the truth that can set us free, if region, he declared futile only to starve. It is also true that the notion of persuading Jamaica with its over 200,000 general elections are around unemployed citizens to open the corner in St. Vincent and up its doors to its Caribbean Gonsalves knows only too well brothers and sisters. It made there’s nothing we Caribbean more sense, Gonsalves people love better than what suggested, to request that sounds in our Lilliputian ears “Mia” direct the Barbadian like a challenge to Gulliver! immigration authorities to be As for his open promotion

Smiles for days: St. Vincent & the Grenadines prime minister Ralph at the 65th meeting of the OECS aut

more accommodating of visitors from the region. As if already Ms Mottley were not already overburdened. None of the representatives at the OECS function had a word to say about the high cost of governance, the root cause of most of the region’s

problems. At one point during his lengthy delivery, as if by magic, a $50 note materialized in the right hand of Ralph Gonsalves. Dramatically, he held it aloft. “You see this?” he said, “this is proof of our strength and our resilience. Ours is the third strongest currency in the world, behind only the United States and Europe.” He

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JUNE 23, 2018

s To se Lips ps!

ister Ralph Gonsalves and Venezuelan ambassador Leiff Escalona OECS authority on Monday evening.

might’ve added that for most of the Caribbean people, Venezuela especially, a $50 bill is becoming as much a rarity as a politician saying what he actually believes! BTW: Back in the late 1970s Dominica’s prime minister suggested to her CARICOM colleagues that the time had come to choose between

business as usual and shutting down the organization altogether. She said she’d had it with attending conferences without agendas or with agendas known only to some of the heads of government. It is today more than obvious how the majority voted!

COMMENT

CGTI Says “Build Your Business By Building Your Board!”

ccording to international research, there is strong evidence that a good corporate governance system is associated with tremendous financial and other benefits for all companies, whether private or state-owned. One recent study showed that after seven years, organisations with “governance- trained boards” saw a significant increase in their return on equity, while total shareholder return grew sixteen per cent plus. None of which is news to 'Governance Gur'' Dr. Chris Bart of McMaster University, Canada and executive chairman of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute (CGTI). For the past four years the Saint Lucian company, co-founded with executive development consultant, Lisa Charles, has spread the gospel of good governance throughout the Caribbean region, meeting an increasing call for more robust oversight in all types of organisations at both director and board level. For the fifth year, an impressive cadre of attendees is expected to participate in the CGTI’s Hot Topics Conference under the theme: ‘GETTING IT RIGHT – Best Practices for (Re)Establishing and Maintaining Trust in Governance’. Clearly excited about what’s in store for this year’s crop of regional delegates, CGTI’s Executive Chairman stated: “All key

stakeholders assume that board members already know these new requirements, but why leave it to chance? This conference is designed to ensure you do. It is intended to inspire the next generation of board members, to provide guidance for the creative destruction and replacement of what we take for granted, as well as to determine the governance needed to deliver on ever- changing stakeholder expectations.” Among the Hot Topics to be covered are: Understanding their ‘trust’ roles, responsibilities and accountabilities as 21st century board members; maximising relationships between the board, management, employees, shareholders, regulators and the government; and performance management strategies for individual board members, as well as their renewal and succession plan. This year’s conference will once again be presented by a world class team of governance thought-leaders and practitioners. “This is an essential event for incumbent and future board directors of any Caribbean organisation that wants to progress in today’s business world,” says CGTI CEO, Lisa Charles. “As an investment for any organisation, developing modern skills for the boardroom is what CGTI calls a ‘win-winwin-win’ strategy. Not only does the board benefit, but also the stakeholders, employees and customers or clients of the organisation.” CGTI’s fifth annual Hot Topics In Corporate Governance Conference takes place at Coco

Lisa Charles (left) and Dr Chris Bart of CGTI look forward to this year’s Hot Topics In Corporate Governance Conference.

Palm Resort on July 9-10, 2018. To register, please email: avie@caribbeangovernancetraining.com or call (758) 451 2500/487 2433. For a PDF programme of the event, please visit CaribbeanGovernanceTraining.com

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Donkey Derby 2018: Who Will Be This Season’s Justify?! According to the calypsonian, the title of his song was inspired by a conversation with one of he 90s into the early 2000s Williams’ cooks who related the PM’s response to some of the were my unforgettable women of the house about the and paramount years, as calypsonian’s biting political a certified “feter” and applied commentary: student of mas and culture in the land of steelband and Leave him alone women calypso, Trinidad and Tobago. Eric Williams tell them I have quite a few narratives Is caiso men like he to tell of my annual sojourns Contribute to me to the pre-Lenten festival. One When dem caisonians sing vivid recollection takes me to Is de tourists dey bring 1993, during what the media And it is cash come in had dubbed “donkeymania". for de treasury The popular songs that year And de party were Singing Sandra & United And some for me Sisters’ “Whoa Donkey” and Ronnie McIntosh’s “The Donkey He goin to tie a noose Around his own throat Dance”. Another guy from the Give him plenty rope USVI, Mighty Pat, also jumped Is I go win into the jackass race with his All yuh let the jackass sing . . . own song about the beast of (from Chalkdust's "Let the burden which, as I recall, is Jackass Sing"). often revered in the Bible. During that aforementioned Dr. Liverpool’s lecture went carnival, if you wanted your fete on to contradict the public’s to “ram” (we say "lit" these perception of the adversarial days), the mentioned performer relationship between had to be booked. One of the calypsonian and politician, biggest fetes on Wrightson Road when he described Williams’ that year saw 12,000 patrons pivotal role in the development showing up to a 5,000 capacity venue where the donkey singers of carnival back in 1957. Williams, according to Liverpool, headlined. Suffice it to say pandemonium broke out and, as had instituted the Carnival one radio commentator said the Development Committee following day, “a few jackasses (CDC) “concertedly to develop carnival”. I am not sure that spoilt it for many.” Of course, I when recently, Prime Minister took no offence; I was among the many who had simply come Allen Chastanet quoted Sir John Compton (who I rather suspect out to have fun—not to break may have been quoting his down a fence to get in. Caribbean compatriot Williams’ The subject of donkeys infamous “jackass” statement), and horses, it would seem, has he really understood the context long fascinated calypsonians, with the underdogs often being in which he was inadvertently placing himself. referred to as the dark horses In 2007 an “uncultured” in the competition. One such (by some accounts) Chastanet calypso, I recall, which predated had persuaded Cabinet to my Trinidad expeditions, was increase the budget of what Hollis Liverpool’s (aka The some consider “Saint Lucia’s Mighty Chalkdust) “Let the main cultural showcase” to a Jackass Sing” in 1974. The whopping EC$1 million, starting song was reportedly a response the process of restructuring to then prime minister Dr. carnival. This is what then Eric Williams who, allegedly Senator Allen Chastanet, who referencing his detractors, had said: “Let the jackasses bray.” was Minister of Tourism at the time, said: “As one of the Dr. Hollis Liverpool, in leading cultural events in the a 2005 lecture, recalled the genesis of his song. The lecture country, every effort should be made to advance carnival's was titled “Dr. Eric Williams’ development. My ministry has Vision for the Development of a three-year financial plan to Carnival” and described the allow for greater expansion and leader as one who saw the development of the island’s calypsonian as “a political main cultural showpiece.” scientist in his own right.”

By Toni Nicholas

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (left) and MP for Anse La Raye Dominic Fedee (centre) showed up to support the concert by Herb Black (right).

It was hardly a source of pride, he said, “when we see Saint Lucian talent having to perform on a mediocre stage, with bad lighting and bad sound, giving the impression that we are all Third World. I think the talent here and the commitment is too strong to have had this happen.” In 2017, now Prime Minister Allen Chastanet again championed the improvement of all aspects of carnival, including calypso, by allocating to the event a budget of EC$3 million, which he intended to increase eventually to EC$6 million. The Events Company of Saint Lucia was also established, its stated mission being to bring the national event on a par with Jazz and other international events. Reigning over last year’s improved calypso season was the Mighty Pep, who retired from active politics for the SLP in 2015, ahead of the last general elections. Like Dr. Hollis Liverpool, Pep is a scholar. However, unlike Dr. Liverpool, who has made a tremendous contribution to calypso beyond just the calypso season, Pep often does a disappearing act as soon as the season has ended. It is that time of year again, so Pep is back. And I was quite surprised to learn this week that the gentleman had called a particular talk show to make

a contribution. Alas, when I visited social media, perchance to learn something new from the learned calypsonian, I came away feeling I had been duped. You see, dear reader, Pep had not called, as I had been led to believe. The caller was my friend Yardie. A talented artiste in his own right, he hosts the earlier cited though unidentified show on Real FM/MBC. Yardie had actually called Pep to dangle some carrots before his nose. Said the host: “We have you live here on MBC with regard to the statement made by the prime minister about the art form. What do you think of it?” This was the learned doctor’s response: “Well, I must say it’s a very sad day for the art form in Saint Lucia, you know. Saint Lucians are used to the picong during this time of the year when they give the views in the country vis-a-vis what the government is doing and there is all sort of picong going around; that is the norm and the culture of the calypso and it’s a very sad day that the head of the country could refer to members of the public as jackasses.” I couldn’t help but wonder if Pep had actually heard for himself the prime minister’s statement. In case you have not yet heard it, dear reader, here is the political jab that the leader of the UWP threw last Thursday

evening from his William Peter Boulevard platform: “Despite the calypso songs, despite what Richard Frederick may want to say, despite what the Labour Party wants to say, he [Teo Ah King] is going to make the project happen in Vieux Fort; he is going to make Vieux Fort the Pearl of the Caribbean. Yo pe!” Additionally: “For five years they promised the people of Saint Lucia an airport; for five years they could not deliver it. Yo pe! And I want to let you know that, as tough as the work has been, you can see me tonight more energized and more committed than ever before. I have taken the advice of Sir John: I don’t listen, I let the jackasses bray. All morning they can bray, but I am not taking on the donkey; I am continuing to work.” As a calypsonian Pep, of all people, should know about metaphors, figures of speech and the like. As a scholar he should have a better understanding that the PM’s inference was directed at his detractors and that he was not taking them on. But then again, maybe this week Pep chose to wear the hat of the politician. By the weekend the red propaganda machine was in full swing on Fakebook news. Some had quickly taken up the noose, placed it around their own necks, and were ready to be led down the road to Damascus. But those who

knew they were neither sheep nor spades remained calm and unperturbed. On Monday the Minister for Culture, Fortuna Belrose, offered her take: “In terms of the government’s feedback for the songs, I know that has always been an issue with respect to people singing calypso about government ministers . . . it’s the season, you know. Let’s have fun. All we ask is the fun be clean; all we want is for the fun to be respectful and for people to understand that we are living in a society where people are free to express themselves— but within the confines of the law.” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet also spoke to me on Wednesday about what he described as a “non-issue”. He said: “I have never and will never refer to calypsonians as jackasses. The reference I was making was towards the opposition. I embrace the role of the calypsonian. I see it as an art form and I think that the evidence of my support is in the amount of funds that we are allocating to calypso and carnival, and continue to allocate. I’m not someone who takes calypso lyrics personally. Calypsonians have always been inspired by the goings on in politics. That’s what the art form is all about. It is an art form I truly appreciate.” This year, the Government of Saint Lucia, through a Calypso Management Committee (CMC), is once again giving financial support to the calypso tents and their members. Each tent is benefitting from funding for two shows to the tune of EC$30,000 each. As of last year, the prize money for the various competitions, including the calypso competition, was also increased. That event, as I have said, was won by Pep, supposedly lured to return to calypso after a short stint in politics. He walked away with an increased top prize of EC$35,000. And so the Calypso Derby continues this week with the quarter-finals leading up to the semifinals and the eventual finals. It’s anyone’s guess who will turn out to be the season’s Justify!

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june 23, 2018

King Breaks Silence on St. Jude Hospital

wo names are a guaranteed mention whenever the subject of St. Jude is under discussion. The first is Stephenson King, Saint Lucia’s prime minister at the time of the fire that destroyed the hospital, forcing the transfer of patients to the George Odlum Stadium. The other name is Kenny Anthony, who replaced King as prime minister and, for four and a half years, had responsibility for the hospital’s reconstruction. On at least three occasions he assured the nation that all was well with the hospital project. He promised finally that before the end of

2015, the nation would have a state-of-the-art medical centre that would be the envy of the rest of the Caribbean. It was a promise not kept: the project remains half complete and, according to Prime Minister Allen Chastanet ,“below established standards”. On May 20, 2018, at a rally of the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP), Anthony—no longer prime minister or leader of the SLP—referenced the hospital. “After two years,” he said, “the buildings of St. Jude stand dormant. The strangest thing in all of this is the silence of Stephenson King. St. Jude was never a Labour

project . . . After the fire, it was a UWP-conceived project. King is a pillar of silence while Guy Joseph, Mary Isaac and Chastanet attack the project that King conceived.” Additionally: “Stephenson King’s name is mentioned five times in that Shanta [King, author] report. My name is mentioned on just two occasions in that report. Here is a project conceived and implemented by the UWP!” On June 14, 2018 Stephenson King finally broke his silence at a United Workers Party rally in William Peter Boulevard. “Many of you have heard that Stephenson King

AXCEL FINANCE REDEFINES SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT IN THE SOUTH

ozens of small business owners and entrepreneurs participated in an inaugural small business mixer event. The mixer was hosted in Vieux Fort by Axcel Finance under the theme of “Small Business: Big Impact! Equipping Entrepreneurs with the Tools to Grow and Sustain their Businesses.” The entrepreneurs benefitted from several presentations by top business leaders on a wide range of topics including essential management skills, raising money for your business, managing your finances and developing a brand. The feature presentation was delivered by Mrs. Deborah Tobierre, a well-known leader in the business community, and owner of True Value Building and Hardware Supplies. Mrs. Tobierre discussed the key elements in maintaining a successful relationship with a company’s stakeholders which include its customers, financiers and suppliers, and that the key to that success is awareness and balance. “Always gain a clear understanding on your inputs that you need for continuity and, most importantly, that it is essential to keep front and centre what your main business objectives are as an entrepreneur,” stated Mrs. Tobierre. She brought home her presentation by using her own journey from humble beginnings, building her business from the ground up, to eventually becoming a model for others to follow.

Axcel Finance COO, Mr. Jaime Stern spoke about the role the company plays in the development of small business. “As an organisation that practises responsible lending and solid financial management, our focus is, and always will be, to ensure that small businesses continue to drive the economy. Through our MicroBiz loans, we offer small business owners the opportunity to work towards the financial freedom that they deserve,” explained Stern. Ms. Nadiege Amorsingh, who manages Axcel’s southern branch, stated, “At Axcel Finance we do a lot more than just provide credit; we are instrumental in counselling our clients on how to manage their finances effectively.” Axcel Finance client, Geanie Stephen shared her experiences with the audience. Ms. Stephen is the owner of multiple businesses in the south of the island including a hair salon and a bar. She thanked Axcel Finance for its service over the years and noted that she always appreciated greatly the sound financial advice that her loans officer offered her. “It is always wise to further your training in what you do and be the best at it. Every year I invest in myself by attending a professional training programme and it does wonders for me and my business.” she said to her fellow entrepreneurs. In addition to having the opportunity to hear from great speakers, participants were able to network among themselves. “Small business

has nothing to say on St. Jude. I am not the minister for health. I am not the minister of economic development or finance. I am the minister of infrastructure. But I believe if there’s anybody who can speak on St. Jude hospital, it is Stephenson King.” He went on to explain what happened following the St. Jude fire: “We took the quick decision to move the people into the George Odlum stadium and made a commitment that we would complete that hospital within a matter of two years.” According to King, the plan was to rebuild the surgical block of the hospital but, shortly after work started, it came to light that there was asbestos all over the building. The decision was then taken to refurbish the entire property. Said King: “Five years after we left office the hospital was still under construction!” He was nevertheless “happy that we’ve made a determination now to rebuild St. Jude on the existing site and to bring the hospital back to the people of Vieux Fort”. --Joshua St. Aimee

Last Thursday Stephenson King finally broke his long silence on the issue of the reconstruction of St. Jude Hospital.

VACANCY NOTICE SAINT LUCIA SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

POSITION OF WEIGHBRIDGE ATTENDANT Feature Speaker Mrs. Deborah Tobierre addressing the audience.

owners serve other businesses, not just individual clients, and therefore it was a great opportunity for business owners to interact and meet other business owners from different industries that may be of help to them in their own business,” expressed Mervin Agiste, Business Development Officer at Axcel Finance. Mr. Agiste also shared that the aim is to bring such mixer events to every part of the country, highlighting that Axcel Finance is the only organisation that has taken the lead in empowering small and microbusiness entrepreneurs with the best credit facilities and the tools they need to maintain and grow their businesses. Small businesses continue to benefit from enhanced access to credit using Axcel Finance’s MicroBiz product, which offers working capital for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Applications are invited from suitably person for the appointment of Weighbridge Attendant at the Deglos Sanitary Landfill. The successful applicant will be required to work six (6) hours per day, six days per week on a shift system. 1. Qualifications i. Two (2) years tertiary level education preferably with emphasis in a science field. ii. Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. 2. General Accountability The Weighbridge Attendant will report to the Operations and Landfill Manager and will be primarily responsible for ensuring that vehicles entering the Deglos Sanitary Landfill are properly instructed on the use of the facility. The Weighbridge Attendant will also be responsible for recording information on all vehicles utilizing the facility. 3. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Work in close collaboration with Operations and Landfill Manager to ensure that all vehicles entering and leaving the landfill facility are properly directed in the use of the facility. 2. Operate an electronic weighbridge and record relevant data on a computer database of vehicles entering and leaving the landfill facility. 3. Ensure that users of the facility comply with all rules and conditions-of-use of the facility. 4. Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports on vehicles utilizing the facility for submission to the Operations and Landfill Manager. 5. Assist the Operations and Landfill Manager in undertaking environmental monitoring of the facility. 6. Undertake audits of waste collection vehicles and licensed waste haulers. 7. Supervises the operations at the Landfill in the absence of the Operations and Landfill Manager. 4. Salary Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience. 5. Applications Written application along with certified detailed particulars of qualifications, training and experience, together with two (2) references should be received no later than Friday, June 29th, 2018 at the office of the Authority at Sans Souci, Castries. Applications could be delivered in person or by mail to the following address: The General Manager Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority P.O. Box CP5722, Conway Post Office, Castries

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june 23, 2018 THE STAR

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June 2 – July 2 9

THE FUNNIES!

Dress YOur Nest sale

% Off

IncludIng Kool Seal® Roof coatIngS

BMFG brings the spotlight on Fathers!

The Babonneau Mothers & Fathers Group hopes a new trend will start in coming years from its lead for Father’s Day.

Your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store is right around the corner

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he overwhelming and deserving attention given to mothers has been equally spread to fathers this year, thanks to the Babonneau Mothers & Fathers Group (BMFG). On Sunday, 17 June the group made its final set of food hamper contributions to fathers in the local community. Ten food hampers were given to less fortunate fathers, who were elated, and surprised! They all lamented the dearth of attention given to fathers but the actions of the BMFG highlight their equal importance

and need. The fathers from the group appropriately presented the food hampers. The group obtained tremendous support from the Aberson family of Cap Estate who have been staunch supporters of aiding the indigent in society. In commenting on the group’s charitable efforts, VicePresident, Mr. Loctor explained, “The Babonneau Mothers & Fathers Group remains focused on benevolence and we felt it appropriate to bring fathers into the spotlight this time around.

These needy fathers receiving food hampers today are all fully deserving and their show of appreciation will be deeply cherished.” As one of the most active Mothers & Fathers groups in Saint Lucia, the BMFG is extremely proud of its many efforts to bring awareness to society. Its annual food hamper drive is over a decade old, and is expected to continue. BMFG remains optimistic that its efforts will not be in vain, and that other groups and individuals will soon follow.

THE STAR

COMMENT 19

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june 23, 2018

Positive Change must begin with Atonement for Committed Wrongs! Peter Josie

hen I was still in my teens, young people were warned against participating in religious or political arguments, which the grown-ups considered too emotive for young minds. Some adults went so far as to keep their offspring away from political rallies. In preparation for their first communion and confirmation, after-churchservices were fine, of course. I grew up Roman Catholic, when priests and other religious teachers (nuns) taught that the true church was the Holy Roman Catholic Church whose first head was Peter. No one bothered to explain the word “Roman”; Holy worked just fine. Catholic was defined as universal, and church a place of worship. Case closed. The more passionate believers encouraged their children to serve as acolytes, while others, perhaps more talented, joined the church choir. Young men were also encouraged to join the priesthood. A constant plea to that effect was heard from the high pulpit during Sunday morning sermons. Sections of the congregation prayed that priests would emerge from their ranks. Not the majority, however. The priesthood promised little income for struggling families. Yet, a young man taking priestly vows was a landmark in the life of his family and of his church. Everyone, it seemed, including total strangers, wished to witness that most solemn ceremony. The return to the island of a newly ordained local priest was more reason for jubilation. A larger congregation than usual attended his first mass. Saint Lucians were proud of the priests. People appreciated success! There was no need to know the young priest or his family. Still, some questioned whether such a bright young man ought not to have married and raised a family, while helping his parents. Others were quick to opine that morals and spiritual development were as crucial as a high-paying job,

woman anywhere waiting to say, “I do” to a retired priest? But I digress. The question is: What must the church do about its elderly retiring priests? Does the local Roman Catholic Church repatriate money to Rome each month? If so, shouldn’t charity begin at home? Yes, I am aware of some of the charitable works undertaken by the church right here in Saint Lucia. However, priests who are no longer able to work also need help. There is another and broader issue that intrigues me. It is the common thread which runs through all religions. No, not God! Not Jesus. And Pope Francis: The author believes he will return the Catholic Church to the time certainly not goodwill, or peace. of the apostle Paul—but then he also suggests disrupters of the status quo often It is money! The one thing all must pay a heavy price! churches and denominations share is love of money. Some happily attended mass. It is particularly in a sinful and near families with no pension or heartrending to hear of poverty- have made religion a business, lawless society. medical safety net after their stricken priests who spent their using Jesus for profit. Jesus After the excitement of many years of service? These businesses prosper; some those early days, young priests questions occurred to me after working lives spreading the even try to deceive the Inland good news about Jesus Christ. settled into religious routines. it was announced that the As if to challenge my sense Revenue Department, having Other Christian denominations last head of the Holy Roman registered as a business. grew with the expanding Catholic Church, Pope Benedict of fairness, I recently ran into These types seem to aspire population and these provided XVI, had retired to a villa in the a senior priest now living with his family. He had spent the last to replace politicians in their new church leaders and Italian Alps. We pray that Pope fifty years or so in the service of public advocacy for more and pastors. Over time, the early Benedict is properly cared for the church. I was careful not to more funds. One wonders priest grew towards retirement and in good health. I, however, probe too deeply into his future, how hidebound institutions, and the question turned to life worry about retirement like Christian religions, view even though the individual is after the priesthood. Having arrangements for priests in progress. Do they interpret it faithfully served in God’s Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. well known to me. That senior citizen was clearly past the age to mean change? And does vineyard, what next? Had the I was saddened by the demise change mean a comfortable life where he could contemplate church made provision for its of the Holy Ghost Fathers for the leaders only? The late a new life of marital bliss with aging priests? Were they to abode at Mount St. Benedict adoring children. Is there a good Father Reginald John comes to be merely returned to their in Trinidad, where I once

mind. He was one of Saint Lucia’s more humanitarian and godly priests. He seemed dedicated to improving life in the land that gave him birth. He stood with the poor, the abused and the elderly, as did Jesus in his time on Earth. Yet Father John was banished to New York where he met an early death. It seems that anyone who is prepared to disrupt the status quo for better is considered a troublemaker. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend Father John’s funeral in the Bronx, New York. I consider him a kindred soul. This takes me to Pope Francis. I believe that if he has his way, the Holy Roman Catholic Church will be reformed to an extent that Jesus Christ, on his return, will recognize it as the Pauline Apostolic Church, founded in his name, and first headed by the apostle Peter. Under Pope Francis the Roman Catholic Church may finally distinguish itself by apologizing for its past excesses. We need more disrupters in the churches, in businesses and in politics. If we are to make the world a better place for all of God’s children, we will need well-meaning disrupters, not only in politics and commerce, but also in our churches. The needed changes should begin with the guilty atoning for their committed wrongs.

Launch of SAFE SPACES – the ‘quiet’ revolution R

ISE (St. Lucia) Inc., in partnership with the Ciceron Development Committee and the Ciceron Community, launches its SAFE SPACES programme on Sunday June 24, 2018 at the Ciceron Secondary School. This project has been made possible through the kind sponsorship of the LUCELEC Foundation, St. Lucia Sustainable Development Fund, the Ministry of Education, the Castries City Council Mayor's office, and the office of the Castries South

parliamentary representative. The overall goal of the SAFE SPACES programme is to create a more peaceful and productive society, that is on a sustainable path of healthy community development. This goal is built on the research that shows that violence and crime is driven by inequality and poor social cohesion. Therefore the SAFE SPACES initiative is committed towards creating community and national leadership that is networked, and focused on

implementing community programmes that address inequality and build social cohesion within communities and across social classes. Safe spaces in every community are important for the nurturing and normal development of children, for fostering business, and for improving the quality of life. This initiative is grounded in the belief that peace-building, and the creation of safe communities, is ultimately the responsibility of each

community. RISE (St. Lucia) Inc. believes that building healthy relationships, and strengthening these relationships, creates the leverage for peace-building and development. The project builds on the evidence and processes identified in the ecological theory of human behaviour, the social determinants of health, resilience theory of healthy youth development and the science showing the negative impact of adverse childhood events with poor health, poor life outcomes and the negative

epigenetic effects that perpetuate the impact on the next generation and beyond. The strategy of the project involves creating leadership networks, building school amd community peace, mobilization and engagement, health promotion and project development and entrepreneurship training. The project will be national. It will be the beginning of a ‘quiet’ revolution. For more information call RISE (St. Lucia) Inc. at (758) 484-3470.

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june 23, 2018 THE STAR

WIN AN ALL INCLUSIVE SPA WEEKEND

FOR MOM AND 3 FRIENDS

WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY MABE PRODUCT AT COURTS (EXCEPT MICROWAVES)

THE STAR

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june 23, 2018

HEALTH 21

KIM’S KORNER

Whiplash Has Nothing To Do With Whips!

hen we think of whiplash, road traffic accidents come to mind. But whiplash defines any movement that causes the neck to move violently in an uncontrolled forward and backward motion. It can happen during sport, for example, in football when heading the ball, in fights or any other trauma, like falling. When people travelled mainly by train, the term “railway spine” was used to describe injuries sustained in an accident. Although the first automobiles were invented around 1885, the first car on the road was driven on July 3,1886 by Karl Benz, the original Mr Mercedes Benz, at an incredible top speed of 10mph. However, by 1925 an average car could reach speeds of 60+ mph, and over 20 million cars were on American roads. Up until 1910 there were no road signs, not even stop signs. No street lights, no brake lights; and drinking and driving was not considered a serious crime. It’s no wonder accidents were occurring more and more and, with that, the condition of whiplash. Whiplash can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, discs and bony structures around the neck. Most people recover within a few weeks but there are those who go on to feel pain months, sometimes even years, later. Initially the pain may be severe and you may suffer from any of the following symptoms: • Neck pain and stiffness • Upper back and shoulder pain • Pain and/or tingling in the hands and arms • Headaches • Dizziness • Vision problems • Ringing in the ears Treatment of whiplash The first step in treating

whiplash is to ensure there is no serious damage. After a thorough examination, your doctor may arrange an X-ray to ensure there are no fractures or displacements in the neck. In the past it was commonplace to recommend a soft cervical collar to immobilise the neck but this has since been proven to slow down healing and recovery and is only used if serious pathology has been detected. Once it has been determined that no serious damage is present then it’s time to get moving; yes, movement is the best treatment for whiplash. Many cases resolve without intervention but, if your pain is severe and your movement reduced, a physiotherapist can get you back on the road to recovery. Physiotherapists are skilled professionals trained in movement function and disorder, helping to relieve pain and improve quality of life through modalities that do not rely on medication. After a thorough assessment, your physiotherapist will design a treatment programme to get you moving and give you an exercise plan. Exactly what can you expect from the physiotherapist? Physiotherapists have a range of skills that can help relieve pain and stiffness. Depending on your needs, they may use electrotherapy, massage, joint mobilisations, stretching and mobility

exercises to improve your range of movement. The next step will be to strengthen the muscles. The muscles around the neck will have been overstretched and, quite often after this type of injury, will fatigue quickly, all adding to your pain. By strengthening the muscles, your pain will decrease and your function increase. Your physiotherapist will also advise on a home exercise programme and steps to take to minimise your pain during everyday tasks. Of course, prevention is always better than cure and, although accidents cannot always be prevented, there are steps that you can take to ensure your safety and minimise the risks: • Wear a seatbelt: Wearing a seat belt may not completely save you from whiplash but it will prevent your head from hitting the steering wheel or windscreen and will limit the amount of movement, and may prevent you from suffering from a concussion as well as whiplash. • Head restraints: Position your headrest correctly. They are designed to minimise the backward movement of your head and therefore protect you from the motion that causes whiplash. So stay safe, stay smart and protect yourself whenever possible when driving on the roads.

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

Caribbean Agro Industries Limited & Barbados Mills Ltd. Invite Bakers / Caterers / Persons who work with Flour to

A Baking Seminar WHERE Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa WHEN June 27th, 2018 TIME 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Come join us and Master Baker Peter Edey and learn how all the ingredients you use every day affect your finished products. We will also be having informative demonstrations putting theory into practice. Transportation will be provided for persons outside of Castries.

Refreshments will also be served. See you there! To RSVP & for enquiries please contact;

kirl.charles@adm.com sandra.newton@adm.com Or Contact us at the following numbers:

452-4191/473-407-0446 /246-262-7649 /473-440-2954/246-417-8880

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june 23, 2018 THE STAR

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Courts Crowns the first King of the Grill!

ourts St. Lucia hosted the first ever King of the Grill Father’s Day competition on Friday June 15, 2018 at the company’s flagship location in Marisule, Gros Islet. Three eager fathers competed for the grand prize of $1,000 cash plus a Char-Broil charcoal grill and the title ‘Courts King of the Grill’. Registration was open to the public through entry forms available at Courts branches island-wide. In the end, it was Mr. Robert Black, Mr. Irvin Pascal and Mr. Elbert Frederick who went on to participate in the competition. The Courts King of the Grill competition provided these fathers the avenue to showcase their culinary skills while utilizing appliances like the Char-Broil charcoal grill available at Courts.

This competition included the execution of grilled pork recipes submitted by each participant, accompanied by a side dish. Peter & Company Distributors and the Grace Foods brand partnered with Courts, as they did during the Cook-off competition hosted at the same venue last November. The panel of judges included a representative from Courts, Peter & Co. and a local chef. The contest also included a people’s choice component whereby spectators were able to sample the offerings and vote for their favourite dish! Mr. Irvin Pascal emerged victorious with his dish of spiced, brown sugar-grilled pork and dasheen and tanya au gratin. Mr. Robert Black was the people’s choice winner and was awarded $500. The management and staff at Courts express their sincere gratitude to Peter & Company Distributors and Grace Foods; the participants and

Outside the Courts mega store in Marisule, fathers competed feverishly to have the best tasting, winning dish.

spectators of the first ever Courts King of the Grill competition. Visit Courts online: www.shopcourts.com or “like” them on Facebook at facebook.com/ courtsstlucia to learn more about events and offers.

CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT TO LAUNCH EMERGENCY HOTLINE

he City Police Department will, in the coming days, launch its three-digit, toll-free, emergency phone line. The number, which is meant for reporting criminal activities such as burglary, vandalism and other general inquiries, will be made public after an official launch next week. His Worship, Mayor Peterson D. Francis says that the introduction of the new service is aimed at reducing the pressure on the 999 system, as well as making it easier for the public to pass on information. According to Mayor Francis, the new operation will also allow City Police Officers to quickly respond to incidents taking place within Castries. “It is very significant we move in that direction as more people want the ability to report crime. It is an alternative to the 999 system we have become accustomed to and we’re hoping that genuine emergencies are reported to the City Police. This new operation is part of a process that we are trying to improve, hence making a better service available to the citizens, residents and visitors within the city of Castries,” the mayor said. The emergency phone line will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the phone system being a caller ID system.

THE STAR

MeCurator Art Gallery opens, to the Delight of Art Lovers A

new art gallery, in the north of the island, is putting the works of several local artists on display in the most splendid of ways. Buki Cahane, a passionate Nigerian-born art curator, was lured to Saint Lucia nearly three years ago on account of the island’s diverse history and social landscape. Now, the mother of three has been driven by her love for the island and her passion for art to provide invaluable opportunities for both emerging and established artists. Her company, MeCurator, is only five years old but with an awesome mandate: “To build a collective of artists, designers, photographers and sculptors to promote the vast array of authentic Saint Lucian and Caribbean art to a wider audience.” On Thursday evening the MeCurator Gallery opened to an impressive crowd of art enthusiasts. In an interview with The STAR, Buki highlighted the aspect of the journey that has touched her the most: “I think for me the outpouring of support just shows you how there’s

ART 23

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june 23, 2018

Art Curator Buki Cahane, the founder of MeCurator, who wants to showcase the diversity and passon of local artists.

space which the curator says can, in the future, be host to other, suitable events. Though the art can also be viewed and purchased via the www.mecurator.com website, for those hoping to snag authentic artworks in the flesh, the spacious gallery located at the STAR Publishing complex in Massade, Gros Islet provides a comfortable, well-lit, mounted viewing opportunity of all the pieces. Also, you won’t want to miss the chance to meet and converse with the devoted art curator herself! --- Keryn Nelson

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Early visitors to the gallery had space to admire the artwork before more art lovers filled the room.

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a great eagerness for the arts in Saint Lucia. There’s a real sense that people want to partake and be part of the scene. Also for the artists, now that there’s a space, they feel quite prompted to paint and to create.” An important objective for the selection of artists,

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Buki easing the crowd into a viewing of a film submission from Saint Lucia’s very own visual storyteller Fiona Compton.

Up for admiring at the gallery’s launch were 57 art pieces from 15 different Saint Lucian artists.

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Buki says, was to feature upcoming talent alongside veterans. Currently featured are artists as young as eighteen all the way through to artists who have been creating for decades. The collection includes the work of Adjani John, Junette Alexander, Gilroy Hippolyte, Alcina Nolley, Alwin Joseph and several others. At Thursday’s launch a triptych film fusion from UK-based artist Fiona Compton was also shown, revealing the versitility of the

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24 LOCAL

june 23, 2018 THE STAR

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GETTING TO KNOW YOU By Michael Walker

1. The land between the mainland and Pigeon Island is called a. The Walkway. b. The Gros Islet Beach. c. The Causeway. 2. The building in the centre of the picture is a. a hotel. b. part of the marina. c. an old fortification. 3. To the right of this building is a resort called a. The Landings.

b. Windjammer Landing. c. The Royal Hotel. 4. The taller of the two peaks on Pigeon Island is a. 359 feet over the sea. b. 1,359 feet over the sea. c. 59 feet over the sea. 5. The fortification on top of the lower peak is called a. Fort Charlotte. b. Fort Pigeon. c. Fort Rodney. 6. Pigeon Island was a military base in the a. 17th century. b. 18th century. c. 19th century. 7. The land behind the causeway is

a. Ferrands Estate. b. Cas en Bas. c. Cap Estate. 8. Sometimes on the horizon, but not today, you can see a. Dominica. b. St. Vincent. c. Martinique. 9. The water in the foreground is a. Rodney Heights. b. Rodney Bay. c. Rodney Straights. 10. The waves on the far side of the causeway are splashing up on some rocks called a. Barrel o’ Beef. b. Burgot Rocks. c. Becune Rocks.

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

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

Electoral Notice Revised List – (1st) half of 2018 The public is hereby notified that the Revised Lists of Electors for the First (1st) half of 2018 are being posted at various Public buildings and Registration Centres in all Electoral Districts with effect from Friday, June 22nd, 2018. These Lists are made available for scrutiny by the public, during which process they may make claims for the inclusion of any name(s) omitted from the lists and also to raise objections to the inclusion of any name(s) which should have been excluded therefrom, from June 22nd to June 28th, 2018. Claims and objections are to be submitted on the prescribed forms (no. 7, 10, 12 and 13), to the Office of the Chief Elections Officer on High Street in Castries and the Sub Office in Vieux-Fort between the hours of 9:00 am and 12 noon Monday to Friday. The forms are also available at Sub-Post offices, Public Schools and Police Stations around the island on Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Gasper Jn Baptiste Chief Elections Officer Dated this 18th day of June 2018

A famous scene.

SLHTA Appeals for Inclusion in the Drive to Develop Renewable Energy

he St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association wants to play a greater role in helping Saint Lucia meet its renewable energy targets under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement. Saint Lucia is one of more than 130 countries that signed on to the historic climate change agreement in Paris in December 2016. In June 2017, Sustainable Development Minister, Dr. Gale Rigobert reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement following the announcement by the United States of its decision to pull out of the treaty. As part of its commitments, the government has vowed to work at reducing Saint Lucia’s carbon emissions, improve grid distribution and transmission, and also aim for a 35 per cent renewable energy target by 2025, and 50 per cent by 2030, using a mix of geothermal, wind and solar energy sources. Focus is also being placed on promoting energy efficiencies in buildings, appliances, water distribution and network systems and in public and private transportation. LUCELEC, meanwhile, has embarked on the construction of a 3 megawatt (MW) solar farm located at La Tourney, Vieux Fort. The project is currently generating about four per cent of the grid’s total output, or approximately 10 per cent of the 35 per cent renewable energy 2025 target total. In a letter to the government, the SLHTA expressed concern about Saint Lucia’s ability to achieve its energy target. While

commending LUCELEC’s efforts the SLHTA feels more needs to be done and has declared its willingness to partner with LUCELEC. “We think this is an opportune time for the SLHTA to build a strategic partnership with LUCELEC that will enable hotels and other tourism service providers to play their part by investing in renewable energy technologies,” said SLHTA CEO, Roderick Cherry. Currently, the amount of grid-tied renewable energy that commercial enterprises are allowed to produce is capped at 25 kilowatts (kW). The SLHTA believes this is too low and has urged the government to give strong consideration to amending it. “While we understand that the majority of hospitality facilities would not have the carbon footprint or the capability of installing a huge renewable energy photovoltaic system, there is still strong desire within our industry to embrace renewable energy and have it as a part of the energy mix,” said Roderick. He added, “Moreover, we believe that by removing the 25 kW cap and permitting the hotels to generate a 20 per cent ratio of their power by renewable energy systems, this will allow them to become more marketable to environmentallyconscious travellers and organisations, and gain them international recognition and environmental accolades. The value to our industry of being recognized internationally as having met sustainability goals cannot be understated. It would raise Saint Lucia’s tourism profile phenomenally and open the way to the rebranding of the

island as a true sustainable green destination.” The SLHTA would also like to see the introduction of an energy billing system whereby consumers can purchase renewable energy as a power source under a standardised Green Certification programme when renewable energy becomes more abundant within the electrical grid. “This would greatly benefit consumers and be especially viable when Saint Lucia has met the initial target of 35 per cent renewable energy by 2025. Furthermore, the purchase of ‘green energy’ under a green energy certification programme would give businesses a boost by enabling them to market their facility as powered by renewable energy,” said Roderick. Given that wind and geothermal generation projects are fraught with complexities, such as the difficulties associated with land acquisitions and obtaining consensus on land usage, this places added pressure on Saint Lucia’s lone power company to close the gap in the race to achieve 35 per cent renewable energy use in Saint Lucia by 2025. As a result, the SLHTA believes the need for a collaborative approach in addressing Saint Lucia’s renewable energy needs by involving all stakeholders, including the hospitality sector, has become more critical than ever. “Considering how long it’s going to take to develop the other energy options, the most pragmatic pathway to meeting Saint Lucia’s UNFCCC commitments is via the integration of a mix of renewable energy sources. The hospitality industry can play a vital role in helping to meet these targets and we look forward to doing so in collaboration with all the key players and the people of Saint Lucia,” said Roderick.

THE STAR

Empire Windrush: how the BBC reported Caribbean migrants’ mixed reception in 1948

mid the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush from the Caribbean in 1948, much has been made of the warm welcome that once greeted those migrant men and women in Britain’s hour of need, as postwar reconstruction got underway. But it’s important Britain remembers that moment for what it was: a story of mixed reception. Despite and because of its legendary status, the sources of information we now use to tell the story of the Windrush tend to be both highly selective and repetitive. But thanks to the BBC Written Archives, I’ve been able to study a curiously overlooked series of documents for BBC radio that scripted the ship’s reception at the time. In contrast to the contemporary newspaper headlines typically gathered to commemorate the event— “Welcome Home” (Evening Standard), “Five hundred pairs of willing hands” (Daily Worker—the BBC’s home service news bulletin offered a stark, even stern, summary of the ship’s arrival on the morning on June 22, 1948, mentioning questions asked in parliament. Bulletins later that day referred to the 18 stowaways on board who were sentenced or fined accordingly. A month before the Windrush docked at Tilbury, “Calling the West Indies”, the BBC’s overseas broadcast from London to the Caribbean, captured the prevailing mood of the metropolitan centre when it reported that there might not be readily available jobs for all the newcomers. In the week of the ship’s arrival the Jamaican journalist, W. A. S. Hardy reported “on the

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JUNE 23, 2018

latest arrivals of West Indians who have come to try their luck in Britain”. His account was framed by details of a House of Commons session a few days earlier which agreed that the Welfare Department had done a “very good job” of accommodating the arrivals. Hardy, who had lived in Britain since the 1930s, added that while he was satisfied all was being done for the Windrush passengers, he had heard widespread regret about their arrival within Britain. The overall mood of the new arrivals, he said, is “one of disappointment”. On another broadcast, the Jamaican poet John Figueroa, a key personality on the “Caribbean Voices” programme, witnessed the hospitality received by the Windrush arrivals, around 200 of whom were without exact plans and had neither friends nor relatives in Britain. He referred to their temporary accommodation at the Clapham Deep Shelter, their welcome by Colonial Welfare, and the warm reception they received from local churches and the mayor of Lambeth. But he added, more soberly, that their arrival was a great burden on the government. By August 1948, and against the backdrop of the Windrush story, Figueroa was telling West Indian listeners of an “unpleasant and unfortunate” colour bar emerging around housing which prevented West Indians from finding suitable accommodation. But elsewhere, BBC programmes embraced the Windrush passengers more wholeheartedly to resource upbeat variety-style entertainment programmes. “West Indian Rendezvous”

brought Mona Baptiste to the microphone on several occasions that summer. She was billed as one of the singing stars to recently arrive from Trinidad on the Windrush. Baptiste had modestly declared her occupation as “clerk” on the Windrush passenger list. But as the BBC broadcast noted, she was also a “well-known Blues singer” and went on to record hit songs and films in both London and Germany. Other guests on the programme that summer included the calypso singer, Lord Beginner, who travelled on the Windrush with Lord Kitchener (of “London is the Place for Me” fame). Beginner delivered a calypso called “Hello to the Folks Back Home”, specially written for the BBC, which captured his journey with the characteristic exuberance of the calypsonian. Windrush guest appearances had become so frequent by the end of July 1948 that the programme’s compere could declare they had nearly got through the whole passenger list. Prospective Caribbean migrants in 1948 could be forgiven for being confused by the mixed messages that emerged across such broadcasts. It’s not surprising that, in spite of the cautionary media narratives, so many threw caution to the wind and followed on other boats throughout the 1940s and 50s. Nor is it surprising to discover that Britain’s contemporary culture of “hostility” towards immigrants has a much longer history, as old as the Windrush itself. ---The Conversation

ELECTORAL NOTICE For public buildings, Registration Centers and other places where the Revised Lists of Electors for the respective Polling Division of the Seventeen Electoral Districts, are to be posted accordingly;1. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-GROS ISLET -A (1) GROS ISLET COMMUNITY CENTRE (2) GROS ISLET FIRE STATION (3) GROS ISLET POLICE STATION (4) GROS ISLET YOUTH & SPORTS CENTRE (5) GROS ISLET LIBRARY (6) VOLNEY’S GAS STATION - REDUIT (7) MOTHERS’ AND FATHERS’ GROUP – LA FEUILLET (8) MONCHY COMBINED SCHOOL (9) MONCHY HEALTH CENTRE (10) MONCHY SUB POST OFFICE (11) GRANDE RIVIERE HEALTH CENTRE (12) GRANDE RIVIERE SCHOOL (13) PRINCE SUPER MARKET - CORINTHE (14) CORINTHE SECONDARY SCHOOL (15) GLACE MOTORS AND SUPERMARKET MARISULE 2. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-BABONNEAU -B (1) ST CROIX GAS STATION (2) BALATA COMBINED SCHOOL (3) BABONNEAU PRIMARY SCHOOL (4) BABONNEAU PRESBYTERY (5) BABONNEAU SECONDARY SCHOOL (6) GARRAND POST OFFICE (7) LA GARE HEALTH CENTRE (8) LA GARE COMBINED SCHOOL (9) WIGGINS DANCE HALL – LA GARE (10) BOGUIS COMBINED SCHOOL (11) DES BARRA COMBINED SCHOOL (12) BABONNEAU HEALTH CENTRE (13) BABONNEAU COMMUNITY CENTRE (14) BABONNEAU POST OFFICE (15) FOND ASSAU HEALTH CENTRE (16) FOND ASSAU POST OFFICE (17) FOND ASSAU COMBINED SCHOOL 3. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-CASTRIES NORTH - C (1) CAMILLE HENRY COMBINED SCHOOL - L’ANSE ROAD (2) SIR GEORGE F. L. CHARLES AIRPORT - VIGIE (3) RAMON’S SERVICE STATION VIDE BOUTEILLE (4) VIDE BOUTEILLE CULTURAL CLUB (5) LA CLERY HEALTH CENTRE (6) VIDE BOUTEILLE SECONDARY SCHOOL (7) HILL SIDE PLAZA – LA CLERY (8) COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL (9) GABLE WOODS MALL - SUNNY ACRES (10) DAME PAULETTE LOUISY SCHOOL - UNION (11) UNION AGRICULTURAL STATION (12) MORNE-DU-DON COMBINED SCHOOL 4. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-CASTRIES EAST D (1) BOCAGE SECONDARY SCHOOL (2) BOCAGE SUB POST OFFICE (3) HUGHS’ RUM SHOP – CACAO (4) TEXACO GAS STATION - GUESNEAU (5) TI ROCHER HEALTH CENTRE (6) TI ROCHER SUB POST OFFICE (7) TI ROCHER COMBINED SCHOOL (8) ENTREPOT SECONDARY SCHOOL (9) ENTREPOT HUMAN RESOURCE CENTRE (10) MARCHAND POLICE STATION (11) MARCHAND PRIMARY SCHOOL (12) MARCHAND PARISH CENTRE (13) MARCHAND POST OFFICE (14) BRANDFORD’S SHOP – MARCHAND (15) PAVEE DOMINO CLUB (16) POLICE CREDIT UNION UPPER BRIDGE STREET (17) POLICE HEADQUARTERS UPPER BRIDGE STREET 5. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-CASTRIES CENTRAL-E (1) ANGLICAN ANNEX-TRINITY CHURCH ROAD (2) CASTRIES HEALTH CENTRE (3) CASTRIES MARKET (4) R.C BOYS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL (5) CENTRAL LIBRARY (6) GENERAL POST OFFICE (7) THE REGISTRY (BOTTOM FLOOR OF HIGH COURT BUILDING) (8) CASTRIES CITY COUNCIL (9) CARMEN RENE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL (10) C. S. A CENTRE (11) ST. LUCIA GENERAL TRANSPORT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY GAS STATION (12) PAUL’S GAS STATION (13) CANON LAURIE ANGLICAN SCHOOL (14) MORNE-DU-DON LODGE (15) ROSE HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE (16) THREE CORNER RESTAURANT LASTIC HILL (17) BENE PERSE TEMPLE- CEDARS 6. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-CASTRIES SOUTH-F (1) BANANA SHED – LA TOC ROAD (2) SIMON JOSEPH’S RUM SHOP – FAUX-A-CHAUX (3) FAUX-A-CHAUX COMMUNITY CENTRE (4) VICTORIA HOSPITAL (5) TAPION HOSPITAL (6) TURNING POINT (7) CICERON SCHOOL (8) CICERON COMMUNITY CENTRE

(9) CICERON SUB POST OFFICE (10) GLADSTONE’S RUM SHOP – TI COLON (11) LA-CROIX-MAINGOT HEALTH CENTRE (12) FIRE FLY DANCE HALL – LA-CROIX MAINGOT (13) CHICO’S SUPERMARKET - MARIGOT (14) MARIGOT COMMUNITY CENTRE 7. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-ANSE LA RAYE/ CANARIES -G (1) ROSEAU PAY OFFICE (2) JACMEL COMBINED SCHOOL (3) DARIAH’S RUM SHOP (4) RICHARDSON’S SHOP – MORNE D’OR (5) DURANDEAU HEALTH CENTRE (6) DURANDEAU SUB POST OFFICE (7) HILTON JOSEPH’S SHOP – DURANDEAU (8) LILBURN’S SHOP – DURANDEAU (9) ANSE-LA-RAYE POLICE STATION (10) ANSE-LA-RAYE SUB POST OFFICE (11) ANSE-LA-RAYE HEALTH CENTRE (12) ANSE-LA-RAYE COMMUNITY CENTRE (13) ANSE-LA-RAYE SUB COLLECTOR’S OFFICE (14) CANARIES POLICE STATION (15) CANARIES COMBINED SCHOOL (16) CANARIES HEALTH CENTRE (17) CANARIES SUB-POST OFFICE (18) ANSE-LA-VERDURE SHOP (19) BELVEDERE SHOP 8. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-SOUFRIERE -H (1) SOUFRIERE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL (2) SOUFRIERE BOYS’ SCHOOL (3) SOUFRIERE PARISH HALL (4) SOUFRIERE LIBRARY (5) VALENCE RIVIERE’S SUPERMARKET (6) SOUFRIERE TOWN HALL (7) SOUFRIERE POLICE STATION (8) SOUFRIERE SUB COLLECTOR’S OFFICE (9) GAS STATION – BAY STREET – SOUFRIERE (10) ETANGS COMBINED SCHOOL (11) ETANGS HEALTH CENTRE (12) MR. HARRISON ANTHANIZE – TORRAILLE (13) FOND ST. JACQUES INFANT SCHOOL – PETIT BOUGH (14) FOND ST. JACQUES PRIMARY SCHOOL – ST. PHILLIP (15) BOUTON COMBINED SCHOOL 9. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-CHOISEUL-I (1) DELCER COMBINED SCHOOL (2) MONGOUGE COMBINED SCHOOL (3) MONGOUGE HEALTH CENTRE (4) CHOISEUL POLICE STATION (5) CHOISEUL POST OFFICE (6) CHOISEUL HEALTH CENTRE (7) CHOISEUL SECONDARY SCHOOL LA FARGUE (8) DACRETIN COMMUNITY CENTRE (9) MR. POLIMUS CHARLES DANCE HALL – BELLE VUE (10) ROBLOT COMBINED SCHOOL (11) DEBREUIL SUB-POST OFFICE (12) DUGARD COMBINED SCHOOL (13) CAFEIERE (14) LONDONDERRY SUB-POST OFFICE (15) HANG OUT BAR - GERTRINE (16) SALTIBUS COMBINED SCHOOL (17) SALTIBUS POST OFFICE (18) PIAYE SECONDARY SCHOOL 10. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-LABORIE J (1) AUGIER COMBINED SCHOOL (2) AUGIER SUB-POST OFFICE (3) PETIT BOUGH AREA (4) MARIUS GARAGE – LA CROIX, LABORIE (5) LABORIE HEALTH CENTRE – LA CROIX (6) LABORIE POLICE STATION (7) LABORIE VILLAGE COUNCIL (8) LABORIE GIRLS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL (9) LIBRARY (10) LABORIE BOYS’ SCHOOL CITRUS GROVE (11) LA GRACE COMBINED SCHOOL (12) BANSE SUB- POST OFFICE (13) TEASER’S DANCE HALL - BANSE (14) BANANA BOXING PLAN 11. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-VIEUX FORT -K (1) VIEUX FORT TOWN HALL (2) VIEUX FORT LIBRARY (3) VIEUX FORT PRIMARY SCHOOL (4) FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE OFFICE (5) VIEUX FORT INFANT SCHOOL (6) VIEUX FORT POLICE STATION (7) SUB COLLECTOR’S OFFICE (8) HEWANORRA AIRPORT (9) TEXACO GAS STATION (10) JULIAN’S SHOPPING MALL (11) SUPER J - NEW DOCK ROAD (12) PLAIN VIEW COMBINED SCHOOL – LA RESSOURCE (13) TEXACO GAS STATION NO.2 12. ELECTORAL DISTRICT-VIEUX FORT NORTH-L (1) GILLETTE PRINCE DANCE HALL – VIGE’ (2) VIGE’ COMBINED SCHOOL (3) EAU PIQUANT SUPER MARKET (4) PIERROT SUB-POST OFFICE

(5) PIERROT COMBINED SCHOOL (6) BELLE VUE COMBINED SCHOOL (7) BELLE VUE SUB-POST OFFICE (8) MOONIE’S RUM SHOP – BELLE VUE (9) MRS. FRANCES KING SHOP – GRACE (10) GRACE COMBINED SCHOOL (11) GRACE SUB-POST OFFICE (12) ELIZABETH PATRICK SHOP (13) BEAUSEJOUR AGRICULTURAL STATION 13. ELECTORAL DISTRICT -MICOUD SOUTH-M (1) MOREAU SUB-POST OFFICE (2) RHODA BICAR’S SHOP – DUGARD (3) DUGARD COMMUNITY CENTRE (4) TI ROCHER COMBINED SCHOOL (5) TI ROCHER COMMUNITY CENTRE (6) MR. EVERARD JOHNSON’S SHOP – TI ROCHER (7) LA-COUR-VILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE (8) ANSE GER SECONDARY SCHOOL (9) ANSE GER MOTHERS & FATHERS HALL (10) BLANCHARD COMBINED SCHOOL (11) DESRUISSEAUX SUB POST OFFICE (12) DESRUISSEAUX HEALTH CENTRE (13) DESRUISSEAUX COMBINED SCHOOL (14) DESRUISSEAUX PARISH CENTRE (15) TEXCO GAS STATION - DESRUISSEAUX 14. ELECTORAL DISTRICT -MICOUD NORTH-N (1) PRASLIN COMMUNITY CENTRE (2) LIVE AND LET LIVE DISCO - PRASLIN (3) MON REPOS COMBINED SCHOOL (4) MON REPOS SUB-POST OFFICE (5) MON REPOS HEALTH CENTRE (6) MON REPOS GAS STATION (7) MR. HILARY CHARLERY’S HOUSE – PATIENCE (8) PATIENCE SUB-POST OFFICE (9) LA POINTE COMBINED SCHOOL (10) HIGHWAY GAS STATION (11) MICOUD POLICE STATION (12) MR. MAURICE DANTES RUM SHOP – MICOUD (13) MICOUD HEALTH CENTRE (14) MICOUD COMMUNITY CENTRE (15) MR. LENNIE HENRY’S GAS STATION 15. ELECTORAL DISTRICT - DENNERY SOUTH-O (1) LA CAYE DAY CARE CENTER (2) LA CAYE HOUSING AREA (3) DENNERY POLICE STATION (4) DENNERY COMMUNITY CENTRE (5) SUB COLLECTOR’S OFFICE (6) DENNERY INFANT SCHOOL (7) CLUB OF STARS DISCO – DENNERY BY PASS (8) BY PASS RESTAURANT – DENNERY (9) GAS STATION – DENNERY (10) DENNERY SECONDARY SCHOOL (11) DENNERY FIRE STATION 16. ELECTORAL DISTRICT -DENNERY NORTH-P (1) GRANDE RIVIERE SUPERMARKET (2) GRANDE RIVIERE SECONDARY SCHOOL (3) MABOUYA VALLEY POST OFFICE (4) RICHFOND GAS STATION (5) RICHFOND COMBINED SCHOOL (6) DERNIERE RIVIERE COMBINED SCHOOL (7) DERNIERE RIVIERE SUB-POST OFFICE (8) GEORGE JN. BAPTISTE SHOP – DERNIERE RIVIERE (9) LA RESSOURCE COMBINED SCHOOL (10) LA RESSOURCE HEALTH CENTRE (11) LA RESSOURCE COMMUNITY CENTRE (12) AU LEON POST OFFICE (13) DESPINOZE COMBINED SCHOOL (14) LA RESSOURCE CREDIT UNION 17. ELECTORAL DISTRICT - CASTRIES SOUTH EAST - Q (1) SIR ARTHUR LEWIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE – MORNE FORTUNE (2) DEGLOS – BOXING PLANT (3) MR. DELMAR’S DANCE HALL – TROIS PITON (4) TI ROCHER COMBINED SCHOOL (5) FORESTIERE COMBINED SCHOOL (6) FORESTIERE BOXING PLANT (7) FAR HORIZON DISCO – FORESTIERE (8) MR. RUDOLPH WEEKS RUM SHOP - MARC (9) NICHOLAS THOMAS SHOP – BEXON (10) BEXON SUB-POST OFFICE (11) FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS UNION – MARC (12) L’ABBAYEE COMMUNITY CENTRE (13) MR. GEORGE ROBERT CHARLES – SAROT (14) BEXON COMBINED SCHOOL (15) BEXON HEALTH CENTRE (16) BEXON PARISH CENTRE (17) MR. GHIRAWOO’S SHOP – ODSAN (18) LA-CROIX-MAINGOT HEALTH CENTRE (19) GONZAGUE JOSEPH RUM SHOP – LA-CROIX-MAINGOT (20) MR. IGNATIUS DARCIE’S RUM SHOP – BARRE DENIS (21) BELAIR COMMUNITY CENTRE (22) ODSAN COMBINED SCHOOL

26 international

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Trump Administration Withdraws U.S. From U.N. Human Rights Council

he United States withdrew on Tuesday from the world’s most important human rights body in protest of its frequent criticism of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. It was the latest effort by the Trump administration to pull away from international organizations and agreements that it finds objectionable. It was the first time a member has voluntarily left the United Nations Human Rights Council. The United States now joins Iran, North Korea and Eritrea as the only countries that refuse to participate in the council’s meetings and deliberations. “Earlier this year, as it has in previous years, the Human Rights Council passed five resolutions against Israel — more than the number passed against North Korea, Iran and Syria combined,” Nikki R. Haley, the American ambassador to the United Nations, said in a speech on Tuesday. “This disproportionate focus and unending hostility toward Israel is clear proof that the council is motivated by political bias, not by human rights.” “If the Human Rights Council is going to attack countries that uphold human rights and shield countries that abuse human rights, then America should not provide it with any credibility,” Ms. Haley said. Human rights advocates denounced the decision. “All this administration seems to care about when it comes to the council is defending Israel,” said John Sifton, an advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit organization. “If the Trump administration’s complaint is that the council is biased and flawed, they’ve just made it more so.” In a series of posts on Twitter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel welcomed the decision. “The U.S. decision to leave this prejudiced body is an unequivocal statement that enough is enough,” he wrote on Tuesday. But Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, said through a spokeswoman that he would have preferred that the United States remained in the council. He noted that

Nikki R. Haley, the American ambassador to the United Nations, speaking to the General Assembly last week in New York. (Credit: Don Emmert/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)

the United Nations’ human rights “architecture” plays an important role in the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Conservatives have been complaining about the council since its inception in 2006, and the administration of President George W. Bush refused to join the body, citing concerns of bias. Ms. Haley has been a fierce critic of the council since joining the Trump administration and is known to have pushed for a withdrawal. Elliott Abrams, a former Republican diplomat and now a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said that the Human Rights Council’s bias against Israel was too much to ignore. “There is always an argument for staying, which is that the United States will be in a better position to help defend Israel,” Mr. Abrams said. “But this council is hopelessly compromised, so leaving is the right choice.” The withdrawal came as the Trump administration faced condemnation by rights groups and governments worldwide for its decision to separate children from their families at the border. On Monday, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for human rights, called for an immediate end to the practice,

describing such a tactic as inflicting “abuse on children” and “unconscionable.” Mr. Trump has turned decades of American foreign policy on its head by attacking or undermining much of the rules-based order that the United States established after World War II. Previous administrations viewed the

interlocking network of alliances, trade rules and international organizations as beneficial to the United States. But Mr. Trump has ripped up the Paris climate accord and the Iran nuclear deal—both of which were negotiated under the strong influence of world powers. He has also imposed tariffs on the United States’

closest allies and left the Group of 7 summit meeting this month in chaos and recriminations after he denounced Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada as “very dishonest & weak.” The Trump administration has made clear that it will not countenance the level of criticism and what it describes as slanted resolutions by the Human Rights Council that have historically been directed at the United States and Israel. On her first day as ambassador, Ms. Haley warned that “for those who don’t have our back, we’re taking names.” Rob Berschinski, a senior vice president at Human Rights First, another nonprofit organization, conceded that no one believed the human rights council was perfect. But, he said, leaving it is a mistake. “Countries like China, Russia and Venezuela will applaud this decision because we are freely giving up leverage over them that we previously had,” Mr. Berschinski said. Ms. Haley has castigated the 47-member Human Rights Council, calling it a haven for hypocrisy and an outlet for isolating Israel, the United States’ main ally in the Middle East.

A year ago, she addressed the council at its opening session in Geneva with a sharply critical speech, questioning whether it “even supports human rights or is merely a showcase for dictatorships that use their membership to whitewash their brutality.” At the time, Ms. Haley asserted that the United States did not seek to leave the council but wanted to “re-establish the council’s legitimacy.” Among her demands was to change the way seats are won on the council so that countries with histories of rights abuses cannot occupy them. But she said on Tuesday that Russia, China, Cuba and Egypt resisted those overhaul efforts, and others were unwilling to challenge the status quo. In his own brief remarks on Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the Human Rights Council an obstacle to the progress of human rights and a threat to the United States. “When organizations undermine our national interests and our allies, we will not be complicit,” he said. “When they seek to infringe on our national sovereignty, we will not be silent.” --- The New York Times

Putin says Russian women can have sex with visiting World Cup tourists

ladimir Putin has dismissed calls for Russian women to refrain from sleeping with World Cup tourists. Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "As for Russian women, they can, perhaps, decide it on their own. They are the best women in whole world." He was responding to a sex ban call by Tamara Pletnyova, 70, who said she hoped women would not date visiting fans and get pregnant. But as controversy raged over the Communist MP’s remarks,

the deputy prime minister in Kaliningrad—where England play Belgium on 28 June—has suggested local women should be open to sleeping with foreigners. Siberian-born Pletnyova, head of the Russian parliamentary family committee, said young women should "get something clear in their heads regarding foreigners". She warned that Russian women could end up raising mixed-race children on their own, before referring to the "Children of the Olympics" after the 1980 Moscow games.

The term was used during the Soviet era to describe non-white children conceived at international events after relationships between Russian women and men from Africa, Latin America or Asia. Many of the children faced discrimination. Pletnyova warned Western men could ‘snatch’ babies from them and she urged Russian women to have relationships with men from their own country. But Alexander Rolbinov, 53, deputy premier in Kaliningrad, accused Pletnyova of turning

the clock back to Soviet times. "It reminded me of a phrase during a televised conference between the USSR and America," he said. "When asked about sex, [a Russian woman] said that we do not have sex in the Soviet Union. "But the heart wants what it wants. Love will surely come. And as for international marriages, in such families appear very beautiful children." ---Mail Online

THE STAR

FOR RENT 2 Storey Commercial Building, Massade(Adjacent to the Bank of Saint Lucia) Approx. 1,600 sq. ft. floor area each floor- Offices, Kitchens & Washrooms Car Park accommodation for 6 – 8 cars; Additional Car Park space available All services connected & GF & FF metered separately Call:

452 0027 / 720 4886

Vacancies

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Silver Honda CRV, 1996 model good condition.

2 Bedrooms one bath fully furnished house with laundry room downstairs and storage situated in Phase one, Beausejour, Gros Islet.

1) Paint Technician 2) Production Manager 3) Operations Manager 4) Marketing Manager

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VEHICLE FOR SALE seeking innovative & professional individuals for:

Property for sale in Soufriere 2600 Sq ft. 4-Bedroom, 1 bath, laundry/ utility extension. Great location close proximity to all available amenities. Potential for commercial use

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Online Classifieds Get maximum exposure for your dollar. Place your classified ads in the STAR Newspaper and on our website: www.stluciastar.com

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St. Lucia Workers’ Credit Union Limited

NOTICE OF MEETING

WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY INC. (WASCO)

NOTICE is hereby given that the 35th Annual General Meeting of the St. Lucia Workers’ Credit Union Limited will be held on Saturday 30th June, 2018 at the Royal by Rex Resorts, Rodney Bay commencing at 3:00p.m.

John Compton Dam Rehabilitation of Spillway Wall Expression of Interest

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Submissions are invited from suitable qualified persons for the Rehabilitation of the John Compton Dam (JCD) Spillway Wall. Deadline date for the receipt for Expression of Interest (EOI) is no later 12:00 Noon on 13th July, 2018. Interested persons are requested to visit the Government of Saint Lucia Website and the National Printing Corporation (NPC) Website for a detailed description of the Expression of Interest (EOI).

AGENDA Call to order and Ascertainment of quorum Opening Prayer National Anthem Opening & Welcome —Chairman Greetings from fraternal Credit Unions

End of Open Session 6. Minutes of last AGM i) Errors & Omissions ii) Adoption iii) Matters Arising 7. Reports i) Board of Directors ii) Education Committee iii) Credit Committee iv) Supervisory Committee v) Treasurer’s Report vi) Auditor 8. Election of Officers 9. Declaration of Dividends 10. Appointment of Auditor 11. Resolutions 12. Any other business

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MEN’S WALLETS

for $14.00

Also on special : CHARACTER HELIUM BALLONS $1.50, PLAIN COLOUR BALLONS FROM $4.25, PAPER HATS 6 FOR $2.50, PLAIN COLOUR PAPER CUPS FROM $1.50, BIRTHDAY CANDLES FROM $2.50, GLOW STICKS 100 FOR $2.75, BIRTHDAY PINS FOR $3.50, HAWAIIAN LEIS $0.75, HENNA TATTO BODY STICKERS $2.75

Printed and published by STAR Publishing Co. (1987) Ltd., Rodney Bay Industrial Estate, Massade, Gros Islet, P.O. Box 1146, Castries, St. Lucia, W.I., Tel: (758) 450-7827 Fax: (758) 450-8690, Email: info@stluciastar.com Website: www.stluciastar.com

STAR Newspaper - 23 June 2018

Articles inside

Have we learnt our lesson?

Donkery Derby 2018: Who Will Be This Season's Justify

It Pays Always to Remember Loose Lips Can Sink Ships