Saint Lucia No. 74. Saturday, January 22, 2005

A publication of the Department of Information Services PM’s PRIORITIES FOR 2005:

Unemployment is top priority - page 2 UNEMPLOYMENT

PM visits St. Lucians in - pages 2 & 8 CSME CRIME

Nobel Laureate Week and Independence coming - page 6 CWC 2007 ROADS Communities getting attention - page 6 BANANAS

Full Rehabilitation of East Coat WATER Road coming - page 3

“Take 2 ” - A fifteen 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 Saturday, January 22, 2005 Unemployment tops Gov’t priorities for 2005 he government of the St. Lucia announced the construction of the new is hoping to make a significant Beaches Property on the Pigeon Island dent in the unemployment Causeway. According to Sandals, some T New US$80M Beaches Resort 250 persons will be employed during figures this year. In his New Year’s address delivered on the weekend, construction and on completion some Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny An- 600 persons are expected to be em- thony announced that reducing un- New US$120M Resort/Marina ployed. On January 27, a consortium employment was at the top of seven of local and foreign investors will pro- national priorities for 2005. vide details of their plans to construct The second priority according to Dr. a luxury condominium resort/marina Anthony is to finalize Saint Lucia’s en- New Discovery Bay Hotel at an estimated cost of US$120 million try and participation in the Single Mar- again, near the Pigeon Island Cause- ket and Economy, whilst the third is to way”, the Prime Minister announced. intensify the fight against crime. New Calabash Resort That project, according to the devel- “Priority number four is to meet the opers is expected to provide 500 bed- challenge of hosting the World Cup; rooms in 220 luxury condominiums in Priority number five is to intensify our a resort setting. It is estimated that 500 efforts to repair, and rehabilitate our New Coconut Bay jobs will be created during the construc- road infrastructure. Priority number six tion phase and a further 500 tourism re- is to prepare the Banana Industry for lated jobs after the resort is opened. the inevitable transition to a tariff only trading regime; and Priority number Bay Gardens expansion The Prime Minister also pointed to seven is to improve our water supply the creation of additional jobs as a re- and in particular, ease the plight of the sult of the expansion and construction Dennery communities,” Dr. Anthony Coco Kreole expansion of some hotels among them, Discovery said. at Marigot Bay, Calabash at Marisule, In reducing unemployment the gov- Plantation Beach at Cas-En-Bas, Bay ernment has decided to employ four ness Process Outsourcing, encouraging According to the Prime Minister, Gardens Hotel, Coco Kreole, and the strategies, which include intensifying self-employment through the establish- the Tourism Sector is unquestionably a “Coconut Bay” in Vieux Fort, formerly investment in tourism, encouraging ment of small businesses; and fourthly, great absorber of labour and investment Club Med, which when re-opens in more investment in the Information expanding opportunities in public sec- in this sector, and is exceedingly prom- February, some 300 Saint Lucians are Technology Sector, particularly Busi- tor construction. ising: “The Sandals Chain has already hoping to be employed there. PM wants increased police presence on the streets ith the issue of crime crime, unless the police force rid itself Year, we will continue what has begun, whether by telephone or otherwise. continuing to occupy the of corrupt officers, and a still largely- but we will also take new steps”, the “I also want to see this year, a great- disappointed public was persuaded to Wminds of law abiding citi- Prime Minister told the public. er use of proceeds of Crime Act. There zens, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny trust the police. Stressing that new legislation would are people whose level of wealth is Anthony has challenged the police to “I know that the vast majority of our be introduced in Parliament early this not supported by any legitimate or vis- take back the streets by increasing police officers are trying very hard. year, jointly with other OECS coun- ible employment, and it is hoped that street patrol. The Prime Minister They want us to trust them and believe tries, Dr. Anthony said the legislation made the call in his New Year’s Ad- in them. They need our confidence and the Tax department and the police will dress to the nation. support. But let me make one thing would empower judges of the Supreme send a strong message in 2005, that Dr. Anthony noted that despite all clear. We cannot ever eliminate crime Court to grant authority to the Direc- such persons will not be given the op- that had been done, no significant stride altogether. Crime can only be reduced tor of Public Prosecutions, to inter- portunity to use their ill-gotten wealth”, would be made in the fight against and controlled. That is why this New cept communications of drug dealers, Dr. Anthony said.

Guyana and Venezuela as neighbours, it was heavily populated by St. Lucian migrants, who went mainly in search of PM pays official visit to gold. Many remained, and over several decades, their numbers are said to have multiplied into the tens of thousands. St. Lucians and their descendants can be found at virtually every level in rime Minister Dr Kenny D. Region of French Guiana, Antoine St. Lucian roots go deep in French French Guiana. President of the Region Anthony pays an official visit Karram, with whom he is also sched- Guiana. Located in the north-eastern Antoine Karram’s mother, for example, Pthis weekend to Cayenne to uled to hold talks about strengthening part of with Suriname, hails from Vieux Fort. boost historical ties and deepen ex- ties between Castries and Cayenne. isting relations with the French ter- The Prime Minister will also hold Consul General of St. Lucia ritory where St. Lucians feature in official meetings with the Prefect of to French Antilles Cass Elias every aspect of life. French Guiana, the President of the (left) met President of the The Prime Minister leaves on Satur- Regional Council and the Mayor of Region of Guiana Antoine day for French Guiana, at the head of Cayenne. Karram, whose mother an official delegation that will include hails from Vieux-Fort. Foreign Affairs Minister Petrus Comp- Dr Anthony and his delegation ton and St. Lucia’s Consulate General have also been invited by the Mayor of , site of the internationally- to the French Antilles Cass Elias. renowned Guianese Space Centre, to The visit, which runs from January visit the massive complex from where 23 to 27, will include meetings with St. Lucian nationals and members of major European space satellites are St. Lucian Associations in the French launched. territory, which sits on the shoulder of Among the major highlights of the South America. visit, however, will be the Prime Minis- The Prime Minister, on his first visit ter’s meetings with the St. Lucian com- to Cayenne, will be met at Rochambeau munity in French Guiana and members Airport in Matoury by President of the of the St. Lucian associations there. Saturday, January 22, 2005 Saint Lucia 3 ing its constitution. zation of these training opportunities. The NYC delegation and the Prime Other issues discussed included a PM in Historic Minister also discussed training op- recommendation by the NYC delega- portunities and scholarships for youth tion that Government standardize its activists and those involved in youth subvention to the organization and a work. To this end, the Representatives call for increased collaboration and co- Talks With NYC of the NYC expressed a desire to be of- operation between Government and the ficially considered for training under a NYC. n Friday, January 7, 2005 intention of establishing a Youth Ad- history was made when Dr. programme designed by the CYP and Prime Minister Anthony welcomed vancement Centre, to provide a home facilitated in neighbouring Barbados. Kenny Anthony formally for the NYC and to enable it to expand the opportunity to hold dialogue with O The NYC delegation is of the view the youth leaders and promised to give met with members of the Execu- the range of services it provides to the that the CYP’s training programme, due consideration to the issues raised tive of the National Youth Council nation’s youth. which was specifically designed for by the leadership of the NYC. (NYC), becoming the first Govern- To this end, the NYC is seeking Youth Officers, is currently under- The Prime Minister also promised ment leader to do so. Government’s assistance through a utilized by the Ministry of Youth and to provide as much Government assis- Indeed, members of the NYC Ex- donation of Crown Lands on which to Sports. Consequently, they said, the or- tance to the NYC as possible, to help ecutive told the Prime Minister dur- construct the Centre, or assistance with ganization wishes to see a better utili- advance the youth agenda. ing the meeting that was the first time the acquisition of a suitable property a Prime Minister had held a formal for that purpose. meeting with the island’s main youth The Representatives of the NYC also organization. discussed the organization’s intention The meeting, which took place in to embark upon a process of reviewing the Cabinet Room at the Office of the its constitution. Prime Minister, took place in a very According to the NYC, review of cordial and friendly atmosphere. its constitution has become necessary Several relevant issues were dis- since it is at variance with the Act of cussed, foremost among which was the Incorporation which established the non-implementation to date of the Na- NYC. To this end, the NYC has solicit- tional Youth Policy. ed the assistance of the Commonwealth The NYC representatives expressed Youth Programme (CYP), which will concern that the infrastructure neces- provide a consultant to oversee the sary for the implementation of the Pol- process. icy was not yet in place and proposed The NYC team also discussed with that steps be taken to ensure it is imple- the Prime Minister the possibility of mented. procuring the sum of EC$ 25,000.00 The NYC delegation also informed from the Government for technical as- Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony the Prime Minister of the organization’s sistance towards the process of review-

Minister for Communications, Works, Transport and Public Utili- Castries to Dennery road to ties, Honourable Felix Fenisterre said the stretch of road from Castries to Dennery had been given priority, and that extensive work was expected to be rehabilitated be done to it’s under layers, which contract for have been damaged by an extensive the rehabili- period of rainfall. Atation of the Noting that sections of the East East Coast Road Coast, such as Barre d’Isle, Mabouya has been signed be- Valley and Goodlands down to the tween Government Valley were very bad, Minister and local contrac- Fenisterre said, “What we have done tor, C.O. Williams. is work it out in sections, focusing The agreement, on the worst section from now until signed at the Min- budget”. istry’s offices at The project will also see the con- Union will see a struction of drains, the contract for total rehabilitation which will go to smaller local con- of the road from tractors. Owner of the CO Williams, Castries to Denne- Charles Williams said the company ry, as well as the was committed to delivering the resurfacing of the quality of roads that would meet the remainder of the approval of all road users: “We shall route. perform and we have make all St. The $5.1 mil- Lucians proud of the road works that lion contract signed they have built under our direction, Monday is expected and suffice that we will continue to to be accomplished do so in the future.” through a number Meanwhile, all parties involved of phases. It follows are awaiting the end of persistent remedial works on showers in order for the works to the East Coast Road, start. The Minister has called on the East Coast Road rehabilitation hampered by heavy rains which has been de- public to exercise patience, as well as layed as a result of caution during the five to six month persistent showers. duration of the works. UNDP to assist with poverty reduction he Government of St. Lu- Tuesday’s signing ceremony will Ministry of Social Transformation and to information through education and cia through the Ministry of take place at the Conference Room of allied agencies to enhance data collec- training, information technology, and TSocial Transformation will the Cultural Development Foundation tion and research, allowing for more skills development at the commu- sign an agreement with the United (CDF) at Barnard Hill. The 15-month timely and reliable statistical data for nity level, as a means of supporting project will be funded through a UNDP monitoring national poverty reduction Nations Development Programme income generating activities, while grant of over US$240,000. and social sector development pro- (UNDP) on Tuesday, January 18, fostering greater self-reliance. 2005 to mark the commencement The project will assist the Govern- grammes. of a special project dubbed “Insti- ment in advancing its poverty reduc- It will also provide disadvantaged Selected pilot communities to ben- tutional and Capacity Building for tion programmes, with specific empha- communities and individuals with efit under the project are Belair, Mon Poverty Reduction in St. Lucia.” sis on strengthening the capacity of the tools and facilities to broaden access Repos, La Maze and Faux-a-Chaux. 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, January 22, 2005 Ectel Launches Broadband Study he Eastern Caribbean Tele- ment, the World Bank and ECTEL. communications Authority The Study will be conducted between T(ECTEL) announces the com- January and April 2005 and will: (1) mencement of a Universal Access Examine the current Broadband supply Study in the five Member States of and demand situation; (2) Specify tar- Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and get areas; (3) Survey Market demand Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and for broadband connectivity; (4) Anal- the Grenadines. Universal Service yse technical solutions and (5) Design and Universal Access are fundamen- the tender process. tal principles enshrined in Article 4 Through Universal Access, the Gov- (1) (c) of the ECTEL Treaty. In prin- ernments of the ECTEL Member States ciple universal access means that hope to increase affordability and con- every person in the community has nectivity to the Internet. As a result, a reasonable access to publicly avail- this study will focus attention on en- able telecommunications services hancing Broadband capacity to public such as telephone and Internet. places such as schools, libraries, health The Study is being conducted by and community centres, thereby creat- Mr. Josbert Kester, an International ing a platform for improved access to Broadband Consultant, with develop- higher education, tertiary health care ing countries experience. He has par- and economic opportunities for the ticipated in similar initiatives in Chile, people of the OECS sub-region. Peru and South Africa. Mr. Kester is The results of the Study will assist being assisted by Vincentian Telecom- the ECTEL Board and Council in for- munications Engineer, Mr. Apollo mulating a policy position on Broad- Knights. Funding for the project is band connectivity and accessibility in being provided by the Dutch Govern- the Member States.

cian winners, said every time the fruit is handled, there is an opportunity for Windward’s top banana producer scarring. He said that this was an issue, which for along time now WIBDECO had been attempting to get farmers to visits UK supermarkets understand. “Everytime the fruit is handled, there is he Windward’s top banana reaching the shelves of supermar- is beautiful. But at the end of the day a potential bruise or scarring that could producer for 2002, St. Lucian kets. you’re seeing a fruit that you have just be inflicted on the fruit especially, if the TWilliam Marius has highlight- The four, joined by an official of picked from the tree put in the box, it packaging is not right, if the stacking of ed the importance of proper pack- WIBDECO saw first hand, Windward is still fresh – you cannot see the af- the fruit is not right, if the packing of aging and handling of fruit leaving Islands’ bananas on the shelves of ter effects of the handling. When you the fruit is not righ, “ he pointed out. the islands, bound for the UK. Mr. Waitrose, one of the largest buyers of reach on the other side and you see the The other members of the party in- the Caribbean fruit. Mr. Marius said effects of that fruit then you wonder Marius was part of a party of four, cluded top Windward’s Waitrose Pro- that although he was satisfied to see his whether you doing enough down here ducer for 2004, William Elien, and fea- who recently undertook a tour of fruit being bought by UK consumers, in order to give the market what it is tured personality on a commercial for Waitrose Superfoods and import de- the fruit quality could be better. asking for,” said Mr. Marius. the promotion of Caribbean bananas pots in the United Kingdom (UK), to “When you’re down here you pro- Assistant Product Manager for in the UK, Lincoln Henry. The tour of understand the processes, which Ca- duce a green fruit, and when you look WIBDECO, Andrew Hippolyte, who Waitrose took place in December of ribbean bananas go through before at that fruit in the box you think that accompanied the team of all St. Lu- last year.

Odsan Banana Reception Depot Town Hall Meeting esidents, small traders way, the CDC, Darling Road The purpose of the Town Chaussee Road, Jn Baptisite Rand roadside vendors of and the Calvary were invited Hall meeting was to discuss Street, Bridge Street, and Lower La Pansee, Chaussee to a Town Hall Meeting at the plans for improved roads and George V Park. Rd, Lower Georgeville, New Castries Town Hall on Thurs- the better flow of water from All residents and concerned Village, Barnard’s Hill, Con- day, January 20 from 5:00 p.m. heavy rains in the areas of citizens were urged to attend this meeting.

Saturday, January 22, 2005 Saint Lucia 5 Fishermen warned to carry safety gear at sea

he Department of Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture, TForestry and Fisheries has made a strong appeal to boat own- ers, fishers and the fishermen’s coop- erative to ensure that all fishing ves- sels are equipped with the necessary safety gear, especially as the peak deep sea fishing season approaches. Stressing the necessity for safety gear at sea, Chief Fishers Officer, Vaughn Charles said the essential gear would greatly assist fishers in the event of a mishap out at sea: “Very often the department of fishers has been blamed for not providing fishermen with the necessary safety equipment. We want to call on all boat owners and fisher- men and tell them that the responsibil- ity to provide safety equipment rests solely with them. And we are asking those boat owners especially, to take their responsibilities seriously and pro- vide the necessary equipment, as is re- quired under the Fisheries Act. Mr. Charles said an inspection rou- tine carried out recently found some fishing vessels without safety equip- ment, resulting in the guilty persons being charged for the offence. Last year the Department of Fisher- ies had to respond to a number of even- Fishing boats berthed at Castries Fisheries Complex tualities at sea which it would not like repeated.

CDF, C&W Focus on Dunstan St Omer t’s been a great month so far Mr. St Omer, St Lucia’s foremost for St Lucia’s finest living art- visual artist and the designer of the na- Iist. Last week, Hon. Dunstan St tional flag, is pictured on the cover of Omer was presented as the featured the Directory with ‘Passion,’ a painting artist in the National Visual Arts Ex- dedicated to his daughter, Digna. The hibition, organised by the Cultural painting is part of his ‘Madonna’ se- Development Foundation, CDF. He ries, several examples of which are on was also immortalized as the latest show at the CDF exhibit. artistic luminary to grace the cover of Cable & Wireless’ Services Direc- Described by Fred Walcott, Cable & tory, all this within 24 hours. Wireless’ Chief Executive, as “a living example of what it means to be a true The two agencies, CDF and Cable home-grown genius,” Mr. St Omer has & Wireless collaborated to give St Lu- cians the opportunity to meet the 77- inspired generations of young St Lu- year-old master. Mr. St Omer was pres- cian artists. He was a part of Cable & ent from 6:30 Wednesday evening, 19 Wireless’ Schools Christmas Greet- January, at the National Cultural Cen- ing Card Schools’ Competition, and is tre, to sign copies of the 2004 / 05 Ser- championing the revival of the Inde- Duston St. Omer vices Directory. pendence Arts Exhibition. Basic Needs Trust fund begins the implemen- tation stage of its Fifth Programme he Basic Needs Trust Fund, but also the patrons of the popular and students with a safe learning and Trade Skills Development, Boys the Flagship Poverty Re- Anse La Raye Fish Friday Festival. teaching environment. This sub project Training Centre and Reconstruc- Tduction Programme for the This is the first step in the reduction is scheduled to commence late January tion of the Trade Workshop Caribbean Development Bank, has of poverty through socio-economic 2005. Fencing of the Special Educa- begun the physical implementa- initiatives and community empow- Other projects which have been ap- tion and Pre School Facility, New tion stage of its Fifth Programme. erment. The renovation of the toilet proved by the Caribbean Development Dock Road, Vieux Fort. The first contract issued is for the and bath facility will begin in Janu- Bank (CDB) and will be implemented The total cost is some $2.1 mil- in the year 2005 are: Renovation of the Toilet and Bath ary 2005 at near cost of $65,000.00. lion EC. Some $5.5 million EC worth facility on Front Street, Anse La Bisee/North Rock Water Supply of subprojects is currently being ap- On Friday January 14th 2005, a Improvement Raye. The contract was awarded praised by the Caribbean Develop- second project was signed which will En Bas Morne/Balata Water Line ment Bank. to Mr. Nathaniel Frederick and benefit the South. The contract for Installation. was signed at the Basic Needs the Fencing of the Vieux Fort Special JnBaptiste Hill Inner Relief Road These are just the initial projects Trust Fund (BNTF) Office on Education and Pre School Compound Upgrade. of the programme. The programme is Wednesday, December 29th 2004. on New Dock Road was awarded to Field Land and Indian Lane Road set to conclude in 2010. A projected The renovation will not only ben- Larry Cadette, a resident of the area. Construction, Coolie Town, Cas- amount of $14.4 million EC has been efit the residents of Anse La Raye, This sub project will provide teachers tries. set for the benefit of St. Lucia. 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, January 22, 2005 Independence Anniversary starts with Nobel Laureate Week aint Lucia’s 26th Anniversary “There is also the Derek Walcott Lec- of Independence will be ob- ture on Wednesday the 26th of Janu- Sserved on February 22nd un- ary. The Grand Finale is scheduled der the theme, “Working Together for Saturday 29th January in a drama With Pride to Build Our Nation”. production, “Open Balconies” by Miss Florita Nicholas to be held at the Na- Independence celebration begins tional Cultural Centre at 7:00 p.m. We with activities to mark Nobel Laure- will also be staging the National Sports ate Week from January 23 - 29, hosted Awards, on February 19th followed by by the Office of the Governor-General. the annual Concert of Praise and Inspi- Nobel Laureate Week puts the spotlight ration on Sunday 20th February, at the on the achievement of Nobel laureates, National Cultural Centre commencing Sir Arthur Lewis and Honourable Der- at 5:00 p.m. The National Ecumenical ek Walcott. Service will take place on Friday 18th Activities throughout that week will February, at a time to be confirmed.” focus on the theme, “Creativity: The Other activities include the St. Lucia Path to Excellence” and will include Athletics Association’s Independence Nobel Laureate Committee at work, headed by Governor-General, lectures, and an evening of poetry and Track and Field Meet, the customary Dame Pearlette Louisy (R). From left - Lyndel Archibald, Petronilla music with the Writers Association, Independence Day Parade, the Prime among others. Deterville, Carolyn Simmons, George Jude (taking picture), Angela Minister’s Cocktail Reception, Order Clarke on the Governor-General’s right. Other members are Acting Chairperson of the Stand- of Saint Lucia Investiture Ceremony, Margo Thomas, Jacques Compton, Yves Renard, Ann Jn. Baptiste and ing National Independence Anniver- and a number of other activities island Fortuna Anthony Husbands. sary Committee, Glenda Polius said, wide. UNDP recognises HCU to reengineer and retool Government’s he Hospitality Credit Union Moreover, Mr. Alcee said that as a (HCU) has taken the lead step financial institution, the credit union to incorporate re-engineering wanted to strengthen its capacity to commitment to Tand re-tooling, as key ingredients in better serve its membership. re-shaping the credit union’s corpo- Meanwhile, the Managing Director rate plans for the next three years. of Mahindra Satram- Maharaj and As- Last week, the decision makers of sociates, who administered the Diag- reducing poverty the credit union met with Trinidadian nostic Plan, said it was an opportune consultant, Mahindra Satram-Maharaj time for the Hospitality Credit Union to he signing of a Memoran- Minister for Social Transformation, to undertake an Organizational Diag- undertake this restructuring process. He further recommended that other corpo- dum of Understanding in- Honourable Menissa Rambally said nosis of the Hospitality Credit Union. rate entities conduct similar exercises. volving the Government of her Ministry was cognizant that re- Treasurer of the Credit Union Mr. T Elvis Alcee, said the executive body “CSME and FTAA recognising what Saint Lucia, the United Nations search and continuous assessment must wanted to revamp the organization is taking place in the European Union, characterize these projects: “Today we Development Programme and the to become CSME ready” “I think we we’ve got to get our act together. Poverty Reduction Fund has been are getting the assistance of the UNDP have operated in the past in an adhoc There’s no two ways about it. All in- viewed as further commitment on to be able to target specifically, these manner, this time we are establishing stitutions, all financial institutions need vulnerable groups that we have discov- to look at corporate re-tooling and cor- the part of Government, to work in a structured organization so when we porate re-engineering. We have to start tandem with the UN’s Millennium ered within our communities, to allow move we can find ourselves prepared now; in fact we should have started for the CSME, and the organization Project to combat global poverty. us to further reduce that percentage of yesterday from a national perspective, our population that live below a certain has to be cognisant of that. Globali- because CSME and FTAA mean that Speaking at Tuesday’s (January line that we want to call an acceptable sation is at our doors, we cannot run we are competing with the world,” said away from it.” 18th) signing ceremony, UNDP Rep- way of living,” Mr. Satram-Maharaj. resentative Rebecca Arias said the United Nations was confident that the Government would play its role Anse La Raye in promoting social values to help Basic Needs reduce poverty at the community level. “We look forward to working Trust Fund with all partners in the implementa- tion of this initiative and in making this project the key initiative, around which we can promote social devel- helping opment, poverty reduction, and the achievement of the Millennium De- velopment goals. And I am sure that communities with the commitment of the govern- ment of Saint Lucia and in particu- Vieux-Fort Coolie Town lar, the commitment of the Ministry of Social Transformation and its dynamic Minister, I am sure that we will achieve this goal,” the UNDP Representative said. Four communities have been identified to benefit from the institu- tional and capacity building project for poverty reduction in Saint Lucia. They are now being assessed prior to the implementation of a series of literacy and information technology and Communication workshops. Saturday, January 22, 2005 Saint Lucia 7 been invited to participate. This cross sectors representation of OECS holds workshop for small commerce in the OECS, will provide the participants with an opportunity to explore the contributing and constrain- and medium sized businesses ing factors in their development: (1) To bring winning companies and strategic xport Development Unit Technology, Financing, and Training (CSME) era. partners under the same roof; (2) To (OECS/EDU) through its in a number of areas. The Enterprises felt that there was USAID sponsored Small and The proposal for convening this urgent need to convene a forum at the have success stories told by the benefi- E ciaries themselves; (3) To have enter- Medium Enterprise Development workshop came from a recently held earliest opportunity to communicate Programme (SMED) is hosting a two-day seminar (14 & 14 Dec 2004, the findings and key considerations to prises discuss their perceived priorities two-day workshop at the Bay Gar- in Dominica) at which model compa- national focal points and strategic part- with government officials and others dens Hotel, St. Lucia on Monday 24, nies from the OECS who had benefited ners who provide several components making representation on their behalf and January 25 2005. from the SMED Programme were pres- of support towards the region’s busi- and (4) To set the discussion tone to make things happen for entrepreneurs. The USAID SMED Programme was ent. ness development. designed to provide assistance to ad- During the two-day period in Domi- This Workshop entitled “Exploring A Proceedings Document containing dress constraints faced by Small and nica, there were discussions between Opportunities to Develop Strategic Al- information relating to observations, Medium Sized Enterprises (SME’s) in the company representatives and the liance and Financial Options for the concerns, recommendations and plans the Eastern Caribbean. Several OECS full complement of SMED staff on the Advancement of Competitiveness in for the advancement of entrepreneurs companies have benefited from ser- areas of benefits during the execution the OECS.” will bring together stra- in the region will prepared for presen- vices imparted by the programme in of the Program, and areas for which tegic partners from across the region. tation to all parties. Strategic Planning, Upgrading Enter- greater consideration could have been Ministry of Trade Officials, Chambers The workshop will present a major prise Capability, Productivity Tools, given, and suggestions for the future of Commerce, Development Founda- opportunity to concretize alliances, de- Development of Business Procedures, of Business Development in the Ca- tions Financial Institutions, OECS, velopment of clusters and explore col- Marketing, Computer and Information ribbean Single Market and Economy USAID and IICA among others have laborative opportunities. OECS promoting onshore services to yachters

he Secretariat of the Organi- said there had been much sharing of is no need to re-invent the wheel. OECS “In most of the islands, there are zation of Eastern Caribbean experiences and expertise with the member states are now looking at ways significant facilities on shore, because TStates has been holding a se- islands, such as the British Virgin Is- to improve facilities onshore and ben- they realise the economic potential. It’s ries of meetings with the yachting lands, where the yachting sector is do- efit from a number of the activities re- just that they are not exploited fully community of the OECS islands. ing very well. lated to the yachting industry.” and they have to be further developed The meetings are being held to ex- Mr. Morgan said over the years there in order to ensure that the islands reap amine areas where Onshore Services “The British Virgin Islands have had been an increasing demand for maximum benefits.” to Yachters can be developed and made a major success of the yachting support services by yachtsmen. This strengthened. sector and they have been very happy he added was another aspect of the in- Tortola, the largest island of the Brit- Communications Officer for the to share the experience of the success dustry that the OECS would like to see ish Virgin Islands, is a popular location OECS Secretariat, Kendol Morgan with the rest of the Caribbean. So there grow by leaps and bounds. for Caribbean yachting.

Rodney Bay Marina Workshop to assist in developing healthy eating habits two-day inter-sectoral meet- lines Project is funded by the Food of another country, because one of the of some of those foods: “And what ing comprising health offi- and Agricultural Organization (FAO) difficulty we might have is that it may we are seeing, because more food Acials and practitioners, to- and the Government of St. Lucia, with not fit our habits/lifestyle, so that is is available, people are getting fat- gether with representatives of the technical assistance from the Caribbean why we did food consumption survey ter and fatter, and as people get fat- public and private sectors and the Food and Nutrition Institute. The proj- among the population, and we went ter and fatter, we have more chronic, youth is now underway at the Bay ect, which will be launched on World from adolescent to adults to understand non-communicable diseases like dia- Gardens hotel. The meeting, which Food Day on October 16th, 2005 will how they eat, what they like, what they betes, hypertension, heart disease. So is being co-ordinated by the Minis- be implemented in Dominica, Grenada, would like to see , how they got their try of Health and Human Services St. Vincent and St. Lucia. information, and so we are going to we have to halt it now”. is to develop a food- based Dietary However, Chief Nutritionist in the come up with recommendations”. Mrs. Severin said the Co-ordina- Guidelines Project, as a means of Ministry of Health, Merlyn Severin According to Mrs. Severin, the tors are confident that the project will assisting persons in developing said the guidelines to be adopted must project was driven by the increasing achieve its goal. A follow-up to the healthy eating habits. be inexpensive, and culturally accept- availability of foods on the market for St. Lucia meeting will take place in The food- based Dietary Guide- able: “We cannot just import guidelines consumption, and the indiscreet use St. Vincent. 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, January 22, 2005 in 1999, when he paid a similar official The population of Guiana reflects a visit to neighbouring Martinique. multi-cultural mosaic of descendants PM’s Cayenne visit: As a result of an agreement with Par- of diverse people and customs. is negotiated through the French Em- The country boasts a strong represen- bassy to the OECS, which is based in tation of at the administrative Reaching out to Castries, the Administrative Councils level, with French and other European in Martinique have been granted a cer- nationals dominating the commercial tain level of “devolution” that allows heights of the territory’s economy. St. Lucians in the for bilateral agreements with Govern- But there is also a significant his- ment entities in St. Lucia. torical presence of other persons from In 2000, St. Lucia opened its Consul- countries as far apart as former French French Antilles ate General in Martinique to promote colonies in Africa, Vietnam, China, In- relations between the two neighbour- donesia, the Arab States, Guyana, Haiti and St. Lucia. rime Minister Dr Kenny D. An- of Martinique, Guadeloupe and French ing islands. In the case of Cayenne, thony’s official visit to French Guiana. however, distance and the absence of The Guiana Chamber of Commerce Guiana, where thousands of Mr. Elias is himself a fitting example structures has been a significant fac- four years ago expressed interest in do- P tor impeding closer relations over the ing business, if the authorities in Cas- St. Lucian and their dependants re- of St. Lucia’s close and direct relations side, will be the first by a St. Lucian with distant Cayenne. Born in St. Lu- years. tries and Paris would make travel time Prime Minister in the country’s 25 and costs shorter and cheaper. But both years of Independence. wishes have proved elusive over the years. The visit, which begins January 23 However, contact between St. Lu- and ends January 27, also represents cia and French Guiana continues at a a continuation of the current St. Lucia people-to-people level. Relatives and Government’s outreach to the French friends travel to and forth, utilizing air Antilles, with which St. Lucia has rich links via Martinique. historical ties spanning two centuries. An increasing number of persons St. Lucians and their dependants in now come every year for the annual St. the French-administered territory have Lucia Jazz Festival, which is covered over the years been clamouring for by teams from radio and TV stations in closer ties with the land of their birth. Cayenne. Many still have historically unresolved The last official contact at Govern- immigration problems, while others mental level was a visit by a delegation are interested in a better understanding led by the late Foreign Affairs Minister of St. Lucian citizenship and national- George Odlum, in the year 2000. ity issues. A major issue for all, however, has been the appointment of a diplomatic THIS WEEK ON NTN or consular representative of St. Lucia to attend to such issues. St. Lucians in Cayenne turned out in large numbers to get news Sat. Jan. 22nd - Fri. Jan. 28th, The desire for official representation from their homeland 2005 was largely achieved on St. Lucia’s cia, his father has lived in Cayenne for St. Lucians in Cayenne have kept The CSME and Its Impact on the Lo- part in January 2004, when Prime Min- more than 40 years. The former St. Lu- their culture alive and embedded it into cal Music Industry – Sat. Jan. 22nd ister Anthony announced the appoint- cian Cabinet Minister also has three the folk culture of French Guiana, a 9:00 p.m. ment of former Agriculture Minister brothers and a sister who were born in vast territory several times the size of · NOBEL LAUREATE DAY - ALL Cass Elias to his current position as French Guiana. France. But this is also a vastly under- DAY PROGRAMMING - Sun. Jan. Consulate General with responsibility Prime Minister Anthony’s first ma- populated territory that is rich in min- 23rd from 6:15 p.m. for relations with the French Antilles jor outreach to the French Antilles was erals and forests. · SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Live In-Studio Panel Discussion: “The CARICOM Single Market & Economy – Echoes of Sir Arthur” Mon. Jan. 24th, 8:00 p.m. · Triumph of A St. Lucian Spirit: A feature on Hon. Derek Walcott - Mon. Jan. 24th, 9:00 p.m. · Special Presentation: Sir Dwight Venner Speaks on the Performance of the ECCU and Prospects for 2005 - Tues. Jan. 25th, 8:00 p.m. · The Ministry of Social Transforma- tion presents “Miss Tiny Tots 2004” – Wed. Jan. 26th, 9:00 p.m. · The Role of the Arts in the Com- munity – Thurs. Jan. 27th, 7:30 p.m. Vive La Woz! The late Foreign Affairs Minister, George Odlum (at right) – Part 1 danced to the songs of St. Lucia during the 1999 visit · The Role of the Arts in the Com- munity – Fri. Jan. 28th, 7:30 p.m. – Part 2 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) · Weflechi/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. Representatives of the St. Lucian Association in Cayenne sport their national colours during the 1999 visit by the Government delegation 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