NationWIDE THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA

NationSATURDAY APRILWIDE 30, 2016 History in the Making!

nation without it’s history is like a tree without roots. Now, another major n step is about to be taken to ensure Saint Lucia’s history is both preserved Aand delivered, for generations to come. Government has announced the Saint Lucia Thanks UN Secretary General for SIDS establishment of a National Museum for Saint Lucia. The Married Women’s Quarters Support - Pages 2, 9 and 10 at Vigie (above) -- an old relic of the 14 colonial wars between France and Britain for this island – has since last year been vested in the Saint Lucia National Trust, to be Citizenship by Investment (CIP) Unit Announces converted into the island’s first full-fledged national museum. A special meeting was held last week at the Folk Research Centre (See Page 2), at which plans for the long- First Hotel for Canaries - Page 2 awaited museum were taken further steps ahead. Also soon to be constructed is a new National Cultural Complex. Plans for both historical edifices were mentioned in 15 New Bailey Bridges Acquired and Delivered the 2016 Throne Speech delivered by Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy in the Here Before Needed! - Page 3 House of Parliament on Tuesday (See Pages 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8). The Throne Speech also revealed that a new Hall of Justice will be constructed along the Millennium Sod Turned for $64 Million New VF Administrative Highway to house the headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, local Complex for South - Page 4 High and Low Courts, as well as a Family Court. This week also heard and saw presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2016-17 by Prime Two Brand New Blocks Unveiled for Choiseul Minister and Finance Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony and the response of the Deputy Secondary School - Page 4 Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to the $1.4 billion budget proposal (See Page 3). Also this week, a fourth ICT Centre was opened, this time in Anse La Raye (Story on European Union Signs Page 3), with another 14 coming. It’s been another two weeks of continuing service Agreement for New Piaye by Government on behalf of people and country, at home and abroad. As always, Bridge - Page 11 take-in this weekend’s update of the most we can report about the matters of state of the past fortnight. Read and Enjoy. And don’t forget to watch NationwideTV on NTN and browse the Nationwide Website at stlucianationwide.com WHAT’S INSIDE Happy Reading! Happy Viewing! Happy Browsing!

Page 2 NationWIDE Saturday April 30, 2016 Saint Lucia thanks UN Secretary General for Governor General urges reliable support for issues affecting SIDS Saint Lucians not to take elections for granted!

Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy

overnor General Dame She noted that both major par- Saint Lucia’s Minister for Sustainable development, Senator Dr James Fletcher, was roundly commended by Pearlette Louisy on Tues- ties have already started cam- Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy earlier this week (See Pages 5-8) during presentation of her 2016 Gday opened a new ses- paigning, even though the elec- Throne Speech, for his leading role in the negotiations leading to the Paris COP 21 Environmental Summit on sion of Parliament, during which tion date is not yet known. Climate Change last December. Dr Fletcher had just returned from the United Nations Headquarters in New she reminded Saint Lucians that Dame Pearlette said that York, where he was among the first ministers to sign-up to the new agreement hammered out in Paris. On elections represent a fundamen- peaceful transfer of the reins the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Fletcher and representatives of several other Small Island Developing States tal pillar in the island’s democ- of power from one party to an- racy -- and should not be taken for other has occurred five times (SIDS) met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (above) to discuss the impact of Climate Change on small granted. since Independence and six islands. The meeting with the Secretary general also discussed a way forward after the signing of the agree- “The ballot still remains the times between Adult Suffrage ment started last weekend in nerw York. Senator Fletcher thanked the Secretary general for the strong support fundamental, expression of and Independence. he has always shown for issues confronting small island states. The minister and his colleagues told the USG each citizen’s political will,” she Her Excellency noted, “We they continued to count on his and the UN support for climate financing to help adapt to climate change and said, urging urged all eligible have therefore, if only by vir- to ensure the various related UN agencies collaborate with each other to address the multi-sectoral impact of voters to exercise their fran- tue of this metric, achieved a Climate Change on SIDS. chise. mature and stable democracy. Dame Pearlette observed that The electorate therefore ex- while some will be casting bal- pects behaviour that reflects lots for the first time, others our maturity as a nation and as Consultations held for National Museum would be doing so for the 17th a people.” time. Dame Pearlette also said gov- The Governor General urged ernment may give consider- persons to be responsible in ation to calls for a fixed date for their actions towards others General Elections. (Full Cover- during this political season age of the Governor Generals -- particularly talk show hosts 2016 Throne Speech on Pages and bloggers. 5 to 8)

Crown Lands Rectification Programme Starts Next Month he Ministry of Physi- egories of land that are deemed cal Development, Hous- eligible for rectification. Ting and Urban Renewal The public is also asked to wishes to inform the public that note that in interim, the Crown the Crown Lands Rectification Lands office has already com- Programme launched on 24th menced preliminary investiga- November 2015 will officially tions of the submitted appli- commence in May 2016, imme- cations. This is in an effort to diately following the publica- ensure the immediate process- Round Table consulta- lenges to bring this project to Participants also explored op- tion of the Crown Lands Recti- ing of applications following tion was recently held realization. tions to make recommendations fication Regulations. the publication of the proposed regulations. here to kick-start plan- The goal of the Round Table for the financial sustainability The aforementioned regula- A tions will prescribe the process- The Ministry takes this op- ning for a national museum. In was to solicit the views and of the National Museum and ing fees, the composition of the portunity to thank the public November 2015, Government recommendations of stakehold- ancillary services. The outcome Land Rectification Committee for their continued interest in vested the property known as ers and experts on charting a of the consultation is expected (i.e. Committee appointed to the programme as it continues the Married Women’s Quarters course of action to create a Na- to inform decisions on the way deal with contentious rectifica- its quest to implement this vital at Vigie in the Saint Lucia Na- tional Museum”. forward with the project. tion applications) as well as cat- and significant programme. tional Trust (SLNT) for the pur- The Round Table examined Saint Lucia has the unenvi- poses of establishing a national the project site and structures to able distinction of being one of museum and other ancillary recommend ideas and propos- a few countries without a na- purposes. als for the physical development tional museum and it is the in- According to SLNT’s Director, of the site to serve the intended tention of the Government, the Mr. Bishnu Tulsie, the Trust in- purposes. It also sought recom- Saint Lucia National Trust and vited key national stakeholders mendations for interpretation of its partners to start to explore and overseas experts to exam- the site and outfitting the muse- the possibility of creating a Na- ine the possibilities and chal- um and ancillary facilities. tional Museum. CIU announces hotel project for Canaries

he Citizenship by Invest- It will be constructed by Boka tem that will preserve the iconic ment Unit (CIU) earlier this Estates Limited as the first Citi- environment while providing an Tweek made its first official zenship by Investment real estate international standard of hotel ac- announcement of an approved project. commodation. real estate project under the CEO of the Boka Group, John He told a news conference to- Citizenship by Investment Pro- Kennedy, said that Belvedere has day that this will involve working gramme (CIP). been an important site where it with the community. Officials said the project is very sits in Canaries since the middle According to the Boka Group important as it represents a sig- of the 1700’s. CEO, the project will create 400 nificant milestone which was not “We are looking to transform jobs during the construction phase. expected to be reached within this historic site into a five star He said 800 jobs will be on offer four months of the start of the luxury branded hotel,” Kennedy once the project is completed. programme, disclosed. Unlike other CIP’s in the region They said in large measure the He asserted that the Boka Group which offer real estate on a wide success can be attributed to close believes that it will be one of the scale, Saint Lucia has decided to collaboration involving the unit, highlight hotels of the region. target the high end tourism mar- Invest Saint Lucia and the Minis- Boka, Kennedy revealed, has ket in a bid to increase the island’s try of Tourism. owned the Belvedere site for the room stock. The Belvedere project The CIU announced the approv- past two years and is ready to has been welcomed by tourism al of Belvedere Plantation. begin construction, using a sys- officials here. Saturday April 30, 2016 NationWIDE Page 3 House discussed $1.4 Billion proposal during first round of 2016-17 Budget Debate rime Minister Dr Kenny ments in Construction with an Manufacturing of food prod- This year the government pro- D. Anthony, who is also expansion of 7.4% in 2015, driven ucts increased here by an estimat- poses a budget of $1,426,295,500.00 PMinister for Finance and mainly by private sector invest- ed13.7% in 2015. The first round of the annual bud- Economic Affairs, presented the ment. The construction sector The total labour force grew by get debate was held Thursday and Report of Standing Finance Com- was also the largest contributor to 3.8%, while the average rate of continued yesterday. mittee for 2015-2016 to the House increases in employment. unemployment fell to 24.1%, com- All members on the Govern- of Assembly on Thursday morn- Tourism continued to perform pared to 24.4% in 2014. ment side made presentations, ing, following an earlier meeting well, with increases in the num- During 2015, a deflationary pat- but apart from Micoud South MP of the of the Standing Finance ber of stayover visitors by 2% to tern emerged as domestic prices Arsene James and Castries South Committee. a record 334,908 visitors. Visitor were heavily influenced by fall- East MP, no other Opposition MP He reported that Central Gov- expenditure also increased by an ing global commodity prices. In took the floor, as most vacated the ernment fiscal operations are es- estimated 3.2% to $2.8 billion and contrast to the 3.5% inflation rate chamber from early afternoon. timated to have generated a lower Cruise Ship passenger arrivals in- recorded in 2014, the consumer Prime Minister Anthony said Prme Minister overall deficit of $130.37 million creased by 5.6%. price index fell by 1% in 2015. This that in the absence of the Oppo- Dr. Kenny D. Anthony or 3.4% of GDP, compared to a Agriculture recorded improved was associated with lower prices sition members having availed target of $226.9 million or 5.8% of performance in 2015, following a for fuel, electricity, transport, fur- themselves to close the first round gross disrespect and a travesty GDP in the 2015-16 Budget. contraction in the previous year. nishings and household equip- of the debate and in the absence by the absent opposition MPs, as The Economy showed measur- Total banana exports surged by ment. of any request to speak, he had no they were being very disrespect- able signs of recovery in 2015, with 35.3% to 14.787 tonnes, reflecting Reflecting improved economic alternative but to close the debate. ful to the people who elected GDP growth estimated at 1.3%, fu- a sharp increase in exports to the fundamentals, Government Fiscal He noted, however, that it was them. eled by improved performances in Caribbean region. Purchases of Operations continued to improve, a disservice to the people who However, a second and final construction, transport and agri- other crops by hotels and super- evidenced by a further reduction voted them to parliament for the round will take place later in early culture, as well as appreciable in- markets both recorded double- in the overall deficit that fell to an opposition MPs to have absented May, after MPs have perused the creases in manufacturing output, digit increases. The favourable estimated $117 million in 2015-16, themselves from discussing their figures and prepared their presen- utilities, wholesale and distribu- performance in agriculture was representing 3.1% of GDP com- constituency business in the par- tations for the final debate on the tion sectors. also supported by increased pro- pared to $144.9 million or 3.8% of liament. Estimates of Revenue and Expen- There were also vast improve- duction of eggs and pork. GDP in 2014-15. The PM said it amounted to diture for the new financial year. Deputy PM shows how Administration managed growth in all sectors of economy

eputy Prime Minister stances. He said those who down- with the final report due by June Philip J. Pierre says the played the successes here are ig- 30 2016. Dcurrent team in govern- noring the crises facing the global That link road project will be fi- ment represents the best chance economy. nanced with grant from UK gov- Saint Lucia has to continue on the The MP said the administration ernment. economic recovery now under told the truth all along and was Mr Pierre revealed too that over way. Speaking in parliament dur- able to have managed the econo- 38 kilometers of agriculture feed- ing the first round of the budget my prudently. He said the admin- er roads have been identified to be debate on Thursday evening, the istration warned, early on, that rehabilitated, also to be financed Castries East MP congratulated the nation would have to make by Kuwait. the Prime Minister and Minister some sacrifice. The Sulphur Springs road is of Finance for steering the country The government also promised now completely rehabilitated, he The minister also asked his col- away from the hands of the IMF. growth would return, he said -- reported while the Canaries and league MPs to envision the next He said Dr Kenny D. Anthony and it has. Tomazo bridges are to start soon, five years, Saint Lucia as a coun- has managed the economy well MP Pierre urged his fellow MPs while an agreement just signed try with a new international air- and it has grown in all sectors, to imagine next year when many for a new bridge at Piaye and new port, several new hotels, scores with Manufacturing Output in- of these projects will come on road for Venus in Anse la Raye. of new bridges and several new creased for the first time and Ag- stream -- from the Kuwaiti-fund- For the Choc Bridge, the minis- highways. ricultural Output up as well by Deputy Prme Minister ed Choc to Gros Islet Highway to ter said, properties are being as- The minister concluded that the 35%, with additional double-digit Hon. Philip J. Pierre the East Coast highway. sessed for acquisition for the wid- group of men he has served with performance increases in other He said the government will ening of the highway. is the best team that can guide sub sectors. He pointed out that there was also construct a new Millennium He said the transaction timeline and lead Saint Lucia into the fu- Tourism also increased, he not- an increase in exports for the first Highway to Cul de Sac. for the Hewanorra International ture. ed, as well as Construction by time in many years, increased by The Deputy PM, who is also Airport project is in place for rest Mr Pierre pledged his full sup- both Private and \Public sectors, double digit performance that Minister for Infrastructure, said of this year, with contract to be port for the Prime Minister and contributing to 1.3% increase in gave us a favorable outlook. the North South link road is given by February next year. He his colleagues and call on Saint growth. In the last four years, Mr Pierre ahead in consultancy stage, in also indicated there were three in- Lucians not change horses in mid- Mr Pierre noted that the econo- said, this government has run preparation and identification of ternational bidders, which are all stream, but to return the current my has not stagnated and the per- the economy and country in the factors and choices. He said a pre- major investors with much expe- ruling party to continue its good formance reports were good. best way possible in the circum- liminary report will come soon, rience in airport building. work for Saint Lucia. A Big Stitch in Time Fourth ICT Access Centre opened in Anse La Raye, Government acquires Bailey Bridges with 16 more to come in next four months ahead of future natural disasters he Ministry of the Public have also been commissioned in island-wide ICT access centre Service, Information and Canaries and Vieux Fort. programme is part of a strategic TBroadcasting on Wednesday According to the 2010 National approach by the Government to opened the fourth Information and Census, Anse La Raye had an in- use information technology to em- Communications Technology (ICT) ternet penetration rate of 20.5%, power citizens, stimulate digital Access Centre -- the third in three making it the 5th worst com- entrepreneurship, provide greater weeks -- in Anse La Raye. munity on the island for internet access to government services, and The Government’s ICT Access connectivity (after Canaries, Choi- stimulate economic development.” Centre programme is designed to seul, Dennery and Soufriere). There are also plans to open 16 bring state-of-the-art technology The Anse La Raye ICT Access Cen- similar new ICT access centres and access to high-speed internet tre provides villagers with an in- over the next four months in Ga- to communities that have lagged ternet café, a fully equipped digital rand (Babonneau), Monchy, Mi- in the provision of these services. training room and a Wi-Fi hotspot coud village, Mongouge, Laborie, Some of the bailey Bidge components as they arrived at The first ICT Access Centre was where residents will be able to ac- Saltibus, Grande Riviere (Denne- Port Castries earlier this month. opened in the town of Soufriere, cess free broadband internet service. ry), Belomot (Dennery), La Maz, which went on to become the first Minister for Public Service, In- Daban, Fond St Jacques, Belle Vue, he Ministry of Infrastruc- from the rest of the island, due community to also have access to formation and Broadcasting, Sen- Pierrot, Entrepot, Marchand and ture, Port Services and to the loss of two main bridges in free Wi-Fi. Since then, new centres ator Dr James Fletcher, says “The Faux a Chaux in Castries. TTransport (MIPST), with Canaries and Piaye. the assistance of the World Bank, The Ministry of Infrastruc- under the Disaster Vulnerability ture, Port Services and Transport Reduction Project (DVRP), has (MIPST) was able, in less than two CSA has a brand new President procured approximately 300 me- weeks, to reconnect the island to ters of Bailey Bridge parts, which full vehicular access, returning he Saint Lucia Civil Ser- also acknowledged that she had a will be assembled into some 15 the country to a state of normalcy. vice Association (CSA) challenging task ahead. bridges. This was possible because the has a new President. She The new CSA President said she The dissembled bridges arrived MINSP had procured Bailey T is Yvonne Edwin, a young vi- is excited and ready to work and here on April 12 and are presently Bridges prior to the December brant worker in the public ser- promised to work hard to bring being housed at the Ministry of 2013 Trough, which allowed for vice, who won by a landslide members together. Infrastructure, Port Services and quick response in erecting the with a campaign based on “That is what a union is estab- Transport, Vieux Fort Compound. two bridges in record time. change. lished for,” she noted. The bridges were supplied by Government was also able to as- The new president noted Some 2,080 registered CSA Barbados-based 3S Bridges LCC, sist sister island St. Vincent and that the association has been members voted and 20 individ- for US$1,422,860.00 the Grenadines in their hour of divided and politicized, some- uals contested for the various The December 2013 trough left need with approximately 100 me- New CSA President thing she hopes to address. She positions. the West Coast disconnected ters of Bailey Bridges. Yvonne Edwin Page 4 NationWIDE Saturday April 30, 2016 Vieux Fort to get $64 million Administrative Complex CIP points to number of basic services will become available to res- Aidents in the south of Saint ‘distinguishing features’ Lucia within the next two years, thanks to a project being under- taken by the Government of Saint Lucia, in partnership with the Na- in response to Henley tional Insurance Corporation (NIC). Sod was turned last week for a $64 million, 75,000 square-foot ad- ‘misconceptions and ministrative complex in Beanefield, Vieux Fort. “I have repeatedly made the point inaccuracies’ that there must be equity in our country, equity in investment and Folloing is the full text of an official equity in the treatment of our peo- ple, and it is a message that I have The NIC will build an EC$64 million, 75,000 square-foot statement by the Citizenship by Invetment drummed into the National Insur- administrative complex in Vieux Fort that will serve residents of the ance Corporation, and emphasized south. Photo shows the Prime Minister and Vieux Fort South MP (2nd Board in response to an article published time and time again that all invest- from right) with other officials during the ground-breaking ceremony locally, quoting a foreign firm that had ments should not be located in the north," Prime Minister Dr. Kenny mini metropolis for the surrounding countries, large countries, have particular interests in the CIP. D. Anthony said. constituencies. People of Micoud, been able to decentralize basic ser- "All workers of this country wher- Vieux Fort, Laborie, and even Choi- vices. For some strange reason, here ever they may be located, contrib- seul, come here to do their business in Saint Lucia, despite our size, we he Citizenship by In- The Government of ute to the resources of the National on a regular basis, and they turn to have not been able to accomplish vestment Board has Saint Lucia has made US Insurance Corporation and they too Vieux Fort for the facilities and ser- this.” Tnoted the article pub- $20,000,000 worth of bonds must be part of the investment ini- vices that government offers. The sod turning ceremony was lished by The Voice of Saint available for sale through the tiatives of the Corporation. “We also have to make some giant held at the project site on April 20, Lucia on Saturday April 23, CIP. These five-year bonds "In that spirit, I hope that while strides in the administration of this and addressed by Dr. Anthony. 2016 in which Dr. Juerg Stef- are non interest-bearing. this investment takes place here in country. We are managing a country Also in attendance were Stanley fen, the Managing Partner Therefore, the bonds sold un- Vieux Fort, that in time, NIC will that it too centralized. Our citizens Felix, Minister for Physical Devel- turn its attention to other towns, for have to travel to Castries to secure opment, Housing and Urban Re- of Henley and Partners, an der CIP Saint Lucia will sig- example Soufriere and even to the basic services. It cannot be right newal; Matthew Mathurin, Direc- immigration advisory firm, nificantly reduce the cost of rapidly developing town of Gros Is- that someone requires a civil status tor of NIC; members of the Board made certain criticisms of borrowing, while making the let for other strategic investments of record and they must pay a bus to and Investment Committee of NIC; Saint Lucia’s four-month-old bonds more attractive. this type.” travel to Castries, pay a bus to come Rayneau Gajadhar, Team Leader Citizenship by Investment Of particular concern is Dr. Anthony explained that the back down, pay a bus to see whether of Construction and Industrial Programme (CIP). Steffen’s claim that “there facility will result in benefits for the record has been prepared, reach Equipment (CIE) Limited; and Wi- The Board respects any- has been no transparency or residents not only in Vieux Fort, but up there, it's not prepared, pay a bus, nall Joshua, Mayor Vieux Fort. The one’s right to critique CIP open tender process” for en- surrounding communities as well. come back down, and it's a never administrative complex is set for “The town of Vieux Fort is like the ending story. Other countries, huge completion in 2018. Saint Lucia and in fact wel- gaging marketing agencies. comes such critiques, as they A selective tendering process give us a chance to re-exam- was used where three recog- ine our programme and con- nized marketing agents were Two new blocks under way for Choiseul Secondary School tinue to improve. invited to make presentations However, where necessary to Board. the Board will correct mis- Henley and Partners par- conceptions and inaccuracies ticipated fully in this process. about CIP Saint Lucia. Following the tender analy- The issue of requiring a sis, the Board offered con- minimum net worth US $3M tracts to all three firms. The has been a topic of much de- decision to offer multiple bate and we have received contracts represented a shift both positive and negative away from the practice of feedback to having this re- having a single exclusive quirement. Having a mini- marketing agent. This is an- mum net worth requirement other distinguishing feature is one of the ways in which of CIP Saint Lucia. Parents, Teachers and Students are all looking forward to construction of the two new blocks for the CIP Saint Lucia distinguish- Arton Capital and CS Global Choiseul Secondary School. The plans were recently presented and the entire community approved es itself. Partners accepted our offers the proposals from the Ministry of Infrastructure, based on the Building Back Better policy it has Given the programme is while Henley and Partners, pursued since inception. Education Ministry officials also attended the community briefing. Con- limited to 500 approvals an- who had expressed a wish struction of the two new blocks is scheduled to take one year. nually, it ensures that it is to be the exclusive market- indeed high net worth indi- ing agent, declined to partner viduals who apply. with us. So far, there has been tre- The names of the firms se- ECTEL and OECS Governments to pass mendous interest in our real lected as Marketing Agents estate projects, precisely be- have been published as re- cause our tourism product is quired by the legislation. Telecoms Bill following disagreement Up-market. The US $300,000 The Citizenship by Invest- price point is a minimum re- ment Board will not publish quirement and does not de- details of contracts entered over C&W/Columbus merger termine the market price set into with any of its service by the developers. providers, just as it will not o agreement has been place that would mitigate the im- tion and Broadcasting, Dr. James reached between the Eastern pact of the merger on the markets Fletcher said. Furthermore, our pro- publish the details of nego- NCaribbean Telecommunica- in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and "I made it clear that while I respect- gramme is targeted to the tiations and communications tions Authority (ECTEL) and Cable Grenada. ed the right of CWC to proceed with development of our tourism with Henley and Partners. and Wireless Communications "ECTEL received guidance from the merger, I also had a paramount product rather than the sale To do so would be unprofes- (CWC) on CWC's planned merger. the ministers of these countries responsibility to protect the rights of of residential properties, sional, even as it serves to Thars the word from the regula- to ensure that as part of an over- consumers in Saint Lucia. which further accounts for illustrate that Steffen’s com- tory body, ECTEL. all policy objective, the regulators "What's next is for the EC bill to the price differential. ments represent a new posi- ECTEL and CWC had been in con- would continue discussions until be passed in the respective parlia- We wish to clarify that CIP tion which had not been pre- sultations for over a year as Eastern we reached an agreement. We were ments. When that bill is in place it Caribbean government heads, in unable to reach an agreement after will give us the legislative strength Saint Lucia does not award viously expressed to us. the absence of legislation, aimed 15 months of negotiations because that we need to address not just this citizenship for the purchase The Citizenship by Invest- to negotiate to protect consumer the service providers refused to current issue, but any future issues of shares in the development ment Act No. 14 of 2015 and rights and ensure a competitive sign the agreement." dealing with mergers, acquisitions, company. It is expected that the Citizenship by Invest- investment climate. But after 15 Mr. Charles explained that one competitive behavior, and infra- announcements of the CIP ment Regulations No. 89 of months of negotiations, no agree- of the conditions was "a very clear structure sharing. Approved Projects will be 2015, as well as all guidelines ment was reached. commitment" by CWC that there "I know there is some disquiet made shortly. issued by the Citizenship by "One of the reasons why ECTEL would be no integration of business among service providers because Whereas Henley & Partners Investment Board, are pub- was set up was to facilitate competi- until it received consent from the they feel that the legislation might tion and to ensure investment in the regulator. be a bit overbearing, but our expe- has expressed the opinion lished on our website www. sector," ECTEL Managing Director "Consent was based on signing an rience over the last 15 months has that the Government Bonds cipsaintlucia.com Embert Charles said. agreement," Mr. Charles said. shown that it is better to err on the option is a bad one, this criti- The Chief Executive Officer "Whenever you have mergers "There was no agreement signed side of having the legislation in cism is based on a misunder- of the Citizenship by Invest- there is the possibility of it having but there is integration of business place, rather than depending on standing of this investment ment Unit remains available an impact on competition which af- and branding taking place," he said, the good will of the players to get option. to discuss any and all aspects fects the quality of service and [can "so you decide what decision they things done. So I make no apologies Annually, the Government of CIP Saint Lucia with the result in higher] prices. So, when have taken." whatsoever for being a vey ardent of Saint Lucia raises funds by media and the public. Columbus and Cable and Wireless ECTEL and Eastern Caribbean tele- supporter of the Electronic Com- announced this merger just over a communications ministers now say munications Bill and ensuring that the issuing of bonds. Often (For inquiries, contact the year and a half ago our intention the time for consultations has ended. it is passed as quickly as possible." these issues are not fully sub- Chief Executive Officer of was to safeguard the [competi- "I said to the CEO [of CWC] that The Electronic Communications scribed and therefore there the Citizenship by Invest- tive] environment and as a result if they went ahead with the merger Bill will strengthen consumer are shortfalls in the funding ment Unit, Cindy Emmanuel- we entered into negotiations with without the agreement, I could not rights and ensure that investment estimates. McLean at 1-758-458-6050) the companies to put safeguards in support it," Minister for Informa- remains competitive. Saturday April 30, 2016 NationWIDE Page 5

Throne Speech 2016 Governor General opens Final Parliamentary Session before General Elections — A Special Nationwide Report — Photos by Marius Modeste he Governor Gener- that while Saint Lucia only al, Dame Pearlette contributes one-thousandth TLouisy, on Tuesday of one degree of global warm- delivered her 2016 Throne ing, the island's government Speech to the opening of -- which has lead responsi- the 6th Session of 10th bility for related matters at Parliament Delivering the CARICOM level -- has set her 19th such address standards and targets to show since her appointment in it can lead by example. 1997, Her Excellency not- In addition, she noted, the ed it was possibly the last island is also vigorously pur- Throne Speech before the suing alternative energy with next General Elections geothermal, wind and solar and called on all to vote models under way and target for the benefit of the is- dates also set. land as a whole -- and all its people. National Pride Addressing other national Remand Justice issues, the Governor General The Governor General invited all Saint Lucians to spoke at some length build national pride. But to on Remand Justice. She do this, she advised, the soci- pointed out that much ety must know itself, where it was done in past year to came from, who its people are hear more cases and re- and their strengths and weak- duce the number of re- nesses. mands at Bordelais. Dame Pearlette also invited She also indicated that Saint Lucians to strengthen two additional judges -- their confidence and do all including a 4th new one they can to cherish national -- have been appointed, heritage and build on the one of who is only to hear foundations already laid and long-adjourned cases. to build the institutions that The GG indicated that will bring honour and success one of the new judges has to all. heard and dispensed with 45 cases in one month. At New Initiatives present, she said, some 353 persons are still on The Governor General an- remand, which is 9% less nounced several new initia- than same time last year. tives to be taken by the gov- Saying the broken jus- ernment in the coming period, tice system must be re- including: A new National paired sooner than later, museum, a new National cul- tural complex and a sub-re- Her Excellency revealed gional House of Justice. that a House of Justice She also indicated that the will soon be constructed Sir Arthur Lewis Community on the Millennium High- College (SALCC), the island's way in Castries, to house highest tertiary institution, an OECS Supreme Courts will be transformed into a Uni- Complex, a Family Court, versity College next year, to al- as well as high and low low entry by new students in courts. Dame Pearlette August 2017. said the new complex will be built on land already acquired for that purpose. Fixed Election Dates? Ending on the matter of fixed Climate Change election dates, the Governor General noted a set election The Governor Gen- date will not necessarily erase eral also had high praise the tendency to have early for Saint Lucia's role in election preparations. But she The lead-up to the Paris said her government under- Agreement on Climate stands the arguments about Change signed last week- fairness. Dame Pearlette re- end. Singling out the vealed that the UK has adopt- huge contribution made ed a fixed term parliamentary by Saint Lucia's Minister act, which her government has for Sustainable Develop- also noted. ment Senator Dr Jimmy She revealed too that "my Fletcher in that regard, government" will consider Her Excellency urged that enactment of similar legisla- the nation never forget tion for fixed election dates. that small countries can (See Governor General's entire change the world. Throne Speech on Pages 6, 7 Dame Pearlette noted and 8) Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy Page 6 NationWIDE Saturday April 30, 2016 Saturday April 30, 2016 NationWIDE Page 7

Throne Speech 2016 Throne Speech 2016 ANOTHER CHAPTER OF OUR LIVES TOGETHER Honourable Members will re- oil market. To achieve en- Following is the full text of the Throne Speech delivered by Her Excellency Dame Calliopa call that several years ago, we ergy security, my Govern- Pearlette Louisy, GCSL, GCMG, D.ST.J., PH.D, LL.D (HON) Governor General of Saint Lucia took the bold step to establish ment is pursuing critical a Criminal Division of the Su- investments in renewable on the occasion of the opening of the Sixth Session of the Tenth Parliament of Saint Lucia preme Court. We enacted a new energy in three areas – geo- Criminal Code and a new Evi- thermal, solar photovoltaic, on Tuesday, 26 April, 2016 at the House of Parliament, Laborie Street, Castries dence Act and we established and wind. new procedures in criminal tri- Mr President, Mr Speaker, als. But have these initiatives re- I am sure there is a certain r President, Mr sabilité. Sonjé, pawòl ni wasin. ally worked? Are we delivering level of cynicism that many Speaker, Honour- Konsa chak pawòl ki di, swé asou justice in criminal cases in full ac- Saint Lucians attach to any Mable Members! By radiyo, adan papyé-nouvèl, asou cordance with our constitutional report about geothermal God’s good grace, we assem- Facebook ében entènèt-la kay dé- prescriptions? What explains the development in our coun- ble this morning to mark the tèminé kalité démokwasi-a nou high number of remand cases? try. This is not new. We have commencement of the Sixth kay ni an péyi-a. Are we unwittingly allowing de- heard it for many years, for Session of this Tenth Parlia- fence counsel in criminal cases to decades even. However, SAFE AND JUST SOCIETY ment of Saint Lucia. I invite exploit loopholes or weaknesses what is different this time Mr President, Mr Speaker, there you, Honourable Members, in the design of the procedures around is the manner in are of course abnormal, anti- to recommit to another year to frustrate the delivery of justice which we have approached social agents that continue to to work together in the ser- in criminal matters? These are the challenge. My Govern- undermine democratic society vice of all Saint Lucians. burning questions. ment assembled a coalition and the free will of its people to We must all believe that My Government believes that of partners to work with us enjoy life. The greatest of these our country is great and the time has come to review the to determine whether this is undoubtedly violence. And in- we are called to celebrate structure and operations of our was a goal worth pursu- deed such manifestations do not its achievements, while still Criminal Justice System and to ing. We mobilized support preclude the unfortunate behav- being ambitious and vision- that end it will work with the from the World Bank, the iour of the self-induced violence ary in the possibilities of the judiciary to appoint a team of Global Environment Facil- of suicide. The review of the Guard of Honour by the Governor General is always looked forward to by the future. We must believe that experts to conduct a comprehen- ity, the Government of New The recent spate of suicides has paraded officers -- and members of the public. we have been blessed by the sive review of the system in all its Zealand, and the Clinton left us deeply wounded, shaken, Almighty to be a people of facets. The team will focus on our Climate Initiative to under- and bewildered. Collectively, Tout sòt kalité kwim ka pwan sembled in Addis Ababa, Ethio- the lives and livelihoods of the peace, progress, passion and laws, both substantive and pro- take geotechnical studies. we must share in the pain of the kou oliwon nou. Sa ka annékòs pia, to agree on the funding that people who live in island States, prosperity. We must remain cedural on the structure and the should be mobilised to finance We included LUCELEC in families whose loved ones chose an pèwèz, an létjétid an tjè nou low-lying countries and other a country of courage, of com- staffing of the system. We must global development. Then they the discussions from the to end their lives so tragically. tout. Sé an vyol pa isi, an haché vulnerable regions. passion, of grace and unfail- ensure that our citizens are satis- went to New York and articu- outset, since they will be Her Excellency offers an approving smile to one of the several police officers as she reviewed the My Government believes that pa la; an vòl pa isi, an fiziwé pa Saint Lucia’s leadership on Cli- ing courtesy and generosity, fied that they have a system that lated the seventeen Sustainable mate Change has continued into responsible for purchasing paraded troops in line and colour. violence in all its forms destroys la. Moun ozabwa, ek i sanm nou united in our ambitions to is fair, just and efficient. koumansé dézèspéwé. Sé fo nou Development Goals to which all this year, and as recently as Fri- the geothermal power and people and their freedoms. It nations would aspire between pursue the collective good. touvé mannèv pou genyen about day last week, on Earth Day, our transmitting and distribut- event. But there are many other lach, ki ni konpasyon; an péyi ki rity as a nation and as a people. is therefore committed to see- A NEW JUDICIAL COMPLEX now and 2030. malèz sala, sé movèzté sala, kalité country became one of the first in ing it to consumers. We also SPORTS - NURTURING Saint Lucians who continue to ka apwésyé jantiyès, politès èk jé- Our democracy traverses deep- ing reductions in homicides, The recent closure of our major Finally, in the most complex of violans sala, osi vit ki posib, paski the world to both sign and ratify teamed up with one of the THE COLLECTIVE GOOD participate commendably in pro- néwòzité; an péyi koté lézabitan er than institutions such as Par- suicides, fatalities caused by ve- court building for repair and ren- all the negotiations, the 195 Par- sa ka mennasé libèté epi sékou- the Paris Agreement on Climate most reputable geothermal In many respects, that col- fessional sport. We of course look ka aji ansanm an lentéwé yonnal- liament. It goes beyond political hicular and other accidents. We ovations also compounded the ties to the United Nations Frame- wité péyi-a. Change. There is still much work developers in the world as lective and individual action forward to their representation, òt. Sé pa kèkchòs ki difisil ditou. leadership, or the commonly must all continue our efforts to delays in handling judicial mat- work Convention on Climate coined “card-carrying” party An menm ditan-an, i ka sanm to be done, but a very important our preferred developer. is beautifully demonstrated and the lifting of our flag at Rio Si’y posib an spò, i posib an lòt see the prevention of crime, sex- ters these past few months. For Change spent two weeks in Paris, membership. Each citizen must akonsidiwé sistenm jistis péyi- step has been taken and our The initial findings are en- in the area of sports here at De Janeiro, Brazil, this summer sèksyon lavi péyi-a. Gadé man- ual abuse, and intimidation, and several weeks, the courts were in the aftermath of the tragic ter- be responsible in its actions to- a an desandan. Tout bagay ka country is proud to have played a couraging and interesting. home. Without a doubt, our for the Games of the Thirty-First nyè péyi-a sélébwé siksé Darren violence in all its ugly manifesta- disabled and displaced. Cur- rorist attacks in that city, negoti- wards the other. Democracy also maché lantman, lantman. Délè significant role in this regard and They suggest that there is nation is still very much Olympiad. Sammy épi Johnson Charles; tions. Our desire is for a safe and rently, our Courts are scattered ating an historic, new Global Cli- requires expression of views sé konm si menm kalmason ka to be looked on internationally significant energy potential exuberant over the recent My Government commits to mannyè péyi-a ka aplodi lè La- just society. and assigned accommodation mate Change Agreement. that does not cause unfair injury boujé pli vit pasé sistenm-lan. as one of the leaders on environ- in our geothermal resourc- successes of the West In- continued support of the aspira- verne Spencer genyen an méday in unusual locations throughout In the middle of these various to the other. And so, the way we OVERHAUL OF THE Ki mannyè ou pé jistifyé an sit- mental advocacy. es. Even more importantly, dies Women’s and Men’s tions, hopes and dreams of our lò o nivo entènasyonal. Ek la ni the city. My Government wishes negotiating theatres, Saint Lucia speak on talk shows, what we CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM wasyon koté ou ni twa san sen- Never doubt that small as we however, they indicate that Cricket Teams in becom- young people through sport. It plisyè dòt – gwan moun kon jenn to thank the judiciary for its pa- and the Caribbean region stood write on blogs and other social Meanwhile, my Government kant twa pwisonnyé a Bodlé, ki are, we can change the world. it may be possible for us to ing the world champions in continues to raise the bar in the manmay – nou ka sélébwé chak tience and understanding as we tall and played an influential role media threads all impact the has heard the widespread con- ka atann an disisyon pou sav si We can do so by our intellect, produce geothermal en- the twenty over form of the quality of sport facilities, but fwa yo pòte lonnè bay péyi-a. richness, diversity and quality of cope with what is a very unusual in shaping the outcome of these cerns over the number of remand yo kondanné ou pa? La ja ni pli- our prowess, our passion for ex- ergy without affecting or game as well as the Under this must be complemented with Sé pou wèzon sala, Gouvèdman our democracy. situation. discussions. However, it was in prisoners at the Bordelais Correc- syè démach pou anméliowé sit- cellence and our commitment to compromising the World - 19 male team which also greater organisation by sports as- ka fé fòs kò’y pou asiwé ki chak We cannot forget that Saint the discussions that led to the tional Facility. Over the past few wasyon gwav sala, mé si sé pa honour principle even at the cost Heritage Status of the Pitons became champions in the 50 sociations and participation by konmin ni an plas koté sa ki en- THE BALLOT REMAINS Lucia is the headquarters of the finalization and adoption of the weeks, the Judiciary has made yonn, sé lòt. Fwanchman, péyi-a of standing alone for what we be- Management Area, in which overs format. In the case of the citizenry. My Government téwésé an spò sa dévlopé abilité- FUNDAMENTAL Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Paris Agreement that we really a determined effort to reduce pa sa kontiné asou menm son lieve to be right. the Sulphur Springs fall. It is the senior men’s team led by will continue its efforts to expand yo, talan-yo. Pofité sé dévlopman Once the day arrives, there may Supreme Court. The Headquar- saw the manifestation of that fa- the number of remand prison- sala. Sé fo nou wanjé sistenm- still early in the life of this our very own, Captain Dar- access to sporting and recreation- sala, paski tout sé démach sala sa well be those who will cast a bal- ters Agreement imposes a duty mous quotation from Margaret SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ers. In a recent Press Statement, to provide the court and its judg- la, di tèt o pyé, osi vit ki posib. project, but if we keep to the ren Sammy, they achieved al facilities through investments sèvi kon bèso pou antwennen sé lot for the seventeenth time, and Mead “Never doubt that a small Mr President, Mr Speaker, our the Court advised that “At the es with suitable accommodation Sinon, bagay kay pli twis, pli ta, current schedule, we will the additional distinction of at the community level through- moun-lan ki kay kondwi péyi-a many would be exercising this group of thoughtful, committed, efforts in climate change are very end of 2015, the remand popula- and we must therefore resolve èk silon Educator, bagay kay vini dig the exploratory wells in being the only team to have out Saint Lucia. As my Govern- an sé tan-an ki ka vini-an. right for the first time. Whatever citizens can change the world. closely linked to the work we are tion at the Bordelais Correctional this issue of accommodation for mové. 2018 and be in a position to won this title twice. On both ment has repeatedly emphasized, the case may be, this process rep- Indeed, it is the only thing that doing in sustainable energy. The DEMOCRATIC WILL OF THE Facility was at 353 persons with our courts once and for all. Pami sé démach-la Gouvèdman generate geothermal energy occasions, the team was led our country must be developed resents a fundamental pillar of ever has.” Saint Lucia’s Minister primary cause of the rapid in- PEOPLE 297 before the High Court while In the coming year, my Govern- ka antanmé pou pòté an soulaj- sometime around 2024. by our Darren Sammy. in a fair, balanced, and equitable our democracy and the respon- for Sustainable Development, creases in global temperatures is Mr President, Mr Speaker, po- 58 were before the Magistrates ment will intensify its prepara- man pou li moman sé an ògman- Simultaneously, we are Understandably, our focus way. In fulfilment of that mis- sibility of the ballot should never Energy, Science and Technology the release of high levels of car- litical representation is a major Court. This represented a 9% de- tions to develop a new Judicial tasyon an kantité jij an sistenm pursuing developments in has been on our two cham- sion, no community must be left be taken lightly no matter if it is led the negotiations on behalf of bon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, preoccupation this year. I open crease of individuals on remand Complex to house the headquar- jistis-la, sitou pou tann sé kés sé wind energy and solar pho- pions, Darren and Johnson. behind in the provision of sport- new or habitual. the CARICOM region in Paris. from the burning of fossil fuels today what is likely to be the last from 2014”. ters of the OECS Supreme Court. pwisonnyé-a ki ja touvé wanvoyé tovoltaic energy. The data But our young Saint Lucian ing facilities and amenities. We The ballot still remains the fun- He was chosen by the French to produce energy. If we are to session of this Parliament prior to In a bid to reduce the remand This complex shall house the si souvan èk pou si tèlman lon- from the test tower in the vi- cricketers have also done us must, however, work harder to damental, expression of each Government as a member of a check the increase in the tem- the next General Elections. Our population even further, the Su- Court of Appeal, the High tan. An sé mwa-a ki ka vini-an, cinity of the Bordelais Cor- proud. Once again- and for restore “club culture” in our com- citizen’s political will. As such, I very small group of ministerial perature of planet Earth, we must country will, in time, proceed to preme Court indicated that an Courts, Family Courts and Mag- Gouvèdman kay koumansé twa- rectional Facility suggest the third time in succession- munities for it is in these clubs urge all eligible voters to exercise facilitators to help reach agree- dramatically reduce on our use of the polls to allow for the expres- additional judge was appointed istrates Courts. It will also pro- vay asou an Kay Jistis nèf asou that we are on target to de- our boys were victorious that leadership is nursed and the their franchise not only in the in- ment among countries on the fossil fuels for energy. sion of the democratic will of the temporarily in February 2016 to vide accommodation for other Millenium Highway-a pou lojé velop a 12 Mega Watt wind at the Under 15 Windward rudiments of social co-operation terest of some perceived personal thorny issues in the negotiations. Saint Lucia produces only ap- people to select their political assist in the Criminal Division. agents of the Courts including, Lakou dapèl sé péyi OECS-la, kay farm in this area. At current Islands Tournament. We sa- are learned and acquired. gain, but in the interest of our col- He was sought after daily for in- proximately one thousandth of representatives. “The additional judge was able for example, the Crown Prosecu- lodyans magistwa èk jij, épi twib- consumption levels, this lute them! Misyé Pwézidan, Misyé Speak- lective and common dominion. terviews by all the international one percent of the total green- This upcoming General Elec- to dispose of 43 matters by the tion Service. inal pou tann kés kont manman, will meet twenty percent of Individual successes were er, Manm Paleman! Lagwas di Misyé Pwézidan, Misyé Speak- news media. house gases emitted into the tions would represent our tenth end of March, 2016.” Recently, the Following discussions with the papa èk ich (sa nou ka kwiyé an our peak demand for elec- also realised over the past Dyé Toupwisan mennen nou er Toupatou ou pasé sé jou sala, Most importantly, however, such event since attaining Inde- Government agreed to finance Judiciary, it has been agreed that atmosphere. However, my Gov- tricity. We expect construc- year by a number of Saint ansanm jòdi-a pou ouvè sizy- sé élèksyon ki ka palé. An palan anglé, Family Court-la). Mé nou he helped to galvanize the sup- pendence in 1979 and our sev- the appointment of a fourth judge the Complex will be constructed ernment believes in leading by tion on the wind farm to Lucian athletes. Jeanelle enm sèsyon di li dizyenm Pale- di sa, jòdi-a mwen ka ouvè sa pa ni tan pou kalanjé asou sé dé- port of young people, artists enteenth since attaining Adult on a “greenfield” site on the Mil- example. This is why we have set start somewhere toward the Scheper continued to per- man péyi-a. Mwen ka envité tout ki pitèt sé dènyé sèsyon Pale- to the Criminal Division of the mach sala. Sé fo nou pousé dou- and journalists all over the Ca- Suffrage in 1951. Thus far, since Supreme Court for a period of six lennium Highway where enough ourselves clear targets to reduce end of 2016 or the beginning form well and picked up a Manm Paleman pou kontiné twa- man sala avan élèksyon kwiyé. van avèk tout vitès. ribbean to amplify our region’s Adult Suffrage, both the Saint Lu- months to work exclusively on re- land is available to accommodate our production of greenhouse of 2017. With respect to solar gold medal in high jump at vay diwan lanné-a ki ka vini-an Alò, jou-a kay vini lè tout sa ki voice for strong decisive action cia Labour Party and the United all its structures. My Govern- OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE gases by 16% by 2025 and 23% by energy, Saint Lucia Electric- the National Collegiate Ath- an lentéwé, épi o sèvis, tout Sent mand cases. on climate change. In the end, a Workers Party have been victo- ni dwa voté kay mété ti kwa-yo ment is grateful to the landowner GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE 2030. These goals are consistent ity Services Ltd. (LUCELEC) letics Association (NCAA) Lisyen. These measures notwith- small group of committed citi- rious in eight polls. Further to pou chwézi wépwézantan pale- for facilitating the acquisition of AGREEMENT with our pledge to increase the has initiated the process Division I Level. Our be- Dyé benni nou épi an péyi en- standing, my Government be- zens from Small Island Develop- this, the peaceful transfer of the mantè-yo. Elèksyon sala kay the site for the court. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, last contribution of renewable energy for inviting tenders for the loved Laverne Spencer, now kwayab. Annou sélébwé’y. An- lieves that the Criminal Justice ing States helped to change the reins of power from one party to li dizyenm dépi endépandans System requires an overhaul. If My Government is of the belief year was a very important one for to the generation of electricity to construction of a 3.2 Mega into her eighteenth year nou sélébwé siksé-nou; annou our planet. At various points dur- opinion of world leaders on the another has occurred five times an mil nèf san swazant dixnèf the system is broken, we must that the judicial branch of our 35% by the year 2020. By transi- Watt utility-scale solar pho- representing Saint Lucia, kontiné pousé péyi-a pli an pli ing the year, technicians and po- importance of limiting the global since Independence and six times (1979), èk li dizyétyenm dépi Government requires modern, tioning away from fossil fuels, tovoltaic farm in Vieux Fort participated in high jump fix it. It is clear that despite the litical leaders gathered to negoti- temperature increase to 1.5 de- douvan pou jwi bokou pli siksé. since Adult Suffrage. sifwaj inivèsèl an mil nef san efficient physical arrangements we will not only play our part in South. This will add another at the 41- nation Pan Ameri- monumental efforts of the judi- ate and debate agreements that grees Celsius – One Point Five to Pou moutwé wékonnesans-nou We have therefore, if only by senkant é yan(1951). Sa vlé di ki to support the delivery of justice contributing to a cleaner, safer 5 percent to the contribution can Games in Toronto, Can- ciary and the state, the expected will define how we share and use Stay Alive - and on the need to pou gwan bennédiksyon sala, virtue of this metric, achieved a éléksyon pa anyen ki nèf. Konsa to our citizens. Misyé Pwézidan, adopt an ambitious agreement planet, but we will ensure energy of renewables to our nation- ada and brought home the benefits of the reforms of the our global commons. They gath- annou anbwasé lapé, pogwé, sik- mature and stable democracy. nou ka èspéwé ki chakan di nou Misyé Speaker, i ka sanm konsi that sent a resounding signal security for our country and pro- al electricity matrix. gold medal for Saint Lucia; past few years have not always ered in Sendai, Japan to define a sé . Annou wè ki péyi-a kontiné The electorate therefore expects kay konpòté kò-nou konm i fo, an go nwèsè vlé anvlopé péyi- that the world was serious about tect our economy from the un- our first gold medal at that yielded the benefits championed new international framework for kon an péyi ki pa kwapon, ki pa behaviour that reflects our matu- avèk sivilité, onnèté èk wèspon- for those reforms. a, pou étenn limyè-nou toutafè. disaster risk reduction. They as- saving the planet and protecting helpful volatilities in the world Continued on Page 8 Page 8 NationWIDE Saturday April 30, 2016

Throne Speech 2016 ANOTHER CHAPTER OF OUR LIVES TOGETHER

Continued from Page 7 from Westminster. This view has now been dis- Misyé, Pwézidan, Misyé carded, by none other than Speaker, Lanné pasé, anchay the United Kingdom Parlia- dévlopman pwan kou o nivo ment; the cradle of West- entènasyonal-la èk ti péyi minster conventions and Sent Lisi nou-an té la pami practices. That country’s tout sé go pitja sé go peyi-a. parliament has now enacted Si janmen nou té vlé pwèv ki what it has described as a Sent Lisi pa manchòt, nou “Fixed-term Parliaments Act.”My Government has touvé pwèv sala an gwan noted this development kontwibousyon fèt pa Minis- with considerable interest nou pou Dévlopman Diwab, and will also consider the Enèji, Syans èk Tèknoloji an enactment of legislation go Konféwans-la ki té tjenn to introduce fixed election a Pawi, an Fwans, pou né- dates. gosyé an Awanjman nèf ki Misyé Pwézidan, Misyé kay mennajé sé go chanjman Speaker Si sé pou nou dév- klimatik-la ki kay pwann lopé péyi-a pou doubout kou oliwon latè-a, sitou asou asou kont kò’y pami lézòt, mannyè sé chanjman sala sé pou nou konnèt ki moun kay afèkté lavi èk mòd lavi nou yé, koté nou sòti, ki lézabitan sé piti zil latè-a. koté nou vlé wivé. Sé pou Tradition has it that at the end of the parade, the Governor General makes a recommendation for an Vwéman, pititès pa maladi. nou konnèt fòs-nou èk Sent Lisi moutwé konminoté award for the best officer on display. fèblès-nou. Sé pou nou entènasyonal-la ki, tout piti dévlopé konfyans-nou, lim- kon nou piti, tout mway- We have seen efforts in this re- ness, Education, Humanities, My Government hopes to place ajinasyon-nou, konviksyon- en kon nou mwayen, nou gard take form over the past few Social Sciences and Nursing. It these issues on the agenda of the nou. Sé pou nou kiltivé sa chanjé sa ka pasé asou years in the areas of cultural and will of course take a few years appropriate and relevant institu- kilti-nou, apwésyé patwim- latè-a. Nou sa fè sa, gwas a heritage development. We can for the institution to be fully tions of Caricom in the coming wann nasyonal-nou, chéwi entélijans-nou, abilité-nou, now sing in our own mother- established as it consolidates weeks, as part of the review of the léwitaj nasyonal-nou. An- pasyon-an nou ni pou èk- tongue, our national anthem. We its programme offerings and Common External Tariff sched- nou aplodi pwogwé-a nou sélans, épi mannyè-a nou are projecting confidence and improves the quality and level uled to start by July this year. ja fè-a. Annou bati asou sa doubout pou kò-nou, épi vigour in embracing our Kwéyòl of its administrative structure, fondasyon sala. Annou tjenn pwomès-nou menm si language. Through the expres- its physical plant, its staffing OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEASURES ankouwajé tout sa ki ka lézòt hédi kò-yo dèyè. sion of film such as produced by and support services. The cost éséyé bati sé enstitusyon- Pwensip-nou sé pa pawòl Kendal John, we are discovering of operating an institution of Mr President, Mr Speaker, it will be observed that My Govern- an ki kay mennen lonnè èk tousèl èk anyen di fèt. An who we are. that nature will be significant. siksé bay péyi-a, bay pèp-la. ling di chanjman klimatik My Government is committed The College is in the process ment has not, so far, announced pa èkzanp, nou ja koumansé to improving the infrastructure of restructuring its operational new legislative measures or in- CONCLUSION: A pwan démach pou bésé asou available for productions and and financial management sys- tentions for this new session of JOURNEY TOGETHER kantité lwil péyi-a ni pou development of the Creative In- tems to meet these needs, but Parliament. Honourable Mem- Mr President, Mr Speaker, sèvi pou podwi ilèktwisité. dustries. It will, in the coming collectively we as a community bers will undoubtedly agree that in proroguing one session Nou ka kontiné twavo ki té ja year, pursue the efforts that are will need to determine how the legislative plate of the Draft- of parliament and opening a koumansé plisyè lanné pasé underway to establish a national these future costs will be met. ing Department of the Attorney new session, we signal that pou sondé tè-a oliwon Souf- complex for the development of General’s Chambers is filled with we commence another chap- la an Soufouyè pou détèminé culture and the performing arts. REVIEW OF THE REVISED proposed legislative measures ter of our journey in our si la ni asé vapè pou podwi It is time that our artists are given TREATY OF from previous Throne Speeches lives together, as a nation ilèktwisité ékonomikman. a home. We will deepen consul- CHAGUARAMAS delivered to this Chamber. In any and as a people. One of our event, with General Elections Mé nou ja détèminé ki, fòs tation on this to ensure that this Mr President, Mr Speaker, I distinguished poets, Adrian van-an an wèt Bodlé-a, pé new National Cultural Centre on the horizon, the Government Augier reminds us that, now turn to one regional mat- elected by the common will of podwi ven pousan ilèktwis- will meet the requirements of the ter that Saint Lucia will place “The eventual journey of ité-a nou kay bizwen-an. Epi current and future practitioners the people will have the opportu- our lives together should be on its agenda in the coming nity to offer to the nation its leg- an Vyé Fò, LUCELEC ja kou- and institutions who will make months. Saint Lucia, in com- more than a trip, a passage, mansé démach pou bati an use of it. islative agenda on the opening of a mere physical movement mon with other Caribbean the new Parliament after General lisin ki kay sèvi sòlèy-la pou Just last week, through the Saint States, committed on July 05, through space and chang- podwi ilèktwisité. Lucia National Trust, a national Elections. ing times. It must also be a 2001 to the “Revised Treaty of dialogue commenced at the Folk spiritual movement, gather- BUILDING NATIONAL Chaguaramas Establishing the FIXED DATE FOR GENERAL Research Centre on fashioning ing experience, growing in PRIDE Caribbean Community Includ- ELECTIONS a National Museum System. To knowledge, acquiring new Mr President, Mr Speaker, ing the Caricom Single Market Mr President, Mr Speaker, I support these efforts, my Gov- commenced this address by re- wisdom and understanding. building a society that is and Economy.” Since the sign- ernment has vested the property ing of the Revised Treaty, the ferring to electoral matters. It As a nation, our collec- strong, resilient and ready known as the Married Women’s is fitting that I come to a close tive journey is a process of to take on the world re- world has changed dramati- Quarters at Vigie for the purpose cally. The world that we knew on that subject. It cannot have advancement toward our quires a people with con- gone unnoticed that with each of supporting the National Mu- is, frankly, no more. full potential. Such is the viction, imagination, and passing electoral cycle, political seum. It is way beyond time for At the heart of the arrange- insistence of our motto: The confidence. It requires citi- campaigning to remain in of- our children to learn their culture ments governing trade in our Land, The People, The Light. zens who are at peace with fice or be elected to office seems and history. region is what has been de- Such is our statement of as- themselves and with each to commence far ahead of the cending faith, of abiding scribed as a “Common External eventual dissolution of Parlia- other. Put simply, the society ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SIR confidence, of determina- ARTHUR LEWIS UNIVERSITY Tariff”. This tariff is essentially ment. The uncertainty over elec- must know itself. Building tion dates does not fully explain tion that we should always COLLEGE a legally binding agreement to national pride, defining one- allow all member states to im- this phenomenon but it can also rise, aspire, and journey for- self is not an activity of van- Mr President, Mr Speaker, Hon- encourage it. Some have argued ward and upward toward ourable Members, The Sir Arthur pose identical or uniform rates ity or parade. It is essential to of duty on items imported that the system is manifestly enlightenment.” Lewis Community College is con- unfair as the incumbent party building character and self- from outside of the community As we stand in tribute to tinuing its journey to becoming has the advantage of surprise. worth in our people. Each that is, from third countries, our island, let us, as Adri- a University College in keeping These days, that argument can person must have sense of in a bid to protect regional do- an says, “seek out the very with my Government’s commit- hardly stand scrutiny as elec- place, sense of self, sense mestic production and trade best in ourselves and in our ment to raising the standard and toral preparations have become of history, so that they may within the Community. neighbour, to acknowledge quality of in - country education rather public. have sense of direction. In My Government believes that our progress as one people, in general and tertiary education There can be no doubt that im- the triangulation of life, one the time has come to review as a nation in the world of in particular. The transformation pending elections can add to must have these self-identifi- the Common External Tariff to uncertainty and indecision by nations, and in so doing, ers upon which we can take to a University College acknowl- determine whether protection shine our light so bright that edges the need to expand tertiary investors, domestic or foreign. our mark along the journey. should continue to be available Investors often prefer to wait on it sustains us in this mo- education provision to a wider The efforts of achieving to some products manufac- the outcome of General Elections ment and serve to inspire all segment of the population and to this call for strong insti- tured in our region. Saint Lucia to make investment decisions. coming generations.” enhance the quality of the human tutions which project the cannot continue to protect some Of course, it does not follow that Mr President, Mr Speaker, resource which will undergird national patrimony, the na- regional products to the detri- if fixed election dates are intro- Members of Parliament, our national development efforts. tional inheritance, and the ment of its people. My Govern- duced the tendency to early cam- Ladies and Gentlemen, on It is anticipated that legisla- positive culture of a people. ment is also of the view that the paigning for General Elections that note and with the poi- tion establishing the University It requires building an im- rates of duty ascribed to some will cease. But the argument gnant and touching words age with a mix of inward College will be laid before this products need to be revised and about “fairness” cannot be totally of Adrian Augier resonat- and outward perspectives. Honourable House during the that greater flexibility should dismissed. ing in our minds, it is now It is an exercise in learning, 2016-2017 academic year to enable be given to member states in It was once thought that fixed my pleasure to formally de- and relearning, in discover- the first entrants to register in adjusting rates of duty on cer- election dates were inconsistent clare open this Sixth Session ing and rediscovering, in de- August 2017 for the institution’s tain products in periods of eco- with the parliamentary system of the Tenth Parliament of fining and redefining. own Bachelor’s Degree in Busi- nomic stress or adjustment. of governance that we inherited Saint Lucia. Saturday April 30, 2016 NationWIDE Page 9 We must forge a viable global partnership! The following remarks were delivered by Hon. James Fletcher, Minister for Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology in the Government of Saint Lucia, during the High Level Debate on the Sustainable Development Goals on Thursday 21st April, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

r. President, Adequate Policy Space is achieving a high Necessary Mquality of life for Mr. President, it is univer- all Saint Lucians is the sally understood that States goal and purpose of my have a national responsibility Government’s national for sustainable development. development strategy. We However, what seems to be understand that this ob- less evident is the necessity of jective requires more than adequate policy space in which economic growth - it re- to maneuver toward national quires a whole system ap- development goals. proach to development. The SAMOA Pathway, the Ad- We see increasing pros- dis Ababa Action Agenda and perity, eradicating poverty the revitalized global partner- and hunger, improving ship that is rooted in this 2030 social cohesion, caring for Agenda, are necessary to pro- our natural resources and duce better policies to facilitate securing peace and justice enhanced access to internation- for all Saint Lucians as al public sources of financing critical and clearly inter- – especially grants and highly connected goals. concessional loans - for Small Island Developing States. It Departure from One- is important that multilateral Dimensional View of trade policies are revised to en- Development sure improved market access The 2030 Agenda for for small vulnerable econo- Sustainable Development mies; and it is also necessary marks a departure from that more inclusive governance a one-dimensional view structures are strengthened at of development toward the international level to ensure Senator Dr James Fletcher played a key role in the global negotiations for the Climate Change a multi-dimensional and that the concerns of SIDS with agreement signed in Paris last weekend. integrated approach that middle income status are taken addresses the social, eco- into account when setting and We must forge a viable global can be sustained in the face tions and initiatives that nomic and environmental executing policies. partnership to harness the ap- of the dangerous adverse im- enhance resilience, in- drivers of development. propriate technology, innova- pacts of climate change. Our centivize investment and Our government wel- Genuine Global Partnerships tion, data and finance, which national visioning process is mobilize the appropriate comes this necessary para- ‘The call in the SAMOA path- are critical means of imple- deliberately informed by our support. digm shift and is currently way for genuine and durable mentation. Access to appropri- climate change adaptation im- Mr. President, our work on engaged in a National Vi- partnerships is a call for those ate technology is a crucial and the ground in crafting the sioning process that aims partnerships that put our peo- peratives, in concert with the powerful accelerant of sustain- most effective national plan to bring economic, social ple’s priorities first. Deepening global goals that treat with the able development. Similarly, is ambitious and purpose- and environmental poli- our global partnerships is essen- environment. high quality, accessible, timely, ful. It reflects our evolving cies into balance. Our in- tial for the successful implemen- Our government’s goal is to reliable and disaggregated data tention is to develop the tation of our 2030 Agenda. Part- initiate deep synergies in the understanding of the social, are essential for evidence-based requisite synergies so nerships work best when they implementation of the 2030 economic and environmen- decision making and for effec- that policies work well to- are country-owned and coun- Agenda and the Paris Agree- tal linkages that define our tive follow-up and monitoring gether to create optimal try-driven and when they pro- ment – which my country will lives. We commend you for of SDG implementation. outcomes. Our national vide for a balanced relationship sign and ratify tomorrow. convening this High Level strategy will also work to between donor and recipient, Synergies between 2030 As a Small Island Develop- debate to charge up po- integrate the seventeen based on mutual respect and ac- Agenda and Paris Agreement ing State we understand very litical momentum and ex- sustainable development countability. The SDGs similarly Mr. President, whilst partner- clearly how climate actions can change views and we hope goals and their targets, so are an overarching framework ships and improving the wider inspire and catalyze action on that the result is ambitious that Saint Lucia’s develop- for aligning private sector and enabling environments can many of the SDGs and we in- and immediate action by ment will be mirrored in public sector interests at the na- catalyze transformation in our tend to strengthen relationships all stakeholders at all levels. the SDGs. tional, regional and global levels. economies, no transformation at all levels toward concrete ac- Thank You. Page 10 NationWIDE Saturday April 30, 2016

We are helping to right that terrible wrong! The following remarks by Hon. James Fletcher, Minister for Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology of the Government of Saint Lucia, were delivered at the High Level Signing Ceremony for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on Friday 22nd April, 2016 At the United Nations Headquarters In New York

ecretary General, will assist us with meeting and If developed countries Heads of State and we believe, surpassing our com- and the private sector do SGovernment, Excel- mitments in our Intended Na- not accelerate the mobili- lencies, Ladies and Gentle- tionally Determined Contribu- zation of new streams of men. Today, Earth Day tion (INDC). climate finance for SIDS 2016, marks an important We also recognized from and other vulnerable na- inflection point in the his- early that an effective climate tions, our countries will tory of our planet. It is the change strategy requires the continue to have to use day when collectively we commitment of every citizen. scarce domestic financial signal to the world, with This is why we have recruited resources to address cli- the signing of this Paris our youth, our artists and our mate-related problems that Agreement, our commit- media personnel to amplify the are not of our making. ment to changing the tra- voices in support of action on And finally, if develop- jectory of the evolution of climate change. ment partner agencies do our planet and our civili- not demonstrate greater zation. External Support sensitivity to the fact that Much has already been However, there is only so SIDS and many vulnerable said and written about much a Small Island Develop- countries are seriously con- the historic nature of the ing State like mine can do on its strained by resource and Paris Agreement and the own. Regardless how effective capacity issues, we will con- success of the negotia- our national and regional cam- tinue to suffer the fate of the tions that led to its adop- paigns, our efforts will come to Greek mythological figure tion in December last naught and the lives and liveli- Tantalus, forever reaching year. While it is tempt- hoods of our people will remain for fruit that is just out of our ing to use today’s signing imperilled if you, our partners grasp and water that recedes ceremony as an occasion from the more developed coun- before we may take a drink. to compliment each other tries and from international on a job well done, to do agencies, do not fulfil the prom- Conclusion so would be to belie the ises that you have made and Secretary General, Ex- urgency of the situation which are embedded in the Par- cellencies, Ladies and that confronts us and to is Agreement. Gentlemen, we have given Unless we see a significant in- ourselves an historic op- some extent, contradict Dr. James Fletcher everything we, the Small crease in the ambition of your portunity to make amends INDCs to bend that temperature for what may be the great- Island Developing States among my countrymen and articulate a long term develop- who are at the forefront of curve toward the 1.5o Celsius est sin that a generation women that, despite the text ment pathway for my country, is mark, SIDS will be visited by can commit – to bequeath the climate change battle, and tenor of the Paris Agree- being informed by our climate have said and fought for more extreme weather events to its successor a worse en- ment, not enough will be done change adaptation imperatives. that will take more lives and vironment, an unhealthier so far. Therefore, Excellen- to save them from an uncertain While my country is an insig- cies, I want to spend the devastate more economies. If you planet, and a less certain and unpleasant future. nificant contributor to global the major emitters of greenhouse future than the one it in- limited time I have today greenhouse gas emissions, we with you outlining some Local Actions gases do not make good on your herited from its predeces- are pursuing an economic de- commitment to transition to a sor. The Paris Agreement of the things my country At the domestic level, our velopment strategy that envis- intends to do to make the Cabinet endorsed a National low or zero Carbon future, the gives us the framework to ages a complete transition away loss and damage from slow onset right that horrible wrong. Paris Agreement effective Climate Change Adaptation from the use of fossil fuels for and meaningful. I also Plan that defines the measures impacts like ocean acidification This is why my country energy production. Strategic and sea level rise will continue to Saint Lucia is proud today wish to share with you my we must take to minimize the investments in geothermal en- thoughts on the ways in impact of climate change on increase, destroying our marine to be counted among the ergy, wind energy and solar and terrestrial habitats, and driv- first set of countries to both which you can help coun- our country and citizens. Ad- energy, coupled with efforts to tries like mine overcome ditionally, a National Visioning ing much of our rich biodiversity sign and ratify the Paris tame domestic energy demand to extinction. Agreement. I thank you. the scepticism that exists process, which is expected to by increasing energy efficiency,

This Jonathan Gladding portrait adequately spells out the message delivered on the Paris Conference floor that the small island states of the world need 1.5 to stay alive! Saturday April 30, 2016 NationWIDE Page 11 The Diplomatic Courier Women and Girls on board Agreement signed with EU for new Piaye Bridge as ICT Day celebrated here

The Prime Minister affixed his signature to the agreement in the presence of Ambassador Barford.

he European Union con- The work will be undertaken fected the country on 24 and 25 The one-day event hosted by CARCIP aimed to increase gender tinues to assist St. Lucia through indirect management December produced extraor- parity within the ICT sector. Tfollowing the heavy rains by the World Bank and will be dinary heavy rains, with more in December 2013 that caused aligned to the governments US than 224mm of rain recorded in he Caribbean Regional At the one-day event, 20 female tremendous infrastructure $68 million Disaster Vulnerabil- a two to three hour period. Communications Infra- trainees who have been awarded damage. ity Project. The damage and loss assess- structure Program (CAR- ICT training grants to further On 26 April, EU Ambassa- Ambassador Mikael Barfod ment conducted by the Word T dor Mikael Barfod signed a $19 commented: “This support Bank afterwards estimated the CIP), in collaboration with the their studies in ICT at local insti- Saint Lucia Coalition of Services tutions island-wide, along with million (Euro 6.2 million) fi- demonstrates the EU’s commit- destruction as a result of the Industries Inc (SLCSI), earlier this six ICT graduates of SALCC with nancing agreement with Prime ment to the reconstruction of St. floods at $266 million (US$99.3 week hosted a one-day celebration internships supported by the Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony Lucia at a time with economic million), equivalent to 9.9% of of "International Girls in ICT Day." SLCSI were in attendance. that will go towards the con- challenges for the country. It the country’s GDP. This event was held in keeping The final activity under this struction of a new bridge criti- also further underscores the This present support is being with the International Telecom- campaign will be the awarding cal to river crossing at Piaye on EU’s solidarity with the Carib- provided in addition to earlier munications Union’s initiative, of business grants to female mi- the west coast, as well as recon- bean, which we recognise as assistance of $1.4 million (400,000 which seeks to raise awareness cro-entrepreneurs in May. struction of a road along the one of the most vulnerable re- Euro) of emergency humanitar- on empowering and encourag- Celebrations here started with west coast corridor in Venus, gions in the world.” ian aid by the EU to St. Lucia im- ing girls and young women to a short opening ceremony, fol- Anse La Raye. The trough system which af- mediately after the storm consider careers in ICT. lowed by a series of guest speak- The objective of the campaign ers who coached and mentored is to increase gender parity the girls on pursuing careers within the ICT sector. and entrepreneurship opportu- Taiwan invites applications for 2017 Fellowships The campaign commenced in nities within the sector. March 2016 in commemoration International Girls in ICT Day he 2017 Taiwan Fellow- studies at Taiwan’s universities mendation and one letter of Women's Month. At that time, was held on April 28 at the Na- ship is open to on-line or research institutions in 2017. of consent from the chief 29 female entrepreneurs received tional ICT Office on Bourbon Tapplication. Starting The duration of the fellowship administration of their in- training in social media marketing. Street in Castries. from 1st May, printed appli- ranges from three months to stitutes. cation forms, along with oth- maximum one year. The Fellow- For Saint Lucia government er supporting information, ship recipients will be entitled officials who are interested in should be delivered to the to one direct round trip econo- the Fellowship programs, the Embassy by 24th June, 2016. my-class ticket subsidized be- approval documents from OECS ministers consult here The Ministry of Foreign Af- tween Saint Lucia and Taiwan the Training Division of the fairs of the Republic of China and will be granted monthly Ministry of the Public Servic- (Taiwan) encourages Saint stipends. es, Sustainable Development, on key Telecoms Legislation Lucian government officials, Applicants should submit the Energy, Science and Technol- inisters with respon- fact we have departed a bit experts and scholars who are following documents to the Em- ogy will be needed for the sibility for telecom- from our traditional method interested in researching top- bassy: application. munications in the of public consultation which ics related to Taiwan such as 1. Application form; For the information about M the Trans-Pacific Partnership 2. Resume (including a publica- how to apply, as well as the region of the Organization was putting something on the of Eastern Caribbean States website, publishing it in the (TPP), Regional Comprehen- tion list); Q&A for the Fellowship, (OECS) met in Saint Lucia last newspapers. People might see sive Economic Partnership 3. Research proposal (Three please visit the website: week to discuss new legisla- this two column publication of (RCEP), East China Sea and pages in principle using a http://taiwanfellowship.ncl. tion designed to strengthen regulations and not even read South China Sea security, standard research format); edu.tw, and click “Taiwan consumer rights and ensure it. But we have actually facili- Cross Taiwan Strait relations, and Fellowship/apply applica- that the climate for investment tated some countries in meet- the Asian Pacific studies and 4. Two letters of recommenda- tion Procedure” for detailed remains competitive. ings online and got them to Sinology to pursue advanced tion, or one letter of recom- information. The main agenda item for the comment. We have gone even Eastern Caribbean Telecom- one step further. By breaking munications Authority Coun- down the regulations into cil of Ministers' 33rd meeting layman language and pub- was the new draft Electronic lishing this sort of three page Saint Lucia and Cyprus Communications (EC) Bill. summary so that someone Managing Director of EC- can understand and say oh, I TEL, Embert Charles, com- thought this thing was about reaffirm diplomatic ties mented on the consultations gigabytes and megabytes this thus far. is actually about my phone, “Normally law-making and then they can actually igh Commissioner of stronger cooperation in tour- takes a lot of time. You have comment on it.” the Republic of Cyprus ism based on the principles of to go through rounds and The ECTEL Council of Min- Hto Saint Lucia, Vasilios equality and mutual economic rounds of consultations. We isters is made up of ministers Philippou presented his creden- benefit." are about to close the first responsible for telecommuni- tials last week at Government Acting Governor-General period of comments from the cations in the Commonwealth House. MacDonald Dixon said Cyprus public. Everybody who has of Dominica, Grenada, Saint He said his tenure as High has been a pivotal development an interest or who wants to Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis Commissioner will be marked partner for Saint Lucia. have an interest can comment and Saint Vincent and the by further advancement in mu- He thanked the ambassador His Excellency if they want to do so.” Grenadines. tually beneficial areas. for the kind sentiments and said Vasilios Philippou He went on to explain that The governments of Antigua According to the new High Saint Lucia looks forward to ex- consultations also included and Barbuda and Montserrat Commissioner, "Our bilateral pansion of cooperation in the prus continuing support in the members of the wider public have been participating as ob- relations can be further en- areas of trade in services, par- fields of education and mari- and consumers on a whole. servers in the deliberations of hanced by expanding our coop- ticularly in financial services, time affairs. “We have had a lot of en- the ECTEL Council of Minis- eration in the trade, investment, tourism and culture. Saint Lucia and the Republic gagement with consumers. In ters since 2012. tourism, education and mari- The acting GG also thanked of Cyprus first established dip- time affairs, and also to explore the high commissioner for Cy- lomatic ties in 1980. Page 12 NationWIDE Saturday April 30, 2016 National Olympic Committee 2015 Youth of the Year head rejects calls to stand down after becoming opposition Named and Awarded election candidate!

The President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Fortuna Belrose (2nd from left) has maintained she will not stand down as chief of the national sporting body. The former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (seen here along- side Youth and Sports Minister Shawn Edward at an earlier IOC event here) is now a candidate for the opposition UWP for the Cas- tries east seat. She is already on the hustings and will be seeking to unseat Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Philip J. Pierre, who has won the seat four consecutive times. Mrs Belrose had been called upon by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthiny to stand The Annual Youth Awards, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, was down from her position at the head of an international sporting body held Saturday April 23 at the National Cultural Centre, where the winner was named and award- that should not be dragged into partisan politics. But the UWP can- ed. It was a national affair that saw Kendel Elva of Vieux Fort North (top photo) selected as Youth didate has rejected the call outright, saying it is not inconsistent with of the Year 2015. The ceremony was well attended by youth representatives, as well as by Youth the IOCs ideals. Meanwhile, the NOC head continues her campaign- Development and Sports Minister Shawn Edward, who was also commended (bottom photo) for ing to replace the sitting Castries East MP and to have the current his role – and that of his ministry -- in organizing the successful annual affair. government changed at the next general elections. (Flashback Photo by Marius Modeste) Pavee Court officially handed over to community sports club

he Ministry of Youth gathering and unveiled offi- and Sports in collabo- cial seal for the court at last Tration with the Parlia- Sunday’s ceremony. mentary Representative for Also in attendance were Castries East Hon. Philip J. Taiwan Ambassador Ray Pierre, the Government of Mou, Minister for Educa- Taiwan and the Pavee United tion, Human Resource De- Sports and Social Club have velopment and Labour Hon. officially opened and handed Robert Lewis, Permanent over a new court to the com- Secretary in the Ministry of munity of Pavee. Youth and Sports Dr. Antho- Minister Pierre, who has ny George and the executive worked in close collabora- members of the Pavee United tion with the executive of Sports and Social Club. the Pavee United Sports and The court is fully equipped Tourist Board partners with veteran regional commentator Social Club in achieving with facilities, amenities and ahead of upcoming Beausejour Windies Tests the initiative, addressed the an access route

he Saint Lucia Tourist Board aims to strengthen Vivian Richards defends Tlinkages between the vital tourism industry and the sports sector. Darren Sammy following The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) has partnered with sports consultant and veteran ICC attack! cricket commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira for the hosting he International Cricket The ICC described Sammy’s of the third of four cricket test Council (ICC) has come comments as both inappropri- matches in the summer of 2016. Tunder fire from former ate and disrespectful. Ahead of the third test match West Indies Cricket Captain Sir The sport’s governing body between the West Indies and Vivian Richards for reprimand- asserted that the comments had India scheduled for August, ing Twenty20 Captain Darren brought cricket into disrepute the acclaimed sports enthusiast Sammy and West Indian players. and said serious consideration The Saint Lucia Tourist Board aims to strengthen linkages will spearhead a major promo- Sir Viv was quoted in the An- had been given to bringing code between the vital tourism industry and the sports sector. tional campaign that will target tigua Observer newspaper as of conduct charges against the a multiplicity of audiences, en- saying that in terms of the gov- players, which could have re- compassing not only on-island est initiative helps us to further "The Indian team will be a ernance of the ICC, there are sulted in fines or bans. spectators, but the diaspora cement that partnership.” quality test team with some rules for some and not others. Howevern Sir Vivian has said community. The test matches will be the world class players, however the The ICC on Monday had criti- that there are more serious is- Tourism Director Louis Lewis first to be played at the newly- West Indies team will want to cized West Indian players as sues plaguing cricket. said the collaboration between renamed Darren Sammy Na- prove their mettle at the longer a result of comments made by He noted that India is yet to the celebrated sports consultant tional Cricket Grounds follow- format of the game, after having Darren Sammy. introduce the use of television and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board ing the West Indies' victory in done so well in the shorter for- Sammy made the comments replays for international or ICC is to further strengthen linkages the ICC 20/20 World Cup series mats namely, 20/20 and one day following his team’s Twenty20 sanctioned matches. between the vital tourism indus- in April. internationals in recent times.” World Cup victory over England “I am only trying to hit back try and the sports sector. Reds Perreira said the initia- He added that he is thrilled in the finals played in India. because of what they are trying "Sports has been a unifying tive will seek to drum up sup- about the Tourist Board col- He had launched a scathing to do because of Sammy’s com- force in the world and indeed port not only for a national hero laboration, and urges the public attack on West Indies Cricket ments. They are trying to be a in our part of the hemisphere, in the person of Darren Sammy, to keep watch for exhilarating Board (WICB) for failing to body that, if you say this, it’s out for generations. There is also a but is expected to excite and marketing/promotional activi- communicate with the team, of order, then you are going to strong and logical nexus between build enthusiasm among sports ties leading up to the August terming the attitude as “disap- be this and you are going to be sports and tourism and this lat- fans and cricket lovers. matches pointing”. that,” Sir Viv said