SaturdaySaint November 8thLucia 2003 NATIONWIDE 1

NATIONWIDE No.30. Saturday November 8th 2003 A publication of the Department of Information Services EDITORIAL OUR LEADERS SHINE WELL-DESERVED KUDOS 2003. This figure paled in comparison to The focus of the nation was so much Caribbean Prime Ministers present their platform the hundreds which has trained from on George Odlum’s passing early last to the US president. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. St. Lucia, Guyana and Grenada. George month, that the news of a very significant Bush agreed with the leaders that Cuba Anthony leads on the econony, security and Haiti. accolade for local industry could have has made significant strides in the areas easily escaped the attention of many Far away from the capital cities in the Flanked by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny of health and education, but he was St Lucians. Caribbean, government leaders from D. Anthony of St. Lucia and Prime Minister concerned about the existence of a the Bahamas, Grenada, Guyana and Perry Christie of the Bahamas, George W. communist regime in the “neighbourhood”. In a competition saluting the successes St. Lucia were in New York having Bush spoke excitedly about his discomfort of the ‘crème de la crème’ in regional breakfast with the president of the with the regime of and the wish For Guyana the issues on the table related business, Laurie Barnard, the chairman United States of America, George W. of his government to ensure democracy in to the economic survival of the region. of St Lucia Distillers Ltd., copped the Bush. Cuba. President Jagdeo said the region needed prestigious Ernst & Young 2003 to secure financing from international Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year It could have been tea and cake, or Led by the most recent convert, Prime institutions at concessionary rates. “We (EOY) award. even a drink, for the more substantial Minister Perry Christie of the Bahamas, don’t want a free ride” he said, “but listen part of the encounter was the the Caribbean leaders responded arguing to our pleas.” He goes on represent the Caribbean at interchange, the discussions and the that the relationship with Cuba was based the Ernst & Young World EOY awards unflinching position of the Caribbean on humanitarian and economic grounds. It Prime Minister of St. Lucia Hon. Dr. Kenny scheduled for Monte Carlo next May. leaders on their relations with Cuba.It was pragmatic to continue to work with D. Anthony was concerned about two Previous Caribbean EOY winners who was late September 2003, and the Cuba, Christie noted, adding that over 100 critical issues in the neighbourhood. The have had that honour include St leaders were in New York for the Bahamians were in studying in Cuba in General Assembly. cont’d on page 3 Vincent’s O.A. “Ken” Boyea, and Barbados’ Ralph ‘Bizzy” Williams who did the region proud by winning a category of the global awards.

Mr. Barnard’s win is a much-deserved accolade for his visionary leadership of St Lucia Distillers Ltd. From its factory nestled among the banana fields of the Roseau valley, St Lucia Distillers has been innovating, adding exciting new products to its line, conquering export markets near and far, and earning much- needed foreign exchange for St Lucia.

Sales of the company’s 27 different brands of rum, liqueurs, creams and punches currently total US$11 million a year. Not surprisingly, the company’s performance contributed significantly to the impressive growth achieved by local manufacturing last year in support of Government’s economic diversification drive.

St Lucia Distillers truly represents what the spirit of St Lucian enterprise ought to be in this challenging period of globalization. What indeed is ironic is that out of the bosom of the banana industry, whose see-sawing fortunes during the past decade have had a dampening effect on St Lucia’s economy should come this bright spark of hope for the future.

The inspiring message of Mr. Barnard’s achievement to the private sector in particular, and the nation as a whole, is Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony is welcomed by the US Secretary of State Colin Powell, to the that we must reach for the stars breakfast meeting. Looking on are US President George W. Bush and President Baraht Jagdeo of Guyana. because the stars are within our reach. Government Notebook “Take 2 ” - A fifteen minute news review of the week. A fresh news package daily Every Friday at 6.15 p.m. on NTN, Cablevision Channel 2. on all local radio stations 2 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday November 8th 2003 FRANKFRANK DIALOGUEDIALOGUE ININ NEWNEW YORKYORK HON. PHILIP J. PIERRE SPEAKS TO ST LUCIANS The audience wanted to know what ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES Government is doing to combat crime. A lot, Pierre stressed. He made clear; Saint Lucians living in the figure for the whole of 2000 which however, that because the problem was United States maintain a keen interest Governments considers a benchmark year. complex with many contributing factors, in what is happening back home. This including the repatriation of Saint Lucian- was very much evident when a There was a one drawback, however. born convicts from the United States, there government delegation led by Minister Tourism earnings are down because was no easy solution. Further, he pointed for Commerce, Tourism, Investment visitors are not spending like before. This out, crime has become a global problem. and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Philip J. is particularly so in the case of US visitors, Pierre, met with a cross-section of the who account for most visitors to the island, Government has taken a multi-faceted St Lucian community in New York in and whose spending seems to be approach to the crime problem, beginning late September. influenced by the recession at home. with improving the working environment for policemen and equipping them with more Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. “The tourism industry is one of the most manpower, equipment and the necessary Anthony, was originally scheduled to viable industries that Saint Lucia has,” skills through training to be more effective speak at this event. But he fell ill days Pierre pointed out. “We have a competitive in discharging their duties. Sen. Julian R. Hunte after addressing the United Nations advantage as far as tourism is concerned.” spoke on local issues and his role at the General Assembly and taking part in a United Nations “Efforts are being made but it is not easy,” breakfast meeting with US President Pierre said. “And anybody who tells you George W. Bush, and had to be they have a solution will not be speaking hospitalized. As a result, Pierre the truth.” deputized for him. Pierre was asked by a female member of “I know you have a lot of questions to ask the audience why the Government had me and I really want you to ask me the legislated abortion without debate. First, questions,” Pierre told the audience. “We he had to point out that that information have to be frank with each other.” In so was incorrect because no such law has doing, the minister set the stage for an been passed. open, lively discussion on issues ranging from the economy, crime, to the abortion He explained Government was revising the debate. Criminal Code to bring it up to date and there was provision for legal abortions in cases of rape, incest or severe medical problems that pose a threat to the life of the pregnant mother.

St. Lucia’s Ambassador to the United Nations H.E Anthony Severin speaks to St. Pierre explained further that the existing Lucian residents in New York. Criminal Code allows a doctor to perform Driven largely by the contribution of three Since 1997, between 150 and 200 new an abortion in cases where he or she leading exporters – Saint Lucia Distillers, police officers have been added to the Royal deems that there is a serious threat to the Baron Foods, and Windward and Leeward Saint Lucia Police Force. New police life of the pregnant mother. Brewery, manufacturing has had a five per stations have been constructed while others cent increase in output. As a result, Pierre have undergone extensive renovations. “Any woman who is raped or who is abused said, more manufacturing jobs are opening Further, Police have more vehicles at their by her father or stepfather should not have up for Saint Lucians. disposal today than ever before. And an to go to a back alley (to get an abortion). initiative is on to build an effective crime- They should be able to have a legal and a He also made reference to the fact that a fighting partnership between the public and medical abortion and that is all the growing number of Saint Lucians are going police, with the introduction of community Government is saying,” he said. into business, as a result of incentives and policing. other forms of support available from The Rochamel issue involving the former Hon. Phillip J. Pierre Government. Beefing up the Magistracy Hyatt hotel on the Pigeon Island causeway addressing St. Lucians in New York also came up. Pierre took the opportunity Beginning with an overview of the recent New General Hospital In addition, Government has built the new to spell out the facts to clear up performance of the economy, Pierre noted Bordelais Correctional Facility and has misinformation which has surrounded the that Saint Lucia, like the rest of the Despite having to operate with less than employed additional magistrates and issue. Caribbean, was experiencing “trying half of the foreign exchange which banana increased their pay, all with the aim of economic times” as a result of the impact exports previously injected into the reducing a backlog of cases in the judicial He pointed out that the use of a government of globalization and recession in the economy, Government is doing a lot, Pierre system. The backlog amounted to 10,000 guarantee – which is at the centre of the leading industrialized countries, especially said. He pointed to extensive road works cases when the present Labour issue – was not unusual in cases where it the United States. underway throughout the island, plans for Government took office in 1997. the construction of a new general hospital, cont’d on page 2 Despite having to grapple with these and the construction of four secondary unprecedented challenges, Saint Lucia schools since 1997 with two more to follow was holding its head above water and was shortly the only member country of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States “In terms of education, our goal is to (OECS) which managed to post real achieve universal secondary education,” economic growth last year, Pierre said. Pierre said. “What that means is that every child who wants a place in a secondary Encouraging growth in tourism and school will be able to get a place. This manufacturing are among present bright year at the Common Entrance Exam, we spots in the island’s economic accepted the highest number of students performance. Tourist arrivals up to August every accepted in secondary schools in Saint Lucia.” climbed to a new record, surpassing the A section of the gathering at the meeting of St. Lucian residents from New York. Saturday November 8th 2003 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 3 OUR LEADERS SHINE from page 1 first was the survival of the economies of the small states which depend on banana exports for a large chunk of export earnings. The disappearance of preferential treatment for the region’s bananas on the European market, and the competition from the Latin American region, has negatively affected the social and financial contribution to the economies of the Caribbean.

The economy

The economy of Dominica, according to Dr. Anthony, was in bad shape, and he was worried about this “contagion” spreading across the region. The direct request was for a USAID mission to visit the region to look at economic issues. Bush nodded, and also Secretary of State Colin Powell who was part of the seven member US delegation at the breakfast.

The second message from Dr. Anthony was for additional support for the efforts of CARICOM to resolve the political crisis in Haiti. As CARICOM’s lead prime minister on governance, Dr. Anthony explained Haiti’s slow march into the regional body Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell (Grenada; President Baraht Jagdeo (Guyana); Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony (St. Lucia); against the backdrop of a seemingly Prime Minister Perry Christie (Bahamas) - the four leaders who met US president George W Bush in New York in September 2003. unending political crisis. the discussions with his (sound) bites on US troops stormed into Grenada following compared to the rest of the world, Cuba. One solution he recommended was the slaying of Prime Minister Maurice conceding that Cuba is “not 100% awful”. Security of the Region to block remittances to the country as a Bishop. If Cuba is free then economic development means of hurting the regime. No way! was for all the people will follow. This situation, The third message from Dr. Anthony was the response from the Caribbean leaders But George W Bush welcomed a proposal for Prime Minister Christie, was a paradox. the issue of security in the region, and the US officials. by Dr. Mitchell to support the establishment The region would welcome any moves to threatened by the expanding drug trade. of a regional Centre for Excellence in broaden democracy in Cuba; the opening The anxiety was shared by Roger Noriega, The discussions headed towards a Technology. Retooling and retraining the up of the market is likely to cripple the Assistant Secretary for Latin America and proposed visit of the US president to the workforce, Dr. Mitchell noted, was seen as tourist industry in the region. the Caribbean. region, where the President Bush “will a priority for the large body of Caribbean share the same platform” on one of the workers displaced by the changes in trade When the breakfast was over, seventy The US already has a history of support islands to discuss the issues of common brought about by globalisation. minutes later, the US president said he for regional security initiatives, with concern in the “neighbourhood” – illicit would consider sending a team to the substantial investment in the Regional trade, illegal migration, (refugee cases have In summary the breakfast talks was about region to explore all the issues put on the Security System (RSS). But in all the talk come up recently), the diversification of the democracy, economic development and table. For their part the Caribbean leaders about security and some concern over the economies and Haiti. While Powell took security in the “neighbourhood”. President would welcome this but were resolute on spread of terrorism, there was no mention notes, Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Bush acknowledged that the the importance of their relationship with the of Iraq or the US wars in the Middle East Mitchell quickly attempted to pitch for US “neighbourhood” was in good shape Cuban government and its people. and Afghanistan. representation at the twentieth anniversary of the UN-led invasion, which ended the DIALOGUE IN NEW YORK The breakfast chatter never ceased and rule of the revolutionary regime in Grenada. from page 2 President Bush did not fail to punctuate provides support for investments that bring “That hotel pays over $1 million a month significant benefits to the economy. in wages, it pays $250,000 a month in terms of hotel occupancy tax, it pays “Yesterday we met some investors and $100,000 in terms of utilities, it buys $1 they said to us they had just built a 35 million worth of produce from farmers storey building with a guarantee from the and fishermen, and it causes work of over City of New York,” he noted. “If you want $500,000 for taxi drivers. So it is not to have a seed development, if you want money in a hole.” something that hasn’t been developed before, you need to have some sort of “I can hear you loud and clear and I like government involvement.” that,” replied a female member of the audience who raised the question. Were it not for the 9/11 terrorist attacks which badly hurt global St Lucian tourism Saint Lucia’s newly appointed and contributed to the folding of Hyatt’s Ambassador to the United Nations, His Saint Lucia operations because of financial Excellency Anthony Severin, chaired the problems, the use of the government’s evening’s proceedings. Also present was guarantee would not have been necessary, Minister for External Affairs, Senator he explained. Hon. Julian R. Hunte, who is presiding over the 58th Regular Session of the “When you are talking about $12.5 million United Nations General Assembly. He in a hole, let me tell you the benefits that was lauded by the audience for this hotel has brought to Saint Lucia,” Pierre achievement. Caribbean leaders share an informal mement with the US president. told the audience. 4 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday November 8th 2003 MORE SUPPORT FOR HERITA Signing of a Memorandum of Understandin between the Government of Saint Lucia and th EUROPEAN UNION FUNDS EU for the $1.4 million in project financing, too place on Friday, October 10, 2003.

TO BUILD CAPACITY FOR INDUSTRY “It is a new and unique sector and the potentia is tremendous,” says Heritage Tourism Saint Lucia’s internationally- Programme Chairman, Leo Clarke. “We hav acclaimed Heritage Tourism already had some successes and we loo Programme, a five-year-old, forward to further successes as we mov community-based, government forward….” initiative to improve the distribution of tourism benefits among the Benefits to People. population, is entering a new developmental phase. Clarke and members of the board volunteer the time in support of the development of heritag With heritage tourism now firmly tourism. Among other things, they hav established as an integral part of the established criteria defining the characteristic Saint Lucian tourism product, attention of a genuine heritage tourism product. is shifting over the next two years to addressing several critical issues By bringing benefits to ordinary people throug identified as necessary for their involvement in various enterprises, Ministe strengthening this aspect of tourism, for Tourism, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, says heritag and promoting its sustainability. tourism serves to promote popular acceptanc of tourism which is necessary for the industry’ Under an EC$2.4 million Heritage Tourism success. and Community Development project launched last month, the emphasis will be on the development of policy, legislation Tourism Minister, Hon. Philip J. Pierre Head of OPSR, Adrian Augier and regulatory measures to enhance the sustainability project, and the Heritage Similar ventures, albeit on a smaller scale, quality of heritage tourism. Small and Tourism Programme is pitching in with have also sprung up in Dennery and Vieux medium sized businesses in the industry $290,000. Fort. also stand to benefit from technical assistance and financial support. “All business persons and companies Through heritage tourism, a number of involved in the nature heritage tourism agricultural plantations have found a new EC$1.4 million sector are eligible to participate in and to revenue stream by allowing visitors to benefit from the funds being made available, experience their rich history. For example, The two-year project, backed by the whether they are members of the Saint Fond Doux Estate in Soufriere where the European Union, Government and the Lucia Heritage Tourism Programme or not,” Battle of Rabot was fought in 1795 between Organization of Eastern Caribbean States says head of OPSR, Adrian Augier. the French and the British. The plantation (OECS), also provides support for capacity grows cocoa for sale to US-based building initiatives, management and Community Initiatives international chocolate maker, Hershey. marketing of heritage tourism sites and attractions, and training of Since its launch in 1998, heritage tourism Other heritage tourism attractions include businesspersons in management, product has breathed new life into many parts of the Fond Latisab Creole Park, the Piton development, standards, quality control, rural Saint Lucia that previously were Flore Trail, the Folk Research Centre, the and marketing. disconnected from tourism. Anse-la-Raye, Toraille Waterfall and Gardens, the Eastern for example, has been able to reap Nature Trail, LaTille Falls, and Fond D’Or The EU, through the Office of Private Sector considerable benefits through the highly Heritage Park. Relations (OPSR), is contributing EC$1.4 successful Seafood Friday initiative. Some million of the total financing. Government villagers, who previously were unemployed, Strategic Planning is contributing $557,000, $160,000 is are earning a steady income as a result of coming through an OECS environmental this venture. “$1.4 million is just a start,” says Wilfred Pierre, National Authorizing Officer for the EU aid programme in Saint Lucia. “There Heritage Tourism location are additional resources that we can make available to nature tourism because in the “Regardless of how the Director of Tourism strategic plan of the European Union, this speaks about tourism and promotes it in th is an area that they have asked us to focus US, England and wherever he can, unless th on…” people of the country see a benefit from it, th product will not be good and the marketin The Heritage Tourism Programme was efforts would have been wasted,” he notes. launched in 1988 with a grant of EC$5.8 million. The programme initially was to run “The Nature Heritage Tourism Programm for three years but has been extended, in (promotes this acceptance) by bringing tourism this latest instance, for further two years to the communities, by causing somebody i thanks largely to continuing EU support Anse la Raye and Canaries to be able to rea and Government’s commitment. the benefits of tourism,” he adds.

“This programme has a very clear vision of Government’s commitment to the developmen where it would like to go and the more we of heritage tourism is reinforced in a new tourism do that, we find the easier it is in fact to policy to be adopted shortly. The participatio devote resources because there’s a clear of Saint Lucians in tourism, both directly an focus, a clear mandate, a clear objective,” indirectly, is a key objective of that policy. Thi Wilfred Pierre, EU aid coordinator Sylvestre Clauzel, SLHTP director. Augier explains. is exactly what heritage tourism is about. Saturday November 8th 2003 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 5 EDUCATION VACANCIES AGE TOURISM The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports is seeking to recruit a Principal for the Les Etangs Combined School, he two-year Heritage Tourism and Community potential viability; and a Vice Principal for the Babonneau Secondary School, and an evelopment project addresses the following consequently build the capacity to Education Officer for District III. pecific issues: provide funding and related technical assistance for the sector. Applicants for the post of Principal of Les Etangs Combined School should • The need for a policy framework that possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Administration, plus 5 years provides the enabling environment for • The need to remove the obstacles experience in Education Administration. The IOB Executive Diploma would heritage tourism development: and constraints that limit the ability be an asset. facilitating entry into the industry by of small business people, small small entrepreneurs and independent operators and communities to Alternatively, a Post Graduate Diploma in Administration, plus five years operators; facilitating access to niche enter the tourism sector: namely, experience in Education Administration would be accepted. Having the markets either directly or through select through specially designed IOB Executive Diploma would be an asset. tour operators; facilitating community business assistance programmes, access to common property resources adoption of appropriate fiscal The main duties of principal include: supervision of the physical safety of as assets in community-based tourism measures/incentives; training of the pupils; application of the syllabus in conformity with the needs of the ventures; encouraging geographic small entrepreneurs in all relevant pupils of the school; allocation and supervision of the duties of members distribution of activities, infrastructure aspects of management and of staff; responsibility for establishing and maintaining the discipline of and benefits. tourism development; the school; developing and maintaining an active relationship with parents development of broad community through the Parent/Teacher Association and/or Board of Management; and • The need for specific policy measures awareness of the tourism sector ensuring the observance of the Education Act of 1999 and Regulations and instruments in a wide range of and the requirements for its governing the Teaching Service; domains: development and adoption of sustainability, etc. • standards and environmental Salary is in the range of $45, 890.49 - $48, 763.03 per annum (Grade 14 – 15) management systems; coordination and per annum. The Grade will be determined by the qualifications and harmonization of user fee systems; experience of the applicant. standardized training programmes and IMF ARTICLE IV activities; provision of fiscal and market- CONSULTATIONS For the post of Vice Principal of the Babonneau Secondary School, based incentives, etc. applicants should have previous experience in serving as a Vice-Principal. A team of officials from the International Knowledge of the culture of the particular school will be an asset. Monetary Fund (IMF) has commenced Article IV Consultations in Saint Lucia. Other requirements are a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university, and experience in Educational Administration. A post Graduate Diploma/ At the last consultations, which Degree in Educational Administration or IOB Executive Diploma would be concluded on November 25, 2002, it an asset. was agreed that a subsequent consultation would be conducted in The main duties of this post are working in collaboration with the Principal 2002 in light of the prevailing economic conditions locally and internationally. and the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth & Sports; being responsible for the time-tabling and class organisation; The Government of Saint Lucia is of enforcing discipline and ensuring that all students follow their programme the view that given present of work; assisting the Principal generally with administrative duties; and international, regional and domestic taking charge of the school in the absence of the Principal. economic developments, the present round of consultations would be useful, Salary is in the range of $46,366.71 - $49,266.06 per annum (Grade 14 – 15). so that a more responsive evaluation can be obtained of current economic Applicants for the post of Education Officer, District III are required to have conditions. a working knowledge of, and the ability to interpret Civil Service rules and regulations and operating procedures, staff orders, financial and store rules The purpose of the consultations is to and collective agreements. give the Government an in-depth assessment of the economic and Also, they should demonstrate familiarization with the Standard Operating financial developments that currently Procedures contained in the Ministry’s “Operations Manual”, potential for affect the economy of Saint Lucia and leadership and scholarship, decisiveness, soundness of judgment and clarity to assess its future economic in issuing directives, and knowledge of the Education Act No. 41 of 1999, prospects. Teaching Service Rules and Regulations and Educational Developmental e found all over the island. Plan. Such consultations are carried on in • The need to build capacity among all member countries of the fund. Qualifications for the post are a Master’s Degree in Educational organizations involved in community Membership ranges from developed to Administration. The IOB Executive Diploma would be an asset. development and heritage tourism, developing and underdeveloped especially at the local level: involvement countries of the world. The Education Officer is required, among other duties, to visit schools of local government agencies and other regularly to provide general supervision of the programme of instruction; community-based organizations in During their visit, the team is expected advise Principals on matters of school administration and organization; tourism-related programmes and to meet with representatives from the ensure that schools are supplied with necessary curricula, curriculum initiatives; strengthening of linkages and public and private sectors, including materials and other documents essential to the planning and delivery of networks among community workers representatives. instructions; initiate, organize and assist with the development and delivery organizations and private entrepreneurs of appropriate in-service and orientation training programmes for Principals in agriculture, culture and handicraft; and It is expected that the team will be in and staff; and provide the Chief Education Officer with assessment reports facilitating access to information and the country for approximately two of each school in his/her District; technology required by heritage/eco weeks. tourism business ventures; etc. Salary is in the range of $53,207.28 per annum (Grade 17 maximum) The results of the visit are normally • The need to build an appreciation and published on the website of the IMF In each case, applications on the prescribed forms should be addressed sensitivity to the heritage tourism sector for public reading. to: The Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, Stanislaus James by financial institutions so as to Buildings, The Waterfront, , and should reach her no later than engender greater confidence in its November 14, 2003. 6 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday November 8th 2003 NEW POLICY ON YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS the level of technical assistance that you Government is taking a fresh, would require,” Xavier explains. more focused approach towards supporting the development of youth “We are hoping this would strengthen and sports organizations on the island. organizations, encourage them to seek technical assistance and advice, and to A new policy, being adopted by the work closely with the Department and the Department of Youth & Sports, is National Youth Council so that we could seeking to deepen cooperation with give them the level of support and ensure such organizations with the aim of that organizations continue to do the work getting more results from resources that they set out to do …. so that members currently available for youth benefit and the society as a whole,” Xavier development. adds.

Strengthening youth and sports Both Xavier and Mathurin appeared on NTN organizations to serve as effective channels recently as part of an effort to sensitize for delivering government and other forms youth and sports organizations about the of support, is a key objective of the policy new policy. scheduled to go into effect on December 1. Youth and sports organizations have played a critical role over the years in The Department of Youth & Sports, which helping young people to develop. For the falls under the Ministry of Education, most part, they have served as nurseries Human Resource Development, Youth and for the nurturing of various talents — public Sport, estimates there are over 300 youth speaking, leadership skills, among other and sports organizations on the island. things.

“They call themselves groups, clubs, teams,” says Youth & Sports Officer, The Hurricane Season is Patrick Mathurin. “They have all kinds of still on - Be Prepared names for them.” Patrick Mathurin, Youth & Sports Officer. Programme Development Officer, Jim Xavier What most have in common, however, is a The policy follows a survey carried out by Youth and sports organizations have played a general lack of proper structures. And it’s the Department. The views of a cross- this deficiency which is considered a major section of persons were canvassed, and critical role over the years in helping young reason why some are not effectively the conclusion was that the organizations meeting the needs of members. needed assistance if they are to be people to develop. effective in serving their constituencies. to determine whether organizations do in Bringing them up to scratch, therefore, is fact exist, and to see the extent to which AT CARIFESTA VIII a high priority for the Department. And “They are not functioning properly, and it they are functioning. from page 8 because there have been instances where means that young persons within some in the region. The organisers of Carifesta organizations were set up for questionable organizations are being frustrated,” Xavier “We have guidelines as to what makes a have not decided which country will next purposes, it’s insisting that appropriate observes. group so as to say to them ‘this is what is host the event. mechanisms be put in place to ensure necessary for you to be considered a group, transparency and accountability to Such frustration, he points out, stems from this is what is necessary for you to get Regional directors of culture will be members and other stakeholders. a lack of skills and, in other cases, not assistance,” Mathurin explains. convening a meeting this year to analyse Carifesta in its entirety. The If an organization meets the minimum “We do all those things in order to have the Cultural Development Foundation is of groups ready,” Mathurin adds. “Then we the view that something drastic needs standards for operating, it will be given say ‘you are certified, you are a bona fide to be done. group, you have put systems in place to provisional registration. Groups which fully run an organization and we have a level of “The conclusion that we have made in confidence that if you receive sponsorship, the CDF is that there is an urgent need satisfy the Department’s criteria will be you are going to receive it for the for the remodelling of the Carifesta recognized as bona fide entities. development of the organization.” activity,” Francis said. Certification will be followed by registration Future Focus Young people — that is, persons under the knowing where or who to turn to for of organizations. On December 1, the age of 35 — account for over 70 per cent assistance. Building the capacity of youth Department will invite organizations to start He added: “Carifesta is supposed to be of Saint Lucia’s population, making this and sports organizations is intended to put doing so. a process of development and, in turn, island one of the ‘youngest’ nations in the them in a position to provide solutions. must make room for live exchanges. In world. With six Youth & Sports Officers If an organization meets the minimum the end it has become a logistical serving the entire island, the Department’s “When you look at all the situations standards for operating, it will be given nightmare and very difficult to handle. resources are obviously stretched to the affecting young persons, you can say provisional registration. Groups which fully limit. young persons need direction and satisfy the Department’s criteria will be “There is too much to be done by the guidance,” Xavier says. “The emphasis of recognized as bona fide entities. host country. Rather, there needs to be “We realize we have to call on the the Department of Youth & Sports is to more involvement from CARICOM in the community to assist us,” says Programme channel the right programmes to target According to the criteria set by the organisational phase and the process Development Officer, Jim Xavier. young persons and ensure that the Department that define what is a properly followed in the three to four years prior development of young persons is properly structured organization, there must be a to the event.” Francis went on. “We are not working in a vacuum. The taken care of.” constitution, an executive must be in place, district youth and sports councils have to and there must be an annual general Despite all the organisational problems be on board, the NYC (National Youth In preparation for registration, the meeting, among other things. faced in Suriname, the Saint Lucian Council) has to be on board so that, in the Department of Youth & Sports is already contingent admirably rose to the final analysis, it will be a community effort working on the certification of “The whole idea is that when you register, occasion and represented themselves … to reap the success that we are hoping organizations. As part of the process, we would see where you’re at, what level in a model fashion in all the areas. this policy will reap,” he adds. officers go into the various communities you are operating, and then we can provide Saturday November 8th 2003 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE 7 ‘ACTION-ORIENTED GENERAL ASSEMBLY’ SEN. SETS GOALS FOR THE UNITED NATIONS DURING SAINT LUCIA’S UN PRESIDENCY Saint Lucia’s year-long give them hope, seeing that we are working leadership of the international to implement solutions to their problems.” community through the presidency of th the 58 Regular Session of the United UN observers have interpreted the Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is off impressive turn-out of world leaders for the to a flying start. high-level opening phase of the 58th General Assembly as an encouraging sign of After one month in the job of guiding rekindling interest in the business of the this influential global forum, Minister UN which has grappled with many for External Affairs, International Trade challenges in recent years. and Civil Aviation, Senator Hon. Julian R. Hunte, is reporting solid UN reform, under discussion for the past international support for the 10 years but on which no real progress development-centred agenda Saint has been made, has emerged again as a Lucia has brought to the table. high priority issue for this session of the General Assembly. Hunte formally took the chair on September 16, firmly etching Saint Lucia’s name in There are two critical issues here: reform the history books as the smallest nation of the Security Council – the body CONGRATULATIONS: General Assembly President, Senator Hon. Julian R. Hunte, state ever to preside over the deliberations responsible under the UN’s founding shakes hands with Secretary General Kofi Annan. of the 191-member General Assembly. It’s Charter for maintaining peace and security, displeasing. The remaining 10 members – “The General Assembly has an important undoubtedly a boost for small island and the revitalization of the General drawn from the general UN membership role to play in ensuring that globalization developing states on the international Assembly, the UN’s main oversight and — are elected by the General Assembly and trade liberalization are compatible with scene. policy-making body. to serve two year terms. achieving equity in the global economy, and that the aspirations of all countries for The HIV/AIDS pandemic, poverty alleviation, preservation of the As Hunte sees it, veto power and sustainable development, prosperity and environment, the Middle East conflict, the various challenges permanent membership make reform of the peace are met,” Hunte stressed in his facing the African continent, and US-occupied Iraq are other major Security Council the bigger of the two inaugural address on September 16. issues. The UN’s present structure dates issues for action by the General Assembly over the coming year. back more than 50 years ago to the He went on: “The Assembly has been the immediate post World War II period when guiding light behind a decade or more of By the time the high-level General Debate Hunte’s plan over the last two months was the UN was established. It reflects the summits and conferences, the objectives ended on October 2, some 50 heads of to invite comments from member states reality of the world as it was then. of which are to assist member states, state, 27 heads of government, including on “some bold ideas” with respect to both particularly those in the developing world, Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, issues. His proposals for the revitalization The world today, however, is much different to meet their development goals. The and 94 Deputy Prime Ministers and Foreign of the General Assembly were scheduled place. Reflecting present-day reality, international community must deliver on the Ministers had taken turns at the rostrum to be circulated among members on especially the fact that the UN’s promises made in these forums, more to spell out positions on a wide range of October 16. The proposals related to the membership is considerably larger than it especially in working towards the international issues. Security Council are due out in November. was 50 years ago, a key objective of the attainment of the Millennium Development It was the most impressive turn-out of world proposed reform is the ‘democratization’ Goals.” The Security Council, in practice, is the leaders at UN headquarters since the of the Security Council. most powerful UN organ. Unlike the General convening of the September 2000 An important event which will take place Assembly whose membership is universal Globalization and Development Millennium Summit to discuss the role of during Hunte’s tenure, is a review of the and decisions are non-binding, the Security the United Nations in the 21st century. The UN’s 10-year-old Plan of Action for the Council has a limited membership of 15 Against the backdrop of globalization and Millennium Development Goals, to which Sustainable Development of Small Island countries and its decisions are binding on trade liberalization, economic development Hunte has been making frequent reference, Developing States (SIDS) that came out of all member states under the UN Charter. and the prosperity of states emerged as are a product of this conference. the 1994 UN Conference on the another key issue for the current General Sustainable Development of Small Island Five countries are permanent members of Assembly. It’s an issue of particular Common Ground On Issues States in Barbados. the Security Council: , France, the interest to developing countries, especially “As I reviewed the many statements, I was Russian Federation, and small island states whose development The review, which received strong support struck by the common ground among United States. They wield what is known has suffered setbacks because of how the during the General Debate, will take place speakers over a wide range of issues,” as ‘veto power’ which can effectively block world is proceeding with globalization and at a follow-up conference next August on Hunte noted as he brought the gavel down any move any permanent member finds trade liberalization. the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Many to close the General Debate on October commitments which the international While there’s no disputing that both 2. “This makes me hopeful that we will be community gave to small island states at processes have brought benefits to the able to do good work in this General the Barbados conference remained global economy, the fact is these benefits Assembly during the 58th Session.” unfulfilled. have not been evenly distributed. Indeed, The General Debate effectively sets the the record shows a widening income gap Small island states are naturally looking tone for General Assembly deliberations between developed countries, on one hand, for action this regard. Hunte has an for the remainder of each regular session. and developing countries on the other. obviously keen interest in the Mauritius When he opened the current session on conference. He has singled out highlighting This evidence clearly dispels the view, put September 16, Hunte outlined a clear vision the special needs of small island states, forward by globalization proponents, that of what he wanted to achieve during his especially the case for ‘special and the global economy is a “level playing field” tenure at the helm. differential treatment’ in global trade, as a giving equal treatment to all. From its own top priority during his presidency. “I want this session to be an action- experience with the liberalization of the European export market for bananas, Saint “Our leaders have given oriented one, in which decisions are US President, George W. Bush, has implemented, and in which we work Lucia knows very well that the situation is direction to the work we are to Senator Hunte’s (centre) full attention as far from a level playing field. together for this purpose,” he said. “The he puts America’s case to the General do and political support for it.” people of the world are looking to us to Assembly. 8 Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE Saturday November 8th 2003 HIGH MARKS FOR ST. LUCIA AT CARIFESTA VIII Saint Lucia received a a forgotten component of the Saint Lucian standing ovation for the experience. performance of its major musical drama at Carifesta 8, held recently “Over the years, I found that we lost out on in Suriname. our spirituality with the drums. With the move to Esoteric (a new group formed by The Caribbean Festival of Arts is a Laborde), I wanted to bring back spirituality regional cultural event held every in the whole thing,” he said. three to four years, and is geared Saint Lucia received many requests for towards showcasing the many encores of the musical production but was talents which exist in the unable to respond due to the tightness of Caribbean region, South and the schedule. Central America, as well as other The Esoteric Drum Ensemble led by Athanasius Laborde on parts of the world. stage during Carifesta VIII in Suriname. People from the outskirts of Paramaribo, “We were one of the few countries placing the Surinamese capital, also witnessed the emphasis on the book fair,” Francis said performance of the Saint Lucian musical “With our tradition of literature throughout and were very impressed. At this the Caribbean well established, with our community event, there were also Nobel laureate being well known, we presentations from other nations. The aim thought that with the guidance of John of the event was to bring Carifesta to the Robert Lee we were outstanding.” ordinary people of Suriname. The Book Fair provided Carifesta patrons Arts and Craft with an opportunity to get to know the literary giants of the region, as well as the Two other areas which received cultures of the various nations present. The tremendous attention were the craft and paintings in the visual arts section were a the visual arts sections. People from all display of Saint Lucian folk culture from walks of life came by to inquire about the various artists. various types of arts and craft that could be found at the Grand Market. Carifesta in its present form has come in for serious criticism from visitors, artists Saint Lucia’s arts and craft were a hit at as well as official representatives of culture the Grand Market. cont’d on page 6

“We need to make special mention of the The gala opening of CARIFESTA was a great expression of Suriname’s heritage interest in our visual arts and the arts and THIS WEEK ON NTN craft exhibition with the sales being quite Teddy Francis, Executive Director of the Saint Lucian performed titbits of the a hit,” said Francis. “The sales outside the Cultural Development Foundation, was musical drama at the Grand Market prior Highlights:Week of Nov. 10 -15, 2003 market through informal connections extremely proud of the presentation made to the staging of the main event. The Grand proved useful for the artists,” he said. by the Saint Lucian contingent, especially Market is a gathering of the countries the performance of the musical drama. participating in Carifesta for the purpose of CARICOM: The Book Fair also proved to be quite a displaying the arts and crafts of the various success for the Saint Lucian contingent. Sharing the Vision. “The Cultural Development Foundation was nations. Tuesday at 7:30 pm. very pleased with the performance and presentation of Saint Lucia in Suriname. We were very pleased with the level of discipline and commitment from the artists Tune in Weekly For: which is always a challenge,” he said. Regional News & Sports with GIS News Breaks and Kweyol News daily from 6:30 Traditional music and dance pm Issues & Answers (Discussion Entitled “the Afro-Caribbean Potpourri - the Programme) Mondays at 8:00pm Journey,” the musical is divided into two Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm parts. The first part pays tribute to the Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 6:15pm African God, Ogoun, and the God of (Kweyol Discussion) metals. Part two is a display of the various Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 6:15pm influences on Saint Lucia’s culture. Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm (Week in Review - English) Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm (Week in Part one reveals the African influence Review—Kweyol) through the chants to Ogoun. Part two KiddiCrew.com/Saturdays at 9:30 am brings to light the traditional dances of Saint Lucia such as the La Comet, the Gwan won and festivals such as La Rose. For the complete programme guide, log on to our website at www.stlucia.gov.lc The entire production essentially reflects and then click on the NTN icon. the evolution of Saint Lucian culture. Director of the musical drama, Athanasius Laborde, says it was an attempt to rekindle Local drummer, dancer and dramatist Carlton Ishmael tuning up for a performance 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