Saint Lucia No. 71. Friday, December 31, 2004

A publication of the Department of Information Services 2004: A YEAR OF HONOURS, The Pitons: A World Heritage Site CONTINUED PROGRESS —YEAR IN REVIEW

“Take 2 ” - A fi fteen minute news review of the week. Government Notebook 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 Friday, December 31, 2004 2004: A Year of Honours bilee Trust Fund for the production of development of the project into three Sarafina. Stan Bishop and Renee Terry main objectives: “Those are employ- received awards for their excellence in ment maximization, poverty reduction the literary arts. As part of that major and crime abatement, and we are cer- activity, the event was officially hand- tainly pleased to see some of the recent ed over to the Cultural Development changes that we hope will deal with the Foundation. last of those three”. St. Lucia hosted a 2-day Common- The Government of St. Lucia ceased wealth Regional Workshop on E-Gov- paying economic cost for persons studying law, as of September, 2004. ernment and Sectoral Development. That announcement was made by Cab- At that workshop, Minister for Com- inet Secretary, Dr. James Fletcher at munications and Works, Hon. Felix press briefing. Finisterre said that the Caribbean was well poised to reap the benefits of E- January ended with a St. Lucian Government readiness: “The develop- company, Accela Marketing emerging ment of St. Lucia as a service-based winner of the Caricom Regional Or- or information and knowledge-based ganisation for Standards and Quality Logo design competition. The com- economy therefore, aims at exploiting pany received a cheque of US$1,000. digital technologies to stimulate the Manager of Accela Marketing, Agnes achievement of the country’s develop- Francis, said the regional acclaim was ment objectives. Introduction towards an OECS Economic Union. not only good for the company, but This workshop came on the heels n 2004, St. Lucia received several Prime Minister, Honourable Doctor also for St. Lucia. of the nomination of the Caribbean to accolades. The island became the Kenny Anthony in his address, spoke second place as it relates to e-readiness. first in the Caribbean to receive of the need for the OECS grouping to February This is a concept aimed at encouraging I February started with the National governments to use less ink and paper the Five Star Diamond Award from re-examine itself to meet the challeng- the Academy of Hospitality Sciences. es that lie ahead. Junior Pan championships. Five ju- and more electronic information tech- The Pitons became a World Heritage “The OECS countries under their nior steel band sides participated in the nology. Site, St. Lucia won the Best Govern- current leadership must now assess the competition. Emerald Steel came sec- The Queen Mary 11 arrived on the ment Award, and was chosen as a need for significant changes in the ar- ond, whilst Cable and Wireless Dia- shores of St. Lucia on the 6th of Febru- major venue for Cricket World Cup rangements, building on the substantial mond Steel emerged the winner. ary. The US$800 million vessel has a 2007. In addition, news came that platform that has been created by the The Office of Private Sector Rela- passenger capacity of 2,800. It is the the economy had grown by 3.71% original treaty arrangements”, Dr. An- tions OPSR)and the Chamber of Com- largest ship that has ever been built. in 2003, and had maintained mo- thony said. merce signed a Memorandum of Un- The Ministry of Health signed an mentum in the first half of 2004. Forty-seven recruits of the St. Lu- derstanding, paving the way for the agreement with the United Nations Also, International business mogules cia Fire Service graduated in January. second phase of the private sector de- Population Fund for the development endorsed St. Lucia’s favourable in- Chief Fire Officer, Augustin Gaspard velopment programme. This phase, ac- of an HIV/AIDS prevention pro- vestment climate, Government es- said the training was designed to equip cording to Economic Policy Advisor, gramme. This programme forms part tablished the base to realise 500 new the recruits to face the challenges of Adrian Augier, “seeks to build upon of a project on HIV/AIDS prevention jobs by March 2005, a massive road the future. the successes of the first phase”. for Central America and the Carib- programme proceeded in high gear, bean. Later on that day, the Ministry “Everyone will be looking forward The expected outcome of the project, and St. Lucian households expressed of Health received several computers satisfaction with the basic human from the People’s Republic of China. and social needs and requirements The Trade and Services exhibition, provided by the Government. which was held in Vieux-Fort, opened January on Wednesday, February 11th at the The year began on a sad note, as one Vieux Fort Free Zone. Fifty seven ex- of the Caribbean’s legendary leaders hibitors showcased a range of goods passes away. Dominica’s Prime Min- and services aimed at expanding the ister Pierre Charles died on January export potential of locally produced 6th of an apparent heart attack. His goods. fellow colleague, Prime Minister Hon. St. Lucia celebrated its 25th anni- Dr. Kenny Anthony, described the late versary in the month of February. A Caribbean leader as legendary: “They major part of that celebration was the will remember a representative, who visit of His Royal Highness, The Duke never made promises he could not ful- of York. Several activities were organ- fil. Above all, they will remember him ised to celebrate this milestone. One of as a man whose commitment to service them was the National Sports Awards was legendary”. Ceremony of which Emma Gene Evans Prime Minister Honourable Dr. and Darren Sammy won Sports woman Kenny Anthony delivered his usual and Sports Man of the year respec- New Year’s address in January. In his tively. Other activities included a youth address, he announced four major ar- to see your performances, when con- which will be financed with OPSR sup- rally, an Independence Parade, an Inde- eas which needed to be considered in fronted with the challenges of dealing port include institutional strengthening, pendence Eve gala, an Investiture cer- the New Year – universal Health Care, with emergency situations, whether on establishment within the chamber, of emony and an Independence reception. unemployment insurance, the indirect the fire ground or at the scene of an ac- an employment centre, job placement Also, His Royal Highness officially tax system and the labour code. cident, where the services of the ambu- and hiring services to the local busi- opened the Ciceron Seconday School. ness community. The Prime Minister also announced lance may be required”, Mr. Gaspard Finally in February, the National In the early part of the month, the several changes to his Cabinet with told the recruits. Community Foundation conducted a St. Lucians celebrated Nobel Laure- National Economic Council NEC) Parliamentary Representatives for presented its 1st report to Prime Min- major telethon at the Pigeon Island Side Choiseul and Saltibus, Hon. Ferguson ate week in honour of St. Lucian stal- ister, Hon. Dr Kenny Anthony. Chair- Lawn. The event, which was marked by John for the first time, being assigned warts Honourable Derek Walcott and man of the NEC, Richard Peterkin, several musical presentations, amassed a portfolio. Sir Arthur Lewis. The theme for that summarised the process leading to the over EC$80,000 from pledges. The Basic Needs Trust Fund for- week was, “Culture and Economics-A mally launched its fifth programme in Nation’s Identity, A Nation’s Future”. January. The CDB/CIDA funded proj- The week began with an Opening Cer- ect would concentrate on increasing emony at the National Cultural Centre. economic opportunities for the poor, This activity was followed by various and developing more community based lectures and presentations. infrastructure. The programme would Nobel Laureate week came to a also pay special attention to reducing close with the M&C Fine Arts Awards. vulnerability during natural disasters. This event honoured those who had Later in the month, St. Lucia hosted performed excellently, in the areas of His Royal Highness, The Duke of York flanked by Prime Minister, Dr. the 38th meeting of the OECS Author- the visual, performing and literary arts. Kenny D. Anthony and Governor-General, Dame Pearlette Louisy. ity. The meeting, examined issues such Danielle Devaux was awarded for her At far right is Headmaster of Ciceron Secondary School, as OECS citizenship, the OECS pass- excellence in the visual arts, whilst the Mr. Ron Issac and Hon. Mario Michel and Mrs. Michel port and measures to advance the move performing Arts award went to the Ju- Friday, December 31, 2004 Saint Lucia 3 St. Lucia won bid to host CWC 2007 March pected to yield some 250 service lots. arch opened with the con- St. Lucia joined the rest of the world vening of the National En- in observing World Health day. The Mvironmental Development theme of this day was, “Road Safety Forum. This 21/2-day workshop is no accident.” This theme was devel- formed part of efforts by government oped in light of the increasing number to develop an integrated approach to of road fatalities and road traffic inju- environmental sustainability. This ries in St. Lucia. Minister for Health, forum brought together people from Hon. Damian Greaves addressed the various sectors to contribute to the nation to mark the event. The minister development of a National Environ- pointed out the negative impacts of the ment Policy. Permanent Secretary problem. The Minister for Communica- in the Ministry of Planning, Martin tions and Works, Hon. Felix Finisterre Satney, said there had been very lit- also addressed the nation on the subject tle action regarding environmental management. of vehicular accidents. Moving from policy to action, the The National Insurance Corporation St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce held (NIC) celebrated its 25th anniversary in April with an awards ceremony. In an official closing ceremony in March Artist impression of Beausejour Cricket Ground when completed for the National Trade and Services an address, Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Exhibition in Vieux-Fort. The Cham- Kenny Anthony saluted former Prime ber of Commerce presented awards to Communications Officer of the Water felt here at home, when rising world Minister, Sir John Compton for his vi- various persons who played a signifi- Resources Institute, Jerry George, one oil prices forced the Government to in- sion of the NIC. cant role in the exhibition. The cham- of the key objectives of the mini-exhi- crease the price of fuel at the pumps. A Sports Meet for Older persons ber also took the opportunity to make bition was public education. Also, Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. took place at the National Stadium in public, the findings of a survey on the A multi-million dollar project got Kenny Anthony initiated a discourse Vieux-Fort this month. The partici- views of people, regarding the exhibi- underway at Hewanorra Airport. The with the nation in an effort to broaden pants undertook activities, such as lime tion. The exhibition was held from the project entailed the construction of the scope of discussions on issues of and spoon, the walking race and the 11th to the 15th of February. a perimeter roadway geared towards economic, political and social signifi- dressing race, among others. Augustus St. Lucia celebrated International meeting the safety specifications set cance. Cadet, member of the organising com- Women’s Day. The event was held out by the International Civil Aviation The month of April began with the mittee said older persons needed to be under the theme, “Healthy Women, Organisation. The project was financed launching of Youth month. Activities given more regard in society. Senior healthy families, a healthy Nation.” As by the International Bank for Recon- to mark youth month began with a Na- performers came from Mon Repos, La- part of activities to celebrate Interna- struction and Development via a loan tional Ecumenical Service and a Parade borie and Vieux-Fort. of US$1.89 million. of Uniformed Groups at the Cultural tional Women’s Day, there was a Health The Royal St. Lucia Police Force The National Insurance Corporation Centre. The theme for Youth Month Fair at the Castries City Hall. Minister was in the hills of Grace in Vieux-Fort, partnered with 38 private sector busi- 2004 was, “Youth Development, the for Health, Hon. Damien Greaves, ex- uprooting marijuana plants. This ma- pressed his ministry’s commitment to jor activity formed part of a campaign the development of women. against illegal drugs. The drug eradica- The St. Lucia OECS Education De- tion exercise yielded a bounty for po- velopment Project received a loan of lice, with over 2000 plants destroyed. US$6 million from the International The Prime Minister and Minister Bank for Reconstruction and Devel- of Finance, Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony opment. The project includes the con- presented the estimates of revenue and struction of new secondary schools, expenditure in the month of April. The expansion, upgrades and the rehabilita- social services sector received the most tion of existing educational facilities. attention, in particular, Health, Internal Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Security and Youth sectors. Anthony launched a book of selected The Government of St. Lucia ap- speeches at his official residence. The book is entitled, “At the Rainbow’s proved its first comprehensive five Edge. It is a compilation of some mem- year strategic HIV/AIDS response orable speeches by Dr. Anthony since plan. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny becoming Prime Minister of Saint Lu- Anthony said the $20 million plan was cia. The speeches serve to provide an aimed at igniting a truly multi-sectoral insight into Government’s overall vi- approach to combating the scourge of sion. AIDS. Programme for the Regularisation Ground breaking ceremony for Choc Gardens Housing Development The Local Bidding Committee for of Unplanned Development, PROUD, World Cup Cricket 2007 held a press conference to update journalists and completed Phase 7 of the road works nesses to launch the Gold Citizen’s key to our country’s Development.” the public on the progress already made project in La-Ressource, Vieux-Fort. Programme. The programme consists There was also a Youth Entrepreneur’s as it relates to choosing St. Lucia as a There was a ribbon cutting ceremony of Gold Cards entitling senior citizens Forum targeting business persons. signalling the completion of the infra- venue for the World Cup. According to special discounts from stores, phar- structural works in the area. Prime Min- High Commissioner designate of to Ernest Hilaire, who is assisting the macies, supermarkets and others. ister, Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony, India to St. Lucia, His Excellency, Mr. committee, “despite the economic ben- who attended the ceremony, gave the Governor General, Her Excellency Omprakash, presented his letters of efits that will accrue from World Cup residents of La-Ressource some words Dame Pearlette Louisy, received the credence to Governor General Her Ex- Cricket, what will be most important of advice. letters of Credence from Ambassador cellency Dame Pearlette Louisy. The is how the event will impact upon the Designate of the Netherlands to Saint Governor General took the opportunity country in general. The Cabinet of Ministers accepted to express gratitude for the many train- the report by the Universal Health Care Lucia, His Excellency Maarten Van der The Government of St. Lucia signed Gaag in March. The Governor General ing courses offered by the Government (UHC) Task Force entitled, “Universal of India to St. Lucia. The High Com- a Memorandum of Understanding with Health Care National Health Insur- expressed the need for greater collabo- a Geothermal exploration company, ration between the two countries. missioner also paid a courtesy call to ance.” This was revealed by Cabinet Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny An- United Network of the Eastern Ca- Secretary, Dr. James Fletcher, during The month came to a close with the thony. ribbean (UNEC), to tap into the rich his monthly press briefing in March. Folk Research Centre celebrating its source of energy to be found in the St. Joseph’s Convent observed the Cabinet also agreed to commence 30th anniversary with the hosting of a Soufriere area. President and CEO of 150th anniversary of the arrival of the public education on the proposal. Dr 3-day studies conference. It was held UNEC, Steven Baker, said the island Sisters of St. Joseph of Clunney in Fletcher said the Universal Health Care under the theme, “Research: A Critical was attractive for investment. St. Lucia. The event was marked by a system would allow for medical cover- Path to Development.” Governor Gen- Finally in May, the Eastern Carib- church service at the cathedral and a age of all St. Lucians. eral, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette bean Financial Holding Company Lim- parade through the streets of the city. St. Lucia celebrated World Water Louisy, told her audience that St. Lucia ited officially opened its International Day in the month of March. The sub- had the capacity to create knowledge A ground breaking ceremony took Private Bank Subsidiary, Bank of Saint theme of World Water day was, “Be at home. place for Choc Gardens Housing De- Lucia Limited. The services offered in- informed and be Prepared.” In obser- velopment this month. Prime Minister clude deposit accounts, online banking vance of this day, the Water Resourc- April Hon Dr. Kenny Anthony, who attended and trading facilities, mutual funds and es Unit held a mini-exhibition at the This year was one in which the eco- the ceremony, urged young persons to wealth management and investment Castries Central Library. According to nomic impact of the war in Iraq was invest in property. Choc Gardens is ex- services. 4 Saint Lucia Friday, December 31, 2004 St. Lucia lost several icons May Management Sciences for a software ay began with a final fare- programme. well for a giant of the The programme, “Open Relation- tourism industry, former ships for Integrative Organizations M (ORION@SMH) is for pharmaceuti- Chairman of the St. Lucia Tourist Board, Desmond Skeete, who died cal stock management. St. Lucia is the suddenly. Mr. Skeete was at the time pilot country for the project. of his death presiding over the pre- And finally in May, an event dubbed miere St. Lucia Jazz Festival, and Internet Fiesta was staged here. was also a leading member of the Internet Fiesta was aimed at heighten- St. Lucia Bid Committee for Cricket ing public awareness of the use of the World Cup 2007. He was 57 years internet as a productive tool for the old economic and social development of For the first time in its 13-year his- emerging nations. tory, the St. Lucia Jazz ended prema- June turely. The main stage show featuring In June, St. Lucia hosted OECS Day Baby-face was rained out. activities. Prime Minister and Chair- St. Lucia presented a joint bid with man of the OECS, Honourable Dr. L-R Governor-General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Prime Minister, Barbados for the hosting of matches Kenny Anthony gave the first indica- Dr. Kenny D. Anthony and the late Sir George F.L. Charles in World Cup Cricket 2007. At a joint tion of a likely increase in the cost of press conference in Barbados, member fuel at the pumps, when he addressed all their possessions, when a fire raced In June, Tax Commissioners of the of the Local Organizing Committee, the activities of the 39th meeting of the through the community. The govern- Eastern Caribbean Currency Union Ernest Hiliare said it was an opportu- Authority. ment responded immediately, with a (ECCU) conducted the final leg of con- nity for the Caribbean to host the best After months of cushioning the commitment to assist the 25 persons sultations on reform of the ECCU tax event ever. shocks of rising fuel prices on the made homeless as a result of the fire. system. The Tax Commissioners were world market, Dr. Anthony announced There were tidings of optimism as given a mandate by the Heads of Gov- St. Lucia’s two volume bid books were presented to the local press. Minister of Sports Honourable Ma- rio Michel said St. Lucia’s hosting of cricket’s biggest event represented the aspirations all of the island’s people. The Beausejour Cricket Ground hosted two days of international crick- et matches in May. Over 6,000 visi- tors entered St. Lucia, with over 3,000 coming into the island from the United Kingdom. Still in May, St. Lucia was the first stop for the ICC World Cup 2007 Venue Assessment Team (VAT) on a verification tour of Caribbean coun- tries. The VAT team was met by Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony; Minister for Sports, Honourable Mario Michel, joint chairman of the St. Lucia World Cup Bid Committee; and Chairman of World Cup St. Lucia Incorporated, Dr James Fletcher. Governor General Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy welcomed the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Mor- roco to St. Lucia, His Excellency Dr. Brahim Houssein Moussa, who pre- sented his letters of Credence to Dame The late Desmond Skeete Pearlette. The Kingdom of Morocco established diplomatic relations with a 75 cents increase in the cost of gaso- St. Lucia’s delegation at an Interna- ernment of the Organisation of Eastern St. Lucia 16 years ago. Dr. Moussa is line and diesel at the pumps. tional Banana Conference returned Caribbean States (OECS), to develop St. Lucia’s first designated Ambassa- The country was plunged into with news of international consensus, a framework for tax reform in an ef- dor. mourning, when a father of the strug- that the banana industry would remain fort to find new ways of energising Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony gle for self-determination and nation- a vital part of world trade, and of St. the economies of the sub-region. The initiated a weekly radio address to the hood died. St. Lucia’s former Chief Lucia’s economy. Commissioners were mandated to find nation. “Conversations with the Na- Minister, Sir George F. L. Charles, a The National Authorising Officer ways to widen the tax bracket, reduce tion” address issues of national inter- stalwart of the trade union movement (NAO), Mr Wilfred Pierre said the the number of taxes and present a re- est. and a champion for the right to vote world had come to the realisation that gime, which was simple to collect and The OECS Pharmaceutical Procure- died at the age of 86 years. the banana industry was of importance was not a burden on the taxpayer. ment Services (PPS) signed a Memo- Earlier in the month residents of Con- to the economic, political and social The visit of the tax commissioners randum of Understanding with SEAM way and Barnard hill were stripped of wellbeing of producing countries. in St. Lucia coincided with the ap- pointment of a tax reform committee The National Independence Anni- to review the recommendations of the versary Committee made a presentation ECCU team and report on it’s relevance of a plaque to Mr. Jeff ‘Pelay’ Elva for to St. Lucia. The committee comprised his authorship of the National pledge. representative of the private and public While the St. Lucia Save the Children sectors. Fund (LUSAVE) was presented with a cheque to assist in the organisations Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony operations. welcomed two special groups to his of- ficial residence in June. The students St. Lucia celebrated one of its suc- of the Dunnotar School visited with Dr cessful women in the Tourism Industry. Anthony. Mrs. Berthia Parle was acknowledged by the Government for becoming the And finally in June, students of the first female to be voted to the post of newest primary school, the Dame Pear- lette Lousy Primary School had an op- President of the Caribbean Hotel As- portunity to converse with the Prime sociation. A gala in her honour was Minister at his official residence in Vi- attended by the Minister for Tourism, gie, Castries. The discussion was wide- Honourable Phillip J. Pierre, to recog- ranging from the Prime Minister’s own Prime Minister conversing with the nation nize not only her contribution, but the background as a former teacher to the significance of the post to St. Lucia. operations of Government. Friday, December 31, 2004 Saint Lucia 5 St. Lucia hosts high level visitors July while the Road March title went to Al- n July, Saint Lucia’s first chief pha of the Take Over Tent. minister was laid to rest. Sir August George F. L. Charles was a fa- I On August 1st, St. Lucia marked ther of the struggle for self-determi- Emancipation Day. Residents of La- nation and nationhood. Sir George borie lead the way in celebrations to was a stalwart of the trade union mark the event with a drumming fes- movement and a champion for the tival under the theme “Celebrating all right to vote. He died at the age of Freedoms.” In an address to the na- 86 years. tion, Minister of Social Transforma- The red carpet was rolled out for tion, Culture and Local Government the historic visit of Jamaican Prime Honourable Menissa Rambally called Minister, P.J. Patterson to the island. on Saint Lucians to guarantee the free- A highlight of the visit was a presenta- doms gained over 170 years ago, by re- tion Prime Minister Patterson made to turning to values grounded in integrity a joint session of the St. Lucia Parlia- and respect for one another. ment. The Saint Lucia Tourist Board wel- Law enforcement officials of the comed a new chairman, Mr. Costello P.J. Patterson arrives in St. Lucia region descended on Saint Lucia for a Michel. Mr. Michel replaces the late Drug Commanders conference in July. Desmond Skeete, who died suddenly. the police and the community in a The site, ECNETNEWS.COM links The conference addressed the need for The new chairman articulated his vi- prayer crusade to stem a rising tide of newspapers of the sub-region into an closer collaboration between regional sion for the St. Lucia Tourist Board. lawlessness. on-line forum covering issues in the agencies in the fight against crime. The The Government of St. Lucia signed A police complaints commission region. Prime Minister Dr Kenny An- conference was addressed by Minister an agreement with the Commonwealth (PCC) was established. The PPC thony welcomed the initiative noting for Internal Security, Honourable Ca- Secretariat to establish the Youth En- would ensure that complaints by the that it would fill a void in information lixte George. terprise Development Fund. In accept- public against the police are addressed about smaller islands. A sponsor of the Still in July, the island welcomed ing the $100,000 fund, Prime Minister news that the Pitons had captured the Dr. Kenny Anthony said the agency imagination of the world and would be needed to invest in a larger plan, which designated a World Heritage Site. This would allow non-governmental agen- came after a period of intense prepara- cies to get involved in youth develop- tion and lobbying by the Pitons Man- ment enterprises. agement Area located in Soufriere. The Minister of Communications, Pitons accession to the list came from Works, Transport and Public Utilities UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Honourable Felix Fenisterre invited which makes these accreditations. The the public to review and comment on piton is now recognized as a unique the Telecommunications (Retail Tar- site with exquisite natural beauty. iff) Regulations ahead of publication. Minister of Sports, Hon. Mario Mi- Among the objectives of the regula- chel and a cross section of St. Lucia’s tions are: fostering the availability of preparatory committee for the world a reliable, affordable and high quality cup was jubilant, following the an- telecommunications service through- nouncement of Beausejour as a venue out the country and safeguarding the for the hosting of matches for Cricket interest of consumers, particularly low World Cup 2007. Saint Lucia present- income consumers, as well as the inter- Celebraion after St. Lucia was selected as a venue for CWC 2007 ed a joint bid with Barbados for world est of telecommunications providers. cup matches. St. Lucia was awarded The Government of St. Lucia is on quickly in accordance with the Police website, Editor of the Grenadian Voice the blue package which means that the its way to building a fully functional Complaints Act passed in 2002. newspaper, Mr. Leslie Pierre said the island will be the host venue for the forensic department to strengthen po- website was another tool to further uni- English Team. The Government responded to calls licing. Courts St. Lucia Limited made to address a controversy over the Hel- fy the islands. The tourism ministry reminded per- a presentation of a large fridge to the enites Centre in New York. The issue And finally in August, Cuba’s long sons with interest in the industry, of an Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal arose over concerns about a transfer of relationship with St. Lucia was cel- incentive package in the 2004 budget Security to equip a proposed forensic title and facilitation of mortgage relat- ebrated with the St. Lucia/Cuba exhi- for persons to invest in the expansion laboratory. ing to the building. A Government in- of rooms in anticipation of a boon for bition, marking 15 years of diplomatic The Police and community continue quiry into the matter was pending. the tourism industry, during the period relations. The celebration called atten- their collaboration in an effort to com- of the world cup. St. Lucia was the venue for the tion to Cuba’s contribution to tertiary bat crime. launching of a website for OECS-based education, through the long standing St. Lucia’s External Minister and A church service brought together newspapers. scholarship programme. President of the Fifty-eighth Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Honourable Julian R. Hunte was recog- nized by His Holiness the Pope, John Paul 2nd. Minister Hunte was elected to receive the Knight of the Grand Cross Pian Order for his stewardship at the United Nations. St. Lucia’s biggest cultural event, Carnival peaked in July. The Calypso finals saw newcomer Jany Williams of the Ambassadors Calypso Tent being crowned Calypso Monarch. Candy Nicholas beat out five other contestants to win the Carnival Queen title. A new addition to the carnival celebration, the Calypso Queen com- petition was won by Lady Spice, while Saint Lucia outperformed other island in the OECS/Barbados Soca Monarch, with Manchus Cazabon winning the title and a slate of St. Lucian calypso- nians in runner-up positions. On the 19th and 20th of July, it was the pomp and pageantry of the parade of the bands. This year 10 bands tried to best each other for the Band of the Year title, Minister Rambally chats with master African drummer, Ndiaye which was captured by Mass Action, 6 Saint Lucia Friday, December 31, 2004 China takes St. Lucia seriously sion stations met to discuss the draft island, ahead of the upcoming Cricket Broadcast Bill. World Cup in 2007. This came as gov- The draft bill was aimed at moder- ernment had created a generous pack- nising the legal arrangements for the age of incentives under the SUNSET operations of broadcast system in the Bill for the creation of new rooms in Eastern Caribbean. The draft bill also the hotel industry. made provision for the establishment Minister for Commerce, Tourism, of a Broadcasting Authority. Direc- Investment and Consumer Affairs, tor of Information Services, Embert Honourable Phillip J. Pierre was elect- Charles chaired the consultation. ed First Vice President of the Caribbe- an Tourism Organisation (CTO). Mr. A seminar on climate and health Pierre said his election would ensure was staged in St. Lucia. The seminar that the organisation plays a critical was aimed at health care personnel, to role in the region’s hosting of World provide them with information about Cup Cricket 2007. how climate conditions are influenc- The legal fraternity paid tribute to ing health. The seminar was a response Her Ladyship Suzie d’ Auvergne, who to a survey conducted by the Carib- retired after 14 years of service as a bean Environmental Health Institute, High Court Judge of the Eastern Carib- which revealed that only 11 percent of bean Supreme Court based in St. Lucia. a survey group of Caribbean medical Justice d’Auvergne began her legal ca- personnel was aware of a link between Governor-General shakes hand with Vice President Zeng Qinghong reer in 1975 and was the first woman climate factors and health. to be called to serve as a High Court The St. Lucia Fire Service celebrat- September packing winds of 150 miles per hour Judge in the Organisation of Eastern ed 30 years of service to the island. The Caribbean States OECS. n September, Governor-General, was forecast to hit the island on Sep- fire officers held a number of activities October saw changes to the constitu- Her Excellency Dame Pearlette tember 8th. Dr Anthony addressed the to commemorate the milestone, includ- tion of the Cabinet of Ministers. This Louisy led a delegation to the nation ahead of the impending strike. I ing a church service, community proj- came with the resignation of Hon. Ju- People’s Republic of China. The trip Grenada suffered a direct hit from ects and a village and town outreach lian R Hunte as Minister for External was aimed at deepening relations Hurricane Ivan. Prime Minister Dr programme, where the police band Affairs. Mr Hunte came to the end of with China. Kenny Anthony and St. Vincent and played at various locations. the Presidency of the Fifty-eighth Ses- The Governor-General discussed the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Still in September, the St. Lucia sion of the United Nations General As- issues of education and culture. She Ralph Gonsalves visited the island for Air and Seaports Authority officially sembly and was re-appointed to head also presented two agreements to the a first hand look at the damage. opened a $1.1 million lounge at the St.Lucia’s Embassy to the United Na- Hewanorra International Airport. The tions in New York. Senator Petrus Iyanola lounge caters to the needs of Compton was appointed Minister for executives and persons travelling first External Affairs, International Trade class. and Civil Aviation and Senator Victor St Lucia signed an agreement with Philip La Corbiniere was appointed France to address a long standing Attorney General and Minister for Jus- problem of parking in the city centre. tice. The joint venture, the Castries Urban The European Union changed its sys- Transportation Study was financed by tem of quotas and duties and proposed the Agenciase Francaise De-Develop- a regime which, it was believed would ment. help Caribbean banana producers. The EU proposal of US$290 per ton was The AIDS Advisory Counsel held its said to be still short of the figure, which first meeting under the chairmanship would help African, Caribbean and Pa- of Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony. cific producers. Caribbean industry of- Addressing the Counsel constituting a ficials said duty of US$349 to US$381 cross section of persons from the public would have better served the struggling and private sectors, Dr. Anthony said sector. the agency had an urgent job to help A volunteer initiative in Vieux-Fort, shape a national policy and a response lead to a ground breaking ceremony for to the human tragedy, the HIV/AIDS a new maternity wing for the St. Jude pandemic. Grenada after Hurricane Ivan Hospital. Dr Larry Iverson, a volunteer The $6 million Vieux-Fort Division- at St. Jude used his overseas network Chinese for signature – mutual invest- In the aftermath of the Hurricane al Police Headquarters was officially of friends from various Rotary Clubs to ment protection and an agreement for Ivan the government of St. Lucia handed over to lawmen in the South. raise money and counterpart funds in St. double taxation. pledged $100,000 to assist in the re- Government officials said it represent- Lucia for the new hospital wing. Prime covery effort in Grenada. An appeal ed efforts to reform the internal systems Minister and Parliamentary Represen- Prime Minister and Chairman of the and infrastructure of the institutions re- National Emergency Management Or- was launched for donations at various tative for Vieux Fort South, Dr Kenny banks as well as foodstuffs, through sponsible for administering justice and Anthony commended the effort. ganisation (NEMO), held a pre-strike enforcing the law of the land. meeting to discuss the activation of the National Emergency Management In October, St. Lucia was informed emergency measures in preparation for Office and the Red Cross St. Lucia’s first representative on that it could proceed with its venue Hurricane Ivan. The system, which was Representatives of radio and televi- the West Indies Cricket Team Dar- planning and event overlay, for the ren Sammy returned home to a heroes hosting of matches for ICC Cricket welcome, following a successful West World Cup 2007. Indies challenge for the ICC Cup in The St. Lucia Bureau of Standards England. The 20-year old said he was officially opened its new headquarters grateful to all who contributed to his at the Bisee Industrial Estate. Minister cricketing career. for Commerce, Tourism, Investment And finally in September, St. Lucia and Consumer Affairs, Honourable bade farewell to former Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre spoke of the importance Winston Cenac Q.C. A prominent local of a standards monitoring agency to the attorney for several decades, Mr. Cenac economic development of the country. served as Attorney General and Minis- St. Lucia received assistance from ter of Legal Affairs in the Labour Party the Canadian Council for Health Ser- administration following the 1979 Gen- vices Accreditation, as the island at- eral Elections. Mr. Cenac, who died at tempted to put a Universal Health Care age 79, also served as Prime Minister programme in place. Chief Medical Of- in the same administration, following ficer, Dr. Stephen King said the UHC the resignation of then Prime Minister, responded to public demands for a Allan Louisy. modern, adequately financed and qual- ity health service for all St. Lucians. October The Government of St. Lucia entered In October, Prime Minister Antho- into an agreement with the St. Lucia ny expressed pleasure that Beaches, Blind Welfare Association to provide Winston Cenac Q.C. a new line of hotel resorts of the San- better eye-care services to the visually dals group would be introduced to the impaired. Friday, December 31, 2004 Saint Lucia 7 Helenites affair laid to rest November the implementation of the CARICOM poration GCC and ICC cricket World t. Lucia bade farewell to two Single Market (CSM) by December, Cup West Indies 2007 Incorporated. St. cultural icons – Calypso Mon- 2005. Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago Lucia was the first Caribbean island to arch Jany Williams and cul- and Jamaica would be the first coun- host a meeting of the world body for S tries to be CSME compliant, while the international cricket, the ICC. tural activists Florita Marquis. Jany Williams, a young integrationist used rest of CARICOM, with the exception Finally in November, the investiga- the arts to advocate for Caribbean of Haiti would work towards a 2006 tion of the circumstances surrounding deadline. Unity as well as raise awareness of a the change of ownership of state prop- number of social ills plaguing young American Airlines returned after a erty and facilitation of a mortgage for people. Jany died as a result of a road 5-year absence. The airlines would be that purpose was concluded. It found accident in the Canaries area. flying to St. Lucia non-stop from it’s that the government knew nothing of hub in Miami. The 26 year old was remembered the transactions. as a tremendous personality, who en- United States Journalist Jeremy Bits deared all to her. announced that St. Lucia had been Investigator, retired judge, Justice Florita Marquis, Chantwelle and awarded the Five Star Diamond Award Albert Matthew wrote “ top officers of Mama La Rose, who embodied the from the American Academy of Hos- the administration who wield tremen- richness of the flower festival was in- pitality Sciences. With this award, St. dous power and influence must realise terred in her hometown of Canaries. Lucia had been elevated to an elite that they are agents of the government Justice Albert Mattews She died at the age of 79 years. grouping of the finest, tourism destina- and must in all matters of policy and described media coverage tions in the world. substance follow the instructions of of the Helenites Building St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Kenny Anthony and his colleague St. Lucia was the venue for a week- their principal.” He also described me- affair as “scurillous heads of Government came to an long meeting of the International Crick- dia coverage of the Helenites Building and cruel” agreement in Trinidad and Tobago for et Council ICC, the Global Cricket Cor- affair as “scurillous and cruel”.

Funeral reception for Jany Williams Funeral reception for Florita Marquis

St. Lucia’s tourism gets new lift: American Airlines is back 8 Saint Lucia Friday, December 31, 2004 Economy maintains growth path December espite the spiralling international market price of oil, which tends Dto weaken non-oil producing economies considerably, the level of eco- nomic activity in St. Lucia has expanded in the fi rst half of this year, building on the growth momentum experienced in the fi rst quarter. Leading the pack was the improvement in the performance of the tourism sector, which was supported by the growth in the banana industry, construction and manu- facturing sectors. A survey designed to help monitor the welfare and social trends for St. Lucia’s urban and rural poor has found that while some feel their economic situation has worsened in the past year, an overwhelming majority are satisfi ed with the basic human and social needs a lack of control by girls and women in fi rst phase of its work in December. host to this year’s National Festival and requirements provided by the Gov- negotiating sex in their relationships. One of the benefi ciary communities, of Light Celebration. The festival was ernment. held under the theme “Illuminating the Piaye had over 76 residential lots sur- The second phase of a disaster miti- Achievements of our Nation.” The Core Welfare Indicators Ques- gation plan for St. Lucia was launched veyed. Some 849 feet of footpaths, tionnaire (CWIQ) Survey was con- in December. The initiative was fund- 400 feet of new roads and 2000 feet of Another airline was welcomed into ducted here by the Government’s Sta- St. Lucia. BMI International made ed through loans from the International drains were being constructed under tistics Department between October its inaugural fl ight on December 13th Bank for Reconstruction and Devel- the supervision of (PROUD) and December of this year. It covered a opment and the International Devel- from the United Kingdom. St. Lucia hosted the arrival of yet national sample survey of 1,306 house- opment Association. The project was another Atlantic Rally for Cruisers holds across the country, over a seven- being administered by the Ministry of (ARC) race. This year marked the 15th THIS WEEK ON NTN week period. Physical Development. year since St. Lucia fi rst hosted the end The CWIQ survey compared fi nd- Also in December, the Ministry of ings today with what existed in 2001, of the race. Physical Development together with Sat. Jan 1st - Fri. Jan. 7th, when the last National Census was car- The AIDS Action Foundation Climate Care Trust Limited of the 2005 ried out by the Statistics Department. United Kingdom initiated a project to (AAF) received 100,000 capsules of World AIDS Day was observed in conserve energy. The Effi cient Light- vitamin supplement for persons suffer- Government’s Year in Review December. It brought concerns of a ing for St. Lucia Project was launched ing with HIV/AIDS. The donation was 2004 Sat. Jan. 1st - 8:00 p.m. continuing increase in HIV/AIDS in- as part of activities to mark Energy made by Destiny Health and Wellness · Festival of Light 2004 - Sat. fection cases. This year’s observance Week. of Canada. The donation was made to Jan. 1st 9:00 p.m. was held under the theme “Women, The Programme for the Regular- mark the launching of the company’s · Festival of Carols 2004 – Sun. Girls, HIV and AIDS”. At the heart of operations here. ization of Unplanned Development Jan. 2nd, 2004 – 9:00 p.m. the theme was a growing recognition of (PROUD) conducted an audit of the The community of Micoud played · STORM WATCH – “Hurri- cane Preparedness for Hospitals – Mon. Jan. 3rd, 9:00 p.m. · Fate of the Forest - Tues. Jan. 4th, 8:30 p.m. · St. Lucia School of Ballet Awards Ceremony 2004 – Wed. Jan. 5th, 8:30 p.m. · KiddiCrew.Com (New Edition) – Thurs. Jan. 6th, 8:00 p.m. · Highlights of Soufriere Mental Health Community Project 2004 – Thurs. Jan. 6th, 9:00 p.m. · Sports in Action with Hon. Mario Michel – Fri. Jan. 7th, 8:00 p.m. · Youth Gospel Concert 2004 Electricity Plant at Cul-de-Sac Part 2 Fri. Jan. 7th, 8: 30 p.m. Remember to tune in for: · GIS News Breaks and Kweyol News daily from 6:30 p.m. · Issues & Answers/Mondays at 8:00pm: · Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm : · Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 8:00pm (Kweyol Discussion): · Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. (Min. of Ed. Prog). Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm (Week in Review) · Wefl echi/Fridays at 6:40pm - (Week in Review—Kweyol)

For the complete programme guide, log on to our website at www.stlucia. gov.lc and then click on the NTN icon. Roseau Dam www.stlucia .gov.lc Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE is published every week 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