SaturdaySaint October 25th Lucia 2003 NATIONWIDE 1

NATIONWIDE No.29. Saturday October 25th 2003 A publication of the Department of Information Services EDITORIAL STST.. LLUCIAUCIA’S’S CALLCALL ADIEU, GEORGE!ADIEU, BRIAN! With George Odlum’s recent passing, a colourful and eventful chapter in St Lucia’s modern history has ended. TO THE WORLD Ironically, the former Foreign Minister’s death occurred hours before that of his A coalition of the willing to friend, former Police Commissioner, Brian Bernard, who retired just months ago. Odlum had been terminally ill. end global poverty, illiteracy Bernard’s death, however, was a hunger and trade imbalance. surprise. The call was loud and clear. “If Dr. Anthony also warned that the UN’s 2000 Odlum’s passing is not just a loss for a coalition of the willing could be Millennium Declaration goal of halving St Lucia but the entire Caribbean. For assembled for war, then surely we can global poverty “is receding into Brother George, as he was also gather a coalition of the willing nothingness” and can only be rescued if affectionately known, was a true to address the problems of poverty developed countries make good on their Caribbean patriot. He reached out to St disease, illiteracy, hunger and trade pledges. Lucia’s neighbours and eloquently imbalance,” This was the charge the championed their cause in the struggle Prime Minister of St. Lucia Hon. Dr. “Moreover, we might challenge ourselves for development. Kenny D. Anthony gave to the members beyond merely halving global poverty, by of the General Assembly aspiring to its virtual elimination,” he added. As the Caribbean was emerging in the as he addressed the fifty-eighth session He stressed that national security and 70s from an exploitative colonial of the organisation on September 25th international stability can only be realized experience, he and other regional 2003. where there is justice. intellectuals – a few went on to become heads of government – joined forces to St Lucia believes it’s time for the United present a nationalist agenda offering the Prime Minister Anthony said there can be Nations Security Council to be made more region an alternative path to no sanitizing of one corner of the globe democratic and transparent in order to development. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony while despair, contagion and desperation reflect the realities of the 21st Century. addresing the UN General Assembly fester elsewhere. See page 2 for the address. It was a model that placed the interests of the region and its people first. As an alternative to economic dependence, a legacy of the colonial experience, it promoted self-reliance through the spirit of regional unity and cooperation.

Odlum’s vision extended beyond the narrow confines of the English-speaking Caribbean. He embraced , for example, at a time when it wasn’t fashionable to do so. The fact that Cuba today is formally reintegrated into the Caribbean family can be attributed to the groundwork laid by people like Odlum.

Odlum’s 30-odd years of public service was chequered because of his many disagreements with opponents and former comrades. However, no one denies his commitment to the betterment of St Lucia, especially the poor and underprivileged, once there’s acknowledgement that such disagreements were rooted largely in differences over how to get to a common destination called the ‘promised land’. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony poses with some members of the President’s Cabinet. left to right - Gian Dean (Research Associate), LornaMc. Laren(Research Coordinator), H.E Missouri Sherman-Peter (Chef de Cabinet), Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony George Odlum was laid to rest on Prime Minister of St. Lucia), H.E Julan R. Hunte (President of the 58th UN General Assembly, Michele Joseph (Decolonisation October 6th, and Brian Bernard on Affairs), Mr. Kenneth Jordan (Coordinator, Political and Security Affairs, H.E Sonia Leonce Caryl (Deputy Chef de Cabinet). October 7th 2003, with official honours. Government Notebook “Take 2 ” - A fifteen minute news review of the week. A fresh news package daily Every Friday at 6.15 p.m. on NTN, Cablevision Channel 2. on all local radio stations 2 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday October 25th 2003 ST. LUCIA’S CALL TO THE WORLD “It is neither pride nor the prospect of privilege that moves us to STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER OF ST. LUCIA HON. DR. KENNY assume the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly, but a D. ANTHONY TO THE 58TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY certain determination, which is the renege on their commitments to the darkness. St. Lucia joins the international assembled for war, then surely, we can also unspoken strength of islands. Nor is it developing world in the areas of trade, debt community in expressing sympathy to gather “A Coalition of the Willing” to merely that we are honoured, though relief and aid. their families, and we reiterate our profound address the problems of poverty, disease, indeed we are, but that we also feel respect to those international workers who illiteracy, hunger and trade imbalances. worthy; as worthy as any other The Millennium Declaration goals of halving are so willing to make the ultimate sacrifice There can be no sanitizing of one corner of member of this community, and as global poverty is receding into to extend humanitarian assistance, the globe while contagion, despair and determined to make our contribution “nothingness”, but can be rescued if only security and comfort to those in peril and desperation fester elsewhere. There is no to the progress of humanity and the developed countries make good on their in need. security for the one while insecurity welfare of the world. Saint Lucia pledges. Moreover, we might challenge plagues the other. recognizes and appreciates that this ourselves beyond merely halving global UN System Presidency only became a reality with poverty, by aspiring to its virtual elimination. In this environment, it is essential that we But ultimately the strength of the United the support of the Latin American and By now, it should be clear to us all that maintain a United Nations which Nations must come from the political will Caribbean family. poverty issues are inseparable from human steadfastly adheres to its original core of the member states - a political will that rights issues, as are environmental issues values. Saint Lucia will resist any attempt must accept that everyone should adhere Our preoccupation is not with size, from economic and political development to delegitimize the United Nations system. to, abide by, and implement all the sovereignty, or power, but with people, and issues. National security and international Any strategy, which claims to embrace decisions of, and resolutions adopted by by this measure we are not small, nor are stability can only be realized where there peace, security, and justice and yet the organization. We cannot, in the name we just an island, for we do not stand is justice. excludes the United Nations, belies a of national interest, observe only some alone. We stand as one member of this flawed and unreal conception of world resolutions, and expect to have a strong organization, proud of the legacy and the affairs. This organization has been United Nations. vision that we can offer the world. We instrumental in the preservation of the assume this role because we wish to offer nation-state within a framework of binding The United Nations cannot be strengthened that vision to the world; because it is larger relationships among governments. More if we do not have the political will to accept than our 238 square miles and larger than importantly, the United Nations has been that its activities cannot be dictated by the our population of 159,000 people. It is a a devoted guardian of individual rights and agendas of a few powerful states, but must vision we wish to place at the service of freedoms. Saint Lucia maintains that the embrace, in equal measure, the concerns humanity. United Nations, precisely because of its of the small and the weak that are the diversity, is the only organization with the majority of its members. No single state, It is our hope that St. Lucia’s Presidency political and moral legitimacy to deal by virtue of its economic and military might, will offer a fresh perspective, an alternative adequately with global issues. should determine, on its own, the view, and a different but not discordant obligations and responsibilities of the rest voice to the heart of this assembly. As Mr. President, this universal body, this of humanity. Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur such, the people and Government of Saint United Nations, has no other choice but to Lucia express both their appreciation and chats to Dr. Anthony during a break heed the lessons of the past and the Pluralism their determination to you the members of at the UN General Assembly wisdom of the ages in its attempt to better Mr. President , “muscular unilateralism” and this international community. Appreciation Rupture serve humanity. When our predecessor the emerging doctrine of “diplomatic for the faith and trust bestowed upon us It was the prophet Isaiah who reminded us organization, the League of Nations, was unilateralism” cannot be the preferred with the presidency of this institution, and that if mankind is brought low, everyone discarded as irrelevant, we witnessed the approach to serious global issues. determination that we shall not fail you, will be humbled. Yet if we, the international advance of disorder and human “Exceptionalism” within the international but be judged equal to the task before us. community, retreat from the ideals of the catastrophe on a scale never before system is certain to fragment international If it is a task of Herculean proportion, then creation of a greater humanity, we would envisioned. If we stand idly by now, while cooperation, making it less likely that we will face it with equal confidence, also be retreating from the core values and this time-honoured institution is rendered countries will forego aspects of national certain that the rebuilding of our broken principles enshrined within the United irrelevant and toothless, we will have sovereignty in the interest of the common humanity is a matter, which we encounter Nations Charter. More importantly, we commissioned an epitaph for our humanity. good. in the company of equally resolute and would be tacitly endorsing the return and undaunted partners. consolidation of a global uncivil society - Reform It has become abundantly clear that the Saint Lucia therefore calls for the international community will not succeed “It is our hope that St. Lucia’s Presidency will offer a completion of the efforts at reforming the in its war against terrorism, if it fails to fresh perspective, an alternative view, and a different United Nations Security Council to better address root causes. The current war on but not discordant voice to the heart of this assembly.” reflect the realities of this new century and terrorism is designed to capture, confine to make it more representative, more or eliminate existing terrorist webs without Credibility the symptoms of which are already democratic, legitimate and transparent. addressing the causes of terrorism. Since the end of the Cold War, the manifest within our global society. The existing veto system is too easily Terrorism does not simply stem from the legitimacy, credibility and relevance of this Religious intolerance, tribal aggression, influenced by national interests to address arrogance and madness of a few dictators time-honoured institution have never been and civil war continue to ravage many parts serious issues afflicting humankind. If “ A and misguided fanatics - it is also the result so questioned as they are today. The of our planet. Among the victims are the Coalition of the Willing” could be cont’d on page 3 United Nations Millennium Declaration was poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable; designed to resuscitate the dying pulse of often women and children, who play no part our humanity, but has itself become in the making of war but find themselves comatose. Indeed, Secretary General Kofi stripped of their human dignity and basic Annan was moved to state that “it is human rights. Terrorist attacks in Bali, uncertain whether the consensus and the Kenya, Saudi Arabia and Baghdad add to vision that the Millennium Declaration our symptoms of impending rupture. expressed are still intact.” Saint Lucia therefore calls on the international Mr. President, the arteries of conscience community to heed the appeal of our are becoming hardened by the frequency esteemed Secretary General to seek of wanton violence yet on occasion, there balance between the imperatives of military are incidents that shock our sensibilities. security and human security. In the interest The murder of Sergio Viera de Mello and of redistributive justice, global peace and other UN Colleagues reminds us of the security, the developed countries must not mindless horror at the heart of that UN Delegates queue to congratulate Dr. Anthony after his presentation. Saturday October 25th 2003 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 3

Saint Lucia maintains that the UN, is the only organization with the to deal ST. LUCIA’S CALL TO THE WORLD adequately with global issues. from page 2 “Saint Lucia reiterates the need for reform of the system of global economic governance so as to allow for fair trade and special and differential treatment for developing countries” of deep-seated inequity, and sometimes, bigotry. If the status quo denies opportunity, freedom and fulfillment to those who hunger and dwell in despair, the appeal of chaos and extremism as an avenue to change becomes that much more attractive. If on the other hand, we perceive that the world order works in all our interests then there will be universal commitment to sustain that order. Consequently, it is imperative that the international community jointly address economic injustice and political exclusion as common enemies of us all.

Revitalisation Mr. President, your assumption of the Presidency of this institution at this time, as a representative of a small island developing state and one of the smallest Prime Minister of St. Lucia Hon. Dr. and Ambassador to the United Nations H.E. Mr. members of the United Nations, is both a Anthony Severin hold bilateral discussions with the Ambassador of Costa Rica H.E Bruno Stagno Ugarte. tribute to the democratic principles of the United Nations and also a signal of the need to the general debate. It is our view that Decolonisation to and attain such high office is a testament to conclude the process of revitalizing the these should flow from the themes Mr. President, some of the most vulnerable to the magnanimity of this noble institution. work of the General Assembly. We must enunciated at the general debate. countries in the world today are some of It is an opportunity to demonstrate that conquer delay, procrastination, repetition the territories that are on the UN‘s list of global equity and universal democracy and inaction. Governance non-self governing territories. These remain meaningful constructs of the world The UN must not compromise its role in countries, the majority of which are small community. Many years have passed since global economic governance and island states in the Caribbean and the deliberations on reform of the Security development. St. Lucia calls for members Pacific are yet to exercise the right to self Our voice can be ignored or it can be Council began; and yet there is no end in to resist attempts to dilute the development - determination. In the words of the heeded. But it will not be silenced. The sight. Consultations on the revitalization agenda through the cuts and freezes of Secretary General, it is time for the United choice of an appropriate response rests of the General Assembly first began regular and core budget allocations. Nations to bring to a close this colonial with this community. Our presence here thirteen years ago and in this instance too, chapter of history. however, is a manifestation of our belief there is no end in sight. Saint Lucia reiterates the need for reform that our humanity demands conscious of the system of global economic We therefore welcome the cooperation that renewal - renewal that would guarantee that For some reason, the UN seems to enjoy governance so as to allow for fair trade and the Special Committee of 24 on the international community resists war, operating in decades. We create decades special and differential treatment for Decolonization has recently been receiving remembers the poor and is prepared to give for our programmes, and when we fail to developing countries. The current global from the Administering Powers of these tangible meaning to the charter to which take action in a particular decade, we governance system has failed many small territories and the advances that have we all subscribe as responsible members simply declare another decade; and the states by eliminating commodity protocols, consequently been made in the work of of the world community. cycle continues, for decades! This body and the quota and price preferences that the Committee. We further welcome the can no longer afford the luxury of the sustain small economies. Unfortunately, negotiations that have just begun, for the But, there can be no renewal, if faith in the “decade syndrome” - compounded as it is these have been replaced by the first time, between the Special Committee United Nations system is not also restored by bureaucratic operations bound by conspicuous indifference of neo-liberal and the on the process of and retained. The United Nations must tradition and habit. economic practice. This has contributed decolonization in the Caribbean. We look remain as the moral epicenter of world to the decimation of many Caribbean forward to continued cooperation with the politics. Any re-conceptualization of the We must be extremely proactive on the economies. It is Saint Lucia’s earnest plea Administering Powers so that the goal of architecture of global governance to the question of revitalization of the General that the distortions in farm trade which are self-determination for all these territories exclusion of the United Nations will leave Assembly. St. Lucia therefore wishes to so prevalent yet conspicuously avoided can be achieved in less than a decade. the world weaker, more divided, vulnerable propose that during this session, we review would be treated in a manner reflective of and less secure. This cannot and should all the resolutions before us, and determine the redistributive priorities of this Presidency not be our legacy to future generations who those that need to be consigned to the organization. We are therefore determined We believe that this Presidency is both will judge us not by our words or espoused record books and those that merit the that a more inclusive and transparent global symbolic and strategic. Not just for principles, but by the actions we employ continued attention of the Assembly. We governance system should hold as sacred, ourselves but for this organization and the to render this world fit for human habitation. need to restructure the time frame as well the goals and aspirations of those of us in renovation of its development agenda. That as the working methods of the Assembly the developing world who strive against all a small developing country should aspire I thank you.” and its main committees, so as to make odds. more productive use of an entire year rather than engaging in a three-month frenzy of “We welcome the negotiations between the Special Committee and the United Kingdom on the process activities. Further, we should consider of decolonization in the Caribbean. We look forward to continued cooperation with the Administering Powers making the agendas of the Main so that the goal of self-determination for all these territories can be achieved in less than a decade”. Committees and the Plenary more relevant 4 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday October 25th 2003

BIGBANANA ANDINVESTMENT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION WILL IN IN CI For as long as anyone who’s If you take a trip right now down to Cul-de- off-farm system. The supply of irrigation to been connected with growing bananas Sac, you’ll see an elaborate irrigation farmers in the three areas under phase one in St Lucia can remember, the system taking shape to support farmers in represents an investment of $55,000 per industry’s export earning potential has the area. farm. always been handicapped by one particular problem, an inconsistency of A similar project has been virtually During phase two which is expected to get supply to the UK market, especially at completed in Canelles and another is also underway shortly with an allocation of $11.5 times when prices are at their best! underway in the Roseau valley. It’s million, a 75,600 cubic metre reservoir will expected that during the first quarter of be built in the Roseau Valley and the It’s a problem stemming basically from 2004, a total of 111 farms in these three irrigation system will be expanded to two factors: the seasonal pattern of high-yielding banana regions will be hooked benefit more farmers. Major drainage rainfall which influences production up and the systems will be up and running. works in Cul-de-Sac and Roseau are also levels, and the absence of irrigation planned. infrastructure to provide banana fields This EC$21.7 million European Union- with an adequate supply of water funded project, being implemented in two “Irrigation is very critical to the recovery of during the dry season when the drop phases by the Banana Industry Trust, forms the banana industry,” says Clarke, “but in output usually occurs. part of a comprehensive banana you’ve got to be practical. Irrigation is not redevelopment strategy by the six-year-old going to be the solution to the problem. “In the dry season when production Labour Government. The aim is to revitalize It’s only a facilitator because it’s the farmer declines, the market price in the UK goes and reposition St Lucian bananas to hold who really has the future of the industry in up but we don’t have enough bananas to their own on the export market in this his hands.” export,” explains Bertram Clarke, Executive competitive era of trade liberalization. Officer of the Banana Industry Trust. “But It’s a point that Clarke, who got to know in the winter months when we get the rain $10.2 million for Phase One the banana industry very well during his and banana production goes up, the prices long career as a banker, also emphasized on the UK market are low.” Phase one of the irrigation project, involving when he addressed the Annual General an EU allocation of $10.2 million, has two Meeting of the St Lucia Banana This perennial problem has obviously components: off-farm and on-farm. The off- Corporation on September 11. caused individual farmers and the economy farm component included construction of as a whole to miss out on millions of dollars an in-take dam and a 54,000 cubic metre “We can give you all the inputs, all the in potential revenue over the years. But at reservoir in Cul-de-Sac, the laying of pipes, facilities, all the support, all the advice, all long last, there’s good news: thanks to and other related works. the training but it’s your contribution, your another initiative on a long list of government dedication, your commitment, your love for support measures for bananas in the last The on-farm component, being financed the industry that will make the difference,” six years, the industry will finally be in a with loans to farmers from the Government’s he said. position from next year to start licking the Banana Emergency Recovery Unit (BERU), problem. involves hooking up individual farms to the Bertram Clarke, Executive Officer of the Banana Industry Trust. “Irrigation is very critical to the recovery of the banana industry…”

“We will like to see significant increases in you yields but that is only possible if you work t achieve it by using the irrigation systems whic the EU has funded through the Trust, togethe with your good husbandry practices, which yo know are necessary for better yields.”

Timely Intervention in 2000-2001

Farmers in the Mabouya Valley, the other high yielding banana-growing region on the island and Troumasse were the first to receive irrigatio systems from the Banana Industry Trust. Tha was during 2000-2001, a timely intervention tha spared both areas from being hard hit by th drought of 2001 which pushed down banan output to the lowest level in history.

The provision of irrigation systems has been th Banana Industry Trust’s major contribution s far to the sector’s recovery since it establishment initially as the PRP (Productio Recovery Plan) Unit in 1999.

The PRP unit was later transformed into th In-take Dam: part of the irrigation infrastructure in Cul-de-Sac Trust, with its main purpose being to serve a Saturday October 25th 2003 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 5

“We can give you all the RRIGATION inputs, all the facilities, all the ASE support, all the advice, all the training but it’s your contribution, your dedication, your commitment, your love for the industry that will make the difference.”

Sad to say, the irrigation infrastructure After the severe drought of 2001, the Trust Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer, Sarah George, describes features of the complex. especially in Cul-de-Sac has already fallen was used to channel over $1.5 million in victim to vandalism. There was a recent loans to some 800 farmers in designated break-in at the Cul-de-Sac reservoir site, high-yielding areas with access to and irrigation fixtures and galvanized sheets irrigation. The funds were used to purchase were stolen. The Banana Industry Trust is inputs, and to replant and rehabilitate fields asking farmers to be on their guard and to to get production moving again. Thanks to report any criminal activity to the the cooperation of the banana companies, On-Farm Connection: Hook-up will deliver water to farm. authorities. it’s been a successful initiative and virtually all the initial loans have been repaid. Phase one included the installation of an irrigation The Trust has intervened in other critical infrastructure of 77 acres in Canelles, an irrigation areas to support the revival of bananas. In In another major intervention between 2000 1999, for example, it channeled $12 million and 2001, the Trust advanced $1.2 million infrastructure of 440 acres in Cul-de-Sac, an irrigation in loans to farmers under the Production to the Ministry of Agriculture to finance infrastructure of 180 acres in Roseau, the building of the Recovery Plan which was aimed at shoring spraying of farms to combat the dreaded up declining output. This programme fell leaf spot disease. Cul-de-Sac reservoir, and drainage of 200 acres of short of expectations and farmers still owe banana lands in the Mabouya Valley. the Trust some $9 million. n independent body for managing the EU nancing package of 10.2 million assigned to hase one of the so-called Banana Commercialization Programme. hase one included the installation of an irrigation nfrastructure of 77 acres in Canelles, an irrigation nfrastructure of 440 acres in Cul-de-Sac, an rigation infrastructure of 180 acres in Roseau, he building of the Cul-de-Sac reservoir, and rainage of 200 acres of banana lands in the Mabouya Valley. hase two, getting underway soon, includes the rainage of some 350 acres in the Roseau Valley, onstruction of the 75,600 cubic metre reservoir n that region, the supply and installation of quipment for an additional 200 acres of off-farm rigation infrastructure in Roseau, and the rainage of 440 acres in Cul-de-Sac.

The overall cost of the irrigation systems alone n completion will be about $15.6 million for the 48 farms in the three areas,” Clarke told the LBC AGM last month. “This will work out at a 105,000 investment for each farm. The overall osts including the drainage will be about $17.5 million.”

newly established Irrigation Management Unit n the Ministry of Agriculture will manage the acilities for farmers in the three regions for two ears. After that, the farmers are expected to ake over the management themselves. Who’s who: billboard listing project’s key players. 6 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday October 25th 2003 AFTER THE CANCUN TRADE TALKS against us. The structural and capacity

SENATOR CALIXTE GEORGE REFLECTS constraints which we face are tantamount ON ‘SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL to being permanently disabled,” Senator George told the Cancun meeting. TREATMENT’ AND THE OTHER ISSUES Small Countries Dissatisfied meaningful progress could be achieved on It’s a position St Lucia and the rest of the the substantive issues. Caribbean has championed all along – that “Yet we are expected to participate in a the small size of their economies inherently system and to adhere to and abide by rules “We were disappointed,” Senator George prevents them from competing effectively designed for those much better endowed,” told Nationwide shortly after returning with larger producers on the so-called ‘level he added. “It is like a one-legged man being home. “What we were supposed to do at playing field’ of international free trade. asked to run a race with Olympic sprinters. Cancun was to look at the Doha What has happened to the island’s banana He obviously does not stand a chance declaration to see whether the industry following the advent of global trade without special measures to take account development issues that had been liberalization in the middle of the 1990s of his disability.” expounded, were in fact being taken care certainly bolsters the point. of. What we found was that this was not St Lucia’s delegations to WTO and other the case…” Bananas and Preferences international trade meetings are usually led by External Affairs and International Trade For a small developing country whose As the principal export industry of St Lucia Minister, Senator Hon. Julian R. Hunte. banana-dependent economy has taken a and the other Windward Islands, bananas However, as the Cancun meeting coincided Minister for Agriculture Forestry and severe battering from trade liberalization, did reasonably well for the individual farmer with Senator Hunte assuming the Fisheries the Doha blueprint for arriving at an and economy as a whole when presidency of the current 58th Session of Senator Hon. Calixte George equitable global trade agreement naturally longstanding European preferences, dating the United Nations General Assembly, offered St Lucia hope. What was from the colonial period, allowed access When Agriculture Minister, Senator George took over as leader of the particularly encouraging about the Doha to the British market at a guaranteed price. Senator Hon. Calixte George, flew to St Lucian team. process was that it began by accepting Mexico a fortnight ago to attend the the argument that trade preferences are However, following the 1995 establishment 5th Ministerial Conference of the World Despite the commitments given at Doha necessary for small countries to of the WTO, the acceleration of trade Trade Organization (WTO), he went two years ago, St Lucia and other small participate in some aspects of global liberalization and a United States decision with one overriding expectation of the states belonging to the WTO were not trade. to challenge the EU’s preferences on behalf outcome. satisfied up to the Cancun meeting that

As St Lucia’s principal representative to these high-level talks, Senator George wanted to see achievement of meaningful progress on the so-called Doha Development Agenda (DDA), a blueprint for arriving at a new multilateral trade agreement by January 1, 2005.

The DDA came out of the 4th WTO Ministerial Conference held two years ago in Doha, the capital of the Gulf state of Qatar.

After their concerns were pretty much sidelined in previous negotiations, the DDA represented a victory of sorts for developing countries. It placed their needs and interests at the heart of the negotiating process, following commitments by the leading developed nations that allowances would be permitted for developing countries vulnerable to free trade. Preferential treatment and subsidies for agricultural products continue to be aganda items at all global trade talks. In fact, temporarily exempting European of its Latin America-based banana their needs and concerns had been Fundamental Differences Union (EU) trade preferences for African interests, the industry has taken a “adequately and systematically addressed” Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) exports from downturn. Adjustments to the market have in the current negotiations for a new global But when Senator George and the small the WTO’s free trade rules was a major destabilized prices, fuelled uncertainty and trade accord. There seems to be a ray of four-member St Lucia delegation got into decision coming out of the Doha ministerial undermined the confidence of farmers. hope, however. the meeting room, it was far from what they conference. This waiver until December expected. The issues they had come to 2007 applies to bananas and other Contending that its level of production is It stems from the outcome of the Cancun the tourist resort island of Cancun to traditional ACP commodities exported to too small to have any real distorting effect meeting which some commentators are discuss had receded into the background. EU countries under the Cotonou on the global banana trade, St Lucia made describing as “a turning point” in the And a determined bid was on to introduce Agreement. a strong case, before the Cancun meeting, increasingly contentious globalization issues that emphasized the interests of for the WTO to extend ‘special and debate. It was the unity and solidarity of developed countries. “It is critically important for the weakest differential treatment’ which includes a developing countries that effectively and most vulnerable members, such as retention of the banana preferences in some blocked a take-over of the meeting’s Not surprisingly, fundamental differences small island developing states (SIDS) and form. It’s a position the rest of the agenda by developed country interests. emerged between developed and LDCs (less developed countries), to Caribbean and ACP group are also developing countries over which issues receive trade preferences which enable espousing, particularly with respect to “For the first time in decades of should receive priority. The Doha issues? them to export successfully or specific traditional exports. globalization negotiations, democracy Or the so-called Singapore issues seeking effective safeguards to allow them to triumphed over narrow elite interests,” was to open up things like government maintain and develop their domestic “Micro-states like mine find ourselves being how two Baltimore Sun commentators put procurement to international bidding? The production capacity,” Senator George told expected to participate in a multilateral it. “In short, the many derailed a trade meeting eventually collapsed before the Cancun meeting. trading system that is inherently stacked agenda for the few.” (cont’d on page 8) Saturday October 25th 2003 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 7 LESSONS IN LAW ON LOCAL TELEVISION You’ve probably heard it said, legal system works; Cox says the series various steps involved, what they need to government department or institution somewhere, at some time, that represents an attempt “to demystify the bear in mind, what are some of the pitfalls, connected with the law. There is also a “ignorance of the law is no excuse”. legal system”. what questions they need to ask,” he adds. six-minute segment featuring a legal personality. The statement implicitly speaks of an Another objective of the so-called ‘OPOL’ “(The series) is purely designed to give obligation on the part of every citizen series is to make the average citizen people enough information so that when Those down to appear include Governor- to get to know what he or she can, and aware of his or her constitutional and legal they are faced with a particular situation, General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette cannot do, within the confines of the rights. The brainchild of Attorney-General they are better informed and also know what Louisy, who must sign every law to bring it law. Few citizens bother to do so, and Minister of Justice, Senator Hon. questions to ask when they get their own into effect, and former Prime Minister, Rt. however, and for various reasons. Petrus Compton, ‘On a Point of Law’ has solicitor.” Hon. Sir , whose taken roughly two years to evolve from administration introduced the existing To begin with, the average person finds original idea to finished product. The producers have deliberately gone for a Constitution. the law, or more specifically the magazine format, as opposed to the language of the law, to be quite Topics that will be explored include the popular call-in format. It’s to ensure that Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, confusing. Even intimidating at times. Constitution as the supreme law of the each programme sticks to the original Hon. Justice Suzie d’Auvergne, and To the extent that it can be a real turn- land, the constitutional role of the focus. A call-in format, it was feared, was Queen’s Counsel, Anthony McNamara, are off to learning. Governor-General, the law-making likely to cause the series to drift because among a list of participants down to some callers inevitably will raise issues discuss various issues. In the case of Dr not connected with the substantive topic Anthony, a constitutional lawyer, he will at hand. take part in a discussion on the CCJ.

Special Profiles In the final scheduled segment, roughly three minutes of each programme will be Viewers, nevertheless, will be welcome to devoted to a discussion of various rights have their say on the series and will be and responsibilities of citizens. given a formal channel for doing so. During each programme, an email address will be The producers are hoping there will be a shown on the TV screen so that interested follow-up to the inaugural series. The also viewers can submit any questions to the hope for repeats of the broadcasts on the AG’s office, seek clarification on any issue, National Television Network (NTN) following or make general comments. the completion of the first run. Public education on the role and function of the magistrate’s court will be enhanced. Still, having a basic knowledge of the law process from the drafting of bills in the AG’s Under the format, each programme will be “The long and short of it is that in 12 is useful. The law affects every aspect of Chambers to their approval in both houses divided into a number of segments. For episodes, you’re dealing with 36 our lives and the cornerstone of every of Parliament, the law and the media, and example, the largest slot of time — eight substantive legal topics and persons,” says modern society is respect for the rule of the proposed Caribbean Court of Justice to 10 minutes – will be devoted to Cox. “There’s a lot of information which law. (CCJ) which is soon to replace the Judicial discussion of a substantive issue. spans the entire legal system which will Committee of the British Privy Council as be useful and informative for viewers.” The good news is that St. Lucians, who the region’s highest court. Another segment, roughly five minutes are interested in obtaining a basic informal long, will place the spotlight on a education in the law, could achieve that “These are complex issues,” Cox goal in a matter of months. It’s an acknowledges. “We have made a TEACHING VACANCY opportunity being made available through deliberate effort to make the programme an unprecedented public service initiative viewer-friendly, to stay away from legalese, Micoud Secondary School has a vacancy for a Vice Principal. being spearheaded by the Office of the legalisms…” Attorney General. The successful applicant should have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized Viewers can also expect to gain valuable university, experience in Educational Administration and, preferably, a Post Graduate “On a Point of Law” insight into a number of routine matters. Diploma or Degree in Educational Administration or IOB Executive Diploma; and teaching and/or administrative experience at a secondary school. For example, what’s involved in the sale of The AG’s Chambers has teamed up with land, writing a will or adopting a child. In The main duties of the Vice Principal include: the legal fraternity, with support from the each case, ‘On a Point of Law’ will highlight OECS/CIDA Judicial and Legal Reform fundamental legal requirements which • working in collaboration with the Principal and the Ministry of Education, Project, to come up with “On a Point of must be satisfied. Human Resource Development, Youth & Sports; Law’, a series of a dozen, 30-minute TV • being responsible for time-tabling and class organization; programmes exploring fundamental The series is certainly not meant to lead • enforcing discipline and ensuring that all students follow their aspects of the law. the public to believe that they no longer programme of work; • need the services of attorneys-at-law. assisting the Principal generally with administrative duties; • taking charge of the school in the absence of the Principal; Rather, by providing an understanding of The series debuted on local television this • ensuring the acquisition of instructional materials for Heads of month and is continuing every week for the certain fundamentals, the series is Department at the school. next three months. It offers lively, expected to equip citizens to ask the type • Performing such other duties as may be requested by the Principal, Chief informative, and thought-provoking of pertinent questions that will enable them Education Officer or Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Human discussion on various legal topics, with the to get the most out of a lawyer’s services. Resource Development, Youth & Sports. aim of simplifying complex issues for the benefit of the man-in-the-street. Buying and Selling Land. Salary will be in the range of $46,366.71 - $49,266.06 per annum (Grade 14-15)

“… It’s likely to be unlike anything else “The programme is not designed to tell an Applications should be accompanied by relevant documents/transcripts from the relevant institutions, as well as two confidential testimonials, one of which should individual everything they need know about that will be on television,” says Crown be from the applicant’s immediate supervisor. Counsel David Cox, who will alternate with making a will, for example. Every segment colleague, Mrs. Georges Taylor-Alexander, is designed to give people enough Applications must be on prescribed forms obtainable from the Secretary, Teaching to host the series. Local video production information so that they have a basic idea,” Service Commission, and sent no later than October 24, 2003 to: company, Visual Domain, is the prodiving Cox explains. technical services . The Secretary “For example, if you’re dealing with an issue Teaching Service Commission Noting there exists “a great deal of like the buying and selling of land, every Stanislaus James Building ignorance, misunderstanding and viewer, once they’ve watched that segment, The Waterfront . frustration” in the society about how the will be able to understand what are the 8 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday October 25th 2003 CANCUN TRADE TALKS CANCUNfrom page 6 TRADE TALKS Reforming trade-distorting agricultural “It is critically subsidies, which the leading free trade- espousing countries pay their farmers, was important for the supposed to be a major talking point in Cancun. Developing countries which are weakest and most agricultural exporters are contending that this heavy subsidization of domestic vulnerable members agriculture by some developed countries amounts to unfair competition for markets. … to receive trade preferences which Sen. Hon. Julian R. Hunte Minister of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil However, it was failure to agree on how to Aviation of St. Lucia presiding over the 58th session of the United Nations General proceed with the so-called “Singapore enable them to export Assembly in New York. Sen. Hunte is flanked by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan issues” dealing with investment, on his left and Under-Secretary Mr. Chen Jian to his left. Full action on the Millenium Development Goals is a top priority for the president (see list below) competition policy, and transparency in successfully.” government procurement and trade THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS facilitation, which led to collapse of the The WTO is planning a follow-up meeting 1) Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger: Cancun talks. in Geneva in December in a bid to pick up official development assistance for • Reduce by half the proportion of countries committed to poverty the pieces from Cancun and put the Doha people living on less than a dollar a reduction. “The chair brought these issues and negotiations back on track. Determined to day. • Address the special needs of expected us to start negotiations when in have a say in shaping the best possible • Reduce by half the proportion of landlocked and small island fact we had not even cleared the modalities deal for itself and other developing people who suffer from hunger. developing states. by which we were to negotiate,” explained countries, St Lucia is reassessing its • Deal comprehensively with Senator George, who proved himself as an position in the meantime. 2) Achieve Universal Primary Education: developing countries’ debt effective negotiator during the talks on • Ensure that all boys and girls problems through national and OECS telecommunications liberalization “We are going back to the drawing board complete a full course of primary international measures to make schooling. with Cable & Wireless. to analyze a lot of the situations that we debt sustainable in the long term. • In cooperation with the developing were exposed to in Cancun,” said Senator 3) Promote Gender Equality and Empower countries, develop decent and “It is at that point,” he added, “that there George. “We will look at them from a Women: productive work for youth. was great divergence of views and we could different perspective to see to what extent • Eliminate gender disparity in • In cooperation with pharmaceutical not go forward with the other issues on the we can improve our capabilities in primary and secondary education companies, provide access to agenda.” presentation (of the issues).” preferably by 2005, and at all levels affordable essential drugs in by 2015. developing countries. • In cooperation with the private 4) Reducce Child Mortality: sector, make available the benefits • Reduce by two thirds the mortality of new technologies—especially NOTICE rate among children under five. information and communications technologies. 5) Improve Maternal Health: • Reduce by three quarters the SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL FLAG AND COAT OF ARMS maternal mortality ratio. THIS WEEK ON NTN Due to concern over the various representations of the National Flag on 6) Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other souvenir items and other memorabilia, and the need for standardization of Diseases: • Halt and begin to reverse the spread Highlights:Week such items, permission should be sought from the Office of the Prime of HIV/AIDS. Minister before the importation of all souvenir items bearing the Coat of • Halt and begin to reverse the October 27 - 31, 2003 Arms and Flag of Saint Lucia. incidence of malaria and other major diseases. The Caribbean Broadcasting This request is in accordance with Clause 15 of the Third Schedule Part II 7) Ensure Environmental Sustainability: Union Awards (Restricted Imports) of the Customs (Control and Management) Act No. 23 • Integrate the principles of Friday at 9:00 pm. of 1990. sustainable development into country policies and programmes. • Tune in Weekly For: The official colours, proportions and dimensions of the Saint Lucia National Reverse loss of environmental resources Flag are given as follows: • Reduce by half the proportion of Regional News & Sports with GIS News people without sustainable access Breaks and Kweyol News daily from 6:30 Colours of the Saint Lucia National Flag: Cerulean Blue (Process Cyan to safe drinking water. pm Issues & Answers (Discussion 100%), Light Chrome Yellow, Black, White. • Achieve significant improvement in lives of at least 100 million slum Programme) Mondays at 8:00pm dwellers by 2020. Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm Proportions of the Saint Lucia National Flag: Width of white part of Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 6:15pm triangle – 1 ½ inches on both sides of the black; Distance between peaks 8) Develop a Global Partnership for (Kweyol Discussion) Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 6:15pm of the black and white triangles – 4 inches; Length of common base shared Development: • Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm (Week in by triangles – 1/3 of the full length of Flag. Develop further an open trading and financial system that is rule-based, Review - English) predictable and non-discriminatory. Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm (Week in Dimensions of Saint Lucia National Flag: Pole Flag - 6 feet x 3 feet; Includes a commitment to good Review—Kweyol) Hand Flag – 9 inches x 4 ½ inches; Desk Flag – 6 inches x 3 inches; governance, development and KiddiCrew.com/Saturdays at 9:30 am Casket Flag – 11 feet x 5 ½ feet. poverty reduction—nationally and internationally. • Address the least developed It is also recommended that the Coat of Arms, as the Official Seal of countries’ special needs. This For the complete programme guide, log Government, should not be reproduced for commercial use or sale. includes tariff- and quota-free on to our website at www.stlucia.gov.lc access for their exports; enhanced and then click on the NTN icon. debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries; cancellation of official NEMO WEBSITE: www.geocities.com/slunemo bilateral debt; and more generous www.stlucia .gov.lc Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE is published every fortnight by the Department of Information Services. Contact us at: The Department of Information Services, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building, The Waterfront, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies Tel: (758) 468 2116; Fax (758) 453 1614; E-mail: [email protected]; http://stlucia.gov.lc