No. 27 • Saturday, NOVEMBER 19, 2011 [email protected]

The Official Newspaper of the Government of - FREE -

Prime Minister King Says My Government did Better

t. Lucia’s economy is now It is these figures, Prime Minister At a time when most countries poised for more robust King told the nation recently that around the world, including the growth and to provide bear eloquent testimony to the Caribbean, were still struggling to greater opportunities for resilience and effectiveness of his recover from the global economic allS its people. Government’s stewardship through crisis, there was no better endorse- In the last fiscal year, according environmental disasters in an uncer- ment of his Government’s perfor- to the Eastern Caribbean Central tain global economic environment. mance, the Prime Minister said. Bank, the St Lucia economy grew As the government gets ready “It has not been an easy road for by 4.4% and the inflation rate to seek a new mandate from the the Government and people of Saint was 1.9 percent, by far the best electorate, our nation’s leader says Lucia, but through caring, visionary, performance among islands in the statistics clearly document the competent leadership, the UWP the Eastern Caribbean Currency ability of his United Workers Party Government has improved the coun- Union which registered an over- (UWP) Government to deliver, and try’s economic management perfor- all economic decline of 2.7% and points the way forward to the next mance and thereby strengthened an inflation rate of 2.9%. level of balanced human develop- the country’s position as the leading economy in the OECS”, he said. Prime Minister Stephenson ment that, with the approval of King’s Government has fought off another term for his administration, In the last two years, as a result a range of adverse economic and “awaits a deserving Saint Lucia”. of the effectiveness of the Govern- weather conditions over the past Financial institutions like the ment’s response to the global eco- four years, from the international International Monetary Fund (IMF) nomic crisis, St. Lucia moved from financial and economic crisis in and the Eastern Caribbean Currenry its long-standing second position to late 2008 to natural disasters like a Union (ECCU) have given Prime surpass Antigua and Barbuda as the protracted drought, the Dennery Minister King’s Government high largest economy in the OECS. Floods and Hurricanes Dean and marks for the performance of St The Hon. Prime Minister added: Tomas. Yet, many of the island’s Lucia’s economy. As recently as “When we came into office at the economic indicators are up this August the IMF at the conclusion end of 2006 we met: average eco- year: Tourism revenue – up of another Article IV Consultation nomic growth of 1.6% over the pre- 33.7%; Construction - up 20.5%; on St. Lucia, noted that the island’s vious five years; an unemployment Airline activity at Hewanorra - up economy had “recovered rapidly rate of 16.6% and a national debt of 26.5%; Vehicle registrations - up from the global crisis, supported by EC$1.6 billion (approximately 64% 4.8%; Electricity consumption – timely policy action by the authori- of GDP). up 4.8%; Commercial sector – up ties and a rebound in construction 4.9%; Hotel sector – up 7%. and tourism”. Continued on page 3

Page 2 Saturday November 19, 2011

SAINT LUCIA'S ECONOMY RECIEVES A PASSING GRADE

Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Hon. presented information during his Oc- financial matters. These entities included: the International Monetary Fund (IMF); the Eastern tober 24th, 2011 "At Your Service" Address to the Nation, which confirmed the healthy state of Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU); the World Bank, the Government Statistics Department our nation's economy. In painting this picture, Prime Minister King drew on information from and the Eastern Caribbean Development Bank (ECDB). On this page is a display of the statistics reputable local and international organisations/institutions and authiorities on economic and and data presented in Prime Minister's recent address and derived from the sources above: Saturday November 19, 2011 Page 3 Pigeon Island Beach facility

or years, various attempts Beach by establishing beach park Construction of a Public Park(s) cilities and directional and instruc- between user groups and accidents have been made to provide facilities at suitable locations along and Beach Access Facility on what tional signs; restroom facilities with in the bathing areas. Fbeach parks and facilities for the site. It will improve availability is identified as Block No. 1257B; proper waste disposal mechanisms; NCA General Manager Denise locals and visitors alike but the ef- and access to needed facilities and Parcel No. 251 on the Pigeon Island relaxation areas and playground Collymore said the project is being fort has not been sustained. services and also establish safety Causeway is for local people to use for children and concession stands. undertaken at a cost of $1.7 million Now the National Conservation and regulatory mechanisms. Ad- the resource for environmental ap- There will also be facilities for with funds provided by the Euro- Authority (NCA), a division of the ditionally, there will be systems to preciation, recreational, historical, parking, and office and informa- pean Union and subsidized by the Ministry of Social Transformation, take care of waste management and aesthetic, ecological, and cultural tion centre for Beach Wardens St. Lucia Government. is undertaking a pilot project at pollution and to mitigate against activities. and lifeguard towers with a func- Construction on this project the Pigeon Island Causeway that erosion of the coast. According to the NCA, the origi- tioning life guard service. Clearly which started in October, 2011 is could be replicated at other beaches The project is designed to create nal submission was made for three demarcated bathing areas and expected to last six months. Once around the island, if successful. safe leisure and bathing environments such projects around the island. watercraft exclusion zones will completed and evaluated, the The project hopes to enhance the for local people and visitors by insti- When completed, the Pigeon Island be provided to ensure protection Government intends to support the experience of locals and visitors tuting safety measures and to provide causeway project will include sig- from watercraft operations and replication of this project model in using the popular Pigeon Island employment opportunities as well. nage indicating access areas and fa- to prevent or minimize conflict other parts of the island . Saint Lucia’s Economy Recieves Passing Grade Prime Minister King Says My Government Did Better

Continued from page 1 times (50%) in the six years of the for any clumsy STEP and no need of the superiority of UWP economic In May, the Caribbean Infor- “These numbers from the decade when the (world) economy for any blind LEAP either. All we management talent and ability over mation and Credit Rating Ser- Government’s Statistics Depart- was doing well.” relied on was the basic common that of the SLP”. vices Ltd. retained St. Lucia’s ment and the Eastern Caribbean While much was made of unem- sense that jobs are created by the St. Lucia’s official debt at the rank of “positive creditworthi- Central Bank are extremely im- ployment numbers, official Gov- increased consumption of goods end of December last, stood at ap- ness” based on exchange rate portant in setting the record ernment Statistics confirm that the and services and sound investment proximately EC$ 2 billion and the stability, a relatively diversi- straight about economic activity 2006 unemployment figure of 16.6% in an economy on the move.” debt to GDP ratio of 64.8% was fied economic base, moder- in Saint Lucia since 1997”. was the best achieved in two con- According to Prime Minister the second lowest in the Eastern ate balance of payments per- formance and relatively low He noted though that in the secutive terms during the St. Lucia Stephenson King, in 2006, the last Caribbean Currency Union, Prime external debt and adequate six years of the decade ending Labour Party’s term in Government SLP Administration left behind Minister King said, explaining import cover. 2010 when the world economy during which the average annual a national debt of EC$1.6 billion that it was actually smaller than was buoyant and when the St unemployment rate was 19.2%. (approximately 64% of GDP). In those of St Kitts, Grenada, Antigua There can be no doubt of the Lucia Labour Party held the The current UWP Government on the five years prior, the debt stock and Barbuda, and Dominica. It positive economic management reins of Government, it was the other hand, drove the average grew by EC$677 million under the was also substantially lower than record and stewardship of the only able to achieve an average annual unemployment rate down SLP and in the last five years under the debt ratios of Barbados and current Government. This was economic growth rate of 1.6% to 17.1% since it assumed office the current UWP it has increased by Jamaica. bolstered by the recent vote per year. In three of those six in 2006. a further EC$532.1 million. Said the Prime Minister: “We ap- of confidence in the island by years, while the global economy The Prime Minister added: He added: “There can be no ques- proach the end of this five year term the World Bank and the Inter- blossomed and the Dow Jones “While we acknowledge a reduc- tion that debt financing was a more with the encouraging news that in national Finance Corporation indicator of wealth creation was tion in employment opportunities critical need to keep the economy the worst of times around the world that ranked St Lucia first in the cruising above 15,000, the last as a casualty of these challenging afloat in the last five years of natu- your UWP Government was able to Caribbean for doing business. Administration came up with times, no other Government has ral disasters at home and financial lead St. Lucia to become the largest The prospects for the future negative growth. He explained: done a better job of providing more market disasters abroad. Side by economy in the OECS while at the are therefore quite encouraging “In other words, the St. Lucia jobs for more people. We did it in side with the economic perfor- same time ensuring that it has one under the visionary leadership Labour Party sent St. Lucia into the toughest of times and we will mance results, the debt comparison of the smallest debt burdens in the of Prime Minister Stephenson reverse gear three out of six continue to do it. There was no need numbers allow an easy assessment grouping”. King. Page 4 Saturday November 19, 2011 How We Build - Planning For Disasters

he experience of Hurri- build, the way we farm, the way we project must first receive the ap- St Louis says the lack of proper edition of these guidelines makes cane Tomas has brought manage our resources, the way we proval of her department. What’s drainage systems, including proper the point that the impact of hur- Tinto sharp focus the need treat our environment and the way more, every project approved by guttering, is one of the main causes ricanes on small buildings showed to re-examine our planning and we deal with our waste. It cannot the DCA must be undertaken ac- why some houses collapse in a the importance of careful construc- building construction practices. be business as usual; we have to set cording to international standards. disaster. Some times even where tion of the building frame and of the Based on the extensive destruction new standards and abide by them. “Persons sometimes build hap- there are drains, there are problems installation of firm holding down unleashed by Tomas in October Adaptation, mitigation and resil- hazardly, and not in conformity with their maintenance. The result mechanisms for the roof and es- of 2010, Saint Lucians are perhaps ience must underscore everything with those standards”, she said. is the same: in rainy weather, water pecially for light timber buildings, more aware and open to the need that we do from now on”. accumulates and begins to erode It is for this reason that the Au- many of which are over turned by to exercise best practices and the soil where the development For as long as we can remember, thority on occasions has to move in high winds. disaster sensitive methods in con- has gone up. many St. Lucians have opted for the It is noted that in some OECS struction both at the house-hold and stop certain projects, even the quick fix sort of housing, beaming Earthen drains are not accept- countries houses are constructed and commercial levels. Govern- most modest of homes. But stop- their satisfaction with what they able, St Louis said, because they with concrete roofs. The experts ment too has responsibility as it ping a project is certainly not the have achieved once construction too can be easily washed away after point out, however, that while such executes public sector projects and DCA’s first line of action. They first is done, unconcerned that by by- sustained rainfall. Roads too come roofs should not fail under hurri- infrastructure. How we build any draw the attention of the defaulter passing standard and even basic under attack from running water. sort of development will eventu- to the fact that he or she is breach- cane winds, they are vulnerable to building regulations, they are set- ally determine its integrity and ing the law. When that doesn’t “It is time we look at proper earthquake forces and very vulner- how it holds up in times of crisis, ting themselves up for even greater work—and there are developers in drainage systems because it makes able to bad construction. like a natural disaster, earthquake challenges in the future. St Lucia who have blatantly defied no sense the government builds Steel framed buildings for small or hurricane. The phenomenon of So in a 80 mile per hour hurri- the DCA—stop notices are issued. roads, to have them washed away”, houses was another option under climate change demands that we cane, for instance, these structures In some cases, the DCA has been she said. consideration because it offers make the necessary adjustments in fail to hold and the island finds it- known to flex its muscles and put Proper roofing is also critical in speed of construction and cost sav- order to minimize reconstruction self suddenly with scores of people, the offender in court. St. Louis said: coping with disasters such as hur- ings over more traditional methods. and repair after disasters and to homeless and needing a new roof “We do not like to do this because ricanes. St Louis said that hurricane But such systems must be designed enhance sustainability. over their heads. most times considerable sums have straps bolted onto rafters offer the to resist hurricane force winds and During his address to the nation The Development Control Au- already been spent on such projects, best protection. also to be resistant to corrosion. in November 2010 on the passing of thority (DCA) continues to urge but the law is the law and its stipu- New building guidelines for So prospective home owners and Hurricane Tomas, Prime Minister St Lucians to heed warnings about lations must be observed”. St Lucia and the other OECS ter- builders both have to adhere to Stephenson King noted the fol- employing best practices in any Two of the biggest problems with ritories and the wider Caribbean laws and guidelines if construction lowing: “We cannot continue to do kind of construction. Physical Plan- some developments in St Lucia are Community have been prepared projects are to withstand the effects things as before. Tomas has taught ning Officer at the DCA Margaret the bad construction practices used based primarily on the reports of of disasters. The DCA says it stands us the necessity to change our life- St Louis says under the DCA Act, by builders, and the lack of proper construction industry workshops ready to offer its advice to anyone styles, the way we live, the way we every building or development drainage. held in 1985 and 1986. The latest who needs it. Saturday November 19, 2011 Page 5 Port Redevelopment Government Signs US$25 M. Project With Royal Caribbean

astries is about to be trans- ger arrivals was less than 50,000”, formed into one of the most, Anthony said, adding: “We are Cmodern attractive and tour- positioning ourselves to become ism-oriented cities in the Eastern the cruise capital of the southern Caribbean, according to Chairman Caribbean”. of the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Phase one of the project will Authority Isaac Anthony. comprise a vendors craft market, a He was speaking at the signing waterfront pedestrian zone, a new ceremony of an agreement for the ferry terminal with shops, restau- first phase of the Castries redevel- rants and car park, commercial opment project which will involve office space and a boutique hotel. the rebuilding of the northern Anthony was particularly wharf. Anthony said the project pleased with the funding arrange- will likely kick off in the first quar- ments for the project, which he said, ter of 2012. It will be financed by would not require any financial Royal Caribbean International to outlay by the government at this the tune of US$25 million. time, “neither would it adversely Prime Minister Stephenson King, impact on our debt to GDP ratio. SLASPA General Manager Sean In fact, I am encouraged by the Matthews and John Tercek, Royal IMF when it recently endorsed the Caribbean’s Commercial Develop- government’s decision to pursue ment Vice President, signed the public-private partnership as a agreement at the Sandals Grande strategy for creating investment, on Tuesday, 15th, November, 2011. permitting growth, while keeping The Castries City Council is also the national debt within manage- involved in the project. able limits” Royal Caribbean is a Miami- In this regard, Anthony said, St. based Norwegian and American Lucia welcomed the participation cruise line. It has 42 ships in service of Royal Caribbean as a key partner under different brands and more in this initiative, given that with under construction. It currently the ongoing negative impact of controls 25 percent of the world the global economic crisis and the cruise market. Royal Caribbean consequential fiscal constraints, ships have been coming to St. Lucia “foreign direct investment will for several years and are distin- be critical for promoting growth guishable by all ships’ names end- and creating employment in our ing with “of the seas”. country”. In addition to bringing thou- Tourism Minister Senator Allen sands of visitors to St Lucia every Chastanet told the signing ceremo- year, Royal Caribbean ships also ny that world competition in tour- employ several St. Lucians in vari- ism was fierce and the recent reces- ous capacities. sion and uncertainty in the market Minister of Communications had caused people to go back to the and Works Guy Joseph, speak- basics. St. Lucia had been extremely ing at the signing ceremony, did fortunate, Chastanet said, because not believe St. Lucia could have in absolute terms what the island needed for growth was not an in- chosen a better partner to do the surmountable number. port project because of what Royal Caribbean brings to the table. He He added: “The Caribbean has explained: “The persons who have a competitive advantage when it been responsible for bringing some comes to tourism but…….the only of the cruise ships into St. Lucia way we …… are going to retain (now) become our partner in this our competitive advantage is by development. As a result, I expect improving our product. We have many more (Royal Caribbean) ships three and a half miles of waterfront to call here because there will be a and when we calculate the amount vested interest (of the company) in of revenue it is generating, the being part of this development. I number of jobs it is generating, it “Our goal is to make this as at- will make special allocation for us the new accommodation will not think this will be a winning combi- is a pittance compared to the op- tractive a destination as possible. and that is one of the things I ap- be anything that we cannot afford. nation for us as a country”. portunity that it affords”. The project will cost $25 million and preciate about it. Because we were “These plans that SLASPA have will be the first phase of a broader not part of the consultations when Anthony, who is also the Perma- But the Minister acknowledged put forward there, in my opinion, development of Castries which will the project was being conceived, nent Secretary in the Ministry of that St. Lucia’s reception for visitors will be a good thing for us and we not only be appealing and market- we actually thought that we would Finance, described the project as left a lot to be desired. “We have to will go with it”. able to visitors but equally to the have been out and not in and when “much anticipated”, saying it sig- be able to do things in a more disci- The Government of Saint Lucia is people of St. Lucia who will benefit we looked at the designs of the new nals the beginning of a new phase plined way and I think this project looking forward to the implementa- from it”. project we didn’t see ourselves in of development of Port Castries. He will afford many of those people tion of this project in the New Year, the mix. Now we are seeing that said the port currently comprises who have ample access to the visi- The project received an imme- 2012. The partnership with Royal seven berths for both cruise and tors coming off the ships to do it in diate endorsement from one of we are part of the mix” Caribbean and the implementation cargo ships totaling 3,086 feet. “We a more professional way”, he said. the interested parties. Peter Isaac, Isaac said his Association cur- of this project will mark exciting have welcomed as many as five Royal Caribbean’s Tercek, de- President of the Craft Vendors As- rently had about 115 people in times ahead for Castries and Saint cruise ships simultaneously with scribed in his introduction as “a sociation said he believed it would the arcade and about 70 percent Lucia’s tourism industry. Execution over 300 calls carrying more than friend of St. Lucia”, said the project better serve the interests of his of them would be relocated when of this project will represent a major 700,000 passengers annually. This had been under consideration for members than the present arcade. the new facility is built. He added: step forward in fulfilling the vision represents significant growth when about five years and was presented Isaac said: “We are very clus- “They have also taken into account of the current Administration for one considers that as recently as to former Prime Minister John tered where we are now. The new the financial status of the vendors the overall re-development of the the early 1980s cruise ship passen- Compton before he passed on. project will give us more space. It and we have now been told that city of Castries. Page 6 Saturday November 19, 2011 Saturday November 19, 2011 Page 7 A Review of Taiwan’s Assistance to Saint Lucia

It would be difficult to which the two countries have Lucia under the current Ad- Britain and . The St. Taiwanese generosity, a brand areas relevant to Saint Lucia’s itemize or quantify all the shared diplomatic relations. ministration has compensated Lucia government remains new era in the island’s devel- overall development. Below areas in which St. Lucia has Suffice it to say that Taiwan- in a major way for the dwin- grateful for the continued opment is underway. we present a pictorial display been assisted by the Repub- ese assistance has been phe- dling of grant aid and gen- contributions from these “tra- The assistance provided by of only a small fraction of the lic of China on Taiwan, in nomenal and all-embracing. eral assistance from traditional ditional friends”, but there the Republic of China on Tai- Thousands of projects imple- the four and a half years in The assistance granted to Saint friends like the United States, is little doubt that thanks to wan covers a wide range of mented to date.

Financing of 5 new Vehicles for Police Financial Assistance for Education Drainage Projects throughout Opening of Aqua-culture Facility Sponsorship for Annual Childrens’ Children’s Party & Toys and Scholarship Programmes Computer Labs for Schools throughout Saint Lucia Constituencies

Equiping & Refurbishment of Home Ec Room at La Clery Sec. Sch. Sponsorship of Sports and Sporting Events in all Constituencies Completion of Saint Lucia’s Wellness Centre Orchid Farm Project in Union Construction of Bridges in many Constituencies

Construction of Bus Shelters Rehabilitation and Construction of Roads in Constituencies Construction of footpaths in constituencies Construction of retaining walls in constituencies Construction of Meat Processing Facility in Vieux Fort

Construction of Human Resource Centre Construction of multi-purpose courts Construction of Parks & Recreational Areas Installation of flood lights on many courts Rehabilitation of Health Centres Construction of ICT Centres in constituencies in constituencies Page 8 Saturday November 19, 2011

PRIME MINISTER MEET YOUR MINISTERS HON. STEPHENSON KING

Stephenson King was born on the 13th No- English Language, Commerce, Geography It was a natural progression into politics, driven vember 1958, son of Grafton King; a renowned and Biology. He claims that the Academy con- by his values of service. seaman, from Canouan, St.Vincent and Marie tributed positively to molding him, instilling In 1981; following the successful inaugural Bernadette Satney, a seamstress from the village strong Christian values, and the principles of youth conference of the United Workers Party, of Choiseul. He has one daughter, Ashelle hard work, dedication and honesty. Stephenson was elected the President of the Bianca, aged 16 years. In November 2008 he Following the completion of his secondary Party’s Youth Arm. In 1982, having actively par- wedded his long time love Rosella. education, Stephenson gained employment at ticipated in the election campaign of that year, An avid Roman Catholic, he continues his the former St. Lucia Co-operative Bank Ltd; to cause a resounding victory by the UWP at the weekly Sunday worship at the Lady of Fatima now 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd., where polls, he was appointed a City Councilor of the Catholic Church in the Parish of La Clery, he served for two and a half years. He re- Castries City Council and a Board Member of Castries North. signed in 1981 to accept an offer from the law the St. Lucia Housing Authority, serving in both His early infant and primary education was firm of Floissac and Giraudy, where he served capacities for 5 years. During that period he attained at the Methodist Infant and Primary for seven years as Accountant, Trade Marks also formed and became the founding President Schools. Later he gained entry into the Seventh Clerk/Paralegal. He dreamed of becoming an of the Rotaract Club of Saint Lucia, resigning in Day Adventist Academy, where he pursued his attorney-at-law, as he yearned to assist and 1987 when he entered elective politics. secondary level studies, and graduated with defend those who he encountered on a daily In 1984 Stephenson was elected to the promi- Cambridge G.C.E. O Levels in Mathematics, basis in the community, who were less able to nent position of Chairman of the Caribbean help themselves. However, that dream was Youth Conference, serving in that capacity until impacted their own parties and risen to political derailed, as he was later persuaded to enter 1992 when the organization was transformed leadership, either as Ministers or Parliamentar- elective politics at an early age. to Caribbean Federation of Youth. During his ians in their own countries. The core values of humility, love for others 8 years at the helm he used his conciliatory Having proven his leadership abilities, and HON. LENARD MONTOUTE and service above self were the fundamental personality to smooth over often deep divides urged by his peers, Stephenson entered the guidelines that nurtured him from an early and create a vibrant unit contributing to po- political fray on the island when he was nomi- age and have stood him in good stead. His litical stability and development in the region. nated as the candidate for the Castries North- deep desire to serve his country today no Through his visionary leadership, the CYC East Constituency. His victory for the United doubt stems from his strict upbringing and the became a moderating force that influenced Workers Party was a resounding one. He was forthright values of his parents; particularly his the then new generation of Young Caribbean then appointed as a Cabinet Minister, serving mother. Stephenson; from an early age, always politicians. Many of those young politicians as the Minister for Community Development, demonstrated a strong passion and devotion to who; together with Stephenson received their Social Affairs, Youth, Sports, and local Govern- service, reaching out to those in need, to assist political initiation through the CYC, have today neighbours, friends and particularly the elderly. ment. His success at this Ministry is legendary. Again, in 1992 he was re-elected with a re- sounding victory. Following the election he • National Policy on Mental Health was developed HON. was appointed to the Cabinet as the Minister • Mental Health Legislation completed for Health, Local Government, Information and • Evaluation of the Health Information System Broadcasting, and was further challenged with pilot and project progress to date the responsibility for the establishment of the • Revision of the Health Promotion Policy was Minister for Social Transformation, Public proposed National Health Insurance. undertaken Service, Human Resource Development and He was appointed as Prime Minister and • Implementation of Physical Fitness Pro- Youth and Sports. Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Eco- gramme in the regions to reduce the nega- nomic Planning and National Development Member of Parliament for Gros Islet. tive effects of chronic non communicable in September of 2007. He has led the Country Won the Gros Islet seat in the December 2006 diseases. through an extremely difficult period of global general election. Also deputy leader of the • Improved and increased access to treatment recession and major national challenges, how- United Workers Party. Began political career and care for persons living with HIV/AIDS ever recorded economic growth in 2010, despite in 2001when he lost bid for Gros Islet seat. In through increased accessibility to services an unprecedented drought and hurricane in 2006 he triumphed over former St. Lucia Labour and commodities that year. Party political leader and former U.N. Gen- • Expansion of dialysis at St Jude Hospital In spite of wild and unfounded predictions eral Assembly President Julian Hunte. Studied (national Stadium) from the main opposition party concerning his sports medicine. • Commissioning of New Beginnings Transit impending demise as Prime Minister which, Home for children SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: supposedly, was always just about to happen, Minister for Health, Wellness, Family Affairs, • STI site at the Victoria Hospital was up- • Establishment of HOPE as a follow up to STEP. Stephenson King has weathered every storm National Mobilization, Human Services and graded and renovated • Increased support to Boys Training Centre and remained at the helm of the government Gender Relations. • Renovations were completed on fourteen (14) (BTC) through increased investment in in- as Prime Minister and head of his party. Any Member of Parliament for Anse la Raye and Health Care facilities under the Clinic Refur- frastructure and staffing to facilitate more objective analyst would have to conclude that Canaries. bishment programme funded by the CDB. programming and rehabilitation focus King must be a very astute leader indeed, to Entered politics in 2001 unsuccessfully con- The health centers which were completed • Construction of Adult Day Care Center (La have remained firmly in charge of both party testing the Anse la Raye/Canaries seat for the are: Belle Vue Health, Grande Riviere, Fond Clery) – BNTF Project and government and to have achieved success National Alliance. Five years later he ran again Assau, Fond St Jacques, La Resource, Mon- • Implementation of over 300 community as politician, Prime Minister, Finance Minister and won and was immediately brought into the gouge, Grace, Desruisseaux, Richfond, La projects through SSDF and manager of an economy which is widely Cabinet. Graduated from George Brown Col- Croix Maingot, Bexon, Mon Repos, Micoud, • Construction of 5 new HRDCs at: Grande acknowledged by the international community lege in Canada and earned Bachelor of Science La Clery and Canaries Riviere (Dennery); Monchy; Belle Vue (Vieux to have outperformed virtually every other degree from University of Waterloo, Bachelor • Retrofitting and Commissioning of the Fort); Gros Islet (under construction); Chase economy in the . of Science degree of Optometry from the Uni- Varnard, Laborie, Ti Rocher, Canaries and Gardens (under construction) Speaking of the endorsement of King’s stew- versity of Aston in Birmingham, and Doctor Vieux Fort Health facilities • Establishment of After School Programmes in ardship of the country by the international of Optometry from University of Houston in • Completion of the Pediatric Ward at Victoria nine Communities and one Secondary School. community, an objective observer would also Texas. Worked as an optometrist in Winnipeg, Hospital • Establishment of an Elite Athlete and Talent be perplexed by the apparent lack of under- Canada for 26 years before returning home. • Complete renovation of Ward 6 at the Vic- Identification Programme standing on the part of the main opposition, toria Hospital • Increased support to National Associations SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: of how agencies like the IMF, World Bank and • Commissioning of the New Mental Health for hosting and participating in major re- • Cuban Eye Center opened Caribbean Development Bank operate. Such Wellness Facility. gional and international events • Ti Rocher gets state-of-the-art Wellness facil- agencies receive the statistics and information • Construction of the Home for the Aged in • Over $9 million spent on refurbishment of ity given to them by the countries concerned. How- Black Bay, Vieux Fort is nearing completion. Sports Facilities inherited from previous • New home for senior citizens opened in ever, they check and re-check the information • New National Hospital currently being administration: Vieux Fort given to them and perform their own analysis. constructed • Establishment of National Tennis Centre – • Increased the public assistance budget from The National Review has verified that they • Reconstruction of the St Jude Hospital is EC$4 million $3,404,156 in the FY 2006/7 to $4,656,840 in never simply accept what countries tell them, currently ongoing • Re-establishment of Gardens/Kenneth Wrig- the FY 2011/12 in an effort to expand the otherwise their reputations, carefully built up • Dennery Hospital reconstruction –US$ 1.7m gler King Court – EC$1.2 million safety net and to provide an increase to over many years, would have been destroyed • Dennery Hospital Rehabilitation and equip- • Rehabilitation of Vigie Field/Sab Sporting individual recipients from $ 85.00 in 2006/7 by now. ment - US$160,000. Facility – EC$800,000.00 to $135.00 monthly in 2008. King’s achievements as Prime Minister and • Rehabilitation of Pediactric Roof – US$70,000. • Lighting of Playing Fields in six communities. • Increased the medical assistance bud- particularly as Minister for Finance, are com- • Repairs to Soufriere Hospital – US$130,000.00 • Change Rooms constructed on 3 playing get from $300,000.00 in the FY 2006/7 to mendable by any standard. He successfully • Repairs to HC, Entrepot – US$90,000 facilities $400,000.00. maneuvered the minefield of the global reces- • Repairs to Jacmel – US$110,000 • Over 20 multi purpose courts established / • Substance Abuse Advisory Council was sion and natural disasters to achieve a record renovated re-established • Reapirs to Etangs –US$110,000 of successes for Saint Lucia.

Saturday November 19, 2011 Page 9

MEET YOUR MINISTERS

HON. ARSENE JAMES the West Indies and Master of Education mation Communication Technology of Universal Secondary Education and degree from Bristol University. Bachelor (ICT) and Education initiatives have improved the learning environment at of Laws degree with honours via Dis- been undertaken. several of our primary schools. tance Learning from the University of • 104 additional security guards to en- • Rehabilitation work at the following Wolverhampton. Was President of the sure safety at our schools; Schools: Fond St. Jacques Primary, Student body of the Faculty of Educa- • The take-home pay of all cooks on Desruisseaux Primary,Ti Rocher (Cas- tion at the Mona, UWI and represented the school feeding programme was tries) Primary, Marchand Primary, La students on the Academic Board. doubled Croix Maingot Primary, Forestiere He served as Principal of the Micoud • Support for disadvantaged students Primary and Balata Primary. Junior Secondary School from 1973 to in the form of school feeding, trans- • Investment in young people through 1981, Principal of the Vieux Fort Second- portation subsidy, book bursaries and the expansion of the National Skills ary School from 1981 to 1985, Principal rental. Development Programme. To date, of the Micoud Secondary from 1985 to • Teachers’ College scholarships: Over there are four centres on serving 1987. Mr. James was also President of the past two years at least 50 teachers approximately 886 young persons. the Principals Association from 1995 to from the Certificate Programme as After conducting 32 Community 1997. He has been a Justice of the Peace well as 16 teachers from the Bachelor Outreach Meetings in all districts Minister for Education and Culture. since 1985. of Education Programme received across St Lucia and evaluating over Member of Parliament for Micoud study leave with full-pay for their 1400 applications from unemployed South SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: study period. individuals requesting training in • In an attempt to increase access to and various occupational areas within Won the Micoud South seat in 2001 • Extension bloc at Odsan Combined enhance quality education, the Minis- the sectors of Hospitality, Construc- and two years later became Leader of the School try of Education completed a number tion, Agriculture and Information Opposition in the House of Assembly. OPSR and Ministry join to expand of subprojects under the St Lucia OECS Communication and Technology136 Re-elected in December 2006 and joined information computer technology in Education Development Project and participants were selected to partici- the Cabinet. education system. Presently, several the ERP. The successful completion of pate in the first training cycle towards schools are equipped with computer Teacher by profession. Holds Bachelor the projects facilitated the realization certification. of Education degree from University of labs. In addition, a number of Infor-

HON. EZEKIEL JOSEPH Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisher- • Training of pig farmers to better man- • Establishment of Eco-tourism Park at ies and Forestry. age their operations and importation Union Member of Parliament for Babonneau. of pigs from Canada for Beausejour • Introduction of Dragon fruit and other farm cash crops First contested and won the seat in • Agro processing centre opened in Ba- • New egg chandling machine and facil- December 2006, then became Minister. bonneau and another started at Anse ity at Odsan Long career in the field of agriculture, Ger • Relocation of St Lucia Marketing including representation on various • Meat processing plant constructed at Board to Odsan producer associations. Was Chairman of Vieux Fort with Taiwanese assistance. • Establishing of national clearing St. Lucia Coconut Growers Association. • Tilapia and shrimp projects underway house for agricultural products at at Union. Orchid seedlings project Odsan SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: also started. • Introduction of biogas technology • $3 million in post-Hurricane Dean as- • Irrigation system for Choiseul from Costa Rica sistance to farmers for rehabilitation • Fishing complex in Anse la Raye with • Establishment of tissue culture and • Revitalization of Union Agricultural Japanese assistance aqua culture facilities by Taiwanese Station with assistance of Taiwanese at Union

HON. GUY MAYERS (Minister of Home Affairs and Na- Commerce for eight years. • Addition of 147 recruits into Police tional Security). Force along with 45 Beach rangers and Member of the Senate. SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: 10 CCTV monitors • $509,000 spent on training police re- Unsuccessfully contested the Cas- • Introduction of ICT programme at Bordelais Correctional Facility cruits tries East seat in 2006 but was named a • 40 new Correctional Recruits for Bor- Senator, brought into the Cabinet and • Construction of new police stations at at Richfond and Dennery, sub station delais appointed Minister of Trade, Industry, • Establishment of working relation- Commerce and Consumer Affairs in at Rodney Bay. Sod turning for Babon- neau station. ships with National Skills Develop- January 2007. In a cabinet reshuffle in ment Center for young offender skills June the following year he was given the • Machine readable passport and au- tomated finger print identification training portfolios of Home Affairs and National • Establishment of working relationship Security. systems introduced. • Replacement and procurement of ves- with Centre for Adolescent Renewal Printer by profession. He studied sels for Marine Police and Education to provide life skills Printing Management at the London Col- • Acquisition generators for Police training for young offenders lege of Printing in the . Headquarters, Chesterfied Building, • Construction of piggery, chicken pen, In 1985 he was appointed General Man- Marine base and SSU (Vieux Fort), abattoir, irrigation pond, CCTV, secu- ager of the Voice Publishing Company. Police Training Academy, Telecom- rity fencing, biogas system, baggage Left to form his own company. Manag- munications Unit and barracks at La screening system and other facilities ing Director of Mayers Printing Com- Toc for Bordelais. pany and Mirror Publishing Company. • Provision of 14 land vehicles for Police • Expansion of education services at Former President of St. Lucia Chamber Force Bordelais to provide CXC qualifica- of Commerce. Founding Chairman of • Commencement of work on the in- tions (29 inmates wrote CXC) the Junior Achievement Programme stallation of CCTV at selected areas • New firefighting and equipment and in St Lucia. Was Vice Chairman of the islandwide vehicles for Fire Service and filling of Caribbean Association of Industry and 34 vacancies. Page 10 Saturday November 19, 2011

MEET YOUR MINISTERS

HON. GUY JOSEPH Relinquished his post as Chairman of Media Exchange, CMEx, the region's his own company, Coco Resorts, when premier non-profit forum for the exami- • Introducing the new Atlas system. he became Minister. nation and design of sustainable tourism • Transportation subsidies to minibuses Had extensive experience in tourism as a community development tool. He and concessions for the public trans- and hotel sectors and served on various has also arranged, without fanfare, to portation sector committees locally and regionally. Was steer humanitarian and development • Work on the West Coast road. Chairman of the Caribbean Hotel Associ- assistance to many Caribbean nations in • Pilot energy saving project in Anse la ation's Advocacy Committee. Started the their times of need. Raye with distribution of light bulbs legendary Saint Lucia Jazz festival and He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival Economics and Political Science and a SENATOR THE HON. as well as signature events and projects Master of Science in Development Bank- in North America and the Caribbean, ing from Bishops University in Quebec which continue to flourish. and American University in Washington His national and international suc- D.C. respectively. cesses were preceded by an early career Will be contesting general elections in in which he helped entrepreneur Chris 2011 for the first time, in the constituency (Minister of Communications, Works, of Soufriere. Transport and Public Utilities). Blackwell of Island Records convert his properties into highly sought after Member of Parliament for Castries boutique hotels for the savvy traveler. SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: South East. Entered politics in 2006 and He also positioned a 100-plus roomed • St Lucia passes 500,000 mark in cruise was credited with undertaking much family-owned Coco Palm property as a ship arrivals for first time community work in the constituency. high quality boutique resort. • Greater airlift during summer with increased flights by American Air- SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: Among his many distinctions, Allen Chastanet's unerring instincts for pro- lines, British Airways, Delta. Return • Undertaking the improvements to the motion and marketing led to his being of Condor. Jet Blue and West Jet Praslin to Canelles Road. named Travel Agent Magazine's "Ca- begin service. St Lucia no longer has • The Kuwaiti farm roads programme. Minister of Tourism and Civil ribbean Destination Person of the Year". a “high” and “low” season for visitor • Resurfacing of the Allan Bousquet Aviation. On the international stage he received arrivals highway. Appointed to the Senate following Counterpart International's "World • Local organizers move towards own- • Major drainage improvements island- UWP victory in 2006 and given a Cabinet Leadership Award" in the distinguished ership of St Lucia Jazz wide posting. company of the President of the Domini- • Participation in local festivals like • Resurfacing of the Gros Islet highway Carnival, Jounen Kweyol and Okto- An hotelier by profession, he was can Republic. from Choc to Gros Islet town and from berfest. Director of Tourism in St Lucia, Direc- Charities and non-profit organizations the town to Pigeon Island • St Lucia Tourist Board strengthens tor of Sales North America) and later look to Allen Chastanet for guidance • Construction of a new Ministry office partnerships like the airlines. Vice President for Sales and Marketing and support. He was instrumental in in Vieux Fort, • Development of new brand for St. at Air Jamaica and served as Chairman the launching of Air Jamaica's Lovebird • Building concrete roads in various Lucia’s tourism promotion of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. communities Kids' Club as well as the Caribbean

HON. RUFUS BOUSQUET (Minister of External Affairs, Interna- • Expanded St Lucia’s diplomatic rep- and obtaining technical assistance for tional Trade and Investment). resentation abroad and attracted new the agriculture sector. Member of Parliament for Choiseul. friends for St. Lucia in the interna- • Secure funding for the purchase of di- tional community. alysis machines, critical to addressing Won the seat in 1992 and was Minister • Saint Lucia on the whole has benefited the diabetes problem in our society. of Financial Services. Captured the seat from a number of training opportuni- The Ministry has also facilitated col- again in 2006 and became Minister for ties identified and negotiated by the laboration between groups of profes- External Affairs, International Financial Ministry. Working with the diaspora sionals within the Health Sector in Services, Information and Broadcasting. (through its overseas Offices), school/ Saint Lucia and similar arrangements Later dismissed from the Cabinet over educational items have been provided in other countries in order to enhance the issue of diplomatic relations with to communities around Saint Lucia. the services provided. Taiwan but in June 2008 Bousquet was re- Equipment has also been presented to • Towards the reconstruction effort in instated as Minister for Industry, Trade, the Ministry of Education for distribu- the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas, the Commerce, Investment and Consumer tion within the school system. Ministry sought and obtained fund- Affairs. The portfolio of External Affairs • Identifying sources of technology for ing particularly for urgent projects was added later and he was relieved of improving productivity; identifying especially at the community level in the portfolios of Commerce, Industry and obtaining opportunities to im- various parts of the country. and Consumer Affairs. prove the skills of agriculture officers, • Negotiated/facilitated opportunities and identifying niche markets for our for improving linkages with the busi- SOME ACHIEVEMENTS products. Also collaborated with ness sector in other countries so as • Negotiated return of Taiwanese to St partner countries towards identifying to increase the export of goods and Lucia services. Saturday November 19, 2011 Page 11

MEET YOUR MINISTERS

SENATOR THE HON. Senator and Junior Minister in charge of the old micro, small and medium business for persons in the construction sector. Ministry of Social Transformation, Human through the administration of the Fiscal Since then meetings have been held with CHARLOTTE TESSA Services, Family AFFAIRS, National Security Incentives Regime and the Micro Small a view to forming themselves into a MANGAL and Labour, Information and Broadcasting, Enterprise Act. cooperative. with responsibility for the latter two portfo- • Providing entrepreneurial training • Successes in the area of quality enhance- lios. Between 2007 and 2009 she was Minister through the Small Enterprise Develop- ment initiatives by the Saint Lucia Bureau in the Prime Minister’s Office and in February ment Unit to support business skill en- of Standards (SLBS) and in pursuing the of 2009 she became Minister of Commerce, hancement. conversion to metric as the primary unit Industry and Consumer Affairs. • Providing legal support for small busi- of measure within the country. The Office Also served as Senator in St. Lucia Labour nesses wishing to incorporate at no cost of Private Sector Relations through its Party administration following 1997 elec- to them. Private Sector Development Programme tions, but was dismissed after she refused, • Various other initiatives including Semi- records many successes in its quest to along with two others, to support a contro- nars, Consultancies and consultations improve the lives of rural women, build versial government money motion which targeted at improving the environment community entrepreneurship capacity came before the chamber. for private Sector Development Initiatives and provide the support for Private Sec- are ongoing with milestones achieved by tor initiatives. A successful savings and SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: groups including the Textile Cooperative investment programme launched to intro- • Championing the causes of the private and Construction Sector. duce young persons to value the savings sector, the manufacturing sector and • Launching the newly established Tex- concept as a fundamental pillar for wealth consumers tile Cooperative--a collaborative effort accumulation. • Presided over new initiatives targeted between the members, the Cooperatives Minister for Commerce, Industry and Con- at the development and growth of the Department and the Ministry. The coop- sumer Affairs. Member of the Senate. private sector and consumer welfare . erative will strengthen the capacity of the Attorney by profession. Unsuccessfully • Providing support for private sector ex- group to pursue a developmental agenda contested Castries South seat in 2006 for the pansion and development initiatives and on behalf of their members. United Workers Party, but was appointed in particular to encourage new and buffer • Training in quality construction methods

HON. EDMUND ESTEPHANE long yearned for improvement in space. hazard identification, accident investiga- tions the Department was able to procure • As a result of the adoption of the Decent tion, inspection and techniques in writing employment for trailer drivers to work for Work Country Programme by the Govern- reports. Canadian business. This year the Ministry ment of St Lucia, the Department is in the • Also the Department’s training pro- started with 6 truck drivers, which seem process of establishing a Labour Market gramme is currently organizing work- small. However wages are very favour- Information System. The ILO is provid- shops scheduled for December 2011 in able as this is a lucrative programme ing technical support to ensure the proper conjunction with the ILO. This will mean and it is hoped that more drivers will be roll-off of the system. This meant that the new training for two Labour Officers and recruited in the coming year. Department: (a) reconfigured the offices refresher courses for another 5 in conflict • Also the Canadian Farm Programme is of its Employment Unit; (b) trained its resolution and conciliation/mediation. continuing to pay dividends. The Depart- Employment Officers in Labour Market This will augment the Department’s ca- ment continued to ensure that this year we Information Systems at the Cyprianni pacity in facilitating dispute resolution had the highest number of recruits from the Labour College (c) upgraded its existing between employers and trade unions so OECS (144) and has set the ground work hardware and software to manage the as to settle industrial impasses and avert for recruits for next year. It is expected that programme. industrial action. Tripartite workshops 53 farmers will leave for Canada in Janu- • The Department also provided training for in the same area is schedule to follow that ary 2012. Judging by the remittances to St all Labour Officers in Occupational Safety training. Lucia for the past years (2008: $399,025.00; and Health to enhance their skills in the • The Department rekindled its relationship 2009: $783,380.00; 2010: $984,417.00) it is Minister of Labour Information and area. This training facilitated by the ILO with the Vermax Works Group, a recruit- anticipated that this year’s figures will top Broadcasting. Former national athlete. Won was conducted in Antigua and focused on ing agency in Canada. After some negotia- the million dollar mark. the Dennery South seat in the 2006 general elections and was named Minister in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce. SENATOR THE HON. SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: • The Attorney General’s Chambers facilitat- In early June 2007 he became Minister of LORENZO RUDOLPH • State of the art Forensic Laboratory was ed the enactment of fifteen (90) Acts of Par- Health, and in the next Cabinet reshuffle on FRANCIS commissioned. The Laboratory has been liament and eight hundred and seventeen September 12, 2007, following the death of equipped with specialized equipment to (817) Statutory Instruments. These main Sir , he became Minister for undertake DNA analysis to assist in the enactment included the International Labour, Information and Broadcasting. crime fighting efforts. Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora Act, the Oil Refinery (Amendment) Act, Criminal SOME ACHIEVEMENTS: • Replacing of Preliminary Injury process Code (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2010, with Sufficiency Hearing before the Pre- • Passage of Labour Code Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act No. siding Judge, to reduce on the time taken • Establishment of Minimum Wage Com- 4 of 2010, Financial Services Regulatory for disposition of criminal matters. mission which has deliberated and re- Authority Act No. 13 of 2011 ported • Introduction of the new Birth Application • Litigation is on the increase and we have • Sourcing of equipment for Radio St Lucia Computer System, which was developed long passed the stage when there were from Taiwanese government by the Taiwan International Cooperation only about thirty (30) lawyers on roll. • The GIS produced a record number and Development Fund (ICDF), with the Today there are over one hundred and of 30-minute features highlighting the assistance of the Republic of China (Tai- sixty (160) practicing lawyers, each of achievements of key ministries in addition wan). whom creates his own body of work. The to focussing on post Hurricane Tomas • Implementation and introduction of the Attorney General is frequently party in a infratructural redevelopment. new Civil Status Act which allowed for number of suits and our legal council is in- • The GIS obtained nearly one million dol- An attorney by profession, he is Attorney the creation of an Adjudicator’s Office and creasingly involved. We are pleased to say lars courtesy the Embassy of the Republic General, Minister of Justice in the government the appointment of an Adjudicator. This that Chambers continues to maintain an of China on Taiwan. The monies were and a member of the Senate. initiative allows for persons to be able to excellent success record in litigious mat- directed towards the purchase of cutting- rectify anomalies in their records for a ters and, at the same time has developed edge audiovisual equipment that will A member of the Rotary Club of St. Lucia small fee of $50.00. a more conciliatory approach in matters make the GIS arguably the most updated since 1992, he rose to become its President af- • Refurbishment of Court Building (Court when settlement has been possible. government information unit in the wider ter serving on various committees. Appointed rooms, Law library/Attorneys’ lounge) region. to the Senate in August 2010 and became At- • Coupled with the purchase of the equip- torney General and Minister of Justice. ment, the department moved to brand In 2011, Francis will be the United Workers new quarters in November, characterised Party’s candidate to contest the constituency by more work-friendly atmosphere and a of Castries South. Page 12 Saturday November 19, 2011

The Government of Saint Lucia Extends Condolences to the Families of those who lost their lives in the Morne Sion Tragedy

he Prime Minister, the the bereaved, whilst we grieve households and communi- Cabinet and the entire with them, kneel with them ties affected by this tragedy TGovernment extends and pray with them. Their most will receive all the counsel- heartfelt condolences to the unfortunate loss is the loss of ing, financial and other sup- families, relatives and friends one people and one proud St port they will need from the of all those who lost their lives Lucian nation. various agencies of govern- as a result of the tragic vehicu- Our departed brothers and ment at this time of trial and lar accident which occurred on sisters are mainly from the com- tribulation. November 10th, 2011 in Morne munity of Dugard in Micoud As sorrow clutches at our Sion, Choiseul. the majority of them belonging nation’s soul, we ask Lord We ask our Dear Lord, to hear to four (4) households. One fam- for your Countenance to the cries of our deeply sadden ily alone lost six (6) members. shine upon those families in hearts as we mourn the death Twin babies, just over a year the torment of this great loss of seventeen (17) of our broth- old are also counted among that they may be illuminated ers and sisters who lost their the dead. by your love and tender mer- lives on that day. News of this On behalf of the people of cies. Radiate your love upon fatal accident shocked us all St Lucia, Government is com- them O Lord as they knock into the kind of pain and suf- mitted to doing everything at Your door seeking shelter fering for which we are never humanly possible to ease the in Your Sacred Heart whilst prepared. There are few words pain of the bereaved and en- the souls of their faithfully that can adequately capture sure their well-being, safety departed loved ones, rest in or convey the fullness of our and comfort in the days ahead. peace. collective wish for strength, All burial expenses will be met This is indeed a dark day comfort and encouragement to by the state and the families, in our nation’s history.

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