Former Prime Minister on Lunch Room: Did He Spit In His Own Eye?

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

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Former Prime Minister on Lunch Room

Did He Spit In His Own Eye? He may have lost out in 2016 but it seems the former prime minister’s penchant for being interviewed only by former employees remains intact!

THE STASRSWEEK BUSINE IN THIS EDITION

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MORRIS, STAR

Issue 43

, 2020

| 29 Feb

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THIS BUN FOR HIRE

n Guyana, they call it “blow”. In Barbados, Saint Lucia and Trinidad it is “horn” or “butt” but Saint Lucians add the Kwéyòl or patois word “kòné”. In Jamaica you get “bun”, a word with several different meanings, at least one of which is identical to those used in the other countries.

According to “Epic Jamaica” which deals with Food, Culture and Lifestyle, one use of “bun” is in the sentence, “It bun me fi him isi!" (“I am really bothered by him.”) This expresses contempt, hatred or disgust at, or of, a man. “Mine you bun me up” is about being careful with, or around, a fire. The exclamation “Peppa a bun me up!” is easy to understand, especially if the person has been eating “Scotch Bonnet” or “bonney” peppers with a heat rating of 80,000–400,000 Scoville units. Then you reach in Bulla territory or Easter time and, if you’re visiting their homeland, your homesick Jamaican friends ask, “Cyar one bun fi me when yah come!" ("Bring me a bun when you’re coming.”) However, heading the list of bun usage is not a slang term for the rear-end of a woman but another that has recently been very much in the news in Jamaica and is also a West Indian problem growing in frequency and concern. It can be delivered as advice: “Bun him! Tek man pon him!” In this case “bun” is the equivalent of the English word “cuckold” meaning that a man’s wife or partner has a sexual relationship with at least one other man.

As Epic Jamaica clarifies, “This phrase puts the word ‘bun’ in a whole new context, meaning infidelity—usually when everyone except the other partner knows it is going on. Made

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NOTICE To: OSCAR ALEJANDRO FRANCO GUITIERREZ (DOB: 22nd August 1976) of Venezuela.

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Dated this 20th day of February 2020.

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Telephone: 1 758 468 3000. Fax: 1 758 459 0235.

popular in the 1990s, use of the word in this way appears quite often in songs and casual conversations to make fun of the person on the receiving end of the ‘bun’.”

I can understand the Guyana term “blow” because in that country the sex act is also called “lash” or “lashing” and when I first heard the term used in a context that was not as clear as daylight, I immediately translated it into the Trinidadian meaning and was aghast. When you get “lash” in Trinidad it is to be beaten, generally by your parents, teachers or, in the old days, neighbours, with a belt, strap or whip. Obviously in Guyana it is perceived as assault with a friendly weapon and if you get a lot of kicks out of a furious lashing you probably are Guyanese by birth, experience, temperament, orientation or all of the above. While “blow” is as violent as “lash”, in some other countries it has an American connotation that associates it with some kind of employment or occupation. “Horn” (as well as “kòné” which has the same meaning) goes back to the English word “cuckold” and comes from the “cuckoo” bird which has a habit of laying its egg in another bird’s nest. In those days, calling a man a “cuckold” heaped shame and humiliation on him since it implied that he could not control his wife or that he was impotent. The symbol associated with “cuckolding” was a pair of ram’s horns. Since those days, being “horned” was not something that rested lightly on the ego and temper of most men, and even those who pleaded with their wives, “Horn me but don’t leave me,” eventually found ways of taking their own revenge for the humiliation.

“Bun” has been very much in the Jamaican news recently. A Jamaica Gleaner headline on Monday (February 24, 2020) stated, “Soldier fires at man accused of sleeping with girlfriend - Commentators urge men not to react violently to 'bun'.” A 42-year-old female office manager was at her home when her 51-year-old partner, an army private, entered the house and confronted the paramour. An argument then developed between the men. While the woman was in the process of letting her accused lover out the back door, the soldier exited the house and headed for the back of the premises where he allegedly discharged a round from his licensed Glock pistol. The fleeing lover narrowly escaped injuries, and possibly death, by jumping over a wall.

Commenting on the issue, Sexologist Dr. Shelly-Ann Weeks urged Jamaican men to understand that they do not own women's bodies and to find non-violent means of coping with sexual infidelity. Dr. Weeks expressed concern about the growing trend of men engaging in gun violence after finding out their partners are cheats. She said, “I want men to take the idea of ownership off the table. They don’t own women. Bounty Killer (Jamaican reggae and dub artist) has the right analogy.

He says men only rent some time and space.

When the time is up, it's up!" Dr. Weeks made the crucial point that women generally don't resort to violence when they are victims of infidelity. She accused society of being biased in their views on the issue.

During the last two years, at least 38 Guyanese women were murdered by their husbands, reputed husbands, estranged lovers or boyfriends. On New Year’s Day a man was

stabbed by a woman’s ex-lover.

A Google search for “Trinidad woman chopped to death” found 1.09 million results in .49 seconds. In 2018, in Jamaica, a convicted killer who cut his girlfriend's throat on Christmas Day, 2016 said he was pushed over the edge by her infidelity and was the “laughing stock” of his community. On January 14 a woman was knifed to death by her estranged boyfriend.

Surgeon Alfred Dawes, writing in the Jamaica Gleaner, puts the situation in perspective: “Bun is not nice.

You go through grief, but it’s worse than death because

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you add anger and damaged egos to the pain. If you can’t handle bun, you will go mad.

There is no shame in bun . . . it is just another hurdle in the race of life. Maybe there will be fewer angry, embarrassed men vowing revenge, and fewer incidents of domestic violence . . . If you don’t get bun yet, bredda, just hold it when it comes and remember that this too shall pass. Stay with her if you like, or just hol yuh bun and move on with your life.”

Attorney-at-Law, Daniel Thwaites, commented, “ . . . one thing is for certain: if we continue along the path we’re on, the bloodcurdling headlines won’t be in short supply and the murder numbers will have a steady supply based on the prevalence of death by ‘bun’.”

In other words, regardless of what country you live in or what word you use, the key is not to blow the situation out of proportion. Just pull in your horns and move on.

Tony Deyal was last seen quoting comic Rodney Dangerfield on tolerance: “With my wife, I don't get no respect. I made a toast on her birthday to 'the best woman a man ever had.'

The waiter joined me.”

Halls of Justice project still on the table says Minister

inister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, Senator the Honourable Hermangild Francis says government is forging ahead with plans to construct the Halls of Justice and Police Headquarters. Minister Francis says despite challenges from the inception, there is a very real need for the provision of modern, physical infrastructure for an integrated Supreme Court and Magistracy.

“The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is headquartered in Saint Lucia, with Registry offices in nine member countries, and so the onus is on us to provide facilities that not only Saint Lucia but the rest of the region can be proud of.”

The Halls of Justice facilities are expected to provide

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February 29, 2020 THE STAR

housing for the High Courts, and other specialized divisions of the Supreme Court, the Registries, Law Libraries, Jury Rooms, Magistrates' Courts, holding cells, administrative offices and private rooms for lawyer/client consultation.

The Halls of Justice project has been earmarked for the former site of Her Majesty’s Prison (also known as HMP) on Bridge Street. Minister Francis described the site as ideal.

Minister Francis says the project is expected to gain momentum by April 2020, and forms part of a holistic plan that will improve the justice system of Saint Lucia.

“I am sure the public has heard the outcry for new and upgraded courtroom facilities.

The Government of Saint Lucia

has been very responsive to that call and has spent a small fortune on either upgrading or relocating court houses. We have made the investments because we want justice to be delivered in a speedy, fair, efficient and effective manner.

Meanwhile on Saturday, February 15, 2020 the remains of eight prisoners were exhumed from the former prison grounds and re-interred at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.

The activity was witnessed by relevant officials and a priest administered the burial rites.

The names of the eight who were re-interred are Joseph Vitalis Solomon, Evans Samuel, Nicholas Dolor, Gabriel Burke, Guy Biscette, Anthony Charles, Jn. Baptiste Faucher and Stephen Jeremie.

Department of Public Service hosts “Transitioning to Retirement” Workshop

three-day workshop dubbed “Transitioning to Retirement”, which was recently hosted by the Department of the Public Service, sought to impart vital information to public sector employees who are nearing retirement. The workshop is part of a bigger programme established in 2010, when it was recognized that most individuals had difficulty making the transition from work-life to retirement. Training Officer at the Department of the Public Service Training Division, Maria Mombelli, stated that the workshops offer not only invaluable information but practical recommendations to

the participants.

“The Department of the Public Service has embarked on what I call a journey for the public servants where we offer this workshop. They come in where we discuss a number of topics; for example, personal banking, budgeting, calculating retirement benefits, as many of them want an idea of what they will receive at the end of their tenure with government,” Mombelli added.

Facilitators are drawn from the public and private sectors, some of which include the Ministry of Finance, the banking sector, the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU) and the Inland Revenue Department.

According to Mombelli, “As we know, at that point the salary is less and the commitment remains the same; your commitments are not reduced but your salary is reduced. How do you work with less salary and the same commitments? We also have doctors to talk to them about their nutrition because, as you know, as you reach this stage of your life you start having medical issues. We have a lawyer coming in to speak to them on how to prepare their Deeds and other legal documents . . . ”

Ms. Mombelli ended by stating, “Retirement from a job is not retirement from life.”

THE STAR

february 29, 2020

LOCAL

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Police record successful operations T

he celebratory mood stemming from activities to mark the country’s 41st anniversary of Independence on Saturday was short-lived. By Sunday morning, Saint Lucians were pondering the gruesome news of the discovery of a body in a burned-out vehicle off the main road in Massade, Gros Islet. On Monday morning Corporal Ann Joseph met with reporters to address the matter, which is being treated as a suspected homicide.

Joseph indicated that at about 2:00 am on Sunday, officers attached to Gros Islet police station made their way to the scene. Upon arrival they spoke with firemen who had extinguished the blaze.

“It was observed by officers, as well as fire service personnel, that there was what appeared to be a human body in there,” said Corporal Joseph. “Investigations are currently in the preliminary stages. We’re not able to

Acting Commissioner Milton Desir this week sent a message to criminals that the police will leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice.

conclusively identify that individual. But what we can confirm is there is a male in custody in relation to that investigation.”

At press time, the body

had not yet been officially identified.

At about 3:00 am on Tuesday the body of 18-yearold Enrique Pierre was discovered at Castries market.

By official account there were no visible signs of violence.

Meanwhile, on February 15 Cuthbert Timaitre was arrested after officers recovered 239 rounds of

ammunition of various calibres and a sub-machine gun in Bois D'Orange.

A few days later two .40 Taurus pistols, a .32 revolver and ammunition were uncovered during a search at a property in Bel Air. Orlando Jaide was arrested and subsequently charged with illegal possession.

In Degazon that same day, Guyanese national Elvis Jermain was taken into custody, in connection with .380 special revolver with five rounds of ammunition.

Then, on February 22, officers on patrol at Rodney Bay took possession of a Glock pistol and ammunition, for which there have been no related arrests.

Acting Police Commissioner Milton Desir credits their success to a new strategy. Desir indicated during a televised interview that the police have devised a strategy for the city and surrounding areas. He singled out intelligence-driven operations

The Make It Happen Foundation is getting ready for Tea and Testimony 2020 next week, Sunday 8th March 2020, in honour of International Women’s Day. The first-time event held last year was a quickly sold-out affair featuring engaging speakers, numerous exciting prizes and beautifully dressed ladies all keeping to the theme “Pretty in Pink (with a hat)”.

The stunning backdrop of Castries Harbour and the gorgeous lawns at Government House made for a very photogenic event and indeed the photographs quickly went viral. The line-up of speakers this year includes hotelier Mrs. Berthia Parle; Wendy Delmar, President of the Caribbean Association of Banks; Businesswoman and Pastor Yvonne Alexander; former permanent secretary Allison Jean; and publisher, editor, former bodybuilder and fashionista Mrs. Mae Sabbagh-Wayne. Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet, Chairperson of the Make It Happen Foundation, has commented that she is thrilled with the response to the event and by how quickly tickets have gone. Last year the $17,000 raised was distributed as follows: $15,000 to the Women’s Support Centre, $1,000 to the Botham Jean Foundation and $1,000 to the Zina and Zhane Foundation.

Additional tickets are having to be printed to accommodate demand.

Interested persons should contact 724-6555 for tickets.

This year the proceeds will benefit the Nurses Association.

as one of the main factors contributing to recent successes.

"We get the Intel and we hit the various hotspots and what I also consider the hot persons. So we are at these individuals, we will be at them so that we can take them to justice," he said.

Desir also thanked the public for their greater co-operation and assistance given to the police. This is not limited to reporting crimes. Desir revealed that private individuals were offering the use of their vehicles to the force, for which the force was grateful.

Desir promised his men will continue to target hotspots as well as suspect individuals. “We are committed to fighting crime,” said the acting commissioner. “We will go all out and do our best."

--Joshua St. Aimee

04 comment

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february 29, 2020 THE STAR

What Happened to Constitutional Reform Report?

The last phrase, albeit it was all right in the morning, was Pierre’s sly reference to a vote count in Vieux Fort the morning after the 1974 general elections, when victory went to UWP’s Henry Giraudy—who had lost to the SLP’s Bruce Williams the evening before.

“The fact we must reminded of some of the shown them when they were he day’s prime minister understand is that the people still among us, and why most of are the ones who must tell us described Suzie comments from both sides what we think we know of them how to run the country,” said d’Auvergne’s Constitutional of the House. But before returning to the MP for Castries proceeded from the mouths Reform Commission as Pierre, “not a group of people East, whose insightful words of functional illiterates and “probably the most extensive who believe they have better ended the first of this series verbose talking heads whose and intensive consultation brains but do not want to face sole source of information is ever undertaken in Saint last week, permit me a small the hassle and pressure of Lucia, even prior to and after digression. Despite their almost Facebook. No surprise that running for political office. They we’re stuck with a parliament daily insistence that most of Independence.” It had taken want to constitutionalize their this country’s problems stem best known as a slaughterhouse position in being able to tell seven years, and countless from a constitution rooted in for what used to be known as meetings with Saint Lucians people what to do, probably our colonial past, it had some “the Queen’s English.” Which at home and abroad, not to because of their education, returns us to where we left off say lectures by some of the time ago occurred to me that their background or their class last Saturday, with the Castries region’s leading intellectuals. few Saint Lucians had read or their financial situation. They As for the commission’s the 87-page document. On East MP extolling the virtues believe that gives them the of our 87-page constitution as chairperson, the prime minister reflection, the depressing right to dictate what happens in discovery should not have been it has been since 22 February posthumously acknowledged this country.” “her commitment and the fervor the surprise it was, considering 1979.

He had formed his how shamelessly we’ve By all he’d said earlier, with which she had embraced shocking impression after he saw no great need to the process for which she was acknowledged our inability to analyzing some of the adjust the existing Saint Lucia handle more than five lines (of engaged.” provisions in the report. “I see Constitution. We pick him up Finally the House was prose, that is) at one sitting. it clearly,” he said. “This report now as he further emphasizes It explains the nonexistence ready on 18 August 2015 to recommends that elected of a regular bookstore or a the point: “The constitution has parliamentarians should not debate the report submitted served us well. It has served us be ministers. In what is called by the commission, with 270 performing arts theater in this city that eighty-something years well because this country has submissions and close to 200 a hybrid situation, you have a recommendations . ago had given birth to two Nobel had elections, albeit sometimes candidate and a running mate. it was all right in the morning.” laureates, the lack of respect Last week readers were When the candidate becomes a

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Both sides of the House agreed to bring the Constitution in line with modern-day Saint Lucia—but evidently only if adjustments did not interfere with the power of government over the people!

minister he has to give up and his running mate takes over. For some reason the elected person cannot and should not be a minister. Why? Mr. Speaker, that I cannot answer.”

Others before him had also balked at the suggestion that winning a seat for their party should not guarantee them ministerial status and responsibility for certain portfolios. Pierre insisted that the ordinary citizen knew without being told what he wanted for himself and his family and voted for the candidate more likely to deliver it. As he interpreted the recommendations, it seemed to Pierre that the report advocated an abortion of the normal process in favor of handpicking for office individuals “with no link to the people.” He imagined they would have had “no experience of being rebuffed” on the campaign trail. No experience of having to take care of “the needs of hundreds of people.”

It is difficult to decide whether the MPs who denounced the recommendations for reforming parliament were less concerned about “the people” than their own interests.

The troublesome recommendations: “There should be the creation of a mixed model of government with a different kind of executive branch to that which currently prevails. Under that new system, the only member of the executive branch who will belong to both the legislative and the executive will be the prime minister. However, a deputy prime minister will serve as a member of Cabinet without ministerial authority except when deputizing for the prime minister. To this end he or she will be appointed on the basis of his ability to command the support of a majority of elected Members of Parliament and he or she will appoint ministers.

If a minister is selected from parliament, he or she must subsequently resign as a member of Parliament to take the post of minister.

“The prime minister will remain accountable to Parliament and can be removed by a motion of no confidence there. But his ministers will

be vicariously accountable through a summons that will be issued to them by parliamentary committees and the presiding officers of both Houses to appear there as and when their presence is desired or required.

“The appointment of any minister from the House of Assembly will require a substitute Member of Parliament to replace the Member of Parliament for the constituency that the minister previously represented. In order to effect this, one option is political parties can be required under the new constitutional arrangement to name running mates for all constituencies that are being contested in general or by-elections and independent candidates will be required to name a substitute if they contest an election.”

What may have had the greatest impact on MPs was the following: “With the exception of the prime minister and the deputy prime minister, members of the House of Assembly and the Senate will no longer be members of the Cabinet.” There was also this: “The House of Assembly should scrutinize and ratify nominations by the prime minister for persons to be appointed as ministers.”

Or this: “Special Parliamentary Committees should be created as joint select committees to oversee government ministries, departments, agencies and commissions.”

Or that: “Ministers will be directly accountable to parliamentary committees.

These committees will summon ministers to appear to be questioned on matters of executive policy, proposed legislation and administrative functions of their ministries.”

It seems to me that if adopted the above quoted recommendations would likely result in the official transparency and accountability that campaigning politicians have over countless years promised with no intention of delivering.

Remarkably, all the MPs who participated in the debates of 18 and 25 August 2015 seemed concerned with, when it came to the above recommendations, was power and influence—for themselves, not for the people!

NEXT WEEK: The Power of Recall!

THE STAR

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

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FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

Culture Minister Belrose thanks Goodwill Ambassadors Joshua St. Aimee

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he Investiture Ceremony of Goodwill Ambassadors brought together some of Saint Lucia’s best at Government House on Thursday evening. The initiative—spearheaded by the Cultural Development Foundation—seeks to serve as a catalyst for the development of human capital in all sectors related to the creative arts. The first recipients were musicians Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Gordon “Commissioner” Williams and Taj Weekes, the latter recognised also for his philanthropic achievements. Then, from the sporting world: Jermain Defoe, Levern Spencer, Daren Sammy and Sir Leslie Ferdinand together with sculptor Jallim Eudovic, actor Joseph Marcell, academic Dr. David Williams and businessman Ken Chitolie.

Each Goodwill Ambassador will initially serve for a period of three years, but can be nominated for additional terms. Their role, inter alia, is to leverage their profile to access opportunities for the growth and development of aspiring Saint Lucians in various fields of endeavour.

Culture Minister Fortuna Belrose told the gathering that the most valuable resource of any country is its people. Part of her ministry’s mandate, she said, is to create an enabling environment where citizens can live their passions,

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A star-studded line-up. Goodwill Ambassadors (l-r) Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, Levern Spencer, Taj Weekes, Gordon Williams and Jallim Eudovic.

and contribute meaningfully towards the development of Saint Lucia. Belrose said that Saint Lucia is blessed with a wealth of talent, and much of it remains grossly untapped. “This evening,” she said, “we are surrounded by a core of Saint Lucia’s best.

They are our sons and daughters and, as a society, we must embrace and celebrate them.”

Addressing the ambassadors, she continued: “We are indeed proud of all of you. We are even more elated that you have agreed to identify with this initiative of being a Goodwill Ambassador, and being a model that our nation can point to as we endeavour to build our new Saint Lucia.”

Belrose stated that a small nation must maximize its resources, and learn from the best. Therefore, the government looks

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forward to the ambassadors assisting them in inspiring others. “This is an opportunity for you to continue to do what you do best . . . just be Lucian at heart!”

Following some entertainment by the alwaysimpressive Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, Boo Hinkson, Gordon Williams, Taj Weekes, Jallim Eudovic and Levern Spencer each received the Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Gold) from Governor General Sir Neville Cenac. Relatives of absentees Joseph Marcell, Ken Chitolie and Dr. David Williams accepted on their behalf. The

other two recipients will receive their medals at a later date.

The STAR caught up with the ambassadors following the event. Boo Hinkson’s focus was on the youth. He hopes that his achievement inspires musicians to do better than what he has done in his career. His promise was that he would seek to pave the way for others, so that they too can taste success. “It’s very gratifying that my country has chosen to recognize me in this manner. But most importantly, I hope this will inspire the young musicians. That’s the biggest thing I want to happen coming out of this,” the ace guitarist said. “Saint Lucia has a wealth of young, great talent and I am passionate about seeing them succeed. I will use this newly acquired stature to advocate for them, and see if I can help them succeed.”

Renowned high jumper Levern Spencer said she was thrilled that the authorities saw it fitting to nominate her.

“It’s something that does not happen everyday. I look forward to continuing to put Saint Lucia on the map, and doing the best I can to keep our flag flying locally, regionally and internationally.”

Jallim Eudovic said he

was honoured and humbled.

The world-renowned sculptor welcomes the task of not only representing the country, but assisting in its development, specifically of the artistic community. “It’s something that I will take very seriously and it’s something that I have already been doing but tonight it’s simply a validation,” he said.

“Everywhere I travel around the world, I always look for opportunities for my country and I always work with the youth. I’m a mentor to many of the creative youth and I will always try to help them get to the next level.”

Said Taj Weekes: “It’s one of the important nights because usually we tend to do things not for praise or for recognition. I feel really privileged to be in that group of people. They are people who have accomplished a lot and for me to be considered in that group, I feel highly appreciated.”

Gordon Williams reminded industry hopefuls that music is a business. Learning to play music, he said, as well as the business aspect, must go hand-in-hand.

“As a young man in Saint Lucia, I learned how to dream, and chasing that dream turned into a career. Now I have an opportunity to bring some of that dream back here and help others.”

Margaret Pratt Still Thinks of St. Lucia With Love

ver six years after visiting British national Roger Pratt was killed in Saint Lucia, his murder trial came to an end last week. On January 17, 2014 Roger and his wife Margaret were docked in Vieux Fort on board their yacht Magnetic Attraction. An attack on the couple left Roger dead and his wife nursing injuries.

The trial began on January 28, 2020 at the Nyerah Court in Castries. On February 21, jurors found Richie Kern, Jeromine Jones and Kervin Devaux guilty of murder. Fanis Joseph was found guilty of manslaughter.

Sentencing is expected to take place on April 8, 2020, before which, a pre-sentencing report has to be submitted for all four men, and a psychiatric evaluation for the three convicted of murder.

In a statement following the ruling, Mrs. Pratt said that the result was a good one, and thanked jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence. She applauded Director of Public Prosecutions Daarsrean Greene for his tireless work in bringing the case to trial, and making the best possible case. “I am relieved that after

more than six years of waiting, we finally have justice for Roger, who was a wonderful man with a big smile and a great love of live,” she said.

Although nothing can bring him back, she said, she could start moving on with her life, now that justice has been served.

Margaret Pratt had attended her husband’s murder trial from the onset but returned to the United Kingdom two days before the jury delivered its verdict. She told the STAR she would have loved to wait but return flights to her country were limited around this time of year. Numerous adjournments prolonged the trial.

Although her campaign for justice may be over, this did not necessarily mean she would never return to Saint Lucia. Her immediate task, she said, is to absorb the verdict, and possible

Roger Pratt’s widow Margaret (left) wants to use her experience to bring about change.

appeals by the defence.

“But it remains my aspiration to form a charity to help young men—particularly young men in the south of the island—who may be tempted into crime. I want to provide some form of activity that helps

them achieve their true potential and not descend into a life of crime and violence. I’ll need help from people in Saint Lucia. It will take time to work through but that remains my aspiration.”

--JSA

THE STAR

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

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State ordered to pay $8,000,000 compensation to unlawfully incarcerated mentally ill!

received treatment periodically from 2003 to 2019 by various consultant psychiatrists and he high court last week was diagnosed variously with ordered the Saint Lucia psychosis, schizophrenia, government to pay bipolar affective disorder and damages in the amounts of antisocial personality disorder. It $5,031,500 and $3,526,000 was never in dispute that there to Francis Noel and Anthony were no periodic reviews for the Henry. Noel was 36 years old entire time of Noel and Henry’s when he was arrested in 1987 incarceration to determine on the charge of grievous harm whether either had sufficiently and held on remand until his recovered so as to stand trial. arraignment on 20 July 1992, They therefore remained at which time he was declared detained in prison for the entire unfit to plead. period of their incarceration,

Noel was then ordered to and were never admitted to any be detained at the Royal Gaol mental health facility in Saint “until the governor-general’s Lucia. pleasure shall be known.”

Each man claimed He remains at the Bordelais damages for “breaches of Correctional Facility. For an his constitutional rights to a offence that carries a maximum fair trial within a reasonable sentence of ten years Noel time, to personal liberty, and has been incarcerated for 32 to protection from inhuman years. According to high court treatment.” Henry also sought documents, the picture that an order that he be released emerged was that Noel has into a mental institution. At been mentally ill for most of the end of the hearing of his life and a danger to the this claim, counsel for the community. Since 1973 he parties undertook to attempt a has been receiving attention settlement. The court was told at a mental hospital, on orders at the end of November 2019 from magistrates, because of that the parties were unable to his antisocial behavior. He was reach a settlement and it would so difficult to control that one be necessary for the court to psychiatrist requested he be resolve the issues arising in the kept in prison and treated there claim. for his mental illness—which

Among the relevant laws tended to suggest why Noel cited was Section 1019 of the was never transferred to a Criminal Code: “If any accused mental health facility. person appears before or upon Anthony Henry was arraignment to be insane, the arrested on 26 September 1995 court may order a jury to be for double murder and held impanelled to try the sanity on remand pending trial for of such person, and the jury seven and a half years. At his shall thereupon, after hearing arraignment on 7 February 2000 evidence for that purpose, find he too was found unfit to plead whether such person is or is not and ordered to be detained at insane and unfit to take his trial. the governor-general’s pleasure.

“If during the trial of any He remained in prison until he accused person such person was unconditionally discharged appears, after the hearing on 30 May 2019. Total period of of evidence to that effect or incarceration 24 years. otherwise to the jury charged

Notes from Bordelais’s with such indictment to be medical psychiatric unit insane, the court shall in such indicated to the court that case direct the jury to abstain Henry was seen six times in from finding a verdict upon his 2003, seven times in 2004, nine indictment, and in lieu thereof, times in 2005, eleven times in to return a verdict that such a 2006, eight times in 2007. In person is insane. But a verdict 2008 he was seen ten times. under this section shall not In 2009, nine times. And finally affect the trial of any person twice in 2019. Nothing in the so found to be insane for the notes suggested Henry and offence for which he is indicted Noel received any psychiatric in case he subsequently attention prior to 2003. The becomes sound of mind.” evidence was that Henry

From all of the above the

By Rick Wayne

T

Justice Godfrey Smith (pictured) this week awarded record damages to two mentally handicapped individuals unlawfully held at Bordelais for over 30 years.

judge distilled that “a jury must be empanelled to determine whether an accused person is unfit to take his trial. Where a jury so finds, the judge shall immediately report the finding and detention to the governor general who shall order the person to be dealt with as a person with unsound mind under the laws of Saint Lucia in force at the time for the care and custody of persons of unsound mind.”

The court took into consideration that the Criminal Code does not specify where the place of safe custody shall be and leaves it to the judge to so determine—but only until the governor general’s pleasure is known . . .” Said the high court judge: “If the judge considered the prison to be a fit and proper place for their detention in safe custody this could only have been until the governor general considered the matter and gave directions . . . The governor general is restricted in what he may order by the requirements of the law in force for dealing with the mentally ill.”

There was no evidence that the judge in this matter

immediately reported the finding and determination to the governor general. Neither that the governor general ever made any order that Noel or Henry be dealt with under the laws of Saint Lucia for the care and custody of the mentally ill.

Noted the court: The law in force at the time for dealing with the care and custody of persons of unsound mind in Saint Lucia was, and is, the Mental Hospitals Act. But before dealing with that the court turned its attention to the expression “the governor general’s pleasure.” At face value the phrase suggested the claimants be detained “until the governor general orders otherwise.” But the governor general’s discretion is not absolute.

“The essence in the rule of law and modern constitutionalism is that there is no unfettered discretion,” the court observed. “The notion of unfettered discretion was debunked since the matter of Attorney General v Reynolds.”

In any event, the court held, the Mental Hospitals Act “contemplates detention until

mentally ill persons recover their mental health, which implies they will receive appropriate treatment and that there will be an on-going process to evaluate whether they are able to stand trial. The governor general’s pleasure is an archaic, unhelpful, colonialera phrase that should now pass into desuetude.”

Moreover: “It is properly the function of the executive to ensure that the mentally ill who are unfit to plead get the appropriate treatment until they are fit to plead. There is therefore no need to substitute ‘governor general’s pleasure’ with ‘the court’s pleasure . . .’

It appears to me that once the claimants were found unfit to plead and take their trial, and the judge made a provisional order for their safe custody and immediately reported it to the governor general as required by the code, the provisions of the act were then engaged . . . In the situation where the governor general makes no order, the default position under the act is that the judge would have ordered the person to be detained in a mental hospital, not in a prison, until he becomes of sound mind.”

Additionally: “Both the Mental Hospitals Act and the Correctional Services Act envision that persons of unsound mind should be committed to, or transferred to and detained at a mental hospital. That is the minimum that can be expected of a modern, civilized society . . . I appreciate that a prison may be set up and equipped with a psychiatric ward or unit. But there is no evidence that was the case here. Mr. Leonard Terrance, the deputy director Bordelais, deposed that presently Mr. Noel is housed at the Delta Unit, which is the maximum-security unit and the only block of cells which has one-man facilities. He further stated that Bordelais’s medical unit is under the supervision of a nurse, that prison officers are also assigned to the medical unit and that the unit is not designed to house inmates permanently. He further deposed that Mr. Noel was housed between 2006-2007 at the Foxtrot which is designed

for inmates with mental health conditions but gave no further details.”

The court emphasized that “prisons are not designed as facilities for the mentally ill, yet it is the case that throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean many mentally ill persons who cannot access psychiatric treatment are simply swept into the criminal justice system after they commit a crime, and even when they have not been adjudged as having committed any crime . . .

The detention of the claimants, being mentally ill persons, in prison for 20 years and 27.5 years, respectively, without periodic reviews of their fitness to plead amounts to inhuman and degrading treatment. Further, when no regular reviews are held, not only the mentally disabled accused suffer but the public at large, since there is less and less chance of a fair trial and accountability for the crime.

“The claimants were both charged with criminal offences.

Neither claimant could have been tried because each was found unfit to plead due to mental illness. If there had been periodic reviews, which concluded that they remained unfit to stand trial, they could not have been brought to trial, no matter how long they remained incarcerated. The right to trial within a reasonable time is not triggered until they are fit to plead. There having been no periodic reviews, we shall never know whether they were ever fit to stand trial . . . I think the approach in the circumstances of this case should be to award damages based on my finding that they were deprived of their personal liberty in a manner not authorized by law. Where a claimant seeks damages for breach of the right to trial within a reasonable time, what he is seeking to vindicate is his or her right to personal liberty, to not be kept in prison awaiting trial longer than can reasonably be expected. Similarly the award of damages for failure to conduct periodic reviews of a person’s fitness to stand trial is ultimately directed at vindicating personal liberty.”

Ms Lydia Faisal and Mr. Alvin St. Clair represented the claimants. Justice Godfrey Smith SC presided.

08 LOCAL

FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

SERVOL Programme Graduates help shed Light on Local Crime

W

ith the number of homicides this year already nearing double digits, SERVOL’s Junior Life Programme (JLP) could not have come at a more opportune time. The Department of Education last September sent teachers to Trinidad and Tobago for JLP training to ensure that public sector schools are equipped to perform the necessary interventions that marginalized primary school students need in order to thrive and flourish.

SERVOL (Service Volunteered For All) describes itself as an organisation of “weak, frail, ordinary, imperfect yet hope-filled and committed people seeking to help weak, frail, ordinary, hope-drained people become agents of attitudinal and social change in a journey which leads to total human development”.

According to its website, the organisation has several programmes, notably Early Childhood Care and Education, Adolescent Development, and Parent Outreach. The JLP was established in April 1994 to “fill an educational gap between the primary and secondary school

system for students who scored below 30% in the Common Entrance Examination”. There are ten such centres in Trinidad and Tobago.

On Monday, in the conference room at the Office of the Prime Minister, Saint Lucia’s ten teacher graduates were present to discuss and share what they had learned during the four-month JLP and the wider impact it can have on Saint Lucia’s education sector. As a government official stated: “The training provided to the ten selected teachers at the JLP is consistent with the key aspects of the Education Quality Improvement Programme, which places emphasis on implementing policies and strategies geared towards the provision of the requisite psycho-social, emotional and academic support services for at-risk students within Saint Lucia’s primary level of education.”

“At-risk students” was a recurring theme throughout Monday’s discussions, and that the more traditional means of interacting with and punishing these students are ineffective.

It was also pointed out that

SERVOL JLP graduates, pictured with Education Department officials, hope that the programme will contribute greatly to our education system and eventually help to reduce our crime rate.

many of our at-risk students grow up to commit crimes and are already contributing to our high crime rate.

One graduate spoke about alternative means of dealing with a child. “There’s this debate here about corporal punishment,” she declared.

“When you go to SERVOL, you understand how to go through behaviour modifications and to deal with the students, without touching them. All we have to do is listen to them. There is hope for every single child if we can just listen to and understand them.”

She said the purpose of JLP is to make those students self-aware; to understand that the area you come from does not have to define who you are.

“If we take a look at the areas at-risk students come from,” she noted, “you’ll quickly realize most come from what we term ‘the ghetto’. What the JLP aims to do is to take them out of that mindset. We cannot remove them from their situation but we can change their way of thinking. Once we’ve done this, we have developed the whole child. The

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ghetto is only a state of mind.

So, if they understand this, they will get out of the ghetto and I think we can then start to see a reduction in crime.”

Marie-Grace Auguste, Project Coordinator of EQuIP, described an at-risk student as: “Any child that isn’t able to access the education and information they need to survive this modern, dynamic, competitive world. Once they fall through the cracks and they can’t hit that percentage that we set them up for at the Common Entrance or any other level; once they cannot make it and have fallen through the cracks, they become at-risk.”

They’re not only at-risk to themselves, she pointed out.

“They’re a risk to the society on a whole, because they cannot function. They don’t have the means to function as normal people, and that necessary self-development and self-awareness just isn’t there. And because it isn’t, they cannot acquire the skills they need to be employable and self-employed and to make a difference in the society. So teachers can actually observe who the at-risk students are if

they take the time.”

Auguste stated that the interventions planned by EQuIP will target various age groups, and it will continue to partner with SERVOL where programmes are already in place for each of these respective age-groups; from Early Childhood, all the way up to adolescents and young adults.

“Someone mentioned that these problems start from the womb,” Auguste recalled. “It is a serious point, because the child gets its nutrition from the womb, its wherewithal, comfort and nurturing; and if these aren’t provided, those children will grow up to become a problem. So, we are hoping that from the early childhood coming up, we can add something to the JLP in the future. If we can get these programmes throughout the entire school system, it should help to keep our people on the straight and narrow.”

She added: “Young people are resorting to crime as the first option; it shouldn’t be an option at all.”

--–Dean Nestor

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THE STAR

A

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Author determined to write a book a year for ten years!

fter 12 years as a psychology lecturer at the University of the Southern Caribbean, Trinidadian Imo Bakari has set himself a goal: writing at least ten books over the next ten years. His first book, 'Conversations', first hit the shelves in the twin-island republic in 2016. Now in its second printing, a book launch is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at Castries Central Library from 5 pm. Bakari explained that the inspiration to write this book arose out of his multifaceted social, political and economic experiences in life.

Bakari stated that he came from a poor background but poverty is no reason for not fulfilling your potential.

The experiences garnered over many years, he explained, have given him the motivation to empower others to fulfill their potential, and to be the best they can be. The book addresses, inter alia socio-political, economic, inspirational and regional issues. Crime, education reform and poverty are key topics.

"They're heavy issues but done in the form of poetry and prose because, in the Caribbean, many persons have a big problem with reading. So if we could make it in an easier form to read, I think it will be useful," Bakari told the STAR on Tuesday. “It is an exercise for mental development, so it is critical that we try to engender that reading culture.”

One pressing matter is his desire for Caribbean people to understand that they possess a lot of power, and that they can organise around issues to effect change.

Politicians, he says, can provide an enabling environment but this is not an excuse to sit idly by. He used the example of a caller to a radio station, who expresses an opinion on an issue.

“After you have expressed the opinion, what are the

LOCAL 09

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next steps? You’re going back home and rest? Are you calling in again?”

Said the author: "One of the most fundamental areas that Caribbean people must take stock of is placing their faith, and progress in life, in the hands of politicians. Politicians have a part to play. Sadly, the part played hardly ever benefits people in the way that it should."

Additionally: "I would like people to take responsibility. One of the poems is called 'Step Up'. No matter your situation, step up and fulfill what you need to do in terms of a better life."

While congratulating the nation on the 41st anniversary of Independence, Bakari encouraged all those interested to attend the launch.

--JSA

Author Imo Bakari says his book will be a tool to inspire and empower individuals toward the further development of the region.

BAY GARDENS BEACH RESORT & SPA WINS WEDDING AWARD

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he award-winning Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa has captured a 2020 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award, adding another accolade to its growing collection. Winners of the prestigious awards exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service and quality when interacting with the millions of consumers who turn to WeddingWire to help ease their wedding planning process each month.

The Saint Lucian-owned and -operated four-star resort received the nod from WeddingWire earlier this month, being recognized as one of the leading wedding venues in Saint Lucia, winner of the World's Leading Honeymoon Destination at the 2019 World Travel Awards.

Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa offers a variety of options for visitors and is a popular choice for intimate beach wedding ceremonies, elopements and vow renewals.

"The team at Bay Gardens is thankful for this latest honour," said Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts. "At Bay Gardens Resorts, we're here to ensure every aspect of our guests' wedding experience in Saint Lucia is stress-free. From flowers to photography to the marriage license, our goal is to make the wedding day perfect in every way."

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10 COMMENT

THE SAINT LUCIAN FLAG AS I SEE IT

Vacancy Announcement United States Peace Corps in Eastern Caribbean Applications are invited from qualified persons to fill this position with the U.S. Peace Corps Position Title: Temporary Administrative Assistant

Salary Grade is based on U. S. Mission Local Compensation

Plan Closing Date: March 5, 2020 Position type: 12 Week Personal Services Contract Work Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday (40 hours per week) Duty Station: Peace Corps Office is located in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION This position works under the supervision of the Director of Management and Operations (DMO) This position will provide general administrative and financial support to the Peace Corps/Eastern Caribbean Post based in St. Lucia. The contractor will be supervised by the Director of Management and Operations (DMO), and provide support services to the administrative team.

Major Duties: Administrative • Review staff Time and Attendance records for accuracy and policy compliance; make recommendation to the DMO for approval.

• Conduct routine filing, including financial and volunteer forms.

• Assist with scheduling appointments, preparing documents, and other secretarial tasks.

• Other administrative duties, as assigned by the DMO or temporary Financial Assistant.

Financial • Review biweekly payroll report for accuracy and makes recommendation to DMO for approval.

• Solicit quotations from vendors for goods and/or services; prepare subsequent work order supply requests.

• Receives and tracks invoices for payment, logging and reconciling each invoice.

• Contacts vendors to obtain pending invoices.

• Sends EFT confirmations to vendors when payment has been made.

• Other financial tasks, as assigned by the DMO or temporary Financial Assistant.

Volunteer Support • Review twice-monthly Volunteer payment report and makes recommendation to DMO for approval.

• Other Volunteer support functions, as assigned by the DMO or temporary Financial Assistant.

Additional Duties May serve as back up to the Receptionist, Executive Assistant, or Travel Assistant as-needed.

Safety and Security: Immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and Country Director. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.

Minimum Qualifications: An Associate’s-level degree in Accounting or Business Management, and at least one year of experience in a business setting is required.

Wage and Benefits Wage: XCD $688 per week for 12 weeks.

Benefits include US and local holidays.

POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECK. Application Process 1. A cover letter or brief letter of interest 2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Professional Resume that directly addresses minimum qualifications listed above.

3. The names and contact information of three references.

Please submit your cover letter, CV, and references by email to LC-HR@ peacecorps.gov. Subject line of the email must read PEACE CORPS TEMP_AA-SLU. No phone calls please. ALL applications must be received via email.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. For additional information, email: LC-HR@peacecorps.gov The closing date for applications is March 5, 2020 For additional information regarding Peace Corps, please visit our website at https://www.peacecorps.gov/eastern-caribbean/.

FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

By Velon John

A

s I pen these words my attention is drawn to my TV screen which portrays three different versions of the background of the Lucian flag.

The responders on Constitution Park were commenting on the correctness of that background: which colour in part depicted the true flag. The baby blue, the sky blue or the sea blue?

Why the confusion in 2020, forty-one years after our national independence? This is a matter that should have been determined by the people of this country four decades earlier through the instrumentality of a national competition or popular affirmation. And that is in terms of the component parts of the flag of Saint Lucia.

All I see at this time is sound and fury signifying nothing. A matter relegated to the babblement of the pavement.

Baby blue, sky blue or sea blue: what is the difference? Hence the superficiality, the inanity of the various responses.

In relation to a flag anywhere, any place, one’s thinking has to be on a different and higher level. We seem to be preoccupied with the mundane, the fatuous when our focus should be on the sublime, the historical and on the experiential level of abstraction.The artistic and aesthetic presentation of a flag is of some importance; but what, in my opinion, is the core and determinative consideration, is the symbolism of the flag as it relates to a specific geographical expression.

The key words in the formulation or creation of a flag are: symbolism, abstraction, historicity and edification. Our flag should depict, on whatever the level, that which is best in us as a people. The grandest and magnificent version of our society. It should reflect our ideals, our aspirations and our achievements. And all this must creatively and imaginatively be encapsuled or rectangularised within the four corners of the flag. In all of its aspects a flag should evince or manifest a positive force that impacts on the people and children of the nation: cognitively, emotionally and visually. There should be nothing negative about a flag as it relates to the populace that it serves.

And it is in this regard that the flag of Saint Lucia has failed us.

A flag is not merely a work of art: it transcends that and by

so doing touches each and every one of us on levels that engage our patriotism and community solidarity. When I look at our flag I see and feel none of these. The feeling is really one of revulsion.

What I physically see is a blue background and superimposed on that is a triangularised strip of white and beneath it a mass of black; and at the base a patch of yellow. But then when I look at our flag with my mind’s eye I see that strip of white that represents slavery, servitude, oppression, colonialism and neo-colonialism and our present demographic and social inferiority. I further see a mass of black agonisingly sandwiched between the two strips of white. And the grotesque and excruciating pathos that engulfs me is that which was given literary utterance by William Shakespeare in his play 'Julius Caesar':

Why man he doth bestride the narrow world like a colossus/ And we petty men walk under his huge legs/And peep about to find ourselves dishonourable graves/ The fault dear Brutus is not in our stars/But in ourselves that we are underlings.

When a global comparison is made there is no predominantly Caucasian community or society where on its flag one sees a strip of black triangulated over a mass of white. So what happened forty-one years ago?

Sir Dunstan was a very talented artist: a consummate dabbler in paints and colours. His mural at the Roman Catholic Church in Jacmel has been internationally proclaimed as the apotheosis of his artistic genius. But then we ask: Where did the thinking behind the flag come from? Why, at the time of its creation, our intellectuals, pseudo or otherwise, did not find the flag offensive?

Why didn’t the bourgeois element in our society feel uncomfortable?

Why didn’t the society as a whole, and at any one time, voice its concern? Perhaps there was no cause for concern and that is why the foreigners in our midst feel more comfortable than the natives.

The flag was approved by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 3rd February 1967 and was formally entered into the College of Arms, United Kingdom. The colours of the Saint Lucian flag are Cerulean blue, white, black and gold. The flag is constructed of triangles, the golden triangle being central.

The Cerulean Blue background, which reflects the tropical sky and the surrounding

I am not comfortable. And so waters, stands for fidelity.

Gold represents the prevailing the lone voice in the wilderness sunshine and prosperity. Black goes ponderingly along amidst and white represent the cultural the cactus-like trees of his influences of the races living and disconcerting thoughts. That working in unity. The black culture indeed is my truth. As I see it, is represented as dominant. The in a world of hypocrisy and fake triangles represent the pitons, news,confronting and accepting including the island’s famous the truth is an evolutionary twin Pitons rising sheer out of process. the sea, a symbol of the hope and aspirations of the people.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The St. Omer

The original colours were family last week published the Aquamarine, Gold, Black and following about the Saint Lucia White. However, for Independence flag:

The Saint Lucia National Flag (1979), the designer changed the blue to better reflect our tropical was designed by internationally sky and the surrounding waters renowned Saint Lucian Artist, to Cerulean blue # RGB 99, 207, Hon, Sir Dunstan St Omer (SLC, 254. (International Pantone Code KCMG, MBE, BM, D.Litt) and was first hoisted over our Island Home 2985C)

The International Pantone when Saint Lucia was granted Codes for the Saint Lucia National Associated Statehood with Great Britain, on 1st March 1967. It was Flag are: Pantone 2985C (Cerulean Blue) the beginning of Saint Lucia’s Pantone 114C (Gold) long journey to Independence, which was eventually achieved on Pantone Neutral Black Pantone White.

22nd February 1979.

Launch of the "Protect our Children" Initiative

T

he Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association announces the launch of an initiative aimed at protecting the nation's children from abuse in all its forms, be it verbal, physical or sexual. This will be undertaken in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, RISE Saint Lucia Inc. and other civil society organisations. It will be a followup to the SLMDA's "Good Touch/ Bad Touch” programme launched in 2006 to sensitize children on the issue of inappropriate touching as well as equip medical practitioners, teachers and all concerned citizens with the knowledge to recognise victims of abuse.

Saint Lucia is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, yet abuse of minors remains a pervasive issue, the negative implications of which— be they short- or long-term—are seldom highlighted.

"Protect our Children" forms part of the SLMDA's continued outreach to the communities it serves. The aim is to ensure that every citizen is made aware of the fact that preventing childhood abuse and trauma can only augur well for the future of our country as it pertains to reducing, among other societal ills, the burden of crime and violence and their associated impact on the healthcare system and overall development of our beloved nation. Now is the time; let's protect our children together!

THE STAR

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

Knock on Wood!

by Cockadoodle Doo

S

ir, it’s rich isn’t it, when you hear former executive members of the SLMDA, whining, pining and coming out to throw shade on the current Ministry of Health and its CMO, an acknowledged civil servant par excellence, not to mention a balanced, pleasant human being clearly at the top of her game and ever aware that staying in touch with the public is not the least of her duties and responsibilities?

At a critical time such as this, instead of warning the public not to swallow and digest the conspiracy theories and the manufactured disinformation from the various opposition factories—something which would be tantamount to turning on themselves, and something which they therefore cannot bring themselves to do—they continue to raise scurrilous issues that have already been explicitly dealt with alongside total non-issues that do not merit a response. And so, once again, the public is not fooled by their tactics, glaringly evident to all that politics is, and was, at the heart of their every thought, word and action.

But don’t take my word for it. You don’t have to look far for confirmation: at least two

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George obviously has garnered much support among the Saint Lucia public.

of those former leading lights of the SLMDA, so aggressive and hateful in their demeanour throughout 2019, are about to declare themselves candidates in the next general elections.

So, is any one of us in the public really surprised? Not one bit.

It was clear all along that the frantic, bungling behaviour we saw coming from those selfadvertised professionals was nothing more than an exhibition of their qualification for SLPtype politics. An auditioning of sorts, you might say, which we have to assume they passed with flying colours.

As for the rest of us Looshans, we simply thank our lucky stars to have, along with our tried and tested Belmar-George CMO, the new

president of the SLMDA (or should that be the president of the new SLMDA?), an articulate, vivacious lady who commands attention, not demands it through shouting matches and carnival atmospherics; an engaging personality in constant touch, informing and educating, delivering timely statements; one who goes beyond the call of duty and hosts interesting, helpful TV programmes with her various colleagues as guests in order to keep members of the public in the know on the subject of their health. (It should be stated here that the competence and the credibility of the former, just-retired CMO were also unquestioned, for sure.) But back to the SLMDA. Those of the current team are in stark contrast to their predecessors.

So, it would seem that those of the former are good for what?

You’ve got it: Politics. The more disruptive, the better!

Now, on a sobering note, given the unfolding reality worldwide, God forbid we may yet have a visit from the virulent virus, but one doubts it would be for want of the efforts of the hardworking, responsible, evervigilant current medical teams.

So, as we knock on wood, let Saint Lucia—not politics—be the winner here!

Equipment distributed to 6 Schools under Taiwan-Saint Lucia “ICT in Education” Project

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he Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) are pleased to announce the distribution of ICT equipment, such as laptops, projectors, projector screens and mobile charging carts, to primary and secondary schools on February 21, 2020.

H.E. Douglas Shen, Ambassador of Republic of China (Taiwan), expressed his vision for broadening the ICT learning impact and awareness in education in Saint Lucia. Ambassador Shen praised the team for the speedy implementation of the “Agreement of ICT for Educational Development” signed by Minister Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert and himself last November. He believes that by providing teachers and students with proper ICT equipment and guidance, they will be empowered with competitive IT skills and capabilities to cope with future challenges.

Ambassador Douglas Shen and Dr. Gale Rigobert meet with students of the Entrepot Secondary School.

Students from Entrepot Secondary School were delighted to join with Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, the Minister of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, who remarked on the current training and equipment for students.

Various e-learning passages are made possible with the introduction of versatile educational resources and ICT provisions. Moreover, with the provision of the equipment, the Ministry is set to encourage more participation from primary and secondary school

LOCAL

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teachers in incorporating digital perceptions into pedagogical teachings. The sustainability of IT teaching and learning elevate and fortify the fundamental spirit of the Saint Lucia education system.

The distribution of the equipment is just the beginning for further strengthening co-operation between Taiwan and Saint Lucia in education.

There is a series of ICT-related seminars, workshops, capacitybuilding programmes and competitions for both teachers and students planned in the days ahead.

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NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION VACANCY

Communications Technician- Audio Visual The National Insurance Corporation is seeking to fill the position of Communications TechnicianAudio Visual to complement the Communications function.

Summary of Duties: To capture and develop footage of NIC activities using video and audio recording equipment inhouse and on location, combining technology, visual and graphic skills for the creation of content for broadcast and for use on web and social media applications.

Reporting to the Communications Manager the essential duties will entail: • Editing video and audio by reviewing raw footage, extracting extraneous information, adjusting colour, etc. and using appropriate software to produce high quality productions.

• Utilizing computer graphics and special effects to create visual and artistic elements and illustrations to enhance video and audio productions.

• Installing, assembling and operating audio/ video, electronic and communication equipment by arranging as per specification and layout, adjusting and monitoring equipment to ensure effective functioning whilst on duty.

• Capturing recorded audio/video using appropriate software to make productions available in various formats.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities • Advance knowledge of and ability to set up, operate and maintain digital and analogue media systems and technologies, multimedia, electronic and communications equipment

including video cameras and recorders, audio recording equipment, microphones, sound systems, lighting and post production equipment.

• Advanced knowledge of audio/video production procedures, practices and terminology.

• Ability to undertake studio production with multi-camera shooting; to plan., translate and visualize abstract concepts and scripts in effective sound and visual form.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work in a team environment.

Experience and Qualifications • At least a Diploma in Digital Media from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College or equivalent.

• At least two (2) years relevant working experience Application Procedure: Applications along with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualifications and two referees, should be addressed to:The Human Resource Manager Position of Communications Technician- Audio Visual National Insurance Corporation Francis Compton Building Waterfront Castries

Deadline for receipt of applications is March 16th, 2020 Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation is seeking to employ a suitably qualified candidate for the position of

Human Resource Manager.

Principal Functions • Create, implement and maintain an organizational framework that maximizes the usage of the human resource capital, through training, goal setting, performance feedback and reward systems • Lead HR Strategic Plan as ratified by the Board of Directors of the Foundation • Development of an employee-oriented organizational culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, employee retention through capacity building • Manage training and employee development frameworks that address areas of deficiency to create a more competent and high performing staffing component • Lead and direct the human resource team to deliver a comprehensive HR service to the organization • Promote healthy relationships between staff and management through mediation, conflict resolution and guiding department managers and supervisors Knowledge / Experience • Minimum five years’ experience in Human Resource Management role or similar field • Knowledge of Labor Code • Experience in trade unionism will be an asset Qualifications The successful applicant must have attained at least: • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management or Business Management Application with CV must be submitted no later than Friday 6th March 2020 to: The General Manager Soufriere Regional Development Foundation P.O Box 272 Bay Street Soufriere or emailed to franklinsolomon.srdf@gmail.com

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FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

41st Indepen

THE STAR

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ndence 2020

independence

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FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

Some people cannot speak without hurting themselves! of times it’s committed?

Of course, throughout his Dean Nestor political career Kenny Anthony has demonstrated a persecution complex, whether the subject is the Ramsahoye Commission hose who imagined Report, IMPACS, Grynberg or Kenny Anthony was the current prime minister’s still winding down his life unfulfilled promise to undertake as a professional politician, certain investigations relating including the hope he might to his immediate predecessor. quit raining on Philip J. Pierre’s No surprise that he fired at parade, were this week given “detractors” when, as we shall more reason to think again see, it is the official record when he was announced as that speaks loudest of his own Calixte George Jr’s Lunch Room suspect handling of contracts guest. Almost from the get-go by direct purchase. the Vieux Fort South MP and Between 2012 and 2016, former prime minister opened when he was prime minister, fire on Allen Chastanet and his 426 direct purchase contracts administration. were issued, a yearly average of

In answer to a question 106.5. Between 2016 and 2019, about public procurement: the Chastanet administration “You now have a situation in issued 355 direct purchase the country,” he said, “where contracts, an annual average of it’s a norm now, contracts by 118. Hardly precedent setting. direct purchase. I know my

He pointed his prodigious detractors out there will say: accusatory finger at still ‘You used to do it too.’ But never another “never before”, this on the scale that you see now. time in reference to the amount Public procurements laws have borrowed by the current virtually gone by the wayside, government. “I believe we’re have just disappeared.” Was he approaching the figure of over saying an action is determined two billion dollars now,” said bad dependent on the number the former finance minister.

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“When you add, of course, the borrowing for the [Hewanorra] airport and the new borrowing for the road. I mean, this is really a remarkable achievement by the prime minister to have borrowed so much money in so little time.”

Again, not atypically, Anthony left it to listeners, judging by the ordinary meaning of his words, to determine whether he had inadvertently complimented Chastanet on “a really remarkable achievement”. In any case his possibly intended put-down amounted to spitting at the sky. A quick look at the record would reveal little difference in the spending of public funds by earlier administrations.

A cursory glance at the expenditure figures between 2011 and 2019 reveals near insignificant difference.

But Anthony seemed determined not to let facts get in the way of the war he first declared on “the Chastanets” in the run-up to the 2016 elections that had toppled him.

He moved on to his successor’s modus operandi.

“But look at other aspects of

governance,” he said. “Does he consult with the opposition?

You have a situation where very, very serious bills are sent to parliamentarians on a Friday, possibly on a Saturday, for debate on a Tuesday. So a lot of these bills never have the opportunity to be debated in the public at large.”

It became clearer and clearer as the interview limped on, how difficult it is for Kenny Anthony to manoeuvre himself without stepping on his own improvised explosive devices, in military circles known as IEDs. By now this is fact that Philip J. Pierre must be all too familiar with. Wasn’t it Kenny Anthony, as prime minister, who had leased several acres of Saint Lucia’s seabed to a crackpot oil speculator from Denver, Colorado without a word to his Cabinet or to parliament?

The same Kenny Anthony who, twenty years after the deal was disastrously struck, refuses to be accountable? Poor Philip J. Pierre, there is hardly a question put to him by reporters that he does not answer with, “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know.” It’s arrived at a stage where even regular citizens refer to the current SLP leader as “Mr. I Dunno!”

No interview or House speech involving the opposition is expected not to include the V-word. “Vindictive”, that is.

“We’re in the era of vindictive politics,” Anthony declared with obvious authority. “It’s visceral.”

Visceral? Did he actually mean to say “the era of vindictive politics” was somehow related to the nervous system?

“You don’t handle politics in such a personal way,” said the former schoolteacher turned politician. “This is a politics of punishment. And as a leader, you cannot do that. A leader is supposed to, as I said, pour oil over troubled waters. And has to have the capacity to heal his country, heal his nation. This is not happening here at all, I can tell you.”

This reporter initially considered the possibility that Calixte George’s guest had in mind an audience of one.

A certain leading member of his party that he claimed not so long ago still had not made his own mark after 25 years in politics. The reporter miscalculated. A pained look twisting his visage, Anthony went on, as they say, to tear the ring. “Who can ever forget the way the former governor

general was treated?”

For a split second the reporter believed Sir George Mallet was at long last about to receive a posthumous apology for the humiliation famously handed him via the 17 June 1997 throne speech—authored by the newly arrived prime minister. Imagine being in the governor general’s shoes, dear reader; forced to condemn the government of which you had been a part for some four decades without scandal.

Imagine having to read, out of duty, the following indictment— destined to prove without merit.

Vindictive?

“Corruption has been identified as the numberone issue in the minds of Saint Lucians. The extent of public sentiment has found expression in the popular culture, in calypsos such as Jaunty’s ‘Bobol List’, which expressed in no uncertain terms the revulsion that the ordinary Saint Lucian felt at the abuse of public office for private gain. The commission of inquiry established by the former administration to investigate the so-called UN Scandal exposed to public view the sordid dimension of this phenomenon. Although the work of the commission was never followed to its logical conclusion, it showed Saint Lucians how the levers of power could be manipulated, and punctuated the need for tighter accountability.”

Actually, the victim Kenny Anthony had in mind on Tuesday was the former governor general Pearlette Louisy. “She virtually had to go on bended knee to go and get what was due to her,” Anthony said. “She had to seek legal advice to impress upon the government that she was being treated wrongly. How do you do these things? There’s a certain manner when approaching these things. There has to be honour in government and that’s the point I’m making.”

He could hardly wait for the next question from his Lunch Room host who, until 6 June 2016, had been Anthony’s political attaché. It referenced the Hewanorra International Airport reconstruction project.

“Do you think it is a cash cow?

Are you afraid of a Piarco fiasco returning in Hewanorra?” Even your granny could’ve hit that one over the boundary!

“It is a cash cow!” Anthony bellowed. “No question, it is a

cash cow. I don’t see the kind of controls, and I don’t think that SLASPA is a strong organisation that can protect the integrity of the interests of the people of Saint Lucia in this matter.

So I have no doubt in my mind that it is a potential cash cow, especially given the approach and the secrecy that has been adopted.”

In plainer words, “the approach and the secrecy” rendered the project “a cash cow”. So what does that say about Frenwell? What does it say about Grynberg? Were (are?) the two projects cash cows?

Of the first instance, this was the finding of the Ramsahoye Commission in 2009: “The prime minister and minister of finance had responsibility for the transaction whereby the money was lost [US$14,592,350].

There was no supervision or control by the government over the construction, equipping and management of the resort. The project, as conceived, failed without the people and the government being protected from the total loss and the costs associated with the repayment of the debts owing by Frenwell Limited. We consider the government was obliged to protect itself by ensuring that it had an equity in a viable concern in the event it was called upon to meet debts of the hotel company . . . There was no evidence that high level public servants who were engaged in the offices of Dr. Kenny Anthony, the prime minister and minister of finance, were involved in the decision making process concerning this transaction . . . We consider that the loss suffered in this matter was the result of maladministration and we would recommend that where the government enters into contracts for the procurement of goods and services the law regulating such agreements should be strictly followed. There were irregularities in public administration resulting in loss for the government and people of Saint Lucia. Public servants should have been involved in the transaction . . .”

In the interests of transparency and accountability, perhaps the next time Kenny Anthony visits the Lunch Room, the chief cook and bottle washer will invite him to sample an item or two from the Ramsahoye bakery. By now the Vieux Fort South MP has had his fill of soufflé.

THE STAR

REGIONAL

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Paternity leave ‘coming soon’ B arbadian fathers will soon be getting paid leave from their jobs to help take care of their newborn babies. The revelation came on Wednesday from Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan as the House of Assembly went into the second day of debate on the 2020-2021 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.

He said the leave would be granted under an arrangement similar to what currently obtains for women. “The paternity leave will be statutory, like maternity leave. It [is] our proposal that it will be paid leave, as well. Our proposal further is that it will be taken around the time of birth; no later than a few months after birth,” Jordan explained.

Responding to fears expressed by Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey that the new system could be abused, he reiterated that the frequency with which paternity leave is taken will mirror what obtains for maternity leave. “So that the potential for abuse, we believe, will be mitigated. There is still the obligation, for example, to notify the employer at some point in time before that leave is requested; then you outline . . . the period of time that the leave is needed for,” Jordan stated.

“Our government as a whole does not believe you defer an action only because it can be abused.

We believe that potential abuse should be managed, especially if the action is going to be an action to benefit others. And while there is that view about how Caribbean men or Barbadian men would view paternity leave or the frequency with which they may want to have it, we view paternity leave as helping to change that mindset. We view paternity leave philosophically, as a provision that says to men and to fathers: ‘You have

Coronavirus: World must prepare for pandemic, says WHO

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he World Health Organization has said the world should do more to prepare for a possible coronavirus pandemic. The WHO said it was too early to call the outbreak a pandemic but countries should be "in a phase of preparedness". A pandemic is when an infectious disease spreads easily from person to person in many parts of the world.

More cases of the virus, which causes respiratory disease Covid-19, continue to emerge, with outbreaks in South Korea, Italy and Iran causing concern. However, most infections are in China, the original source of the virus, where more than 77,000 people have the disease and over 2,600 have died.

More than 1,200 cases have been confirmed in about 30 other countries and there have been more than 20 deaths. On Monday Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain reported their first cases, all involving people who had come from Iran.

The proportion of infected people who die from Covid-19 appears to be between 1% and 2%, although the WHO cautions that the mortality rate is not known yet.

Worldwide stock markets saw sharp falls because of concerns about the economic impact of the virus.

China said it would postpone the annual meeting of the National People's Congress next month, to "continue the efforts" against the coronavirus. The body, which approves decisions made by the Communist Party, has met every year since 1978.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Monday: "For the moment we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large scale severe disease or deaths.

"Does this virus have pandemic potential?

Absolutely, it has. Are we there yet? From our assessment, not yet."

Mr Tedros added: "The key message that should give all countries hope, courage and confidence is that this virus can be contained. Indeed there are many countries that have done exactly that."

--BBC

a role in the raising and rearing and training of your child; you are not just a sperm producer’.”

Jordan disclosed that the relevant Cabinet paper has already been drafted with his Ministry’s proposal on what the pending legislation would look like. He noted that the document has been circulated for comment from the relevant stakeholders. Without that process completed, and acknowledging there could be amendments, the Labour Minister declined to provide details of the proposed period of paternity leave.

“But there will be paternity leave. There will be . . . paid time off. So there is the matter of payment and there is also the matter of the protection of your job. So that after they leave, the father still has a job, as obtains currently for mothers,” Jordan told Parliament.

“Under discussion would include matters of adoption in current situations where the father might not be living with

the mother. These are all issues that come to the fore when we look at Barbadian society, its evolution, where we are at. What drives us is an understanding that while this is a legislative act, it really has as its underlying philosophy, wanting to change what some perceive to be a mindset that men are just people who go around and drop stuff all over the place and don’t take their responsibility seriously.”

He said government did not believe that was the case with most men, and by enacting legislation it was demonstrating its desire to assist men in

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honouring their responsibility as fathers.

“And coming out of this legislation, we expect to see socially better adapted young people; young people who would have benefitted from input from both of their parents; young people who have a better sense of self because they have seen that collaborative input into their rearing; and young people who are better able, therefore, to contribute to the development of society and reduce waywardness in our society,” Jordan stated.

--Barbados Today

INVITATION TO TENDER Saint Lucia 2020 Climate Change Mitigation Assessment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 1. INVITATION The Government of Saint Lucia is inviting consultants to submit tenders for a consultancy to conduct its 2020 Climate Change Mitigation Assessment for reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The submission should be guided by the Terms of Reference contained herein.

TERMS OF REFERENCE Consultancy: Saint Lucia 2020 Climate Change Mitigation Assessment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 1. BACKGROUND Through the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), the Government of Saint Lucia is currently undertaking the development of its First Biennial Update Report (BUR1) report for submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This is in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 4 of the UNFCCC. By virtue of a Project Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) office in Nairobi, the DSD will serve as the executing agency in undertaking activities towards the fulfilment of Saint Lucia’s obligations in that regard.

One of the main objectives of the BUR process is to build local, individual and institutional capacity to implement the Convention. The BUR1 process also seeks to enhance general awareness and knowledge on climate change-related issues in Saint Lucia; assist in the process of national planning and policy formulation, especially as it relates to reducing greenhouse gas emissions; mainstreaming data collection measures within the work programme of the various stakeholder agencies; and contribute to the social and economic development of the country by reducing vulnerability associated with climate change, or proposing options to do so.

2. INTRODUCTION The Climate Change Mitigation Assessment is intended to communicate to the Conference of Parties (COP) on the leading sources of anthropogenic GHG emissions in Saint Lucia and identify effective measures to reduce them. It entails national and/or regional analyses of the potential costs and impacts of various technologies and practices to mitigate climate change. The information should be relevant for sustainable development and useful to policy makers to help formulate and prioritize mitigation programmes.

These outputs will be submitted as part of Saint Lucia’s BUR1 to the UNFCCC. 3. OBJECTIVES The main objectives of this Consultancy are outlined as follows: 3.1 To identify leading sources and sinks of GHG based on the analysis of the GHG inventory (2010 to 2018; 3.2 To engage local stakeholders in training and capacity building through information dissemination on climate change mitigation measures and priorities; 3.3 To prepare and submit to the DSD strategic directions/recommendations towards practical, cost-effective/efficient measures to mitigate anthropogenic GHG emissions, focusing on priority areas.

4. METHODOLOGY The Consultant will work in conjunction with Climate Change Project Team of the DSD, and the Mitigation Actions Technical Expert Working Group and shall perform all tasks listed below in the scope of services. The Consultant is expected to conduct technical capacity building for local stakeholders. The assignment, as a whole, shall be undertaken/pursued in collaboration with local counterparts, where necessary.

4.1 Local training must be done face-to-face to ensure that trainees benefit directly from the expertise of the Consultant, through interactive sessions; 4.2 The Consultant will be required to analyse Saint Lucia’s most recent GHG inventory to identify major areas where opportunities exist for applying measures for emissions reduction; 4.3 The Consultant will be required to rank and prioritise mitigation measures in developing a strategic direction towards reducing GHG emissions in at least three key emitting areas.

5. INITIAL PLANNING The Consultant will be expected to comment on the Terms of Reference and recommend potential refinements where necessary, including making such recommendations as deemed appropriate to enhance the quality of the assignment and outputs/deliverables.

6. SCOPE OF WORK The Consultant will be required to work in close consultation with the Climate Change Project Team within the DSD, and the Technical Expert Working Group. The consultant is expected to undertake the following: 6.1 Submit an Inception Report within one week of contract signature which describes: i. The procedure and arrangements to be taken in the collection and compilation of data and information; ii. Methodologies to be used to assess the mitigation measures. iii. The work plan containing a schedule of meetings, training workshops, consultations and other deliverables;

6.2 Review Stocktaking Report 2017, Mitigation Assessment and Greenhoue Gas Inventory (GHGI) of Saint Lucia’s Third National Communication to the UNFCCC, as well as the 2018 GHGI to update mitigation actions and quantify effects; 6.3 Identify national policies and measures aiming at mitigating climate change.; 6.4 Establish a database of all mitigation actions to include information on: 6.4.1 description of mitigation actions, including information on the nature of the action, coverage (i.e. sectors and gases); 6.4.2 estimation / quantification of impact and effects; 6.4.3 methodologies and assumptions; 6.4.4 objectives of actions and steps taken or envisaged to achieve those actions; 6.4.5 information on progress of implementation, estimated outcomes and emission reduction potential, needs, types and level of support required; 6.5 Develop a framework for monitoring and reporting on mitigation actions on a sector basis. This will involve a) develop report template for agencies to report to the DSD on a quarterly basis or other suitable timeframe b) draft an MOU for agencies to formally commit to information provision c) develop a tabular report format for DSD to produce monitoring reports on a quarterly basis or other suitable time frame.

6.6 Prepare and circulate the Mitigation Assessment for the review and comments

by DSD Climate Change Project team and relevant stakeholders.

7. DELIVERABLES The Consultant shall deliver the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

An Inception Report to be approved by DSD; At least two training workshops for local stakeholders; The findings of the Mitigation Assessment Report to be presented by the Consultant at a workshop for review and validation by the DSD, stakeholders and other relevant agencies; The final Mitigation Measures Chapter for the BUR1, for approval by the DSD.

8. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The consultant must: • Have a University degree Master’s with at least five years’ experience in

Environmental Studies, Development Economics or related fields in developing

country Parties; • Demonstrate prior experience and expertise in conducting Climate Change Mitigation Assessments for the National Communications or Biennial Update

Reports for developing country Parties to the UNFCCC. Successful applicants must also demonstrate a thorough knowledge/ hands-on experience with the following: 1. Decision Adopted by the COP Decision 2/CP.17: Guidelines for the Preparation of Biennial Update Reports From Parties not Included in Annex 1 to the

Convention Adopted by the Conference of the Parties; 2. Methodological approaches in addressing anthropogenic emissions by source

and removal by sinks of GHG gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol; 3. Good Practice Guidance for Land-use, Land-use change and Forestry; 4. Report of the Conference of the Parties (COP) at its Seventeenth Session, Held at Durban; 5. User Manual for the Guidelines on the Preparation of Biennial Update Reports

from Non-Annex 1 Parties.

9. TIMEFRAME The Consultant will be contracted for a period of three (3) months.

10. REMUNERATION The Consultant is required to submit a bid for evaluation, following which negotiations will be held with the successful applicant. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and experience, local and regional experience on similar assignments, proposed cost and existing commitments.

11. SUBMISSION Submissions must be made to the following address by 12 noon on Tuesday March 10, 2020.

The Secretary Central Tenders Board Office of Director of Finance Ministry of Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and Public Service 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Pointe Seraphine, Castries SAINT LUCIA All information must be submitted in English. Six (6) hard copies of the Submission must be received. The sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name and business address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked “Consultancy: Saint Lucia 2020 Mitigation Assessment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”.

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FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

THE STAR FEBRUARY 29, 2020

I

STYLES OF YOGA

n our society today we have more styles of yoga than I can name. The following are just a few of the more familiar names and styles of yoga.

HATHA - ‘Ha’ means sun and ‘tha’ means moon. The word literally means force. It is the physical practice of yoga, using the breath; a set of physical postures and breathing techniques practised in a slower, more focused manner.

IYENGAR - Named after BKS Iyengar, this is a form of yoga with the emphasis on detail, precision and alignment. It is a meditation in movement which takes the student inward while practising the asanas (postures), using the breath. It is a therapeutic form of yoga.

ASTANGA - Means eight limbs.

This is a practice established by Pattabhi Jois, as taken from his teacher Krishnamacharya. It is

COVID-19: Saint Lucia Extends Travel Restrictions

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n January 30, 2020, during the second meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the World Health Organization Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the People’s Republic of China, the committee agreed that the outbreak met the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The WHO indicated that further international exportation of cases was expected and advised all countries to ensure preparation for containment, which includes prevention measures, active surveillance, early detection, isolation, case management and contact tracing.

In an effort to restrict the likelihood of the introduction of COVID-19 into the Saint Lucian population, the Department of Health and Wellness, on February 4, 2020, put in place travel restrictions on nonnationals from Mainland China with a travel history within the previous 14 days from Mainland China, (whether in-transit or originating).

The Department of Health and Wellness noted an escalation in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 internationally, as well as the spread to 29 countries beyond China. As a result, the Department of Health and Wellness recommended an extension of the travel restrictions to Hong Kong (reporting 74 confirmed cases and 2 deaths), as well as the Republic of Korea (763 confirmed cases, 7 deaths), Japan (144 confirmed cases, 1 death), Italy (124 confirmed cases, 2 deaths) and Singapore (89 confirmed cases) effective February 26.

Any national returning to

Saint Lucia with a travel history to any countries mentioned above will be quarantined for 14 days. The Department of Health and Wellness also discourages all non-essential travel to the places listed above.

The Government of Saint Lucia commends the Chinese government authorities in their efforts to manage and contain the outbreak and will continue working to strengthen the local capacities against this global threat.

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energetic and known to be one of the most vigorous forms of yoga, while synchronizing the breath.

VINYASA FLOW - A form of yoga which is one fluid sequence of movements, connecting the movement with the rhythm of the breath.

SIVANANDA - A spiritual yoga system founded by Swami Vishnudevananda which stretches and tones the body.

It is one of the first styles of yoga to have gained popularity in the West. It emphasizes the five points of yoga: exercise, breathing, relaxation and diet, plus positive thinking and meditation.

BIKRAM - A system of yoga created by Bikram Choudhury.

It is a fixed sequence of 26

poses practised in a room with a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The classes were designed to systematically move fresh oxygenated blood to 100% of the body and to each organ.

KUNDALINI - This style of yoga is influenced by the Shaktism and Tantric schools of Hinduism.

Physical and spiritual practices incorporate movement, the breath, meditation and chanting.

Swami Krishnananda spoke of “The Secret of the Practice of Yoga” on March 1, 1978. He explained Yoga as: “It is nothing but the awakening of consciousness to this presence of the infinite in the finite and a realization of this completeness by the mere awareness of it, nothing more, nothing less.”

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

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

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Vacancy Announcement United States Peace Corps in Eastern Caribbean

Applications are invited from qualified persons to fill this position with the U.S. Peace Corps Position Title: Administrative Assistant for Finance (AA) Salary is based on U. S. Mission Local Compensation Plan Closing Date: March 12, 2020 Position Summary: The Administrative Assistant for Finance provides services to Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean (PC/EC). This position is based at the head office in Saint Lucia, requires a considerable amount of interaction with other staff, Volunteers and the general public. The AA is under the supervision of the Financial Assistant.

As an Administrative Assistant for Finance, the incumbent is responsible for initial entry of all financial authorities, commitments, obligations and liquidations, utilizing an agency-exclusive computer application and ascertaining that all accounts maintain integrity and appropriate controls and are always reconciled with official accounting records kept in Washington DC. The Incumbent is also responsible for ascertaining that proper coding is provided to all liquidations before the Class B Cashier makes cash payments. Initial entries require the review of all procurement actions, purchase requisitions, travel authorizations, travel reimbursement vouchers, vendor vouchers and imprest fund payments and replenishment vouchers, and their supporting documents, ensuring that they have been appropriately approved and are in compliance with all applicable regulations. This Assistant performs functions for Saint Lucia and for the other three island nations.

MINIMUM/REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education • An Associate’s-level degree in Accounting or Business Management is required.

Work Experience • Six years of progressively responsible work in technical accounting and/or finance with at least two years of computerized accounting work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes • Experience applying administrative regulations and relevant legislation to accounting functions; • Demonstrated ability to handle a broad scope and range of problems in collections, payments, and in reconciling accounts records; • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally in a multicultural environment; • Demonstrated IT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office products; • Current licensed driver, willing to drive to various sites around the island on regular basis.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Must have initiative, organizational ability, including attention to details and accuracy, ability to read and interpret regulations is required; • Familiarity with online learning; • Experience contributing to the development and management of budgets; • Ability to work well independently (reliable, self-motivated) as well as work effectively as a member of a team; • Ability to multitask and manage time effectively; • Resourceful, creative, detail-oriented and skilled problem solver; • Experience working in a multi-cultural workplace; • Able to remain calm, professional and effective when dealing with highly stressed individuals and in emergency situations, such as natural disasters.

Salary Range and Benefits Grade 8: XCD $52,523 to 78,783 Salary determination will be fair and reasonable relative to stated range and preferred candidate’s qualifications.

Benefits include health and life insurance, US and local holidays and paid annual leave among others.

Note This position is subject to a security background check.

Application Process 1. A cover letter or brief letter of interest 2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Professional Resume that directly addresses the requirements listed above. Your submission must address the minimum qualifications (education, work experience and KSAs) as well as the preferred qualifications 3. The names and contact information of three professional references Please submit your cover letter, CV, and references by email to LC-HR@ peacecorps.gov. Subject line of the email must read PEACE CORPS AA-SLU. No phone calls please. All applications must be received via email.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. For additional information, email: LC-HR@peacecorps.gov The closing date for applications is March 12, 2020.

For additional information regarding Peace Corps, please visit our website at https://www.peacecorps.gov/eastern-caribbean/.

18 local

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www.stluciastar.com

FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

Prime Minister’s Independence Ball to Fund Even More Charities in 2020

t’s become the most soughtafter ticket on Saint Lucia’s Independence calendar of events: the annual Prime Minister’s Independence Ball.

Since inception in 2017, this charitable fundraising event has helped 23 charities and organisations, distributing well over half a million dollars to such causes. In some cases, tears of joy have been shed by recipients of the funds. In 2019 the PM’s Ball contributed a whopping $250,000 to the rehabilitation of Cornerstone House for the Homeless and Dispossessed, as well as providing a year of additional subsistence for the House.

As the sums raised last year far exceeded expectations, the prime minister was able to assist 15 other charities in a substantial way. This year Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet has already highlighted that beneficiaries include the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre, the Boys Training Centre and Mongouge Club 60 & Adult Day Care Centre.

This year’s night of giving back—the annual Prime

Minister’s Independence Ball—was held on Saturday February 22, on Saint Lucia’s 41st anniversary of independence. The theme: ‘A Night in the Rainforest’ with bird of paradise flowers adorning tables, and sights and sounds of the rainforest pervading the Rodney Bay ‘Grand Pavilion’ tent. The five hundred patrons at the Ball equally embraced the theme with their attire, mixing traditional Independence colours with tropical touches.

Host Tracy George explained that the theme was chosen because of the importance of the rainforest, describing it as

“the lungs of our planet” and urging that “we must work to preserve and protect them”.

The Ball continued the celebration of Saint Lucia’s 41st anniversary of independence by featuring some incredible local talent. Pantime Steel Orchestra welcomed guests and Augustin “Jab” Duplessis played saxaphone, joined by the Lucian trio of Yasmine Butcher, Aneshar Antoine and Dianna Phillip who stunned the audience with their sky-reaching vocals!

A special feature of the evening has always been an address by an outstanding Saint Lucian; this year, young

businessman Rhon Stephens from Vieux Fort delivered an excellent address.

The special guest speaker, invited personally by the PM, was multiple Grammy award winner Gordon “Commissioner Gordon” Williams. The son of Saint Lucian parents “Commissioner Gordon” is a music recorder, engineer, and mixer. He was recently named as a Goodwill Ambassador for Saint Lucia and has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, such as Babyface, Lauryn Hill, Diana Ross, New Edition and Quincy Jones. Williams shared his story of success, expressing that nothing happens by chance and we have to take advantage of opportunities.

“Saint Lucia taught me how to dream big,” he said.

“I see that dreams are the foreshadowing to reality. As a man thinketh, so shall he become, and I am a living example of that. I started a music and recording academy and I now pledge that I will bring my academy here, to Saint Lucia.”

The announcement received a rousing round of applause as Williams explained how music can help young people and how honoured he was to be an official Ambassador for Saint Lucia.

During the evening, Minister with responsibility for External Affairs, Honourable

Sarah Flood Beaubrun, handed out tokens of appreciation and thanked the Diplomatic Corps for all that they do to help our island and for always supporting the events surrounding the celebration of our independence.

In his short address, Prime Minister Chastanet thanked his wife, Raquel Du BoulayChastanet, for her continuous dedication to hosting the Ball, as well as Drenia Frederick for her assistance with producing it. He also thanked the guest speakers and all the patrons.

“Looking around, I see faces that have been here every year since this event started and it is a source of immense pleasure and appreciation to see that it keeps growing and getting bigger and better year after year,” said the Prime Minister. “I want to make the point that this is no ordinary ball. In fact, it is a major fundraiser in support of causes

A good time was had by all, as these pictures show. Above: Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (left) greets singer Arthur Allain and sculptor Jallim Eudovic.

The PM at the podium.

that together play a tremendous role in the social development of Saint Lucia; helping causes that would otherwise be hardpressed to raise monies to finance their programmes.”

The PM spoke about the optimistic outlook for Saint Lucia and highlighted the immense talent and creativity which exists within our people. As part of the evening’s presentation, he and the Minister for Culture Honourable Fortuna Belrose acknowledged Saint Lucia’s newly named Goodwill and Brand Ambassadors and gave them a token of appreciation.

The PM also gave Special Awards of Recognition for Excellence to young cricketer Kimani Melius, businesswomen Margaret Desir and Catherine Cooper, and entrepreneur Eaton Jn Baptiste. The PM pledged his support for recognizing the excellence of outstanding Saint Lucians and the positive impact they have, and advised that these Excellence Awards will become a feature of the annual ball.

Of course, the PM’s Independence Ball ended with dessert and dancing. Based on preliminary figures from the auction and ticket sales, substantial donations will be made to the named charities.

The Office of the Prime Minister is thankful to all who helped to organise and execute this year’s event.

THE STAR

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

www.stluciastar.com

Iranian deputy health minister, diagnosed with coronavirus, goes into quarantine as locals accuse Tehran of cover-up

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ran’s Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi looked visibly feverish as he spoke on state television Monday, downplaying the spread of the new coronavirus in Iran. Without a face mask on, wiping sweat off his forehead and speaking to local press, he coughed into a tissue several times. One day later, he tested positive for the coronavirus.

Iran’s health ministry has rejected claims from some local officials that the number of dead and infected is far higher than reported. Iran’s government confirmed 139 cases and 19 deaths from the fast-spreading virus as of Wednesday, the highest number of fatalities outside China, where the disease has taken more than 2,600 lives and sickened more than 80,000.

“The high number of deaths in Iran suggests that the number of infections in the country is much higher than declared by the authorities,” Hasnain Malik, Dubai-based MD for frontier markets equity strategy at Tellimer, told CNBC.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed concern on Tuesday that Tehran may be withholding “vital details” and urged all countries to “tell the truth about the coronavirus.”

It’s still unclear where the first cases of the virus in Iran came from; Iranian Health Minister Saeed Namaki said the first patients had previously done business in China. Another health official said it stemmed from a group of 700 Chinese clerical students studying in the religious city of Qom, where most of the cases are concentrated.

Iran hasn’t suspended flights from China—one of its top trading partners—despite nearly all of its Middle Eastern neighbors doing so. The country has canceled sports matches, concerts, and closed schools and universities in certain provinces, while workers have been disinfecting public transport venues and posting signs warning against touching surfaces in crowded places.

Still, no city-wide quarantines

have come into place and religious pilgrims are still moving in and out of Qom, Iran’s coronavirus epicenter, which sees some 22 million religious tourists annually.

Iran’s neighbors have shut their borders with the country and most Middle Eastern countries have now suspended flights to and from Iran. Health authorities in Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and even Canada say they have cases that stemmed from Iran.

Iran’s economy is crumbling under the weight of heavy U.S. sanctions, which have been increasing in intensity and scope since President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Its currency is in free fall and inflation is around 50%, with an estimated 9.5% GDP contraction last year.

The sanctions, many health experts say, have also created an obstacle to adequate preparedness.

--CNBC

THE FUNNIES!

INTERNATIONAL

19

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA

SAINT LUCIA SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

CLOSURE PLAN FOR VIEUX FORT LANDFILL GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of consultancy services to develop a Closure Plan for Vieux Fort Landfill and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOSL and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purposes of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOSL shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The following consultancy assignment will be procured under the project: (a) Consultancy Services for the Development of Landfill Closure Plan; and (b) Consultancy Services for Procurement Support.

It is expected that these will be procured during the period February 2020 to March 2020.

The following works will be procured under the project: (c) Topographical Surveys; (d) Geotechnical Investigations; and (e) Hydrogeological Investigations.

It is expected that these will be procured during the period March 2020 to April 2020.

Consultants and Contractors from member countries of CDB will be eligible to participate in these procurement opportunities.

The Saint Lucia Waste Management Authority is the Executing Agency for the project. Further details of the project can be obtained by contacting the first address below.

The General Manager Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority Maurice Mason Avenue Sans Souci, Castries, Saint Lucia Email address: admin@sluswma.org Tel. No. 1 (758) 453-2208

20 SPORTS

www.stluciastar.com

FEBRUARY 29, 2020 THE STAR

Independence Tennis Tournament results McNamara announced that the next competition is the Easter Tournament, sponsored by Real Foods Inc., followed by the Coca he Independence Tennis Cola Tournament in August, Tournament, co-sponsored under the sponsorship of TOGS,

by LUCELEC and Digicel, Sagicor and possibly one more recognized the top players at sponsor. the closing and prize-giving

On the court in the girls’ ceremony on Friday evening at division, Alysa Elliott showed the National Tennis Centre at why she was the Junior Female Beausejour.

Tennis Player of the Year. Elliott

When it came to this won the Girls’ 14-and-under competition, there was singles championship, defeating something for everyone, starting Latoya Murray 6-1, 6-0. with the 10-year-olds, and

That’s not all. Elliott also including the 12-year-olds, 14s, won the 16-and-under singles 16s, 18s, all the way up to the title with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 open category and seniors. A victory over Iyana Paul and then total of 80 players competed in captured the Women’s Open the tournament. singles championship with a

In attendance at the convincing 6-0, 6-0 win over ceremony were President of Netanya Faissal. the St. Lucia Tennis Association In the boy’s division, Joey (SLTA), Stephen McNamara; Angeloni was the top player. He Administrator of the National won the Boys’ 18-and-under Tennis Centre, Sycla Murray, title over Arden Rosemond. and her assistants; members More to come! of the Parents Association

In the Men’s Open final and, of course, the players.

Angeloni was up against Ron Unfortunately representatives Blanchard, an older and more for sponsors LUCELEC and experienced player. Didn’t Digicel could not attend. matter! Angeloni won the match

After welcoming everyone, and championship 7-5, 6-1.

By David R Pascal

T

Alysa Elliott won the Girls’ 14-and-under and Girls’ 16-and-under titles plus the Women’s Open title.

Following are the winners in the various categories: Red Ball champion, Reggie Weeks; Orange Ball champion, Amdretti George; Green Ball champion, Ahlil Cyril.

Girls’ 12-and-under champion, Amara Jn Marie; Boys’ 12-and-under champion, Ahlil Cyril.

Girls’ 14-and-under champion, Alysa Elliott; Boys’ 14-and-under champion, Jonas Sylvester.

Joey Angeloni won the Men’s Open title with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Ron Blanchard. He also captured the Boys’ 18-and-under singles title.

Girls’ 16-and-under champion, Alysa Elliott; Boys’ 16-and-under champion, Petterson George.

Girls’ 18-and-under champion, Aviona Edmund;

Petterson George captured the Boys’ 16-and-under title.

Christian Sidonie is the Orange Ball Consolation champion.

Boys’ 18-and-under champion, Joey Angeloni.

Women’s Open champion, Alysa Elliott; Men’s Open champion, Joey Angeloni.

Orange Ball Doubles champions, Sanjay Lake/Jordyn Bishamber; Green Ball Doubles

champions, Sanjay Lake/Ahlil Cyril; Orange Ball Consolation champion, Christian Sidonie.

Mixed Doubles champions, Ajaunie Scott/Netanya Faissal.

Men’s Open Doubles champions, Hamlet Phillip/Ron Blanchard.

Officials and players at the conclusion of the Independence Tennis Tournament closing and prize-giving ceremony.

Calderon wins Independence Day Table Tennis Classic

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he Independence Day Table Tennis Classic continued with three championships: the Girls’ under-13, the Boys’ under-18 and the Boys’ under-15.

The Girls’ under-13 competition saw National Day champion Teri-Ann Esperance maintaining her fine form to dominate all her opponents.

On the way to her under-13 title she defeated Ava Joseph, Jennaya Eugene and Harmony Herman in straight sets before heading to the semi- finals.

In the first semi-final match, Esperance defeated Clowie William three sets to one: 11-9, 9-11, 11-8 and 11-5.

In the second semi- final match, Sapphire Popo, who had won all of her preliminary matches, conquered Herman three sets to two: 11-9, 11-13, 11-9, 4-11 and 11-5.

Junior Table Tennis Player of the Year De”Andre Calderon keeps on winning.

The finals then saw Esperance dominating Popo, to win three sets to zero: 11-3, 11-5 and 11-2.

The Boys’ under-15 classic

saw Jr Table Tennis Player of the Year De’Andre Calderon playing with good form. In the preliminary rounds he defeated Saneil Bernard 3-0, Shernan Jankie 3-0, Jeron Charles 3-0 and Rawson Harris 3-0.

Jelanie Dusauzay played well to win all of his preliminary matches as well. He conquered Nate John 3-2, Joshua Lubin 3-1, Dawitt Nurse 3-0 and Stephen Steele 3-0.

In the first semi-final match, De’Andre beat Nate John 3-0, 11-5, 11-6 and 11-5.

In the second semifinal match, Dusauzay won in straight sets over Saneil Bernard 11-9, 11-8 and 11-5.

The finals then saw De’Andre Calderon winning his third local title in the Independence Day Classic by defeating Dusauzay in straight sets 12-10, 11-2 and 11-3.

THE STAR

FEBRUARY 29, 2020

21

Small Team made a Gigantic Splash at UANA Swimming Cup

S

aint Lucia Aquatics Federation (SLAF) executive and members intently monitored the performance of five Saint Lucian swimmers as they represented our country in Lima, Peru for the UANA Swimming Cup.

Swimmers from North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands, competed in the age groups 1112, 13-14 and 15-17 in a variety of distance and stroke events.

The Saint Lucian delegation comprised Tristan Dorville (SeaJays 11-12), Antoine Destang (Sharks 11-12), Karic Charles (LA 11-12), Ethan Hazell (LA 11-12) and Naima Hazell (LA 13-14).

Although the group was small, the team gave greatness throughout the meet. As per the SLAF theme for 2020, they dug deep with big dreams, coming away with six gold medals, seven silver medals and one bronze medal.

The team ranked fifth out of 25 countries in the medal count. Their strong performance led them to place eighth in team points, finishing with a combined total of 157. They

ranked second in overall points for Caribbean countries.

Individually, the swimmers had stellar performances.

Naima Hazell, the lone female on the team, achieved silver in the 50m breaststroke, setting a 13-14 girls’ age group record.

Ethan Hazell shaved seconds off almost every swim he had, setting personal bests in all of his events. His grandest performance was definitely the 50m freestyle. He went in seeded at 25 and swam to a fourth place finish.

Karic Charles accomplished two silver medals, achieving four personal best times in his swims. His medal performances were stoic.

Tristan Dorville had an explosive performance in all of his events. He achieved two golds, two silvers and one bronze medal, accomplishing personal bests in all six individual events. Dorville set two UANA Cup event records in the 200 IM as well as the 50m freestyle. He further set 11-12 boys’ age group records in 200 IM, 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle.

Dorville finished second overall

Antoine Destang was a double gold, double silver medalist and record breaker.

with 41 individual points in the 11-12 age group.

Antoine Destang achieved two golds and two silvers, setting one UANA Cup Event record in the 50m fly. He further set four age group records in boys’ 11-12 in 100m fly, 100m back, 50m back, and 50m fly.

He was the 11-12 boys’ High Point Winner with a total of 43 points.

Overall, the 11-12 boys

SLFA Football News and Highlights

By Michael “Midget” Pierre

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sports

www.stluciastar.com

he curtains descended recently on the fourth annual Jeffa Belasse Memorial Female Development Football Programme at Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.

The programme, which kicked off on Monday, culminated with a Grand Festival at the Vieux Fort grounds on Saturday. Over two hundred young ladies were impacted by the programme.

In addition to on-field sessions, five secondary schools were visited, thus extending other components of the programme.

It also included mentorship for coaches, conducted in the evenings.

Other than learning footballing skills, participants were happy that, at the conclusion of the programme, they each acquired a pair of football boots, a pair of socks,

shorts and a football jersey.

The greatest level of satisfaction for the Canadian Facilitators was the number of young females in the lower age group who participated. Moving forward, the pledge from Project Next Mile is to continue the programme for at least four years, with the hope that it can be taken to other parts of the island.

The onus now is on Vieux Fort South Football League in ensuring that activities are created to sustain the interest of the young ladies who participated. Indeed the response from all players and parents was encouraging.

Two matches were played in the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. First Division Champions Cup on Wednesday at Philip Marcellin Grounds. The first encounter featured El Ninos from Desruisseaux and Big Players from Marchand.

El Ninos wasted no time and, within the second minute of play, surged to a 1–0 advantage from the boots of Jeremiah Flavius. Big Players sought the equalizer but to no avail, and the half ended 1–0.

On the resumption it was all business as Big Players came into their own to equalize in the 47th minute, courtesy Jarvis Joseph. There was no letting up as prolific goal scorer Lincoln Phillip got on the score sheet with a brace in the 69th and 72nd minutes. The initiative was sealed with the final goal by Davidson Henry in the 85th minute. Thus with four unanswered goals, Big Players stomped to a well deserved 4–1 victory.

In the second game, Monchy defeated Uptown of Vieux Fort 4–1. Monchy got their goals from Janai Lesmond, Troy Greenidge, Kenwin McPhee and Aramis Gilbert while Shane Paul scored for Uptown.

Left to right: Ethan Hazell, Tristan Dorville, Olympian Alia Atkinson, Karic Charles, Peter James (Coach), Antoine Destang and Naima Hazell at the UANA Swimming Cup in Lima, Peru.

crushed their competition in both the 200m medley relay as well as the 200m freestyle relay.

They achieved UANA Cup event records in both events.

At the end of the meet, Saint Lucia was awarded the trophy for the age group 11-12 Boys, having achieving the most the points in that age group.

The Saint Lucian delegation, led by Coach Peter James and assisted by Team Manager Martin Dorville, gave dazzling performances each day

F

of the three-day competition.

The SLAF executive and members are all proud of each swimmer and their tenacity to achieve more on each swim.

They would like to thank all those who supported the team.

It was a jubilant homecoming for the team at George FL Charles Airport on Tuesday evening. However, Destang was not among the arrival party as he had travelled back to Canada where he presently resides. Nevertheless

it was a joyous occasion when the swim team and officials, including SLAF President Eddie Hazell, were escorted to the VIP Lounge where they were greeted

by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet; Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Edmund Estephane; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Liota Charlemagne Mason; and, of course, family members who celebrated the outstanding achievements of the magnificent five.

Cottrell bags four but defeat gives Sri Lanka the ODI Series

ast bowler Sheldon Cottrell grabbed two wickets in a fiery opening burst and ended with the third-best figures of his ODI career, but West Indies did not sustain the momentum and lost the second match to Sri Lanka on Wednesday night.

The visitors fell to a heavy defeat by 161 runs and surrendered the series 2-0, with one match to play. They lost the first match by one wicket last Saturday at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Match Scores: Sri Lanka 345-8 off 50 overs (Avishka Fernando 127, Kusal Mendis 119; Sheldon Cottrell 4-67, Alzarri Joseph 3-57), West Indies 184 all out off 39.1 overs (Shai Hope 51, Nicholas Pooran 31; Wanindu Hararanga 3-30).

The left-arm quick ended with 4-67 off his 10 overs but the visitors recovered from being 9-2 in the third over of the day to rattle up a record score on home turf, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International

Stadium in the southern town of Hambantota.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne went for a single and Kusal Perera fell for a “duck” in his 100th ODI. Mendis got an early “life” and went on to score his second ODI hundred. Mendis and Fernando, who hit his career-best score in 123 balls, smashed 22 fours between them. They added 239 for the third wicket in 40 overs.

Cottrell continues to show improvement as a new ball

bowler. His best figures in his career so far have all come in the last 12 months: 5-46 against England in Barbados last March and 4-56 against New Zealand in Manchester during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

The two teams will now travel to the central town of Kandy for the third and final ODI on Sunday, March 1 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

First ball in the day/night match is 2:30pm (5am Eastern Caribbean Time/4am Jamaica Time).

Sheldon Cottrell celebrates following a dismissal in Wednesday’s ODI against Sri Lanka.

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sports

february 29, 2020 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Tokyo organizers, IOC going ahead as planned with Olympics A

spokesman for the Japanese government on Wednesday said the International Olympic Committee and local organizers are going ahead as planned with the Tokyo Olympics despite the threat of the spreading coronavirus.

The comments from spokesman Yoshihide Suga follow the assertion by former IOC vice-president Dick Pound that organizers face a threemonth window to decide the fate of the games. The Olympics are set to open on July 24 with 11,000 athletes; the Paralympics open August 25 with 4,400.

Pound told the Associated Press that the fast-spreading virus could cancel the Olympics.

Suga says Pound's opinion does not reflect the official view of the IOC, which has repeatedly said there are no plans to cancel or postpone the Tokyo Games.

The viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 80,000 people and killed more than 2,700 globally. China has reported 2,715 deaths among 78,064 cases on the mainland.

Five deaths in Japan have been attributed to the virus and the COVID-19 illness it causes.

“With regard to this member’s comment, the IOC has responded that this is not their official position, and that the IOC is proceeding with preparations toward the games as scheduled,” Suga said, speaking in Japanese at his daily news conference.

Pound has been a member of the IOC since 1978, serving two terms as vice-president, and was the founding president of the World Anti-Doping Agency. He also represented Canada as a swimmer at the Olympics.

In a telephone interview from Montreal, Pound said the IOC has a three-month window

to decide, and suggested other options, like moving events or postponing, seemed less likely.

“In and around that time,” he said, "I'd say folks are going to have to ask: 'Is this under sufficient control that we can be confident about going to Tokyo?'”

If the IOC decides the games cannot go forward as scheduled in Tokyo, "you're probably looking at a cancellation," said Pound, who repeated the IOC's stance that as of now the games are on.

The three-month window also goes for sponsors and television broadcasters who need to firm up planning. Not to mention travellers, athletes and fans with 7.8 million tickets available for the Olympics and 2.3 million for the Paralympics.

As the games draw near, Pound said, “A lot of things have to start happening; you’ve got to start ramping up your security, your food, the Olympic Village,

the hotels. The media folks will be in their building, their studios.”

The threat of the virus seems to be growing. At a government task force meeting on Wednesday on the virus outbreak, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was asking organizers to cancel or postpone major sports or cultural events over the next two weeks.

“The next one to two weeks is extremely important for the prevention of the escalation of the infection,” Abe said. “We ask organizers to cancel, postpone or scale down the size of such events.”

He did not name specific events but said he was speaking about nationwide events that attract large crowds.

Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto, speaking in parliament, said “We believe it is necessary to make a worst case scenario in order

West Indies fall to Pakistan, leave Group B wide open

West Indies batting during Wednesday’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan.

W

est Indies suffered an upset against Pakistan as they went under by eight wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match on Wednesday night at the Munaka Oval in Canberra.

Batting first on a good pitch, the 2016 champions lost three early wickets and never quite recovered enough to post a big target. West Indies are now in third position in Group B on two points from two

matches, while Pakistan earned their first points in their first match—and are second to England, who beat Thailand earlier in the day at the same venue.

Match scores: West Indies 1247 off 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 43, Shemaine Campbelle 43), Pakistan 127-2 off 18.2 off overs (Bismah Maroof 38 not out, Javeria Khan 35).

West Indies got off to a bad start when Hayley Matthews was adjudged leg-before-wicket to the first ball of

the match off Diana Baig, who took two wickets and conceded just 19 runs off her four overs.

The innings was built around another purposeful partnership between Captain Stafanie Taylor and wicket-keeper Shemaine Campbelle. The pair added 63 for the fourth wicket after Deandra Dottin fell with the score at 28-3 in the seventh over.

Taylor faced 47 balls and two fours and two sixes—over midwicket and over long-on. Campbelle also hit two boundaries and two sixes off 36 balls to follow up the match-winning 25 not out she made in the first match against Thailand at the WACA Ground in Perth last Saturday.

It was Pakistan’s highest ever successful run-chase against West Indies in this format. Their previous best was 116.

Speaking to Ian Bishop on the ESPN Caribbean broadcast, Taylor said: “Runs—again the issue; when you look at the total and the type of batters we have, we should be scoring 150 and above. The batters need to be accountable and take that responsibility.

We spoke about the first six [power play overs], how hard we want to go and rotating the strike. It was nice for Shemaine and myself to post a score on the board, but, losing early wickets, we couldn’t really propel.

The bowling has been terrific. The pacers have been really good. Pakistan came out today and played well.

There is room for improvement. We keep looking at the areas we need to improve. We need to come out and show our prowess.”

West Indies are presently in Sydney for their third match against England on Sunday at the Sydney Showground Oval. First ball is 7:00 pm (4:00 am Eastern Caribbean Time).

There is a big question mark over the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

to improve our operation to achieve success.” She added plans were being made “so that we can safely hold the Tokyo Olympics”.

Also on Wednesday, Japan's Kyodo news agency

reported that theColombian Olympic Committee has decided not to participate in pre-Olympic training camps in southern Japan.

-- AP

Gumbs to attend FIBA 3x3 Leadership Workshop

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he Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) is delighted, and revels together with Pakel Gumbs, after news that the senior national player has been selected to attend the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) leadership training workshop in Guadeloupe.

The International Basketball Foundation (IBF) had requested nominations for youth leaders earlier this year. Two persons, Pakel Gumbs and Tristan James, met the criteria, and more.

Both individuals, as a part of their application, had to indicate how they would use the experience gained through the leadership workshop in order to benefit the development of basketball personally and holistically.

Of the two nominees, Pakel Gumbs was selected

by FIBA/IBF to attend the leadership workshop in Guadeloupe during the 3x3 IBF hoops finals, scheduled for February 27–March 2, 2020. Gumbs firstly has to complete and succeed with the 3x3 eLearning.

Pakel Gumbs of the St Lucia Basketball Federation.

While abroad his tasked responsibilities will include assistance in the development and co-ordination of the 3x3 tournament.

Gumbs is currently a senior national team player and also a physical trainer at BweelzFitlifestyle.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

february 29, 2020

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PEACE CORPS

TRAINERS NEEDED PEACE CORPS, ST LUCIA, INTENDS TO OFFER A FIRM-FIXED PRICE CONTRACT TO SUITABLY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO CONDUCT A TWO-PHASED PRE-SERVICE TRAINING (PST) PROGRAM FOR APPROXIMATELY 40-45 PEACE CORPS TRAINEES (PCTS) OF VARIED AGES, SKILLS, BACKGROUNDS, KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE FIRST PHASE AND APPROXIMATELY 12 PCTS IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TRAINING. PHASE 1 WILL RUN FROM JUNE 30-AUGUST 14, 2020.

PHASE 2 WILL RUN FROM AUGUST 17- SEPTEMBER 4, 2020. SESSIONS MAY BE CONDUCTED ON NON-CONSECUTIVE DAYS. THE TRAINING IS DESIGNED TO EQUIP PCTS WITH THE RELEVANT COMPETENCIES TO INTEGRATE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND TO EMPOWER THEM WITH THE REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTITUDES (KSAS) TO WORK EFFECTIVELY AT THE SCHOOLS WHERE THEY ARE ASSIGNED. PEACE CORPS SEEKS: • A TRAINER OF LANGUAGE & CULTURE FOR PHASES 1 & 2 • A TRAINER OF PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR PHASES 1 & 2 • A LEAD TRAINER IN LITERACY EDUCATION FOR PHASES 1 & 2 • A CO-TRAINER IN LITERACY EDUCATION FOR PHASES 1 & 2 PERSONS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR THIS TENDER, SHOULD WRITE TO LC-HR@ PEACECORPS.GOV FOR A COPY OF THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS /REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ).

INTERESTED VENDORS SHOULD SUBMIT A QUOTE FOR THE SPECIFIC TRAINING AREA OR SERVICES THAT THEY WISH TO PROVIDE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RFQ, VIA EMAIL, TO: LC-HR@PEACECORPS.GOV BY 5:00 PM ON OR BEFORE MARCH 16TH 2020, WITH THE APPROPRIATE SUBJECT LINE: PST EC92 LITERACY CO- TRAINER-ST LUCIA: JUNE 2020.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

Home is where the bed is!

S&S

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE AT S&S THE PRICEBUSTERS

t-shirts

$25 Come and apply for your S & S Loyalty Card

st. lucia flag keY chains $3.50

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

spinning keY chains $6

shot glasses 3.75

coffee Mugs

$7.75

car flags $8

Also on special: 100 pack paper napkins $2.75, disposable containers $0.75, 50 disposable forks $3, reusable containers with lids $1.25, foil roast pans $5, 50 disposable spoons $3, 10M aluMinuM foil $4, 25 black forks $4.25, paper towels $5, 100 flexible straws $3, 50 bagasse bowls $9.75, 50 bagasse spoons $7, 50 paper bags $4.25, cake boards $1

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