NATIONWIDE No.29. Friday, March 12, 2004 A publication of the Department of Information Services Book to Enrich Caribbean History

Cogratulatory Messages - Page 2

PM’s Book Launch - Page 2

Cruise Shipping alive and well - Page 8

NCF helps fire victims - Page 5 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 Friday, 12 March, 2004 PM’s ‘At the Rainbow’s Edge’ to Enrich Caribbean History

By Claudia Monlouis

he region has a long way to go in Tdeveloping a full appreciation of the importance of books, reading and intellectual property rights. This view was amplified by Ian Randall, owner of one of the most reputable Publishing Houses in the Caribbean. His company recently published Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s first book ‘At the Rainbow’s Edge’, which was launched last Friday, March 5. Mr. Randall described the launch of the book as a celebration of the process of publishing development in the Caribbean. Mr. Randall contends that there is a lesson in the contents of Caribbean history books that should serve well for contemporary Caribbean leaders, who owe it to future generations to record their contributions for the purposes of history, education and research material. He lamented that due to limited writings in earlier times, little is known about the sterling contributions made by past Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony signing copies of his book entitled “At the Rainbow’s Edge”. Caribbean pioneers, such as Norman Manley, Grantley Adams, and Alexander Honourable Prime Minister Kenny speeches. Three Hundred hard and soft Edge’ can be obtained from the Prime Bustamante, among many others, whose Anthony registered a historical first, as the cover copies of the book were printed in Minister’s Office, Fifth Floor, Sir legacy remains sketchy to the generation only sitting prime minister in the region to the first publication. Limited copies of the Stanisclaus James Building, Waterfront at of today. have published a compilation of his soft cover version of ‘At the rainbow’s $50.00 per copy. Congratulatory Messages Continue to Pour in on the Occasion of Saint Lucia’s 25th Independence everal international bodies and messages to the Government and Government of the Bolivarian Republic Saint Lucia Her Excellency Carmen Snations from around the globe, People of Saint Lucia, on the occasion of Venezuela. Venezuela’s Ambassador to Aponte, took the opportunity to reaffirm continue to extend congratulatory of the landmark achievement of 25 her country’s intention to continue to years of Independence. strengthen bilateral relations with Saint Lucia. Venezuela and Saint Lucia are this Congratulatory messages have also year, marking twenty years of cooperation been addressed to Her Excellency Dame and solidarity. , on behalf of the Closer to home, Prime Minister of Government and People of Saint Lucia. St.Kitts and Nevis, Dr.Denzil Douglas has Messages have been received from the taken time off to pen a special salutation Government and citizens of the Republic for the nation, on the occasion of its silver of Croatia, the President of the Republic jubilee of independence. In the words of of Cyprus and country men, and the Prime Minister Douglas: ‘Even as you permanent Mission of Cyprus to the celebrate and evaluate your country’s United Nations. achievements since independence, I am certain that you will continue to seek new Congratulatory Messages have also strategies and innovations to grapple with been expressed on behalf of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Denzil Douglas the challenges of this new century’. Friday, 12 March, 2004 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 3 At the Rainbow’s Edge: A Book of Direction

By Claudia Monlouis Professor Meeks was at the time Meeks, adding that “where we politics, the inevitable stresses, delivering the feature address at need to go even further, is to think yes to the joys accompanying the “M uch of what is in this exciting last weekend’s launch. “Prime through the ethos that guides us experiences. So for me, it is an book frames a direction”. Minister, Honourable Kenny through all of this”. opportunity to reflect on the past That’s how Professor of Social Anthony writes on Caribbean For his part, Dr. Anthony and like each and everyone of and Political Change in the Unity - broad based, broadly you, who will go through the Department of Government at the explained that through the book conceived. He’s right on pages of this book, I too, over University of the West Indies, rethinking the state and bringing of speeches he can reflect on what the next few days will go through Mona Campus, Brian Meeks the people back in unpreccented he may have said many years ago. those speeches again and ask described the recently launched ways to government. He’s right “It is one thing to engage in theory, myself whether I have been faithful book “At Rainbow’s Edge”. to search for spaces in the uneven to define and share a vision, but it is a totally different thing when to the vision that I have shared The book is a collection of system that is, the global capitalist with the people of Saint speeches by Prime Minister, system and to explore them to our you are faced with the day-to-day Lucia”. Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony. advantage”, said professor practice of government and

Prominent St. Lucians line up to have thier copy autographed by author Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony 4 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Friday, 12 March, 2004 EDITORIAL At the Rainbow’s Edge: A First

rime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony the region, to reflect on what has been Pregistered a first on March 5, 2004 said over the years in light of what has when he became the only seating regional been accomplished. “I too, like many of leader to have his work published in the you will go over these speeches again over form of a book. The publication entitled the next few days and ask myself whether “At the Rainbow’s Edge,” is a I have been faithful to the vision that I compilation of some of the most shared with the people of St. Lucia.” memorable speeches delivered by Dr. The book provides an insight into the Anthony within the local, regional and Government’s overall vision for Saint international fora since assuming the Lucia, as well as providing by way of leadership of the explanation the general thrust behind the and as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia. Government’s social, economic and Launched at the Prime Minister’s political agenda. The overall idea for the official residence at Vigie, critics say the publication, said Dr. Anthony, emanated publication is arguably the most from Permanent Secretary in the comprehensive overview of the current Department of Education and Human administration’s policies on some of the Resource Development, Dr. Didacus major domestic, regional and international Jules, who together with former issues. The book is published by owner administrative attaché Dr. Tennyson of one of the most reputable publishing Joseph served as editors for the houses in the Caribbean, Ian Randle. He publication. says the achievement of the St. Lucian Reading this book is a must. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony signing copies of his book leader emphasises the fact that the region has a long way to go in developing a full appreciation of the importance of books, reading and intellectual property rights. He however described the launch of the book as a “celebration of the process of publishing development in the Caribbean”. He went on to say, “unlike the first generation, this new generation has a public responsibility as your Prime Minister has recognized in putting his speeches together.” The regional based publisher contends that this lesson should serve well for contemporary Caribbean leaders, who owe it to future generations to record their contributions for the purposes of history, education and research material. His sentiments were echoed by Lecturer of Social and Political Change in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, Professor Brian Meeks. “The writings of Prime Minister Anthony shows that he is right on Caribbean unity, broad base, broadly conceived and popular,” said Professor Meeks. The Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony in conversation at the launch of his book ‘At The Rainbow’s Edge’. The Prime Minister, he says, was also correct book provides an insight into the Government’s overall vision for Saint Lucia, as well as providing by way of in his views on rethinking the State, while attempting to bring the populace back in explanation the general thrust behind the Government’s social, economic and political agenda. The overall idea unprecedented ways to government. for the publication, said Dr. Anthony, emanated from Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education and A clearly emotional and unassuming Dr. Human Resource Development, Dr. Didacus Jules, who together with former administrative attaché Dr. Anthony explained that the book of speeches would allow him, the nation and Tennyson Joseph served as editors for the publication. Friday, 12 March, 2004 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 5 NCF and Catholic Church Assist Rose Hill Fire Victims On March 8, five families, who victims during its telethon on By Claudia Monlouis everything, even important are housed at the Rose Hill February 29. Head of the NCF’s memories, photographs and he homeless victims of a Community Centre following a Homeless Committee Andrew special things that have been given recent fire in the Castries fire, which destroyed their homes “Secra” Gibson told the fire to you and we understand that, TCommunity of Rose Hill, have were presented with items of victims to take comfort in the level but I think what we have to be been assured of the full support most grateful for is that there was of the National Community clothing and toiletries provided by of concern the public was Foundation (NCF) and the the Catholic Church/Caritas showing in their time of need. no loss life involved”, he said Catholic Church, as they strive Antilles, a Catholic charity and Members of the public are Father Michel of the Cathedral to rise out of the ashes, despite relief organisation of Latin being asked to reach out to the loss of all of their America and the Caribbean. The Archdiocese told the families that persons in the community, who possessions, when the all was not lost, as they were all apartment building they called assistance came as a response to have encountered unfortunate home, went up in flames. the NCF’s plea on behalf of the alive today. “A fire destroys circumstances.

Positive Response to Telepoll Survey The national telepoll survey undertaken would also seek the feedback of residents by the Saint Lucia Solid Waste on the issues of derelict vehicles and waste Management Authority has been met with management, she said. overwhelming public cooperation. So Rose Hill Fire says Acting Public Relations Officer for The findings of the survey will enable the Authority, Emlyn Jean. the authority to build on its strengths and address any weaknesses in the service Investment Promotions is On Wednesday March tenth, Ms. Jean offered to the public. “We think it’s also told the GIS that at the half-way mark, an opportunity for the public to be part Everybody’s Business - NDC the telephone operators conducting the of the decision making process, because mandate to set goals closely related to the survey had not encountered any difficulties the service that we offer at the Authority By Virnet St. Omer-Fontenelle broad development objectives of the Govern- in soliciting information from the targeted is really an essential service, and if not ment of St. Lucia. He said that the retreat was households. The telephone operators he National Development Corporation a first step to building meaningful relationships adequately met, could have serious begin interviews at 8:00 a.m. daily, T(NDC) began the first of a three stage pro- foremost with local partners, as investment implications for our health and the health covering some 50 households, island cess for the development of a strategic plan to promotion was everyone’s business. of our environment”. guide its work for the next three to five years. wide. The NDC General Manager said that the Residents throughout the island are The first event, a two-day strategic plan- Ms. Jean explained that the information ning retreat opened at the Royal St. Lucian challenge was great in a competitive and ex- asked to continue to give their full gathering exercise would assist the Solid Hotel today. The meeting brought together rep- pensive investment promotion environment. cooperation to the week-long survey resentatives of all sectors of the economy for Waste Management Authority in what NDC’s General Manager, Wayne Vitalis Mr Vitalis said that the 2-day retreat would determining the public’s level of which ends on Sunday. The Authority has says should be frank and open discussions survey the critical elements of the investment satisfaction on the issues of garbage given the assurance that all information for the beginning of an aggressive investment promotion process, with a view to identifying obtained will be held in strict confidence. promotion policy to guide the work of the cor- strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities collection, regularity of service, waste poration. The survey is being conducted via the and threats for St. Lucia. management practices displayed by Mr Vitalis promised the exercise would not residents of their communities and the telephone and is facilitated by Cable and be another talk shop, but would inform a final The National Development Corporation was problem of illegal dumping. The Authority Wireless. policy document in keeping with the NDC’s established over 30 years ago. 6 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Friday, 12 March, 2004 Issues Affecting Women To Gain Greater Prominence

By Julita Peter

he fourth World TConference on women, which was held in Beijing in 1995 was concerned that the successful implementation of any plan of action to Health Minister improve women’s Damian Greaves health required the integration of gender concerns into mainstream health policies. The Min- istry for Health, Human Services, Family Affairs and Gender Relations has fully endorsed this principle, which will be given due consideration in the National Health Policy. In a televised address to the nation on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8th, Health Min- ister Honourable Damien Greaves said that the Ministry of Health remained com- mitted to addressing the many issues af- fecting women. The issue of violence against women was cited as one requir- Ministry of Health personnel informing of the danger of HIV/AIDS at the Health Fair ing special attention as a public health head, face, neck, breasts and abdomen. remains a major challenge to the health talents of women in several areas and also problem. “These are the most frequently targeted sector. focused on some of the services avail- “There is abundant evidence on the im- parts of the body”, he said. The highlight event to mark Interna- able to them in helping to maintain healthy pact of violence on women in a range of The Ministry of Health is also focus- tional Women’s Day was the staging of a lifestyles. The local theme chosen for adverse health effects”, said Minister ing strongly on the raging problem of health fair at the Castries City Hall, orga- this year’s International Women’s day Greaves, informing that specific patterns sexually transmitted diseases and in par- nized by the Department of Gender Re- was “Healthy Women, Healthy Families of injuries had been identified, such as ticular, HIV/AIDS among women, which lations. The fair showcased the skills and a Healthy Nation”.

Health Officials providing information on Family Planning Health Personnel speaking about a Healthy Diet Friday, 12 March, 2004 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 7 Work Continues on an Integrated Export Strategy for St. Lucia.

greater economies of scale, coupled with By John Emmanuel large and wide open spaces and relatively cheap labour. Such conditions he noted, he Ministry of Commerce, had led to cheaper bananas flooding the TInvest ment and Consumer Affairs has joined forces with the St. world market and curtailing growth in the Lucia Chamber of Commerce Indus- local banana sector. “We cannot lie down try and Agriculture and other stake- and die”, he told some of the country’s holders, in an attempt to put in place leading manufacturers at the one-day an Integrated National Export Devel- symposium. opment Strategy for St. Lucia. The As a remedy, the Commerce Minister process, which has been underway for the past two-years, was taken one step indicated that the country needed to speed further on Monday, 8th March 2004 up its efforts at diversification, which in with the staging of a national sympo- itself had given rise to initiatives leading sium at the Green Parrot Hotel situ- to the development of a national export ated at La Toc. strategy. “We must find ways and means to make St. Lucia’s export competitive, Addressing participants, who came Government Officials attending the Export Stragety Workshop placing them at an affordable price”, he from a wide cross section of the indus- clear that the rational behind this latest Single Market and Economy, (CSME), trial and manufacturing sector, Executive initiative was to make export-led growth the Free Trade Area of the Americas said, noting that success on that front was Director of the Chamber Mr. Brian the theme and driving force behind St. (FTAA) and wider Europe. contingent on the country’s ability to deal Louisy, said that the grouping remained Lucia’s future economic development. with the vast world market and the phe- convinced that one of the things impact- “This process, we are hoping will make Commerce and Investment Minister nomenon of free trade. ing negatively on the local economy has such terms and ideas sexy once again so Honourable Philip J. Pierre said that given been the slowdown in export. He pointed that people can buy into it”, said the the changing face of trade the world over Last year some 38% of St. Lucia’s out that one could trace from as far back Chamber’s long serving Executive Direc- and its impacts on the local agriculture manufacturing output, specifically food as the days of sugar, coal, bananas and tor. export market, new methodologies and and beverage were exported, with offi- tourism, St. Lucas’s export led growth. The preparation of the strategy comes at modalities needed to be developed, if the cials hoping to up that figure significantly This, he told his audience had changed an opportune time for St. Lucia, as the country was to survive and remain com- come the next five years. Monday’s ex- not entirely due to a noticeable lack of island through the Ministry of Commerce petitive in this era of free trade. ercise received assistance from the In- export, but because “export-led growth and Investment continues trade negotia- St. Lucia he lamented, finds itself having ternational Trade Centre (ITC) in the per- was no longer sexy”. Mr. Louisy made it tions with groupings like the Caribbean to compete with countries that possess son of consultant Anton Said. Better Health for Women linked to Financial Freedom Mrs Popo implored women to begin im- By Virnet St. Omer-Fontenelle mediately, a financial planning omen are being urged to make a programme, which she says will include Wcommitment to change the way budgeting, differentiating between wants they use money if they want to be and needs and investing in insurance and happy and healthy. Former bank man- other financial instruments. ager Mrs Mary Popo, says financial Mrs Popo also called for a re-thinking freedom is one way women can be rid of their attitude to change. She reminded of stress, focus on their families and the audience of the tide of change now develop trusting relationships both at sweeping the world, which was forcing home and at work. countries to become creative to meet new Mrs Popo made the remarks at the St. Mrs. Mary Popo employment demands. The family is also Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) ties to mark International Women’s Day. facing the challenges of change in the face Luncheon Lecture held at the Sandals Golf This year, the theme for the observance of redundancies she contends, and warns Resort and Regency on Monday March is ‘Healthy Women, Healthy Families, and of complacency, as “nobody owes you 8th. The lecture was part of CSA’s activi- a Healthy Nation. anything”. 8 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Friday, 12 March, 2004 Cruise Industry Alive and Well – Minister Pierre

“ t. Lucia’s cruise industry is poised comes from Puerto Rico and down to the S for continued growth and we Eastern Caribbean and “they (the cruise must feel good about that”, said association in Miami) are saying to me that Minister of Commerce, Tourism, there are problems in Puerto Rico. That is Investment and Consumer Affairs, why the carnival vessel may not make the Phillip J. Pierre. calls in St. Lucia that it ought to. It is not because of the cruise levy or tax; it is because of the logistical situation in Puerto Rico that makes the cruise unable to come to St. Lucia”. Minister Pierre said however: “But they (the cruise association in Miami) assured me that the St. Lucia product is fine; the cruise industry appreciates what St. Lucia is doing, and the Government’s commitment to the process of cruise conversion, whereby we can get our passengers to come and visit St. Lucia. So I want to allay all the fears in the Minister Pierre country that the cruise industry is alive and Cruise Ships in the Castries Harbour And on what evidence does Minister well and the tourism industry will develop with the world; we cannot become myopic standards mark on it a cruise passenger Pierre’s feel good sentiments hold? between stay-over visitors and cruise will spend on it, thereby adding value and visitors; we need both of them”. or insular; we cannot tie ourselves in a Statistics from 1999 to 2003 show that is where we have to go instead of continued improvement in the numbers, particular mindset; our competition is the He contends that St. Lucia will be world and we have to have standards”. dealing with the negativity or what sounds particularly in the size of the ships and the better off when it can create value-added good”. He believes that there is clear number of passengers they bring. And products for the cruise industry, in terms Speaking at the launch of Frootsy’s indication that St. Lucia is going in the since the start of this year, the figures of money staying in St. Lucia. He called new product line at Point Seraphine, direction of using agricultural products and continue to hold their own, with some 64 for a feel good attitude in St. Lucia instead Minister Pierre informed that at the highest adding value to it. cruise ships calling in January and 53 in February. In March, when traditionally, the numbers begin to fall, some 38 ships are THIS WEEK ON NTN expected to make calls, and by May through to September the average number Highlights:Week of March 13-19, 2004 Monday March 15th: 6:15 pm Voices of Young of calls dwindles to approximately 10 a Women month. Monday March 15th: 8:00 pm Issues and Answers: The GIS speaks with officials from Moreover, there have been assurances the Ministry of Commerce on Consumer Issues from the cruise association in Miami that Tuesday March 16th: 7:30 pm Integrate or Perish: New Challenges for the Caribbean the cruise tax is not the issue. “What the Region executives are saying”, Minister Pierre Wednesday March 17th : 8:00 pm Highlights of Book Launch of Dr. K. Anthony’s Selected said “is that we want you to continue to Speeches give us a good product, diversify it, we Thursday March 18th : 8:30 pm The OECS – need security, attractions and we need Poised For The Future Friday March 19th : 8:30 pm National Violin playfields where they (cruise passengers) Festival 2003 can enjoy themselves. We want to be able Tune in Weekly For: to purchase souvenirs and St. Lucian products”. Regional News & Sports with GIS News Breaks and Kweyol News daily from 6:30 Minister Pierre said further, “They were Frootsy’s value added products pm not telling me about the cruise levy; that Issues & Answers (Discussion of “that air of negativity blowing in St. level of the cruise association in Miami, it was not the issue. I want to tell you that Programme) Mondays at 8:00pm Lucia”, which he said must stop. “This was clear that the availability of value the cruise industry is alive and well in St. Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm year we had the largest number of stay- added products like Frootsy’s, with the Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 6:15pm Lucia. What is happening to us is that there over visitors to ever visit St. Lucia, Bureau of Standards certification was a (Kweyol Discussion) are some home porting problems in Puerto Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 6:15pm amounting to 276,000 and that has never sure way of causing cruise passengers to Rico. We sit here and make Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm (Week in happened before. That is a record we have spend money when they come to St. pronouncements not understanding that St. Review - English) to be proud of”, Minister Pierre said. Lucia. Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm (Week in Lucia is part of a global picture. St. Lucia Review—Kweyol) is not alone in the world. What the cruise The Tourism Minister cautioned Says Minister Pierre: “When they come KiddiCrew.com/Saturdays at 9:30 am association in Miami is saying to me is that however, that there was a lot of work to St. Lucia we have to make them leave For the complete programme guide, log the problem with the cruise industry is that needed to be done, including the issue of the money they came with and we have on to our website at www.stlucia.gov.lc the home port is in Puerto Rico”. product standards, which needed to be not found a way apart from the cruise levy. and then click on the NTN icon. Citing two types of cruises, the 7-day lifted to world standards. He stressed: “We So we have to find a way to cause them have to make them world class; we have to spend the money in St. Lucia. When cruise and the 14-day cruise, Minister Pierre informed that the 7-day cruise to be able to compete; we have to compete you have a product like that and can put a 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