NationWIDE THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA

NationSATURDAY WIDEMAY 28, 2016 General Elections 2016 Candidates Take The Nomination Line Today!

t is Nomination Day today and all parties and candidates are lining-up at the des- ignated points in the various Electoral Districts to nominate candidates. There n Iwas much ado about nothing after the date was announced last week, but it turns out candidates do not have to be present to be nominated. At least four parties – $540M Choiseul Hotel to Employ 200 at Start! - SLP, UWP, LPM and Green Party – have been known to have officially registered to Page 2 contest. But only the SLP and UWP have filled all slates for the 17 seats. Several independents indicated they would run, but the number to contest is still uncertain. The Electoral Department started upgrading the Voters List several months ago Diabetic Centre Established Here, As Promised! - and the final list is expected by May 31. From today, it will be the final week left -- Page 2 and the last lap to Polling Day on Monday, June 6. The two major parties have been holding daily activities and nightly meetings in the final countdown in the short- Invest Saint Lucia Targets US $1.5 Billion by 2020! est General Election campaign here ever. In this issue, Nationwide offers five full - Page 3 pages of wide coverage of election-related issues (Pages 4 to 8), including what the Elections Act says about various aspects of the process leading to the poll and on Wind Farm Construction Starting This Year - Page 3 Voting Day (Page 8), the national addresses by the Prime Minister announcing the election date and explaining the change of date for Nomination Day (Pages 6 and Exploring New Tourism Markets in Europe 7), election-related quotes from the 2016 Throne Speech by the Governor General (Page 5) and the response by the Public Service Minister to some very outrageous and USA - Page 9 and absolute fabrications (Page 7). Also in this issue, as always, are other features and news items highlighting the continuity of government and governance, despite Musical Therapy Working the suspension of parliament for the upcoming General Elections. Read on and pay Well at Wellness Centre! special attention to the advice from the Police Force (Page 8) – and standby for an- - Page 10 other two editions of Nationwide before June 6! Meanwhile, browse the Nationwide Website at stlucianationwide.com and view NationwideTV on NTN.

Happy Reading! Happy Viewing! Happy Browsing! WHAT’S INSIDE

Page 2 NationWIDE Saturday May 28, 2016 National Coordinating Centre established to Editorial positively transform fight against Diabetes Time will soon tell!

he Government of Saint Lu- cia has announced a major Tnational initiative that will transform the fight against diabe- tes in the country designated as the diabetic capital of the world. The positive transformation will be through a unique public- private partnership between the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Gender Relations and a non-profit supported by Switzerland-based W Science. The initiative, which was long The centre will identify mechanisms to better prevent, diagnose in coming and which the govern- and treat diabetes. ment always insisted was no pipe dream, will create a new standard Speaking at the launch, Minister will drive improved treatment for the diagnosis, treatment and for Health Alvina Reynolds said and care of people with diabetes research into this chronic condi- the impact of diabetes of public in Saint Lucia, alongside provi- tion. health resources in significant. sions for an immediate expansion It will be led by the newly-es- The launch followed more than of medical equipment and medi- tablished National Diabetes Co- a year of in-depth feasibility stud- cation available through island- ordinating Centre (NDCC) and ies on diabetes by W Science. wide primary healthcare centres. accompanied in the next twelve The research team was led by The centre will be run by a team months by a nationwide diabetes Prof. Philippe Halban, a global of newly-recruited local clinical screening program, an education- authority on diabetes research and administrative specialists, al awareness-raising campaign, with more than 40 years of expe- who will coordinate all aspects a training program for diabetes rience in the field. of the project with full involve- specialists and a national registry The NDCC will be directed by ment from primary healthcare elf-proclaimed truth the wider (Greater) Caribbean of people with diabetes that will a team of national and interna- centres, government ministries, gladiators always draw placed in the top 35. greatly enhance clinical care and tional diabetes, healthcare and IT regulatory authorities, academic horror pictures of night- After Saint Lucia, Jamaica and research in Saint Lucia and the expert advisors. institutions and non-govern- S mares in pursuit of Press St. Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean region. Clinical research at the centre mental organizations. Freedom along paths strewn (along with Costa Rica) placed with the most barbaric beasts a collective 2nd, with Barbados barring free access to their placing 5th (alongside Canada), $540 Million new Choiseul hotel development imagined worlds. But none Saint Kitts and Nevis in 7th can point to one major road place, The Bahamas at 8th, Be- or stumbling road in Saint Lu- lize at 9th (alongside USA), Ber- project to employ 200 in construction phase cia, which has been found by muda at 11th, Dominica at 13th, Freedom House to be the Most Trinidad & Tobago at 14th, Su- new $540 million dol- cost some US $200 Million. we are trying to [employ] about Press Free country in this part rinam at 15th, Guyana at 17th, lar foreign investment The developer, GP Group, is 200 local people. After we finish, of the world, according to its Antigua and Barbuda at 18th, Ain Choiseul is poised to a leading European-based con- [we are looking to employ] at least latest report after examining Dominican Republic at 20th and raise the standard of living for struction and project develop- 250 or 300 people for the main- 190 countries worldwide. Haiti at 25th. Venezuela scored residents and spur economic ment company. tenance service. Also, we would The Freedom House Press 34 on the list, with Cuba at 35. growth in Saint Lucia. GP's CEO of Overseas Opera- like to [put in] a beer garden, Freedom Report for 2015 placed For reasons no one will un- The new luxury development, tions, Christo Pancheff, says Saint and a sports centre. The idea is to saint Lucia at the vert top of the derstand, these signal achieve- Sunset Bay Saint Lucia, plans Lucians will benefit from several evolve that part of the island." list of 199 countries surveyed for ments for Saint Lucia and the to have 40 villas and about 110 employment opportunities. The earmarked development their respective levels of Press Caribbean were not appropri- rooms on property, while will He says, "During construction site is Sab Wisha in Choiseul. Freedom. ately registered or reported The methodology employed here. Their significance was by Freedom House is the same absolutely and completely ig- since 1980. It used 90 analysts to nored. Venezuelan ambassador defends country ask 23 methodological questions But hardly anyone is fooled. and another 132 sub-questions. Some in the local press behave against international aggression The questions looked at how the like the role of the press is to press relates to or is being treated hound governments out of of- enezuelan Ambassador economic decline in the country, that the homeland of Bolivia will vis-à-vis legal, political and eco- fice. to Saint Lucia, Her Excel- leading to cause for a political mi- continue to defend it sovereignty nomic issues. Then, based on the But with public confidence in Vlency Leiff Escalona, ad- litia intervention. and the principle of no interfer- findings, it grades countries from the local pres put to the test over dressed matters relating to the He stressed that the media cam- ence in their internal affairs. Zero to 100 – from Best to Worst – the next week, it will be left to current situation in Venezuela paign against Venezuela is de- Finally, President Maduro says to place them in brackets of Free, be seen which offers a more true via a press conference here last signed to generate an impression we need to launch a political and Partly Free and Not Free. representation of the local real- Friday. of chaos and violence, leading to diplomatic counter-offensive and Saint Lucia and the Caribbean ity -- the Freedom House 2015 Ambassador Escalona said that intervention by the United States the mobilization of global aware- (CARICOM and OECS) region Press Freedom Report, or those President Nicolas Maduro has de- government.” ness in defense of the right to placed better than the rest of here who continue to dream nounced international aggression Her Excellency also said that peace, independence and democ- the world, registering in the they can simply wish it away. against Venezuela. President Maduro has called for racy in Venezuela.” top 25 of the 199 surveyed. And Time will soon tell! “He stated that Venezuela is strengthened solidarity among The diplomat sais she hopes facing an attack via world media sister nations in dealing with this that media attacks against Ven- that seek to establish a false pic- issue. ezuela will be curbed. (See The ture of uncontrollable social and “The Head of State stressed Diplomatic Courier on Page 11) New President has eyes Careers dependent on biodiversity set on new horizons as highlighted in observance of Day CSA celebrates 65 years

he International Day for of service to members! Biological Diversity was Trecognized here on May he Civil Service Associa- May 16, 1951. Sixty-five years 22nd. Biodiversity Coordinator tion (CSA) on May 16 cel- later our organization stands at the Ministry of Sustainable De- Tebrated a milestone—its strong, resolute, and steadfast.” velopment, Energy, Science and 65th anniversary. Ms Edwin sees a positive fu- Technology, Jannel Gabriel, said President of the CSA, Yvonne ture ahead for the organization. the purpose of the observance is Edwin, addressed the occasion “Brothers and sisters, the tur- to raise awareness on the world’s by reflecting on the organiza- bulent waters have receded and biodiversity issues. tion’s aims and ambitions. it is time to raise anchor and set This year's theme involved main- “The CSA was formed in the sail to new horizons. In the true streaming biodiversity, sustaining The purpose of the observance is to raise awareness on the world’s biodiversity issues. late 1940s by a group of public spirit of our motto ‘Optimum people, and their livelihoods. officers who saw the need for Dere, Optimum Expecti’ (Do As part of our celebrations the conduct bird and turtle watching There was also a section of fine an organized and structured the Best and Expect the Best), I planners featured livelihoods tours; persons making wine with boutique items such as handmade approach to effectively address bid a happy 65th anniversary to that involve biological resources. local plants, for instance, the Lat- soaps, handcrafts, jewelry, souvenirs A variety of careers dependent anye plant which is used to make and fine chocolates that were locally the problems confronting pub- the Saint Lucia Civil Service As- on biological diversity were high- wines as well as brooms; and per- made using local cocoa products. lic officers. This formal group- sociation. It is a milestone and a lighted at an event hosted in front sons who make shakes, smooth- The United Nations General As- ing took the necessary steps journey worth celebrating.” of the Sir Stanislaus James Build- ies, food items, punches all using sembly, in the year 2000, named which led to the registration Ms Edwin was elected Presi- ing on Friday, May 20. biological, naturally and locally May 22 the International Day for of the Saint Lucia Civil Service dent of the CSA on April 27, These included tour guides who available goods. Biodiversity. Association as a trade union on 2016 Saturday May 28, 2016 NationWIDE Page 3 Invest Saint Lucia targets Commerce Minister receives Report of Trade License Act Review US $1.5 billion by 2020

Commerce Minister Emma Hippolyte earlier this week received the review report from consultant David Jordan.

he Ministry of Commerce, and which came for critical review. Invest Saint Lucia top executives (left to right) Gordon Charles, Costello Michel and Mc Hale Andrew. Business Development, In- These instruments are considered Tvestment and Consumer Af- obsolete and need to be more rel- nvest Saint Lucia (ISL) has Some 277 of the permanent another development that strad- fairs, with the assistance of an inde- evant. projected a flow of US$1.5 jobs created last year by ISL dles both the tourism and infra- pendent Consultant David Jordan (a The Report calls for a more ap- billion in investment projects went to tourism, while 183 went structure sectors. regional Trade and Economic Poli- propriate Investment Act, in light of I cy Specialist and a former Director recently adopted Investment Policy in Saint Lucia by the year 2020. to infrastructure and 117 to the Several developments that of International Trade and Invest- by the Ministry. The island’s lone national invest- private commercial sector. started last year are also due for ment in Saint Lucia), concluded the The Director of Investment Coor- ment company said it also plans This year, ISL projects invest- completion this year, including Evaluation of the Saint Lucia Trade dination in the Ministry of Com- to create 8000 jobs by that time. ment flows of US $331 million hotels and commercial centres. Licensing Regime of 1984. merce notes that the report high- ISL last year recorded US$168 and 2,200 jobs. Among new in- Apart from several hotel and Commerce Minister Emma Hip- lights the distinct “need to include million worth of investments, vestments expected this year commercial properties under polyte, who commissioned the Services as a trading area, given out of which US $124 was attrib- are chicken processing facili- construction in the north of the study, formally received the copies recent developments that has na- uted to foreign investment. ties, a pasta and ramen pro- island, ongoing projects also in- of the Report from the Consultant tional significance which must also Also last year, the company cessing facility, a flour mill, an clude the Six Senses Residences on Wednesday 25th May 2016, fol- be considered ”. lowing the acceptance of the final- The Report details the work of helped Saint Lucia welcome insulated concrete farm factory, at Freedom Bay and a hotel ized document by the Ministry of- the presenters at the symposium 2,914 transient jobs and 577 per- a dining and entertainment cen- project being undertaken in the ficials. held last December and embodies manent ones that were directly tre, two 4-star developments, a Anse La Raye/Canaries area by The Ministry, together with the several Recommendations from the attributed to investments. 5-star hotel development and The Boka Group. private sector, previously deliber- Consultant. ated over the draft document which The Director of Investment Co- was submitted in December 2015, ordination, Ms. Nancy Francis by the consultant, David Jordan in Charles, who is also Secretary to accordance with specific terms of the Trade License Advisory Board, St. Jude Hospital almost complete, after which reference. also alluded to the importance of The Permanent Secretary of the the research. Ministry and Chairperson of She said “The Consultant provid- Saint Lucia will have the best the Trade License Advisory Board ed a matrix highlighting the neces- (governed by the Trade License Act sary reforms. These Recommenda- 13.4 of 1984) Dr. Alison Plummer, tions must be assigned timelines health care infrastructure in OECS! stated in accepting the final report based on the urgency, available re- that the research and the consulta- sources and a legal framework. tion process conclude “ the need Finally, the report recommended — by Alvina Reynolds Minister of Health — to maintain a strengthened World that the Trade License Regime re- Trade Organization (WTO) compli- quires a dedicated body to take ant Trade licensing Regime. ownership and leadership moving “The expenditure on St. Jude Hospital, when it Bank for the reconstruction of St. Jude Hospital and the first She further stated that there is forward. confirmation of the need to revise The Report sought to clarify the set of funds from this loan was is completed, including furniture, fittings and the existing Trade License Act and impact of the Trade License Regime equipment, will be close to $150 million. The disbursed to the Government develop supporting regulations to and its relevance within the context of Saint Lucia in January 2015. allow for greater compliance with of the modern business environ- expenditure on the Owen King-EU Hospital, There were also problems international trade law as well as ment. minus furniture and equipment was $152 with the main contractor who for improved effectiveness of its Trade licensing models, in several had been engaged to under- administration ie monitoring, data regional and extra regional territo- Million, with an additional 9 million Euros take the construction. He ex- collection and dispute settlement ries were examined. perienced financial difficulties mechanism “ unquote The consultant states that therein spent on furniture and equipment.” and had to be terminated in The fifty 50-page Report assessed lies the provision of a framework 2014, causing a further set back other complementary and related of recommendations on the cur- ur government is ex- to the project. legislation and regulations, including rent Trade License Legislation, with tremely pleased that When the construction of St. the Fiscal Incentives Act and the Eco- guidance on the implementation and OSt. Jude Hospital is Jude Hospital is completed, nomic Areas Reserved for Nationals transformation of the current regime. finally nearing completion. which we anticipate will hap- There have been many chal- pen toward the end of this year, lenges in completing this hos- the residents of the south of the pital and I must admit that island in particular, and the Wind farm construction this process has taken much people of Saint Lucia in gen- longer than we had originally eral, will be extremely pleased anticipated. and proud of the end product. begins in December Allow me to provide some We will have a new St Jude background on this so that that is equal to the Owen King- you may better understand. EU Hospital. onstruction of a 12-mega- Close to 100 people attended the Originally, the United Work- In fact, the expenditure on St. watt wind farm, the first of meeting during which the Minis- ers Party administration had Jude Hospital, when it is com- Cits kind in Saint Lucia, will try of Sustainable Development, decided to renovate St. Jude pleted, including furniture, fit- begin in December. Energy, Science and Technology, Hospital, and it spent $45 mil- tings and equipment, will be The wind farm will consist of four LUCELEC, and Windtex Energy, lion on this exercise, before it close to $150 million. turbines erected on the ridge near made presentations on the purpose, the Bordelais Correctional Facility current status and implementation realized that the problems as- The expenditure on the Owen (BCF). schedule for the wind farm. sociated with renovation were King-EU Hospital, minus fur- Health Minister Alvina At full capacity, it will generate Residents were also briefed on so significant that it would niture and equipment was $152 enough energy to power approxi- job opportunities the construction have been better to demolish Reynolds says a look at Million, with an additional 9 mately 19,475 homes and its output project would provide, and were the structure and rebuild. work in the health sector million Euros spent on furni- will be equivalent to the production informed that an employment job Therefore, while some of the in its totality, with the ture and equipment. power of one of LUCELEC’s 10 die- fair will be held to fill a number of $45 million was used for the Wellness Centre, which was So, in effect, when you look at sel engines. positions including truckers, labor- demolition of the old struc- a product of the last Labour our work in the health sector in The wind farm is projected to re- ers, security, accountants, engineers ture, it is clear that both time administration and the its totality, with the Wellness duce the amount of fuel purchased and surveyors. and money were wasted be- Centre, which was a product by the company by about 10 percent. A number of services like hous- cause of the original decision numbers of health centres we of the last Labour administra- The project was officially ing, catering and rental cars will by the UWP to renovate. have either built or renovated, tion and the numbers of health launched in April 2015 with a test also be sourced from the surround- When the decision was made will show that Saint Lucia centres we have either built tower and equipment used to re- ing area. to rebuild St. Jude, no source will have the best health care or renovated, Saint Lucia will cord wind speeds and wind direc- Beyond the construction period, of financing was identified infrastructure of any country have the best health care infra- tion to assist in the design of the job opportunities for maintenance and the Government was hop- structure of any country in the wind farm. of the wind farm will be available, in the Eastern Caribbean, and To date, a number of studies ̶ for which training would be pro- ing to finance this project from Eastern Caribbean, and quite quite possibly the English- including geotechnical and envi- vided. bonds. speaking Caribbean. possibly the English-speaking ronmental impact studies ̶ have The wind farm is a joint project It was not until Prime Min- Caribbean. been completed, paving the way for between the Government of Saint ister Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony the construction of St Jude Hospi- All of this because you have construction on the project to begin Lucia, Saint Lucia Electricity Ser- visited Taiwan in November tal had been identified. a Labour Government that is this year, once the appropriate ap- vices Limited (LUCELEC) and 2013 and met with then Tai- In October 2014, the Govern- dedicated to looking after the provals have been secured. Windtex Energy, a wind developer wanese President Ma that any ment of Saint Lucia signed a loan health and wellbeing of its A community meeting was held from the US. external source of funds for with the Taiwan Export-Import citizens. recently, to brief residents of Denne- The wind farm project is expected ry on the progress of the wind farm. to be completed in September 2017. Page 4 NationWIDE Saturday May 28, 2016 PM calls snap election!

rime Minister Dr. Ken- after the first sitting of Parlia- tation of a budget. ny D. Anthony has an- ment which was [last] held on "You would have noticed that Pnounced an early election Jan. 5, 2012. In effect, the gov- while there was a debate on the date of June 6. In a May 19 ad- ernment would have had until Estimates of Revenue and Ex- dress titled "The Die is Cast," April 5, 2017 to call general elec- penditure for the Financial Year Dr. Anthony stressed that while tions," he explained. 2016/2017, there was no presen- the fifth anniversary of the last "However, I have decided in tation of a Budget Address. The general election isn't until No- the interest of our country to explanation is rather simple. vember, an early election is in call the general election several Our Constitution requires that the best interests of the country. months ahead of its due date, the Minister of Finance pre- "As you are probably aware, [as] I felt it best that the govern- pares and lays the Estimates of the fifth anniversary of the last ment be given the opportunity Revenue and Expenditure 'be- Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony said the early election will general election is Nov. 28. Our to present, within a reasonable fore or not later than thirty days allow the new government a reasonable time frame within which Constitution says that 'Parlia- period after the general elec- after the commencement of the to present its economic and policy proposals. ment, unless sooner dissolved, tion, its economic and policy financial year.' shall continue for five years proposals by way of a financial In turn, the Constitution pro- tal requirements established by we have done so." from the date of the first sitting statement to the House." vides for an Appropriation Bill to the Constitution to allow ex- The early election will ensure of the House. . .' Earlier this year, following be introduced in the House of As- penditure by the Government. peace, stability and certainty in This would mean that general the debate on the Estimates of sembly to authorize expenditure Clearly, we need to ensure that the country and its affairs, Dr. elections are constitutionally Revenue and Expenditure for from the Consolidated Fund. any expenditure by the Govern- Anthony added. (See full PM due, for the latest, three months 2016/2017, there was no presen- These are the two fundamen- ment is fully authorized, and Address in Centre Pages) Today is Nomination Day! Electoral Department

ivic and Voter Education Coordinator at the Elec- Ctoral Department, Alym- finalizing Voters List phia Lionel, has announced that nomination day will be Satur- day, May 28. Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony previously announced during a national address last week that preceding the general election, nomination day will be on Fri- day, May 27. "There is a change," Lionel said. "Nomination day is now Sat- urday, May 28, and between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon, persons Nomination day is now today, can go to do their nominations Saturday, May 28. at the various electoral districts at the office of the returning of- "It went as planned. We ex- ficers. We will be sending notic- tended our hours on Sunday to es out to say exactly where those accommodate persons with the offices are located." registration." Lionel said the past weekend’s The final voters list is expect- voter registration exercise met ed to be published on Monday, the Electoral Department’s ap- May 30. (See full PM Address in proval. Centre Pages) The list will be made public at community post offices, libraries, electoral sub offices, and also via the electoral department's website.

he Electoral Department be posted in all communi- rived. Today, I advised the Gov- Advance Polling to is busy finalizing the vot- ties, on public buildings, post ernor General to dissolve the Ters list following Prime offices, and the Central Li- Parliament of Saint Lucia, and Minister Dr. Kenny D. An- brary. We’re going to have it to issue Writs of Election to pave take place on June 3 thony's recent election date an- on our website, and at all our the way for the general election. nouncement. sub-offices such as Gros Is- The general election will be held Voters will go to the polls on let; Grande Riviere, Dennery; on June 6, 2016. Nomination day June 6 to elect a government. and Soufriere, and you can will be May 27, 2016." Civic and Voter Education check the main office on High General elections are constitu- Coordinator in the Electoral Street," she said. tionally due, for the latest, three Department, Alymphia Lionel, Last Thursday, Dr. Anthony months after the first sitting of said the priority now is to final- announced that Parliament was Parliament, which was held on ize and publish the voters lists dissolved to pave the way for January 5, 2012. The govern- by the end of May. the upcoming general election. ment would have had until "The final voters list should "Fellow Saint Lucians, the die April 5, 2017 to call the next be out by May 30 and it will is cast. Decision time has ar- election.

Advance polling allows poll workers and attendants, police, and fire service personnel the opportunity to vote. Big Battle for Ballots!

he Electoral Department made to the Election Act. t will definitely be a big has announced the date Lionel said although the battle for ballots on June Tfor its advance poll. stamp was proposed, it will 6, when Saint Lucians go Civic and Voter Education not be used during this general I to the polls to choose their Coordinator at the Electoral election. However, the nomina- next government. It will Department, Alymphia Lionel, tion fee will double from $250 be the 17th poll since the said the advance poll will take to $500, and other aspects of the island became a nation 37 place on June 3. amendment will be introduced. years ago, with each of the She explained, "We’re going to "There will be mobile units at two major parties (SLP and have advance polling, and the the homes for the elderly. These UWP) having won eight date for the advance poll will be mobile units will run from 6 times. This will be the tie- June 3. Those persons who will a.m. – 6:30 p.m., as a normal breaker that will put one be voting at the advance poll polling station would, and they of the two parties in a 9-8 would be the poll workers, for will be placed there to allow position. Parties and can- example the returning officers, those persons to exercise their didates, including Indepen- the election clerks, the assistant franchise." dents, have been pulling all in just one week, the world will and who will be nominated election clerks, the presiding The Electoral Department stops to attract last-minute finally get to know who among to become the next Prime officers, the police, fire service hopes to publish the voters list votes in the shortest elec- the nominated candidates will Minister of Saint Lucia. and persons from the correc- on May 30. tion campaign known here. win and lose, which party will The bell has rung. Now the tional facility." General elections will be held It is Nomination Day -- and form the next government -- clock is ticking… In April, amendments were on June 6. Saturday May 28, 2016 Page 5 Governor General encourages all voters to vote! No clash … And cautions about impact of Bloggers, Talk Show hosts and Social Media threads!

pects behaviour that reflects between Thus far, since Adult Suffrage, both the Saint our maturity as a nation and as a people. Lucia Labour Party and the United Workers Our democracy traverses Party have been victorious in eight polls. deeper than institutions such Elections as Parliament. It goes beyond Further to this, the peaceful transfer of the political leadership, or the com- reins of power from one party to another has monly coined “card-carrying” party membership. and Exams occurred five times since Independence and six Each citizen must be respon- times since Adult Suffrage. sible in its actions towards the Education Ministry assures exams will other. run smoothly without disruptions I urge all eligible he Ministry of Educa- Corinth Secondary, Entrepot voters to exercise tion, Human Resource Secondary, Gros Islet Second- their franchise, not TDevelopment and La- ary, Micoud Secondary, Vide bour wishes to assure all Bouteille Secondary and the only in the interest candidates/students who are Vieux Fort Comprehensive of some perceived writing the Caribbean Ex- Secondary. aminations Council’s (CXC) At the Sir Arthur Lew- personal gain, but Caribbean Secondary Ex- is Community College in the interest of amination Certificate (CSEC) (SALCC), examinations for and the Caribbean Advanced the Caribbean Advanced Pro- our collective and Proficiency Examination ficiency Examination (CAPE) (CAPE) examinations that in Biology Unit 2, Econom- common dominion. all necessary steps have been ics Unit 2 and Spanish Unit 2 taken to ensure the examina- will be held. tions scheduled for Monday, On Friday, May 20, the Chief Democracy also requires ex- June 6, 2016 run smoothly Education Officer Mr Marcus pression of views that does not without disruptions. General Edward met with principals cause unfair injury to the other. Election has been scheduled of all secondary schools to And so, the way we speak on for Monday, June 6, 2016. discuss the arrangements for Delivering her Throne Speech at what she correctly predicted talk shows, what we write on blogs and other social media Many schools, principally the concurrence of the gener- might have been the last Session of Parliament before the next threads, all impact the richness, the primary schools, a few al election and the examina- General Elections in Saint Lucia, Her Excellency The Governor diversity and quality of our de- secondary schools and the tions at the schools affected. General Dame Pearlette Louisy offered words of wise advice to mocracy. Sir Arthur Lewis Commu- At the end of the meeting, Saint Lucians ahead of what will be the islands 17th poll since nity College, are used as poll- the principals agreed that Independence in 1979.Nationwide offers the appropriate section THE BALLOT REMAINS ing stations for the general the two activities run concur- from the Governor Generals 2016 Throne Speech below, in the FUNDAMENTAL election. Moreover, this time rently do not adversely affect national public interest. Once the day arrives, there of year is traditionally the each other. may well be those who will cast period for many national and Moreover, the Electoral a ballot for the seventeenth time, regional examinations. Department and the SALCC THE DEMOCRATIC WILL OF pendence in 1979 and our sev- and many would be exercising On Monday, June 6, the Ca- have already met and have THE PEOPLE enteenth since attaining Adult this right for the first time. ribbean Secondary Examina- made all arrangements for Mr President, Mr Speaker, Po- Suffrage in 1951. Whatever the case may be, this tion Certificate (CSEC) Food the sitting of the CAPE and litical representation is a major Thus far, since Adult Suffrage, process represents a fundamen- and Nutrition Paper I and the use of some buildings at preoccupation this year. both the Saint Lucia Labour tal pillar of our democracy and Additional Mathematics Pa- SALCC as polling stations. I open today what is likely to Party and the United Workers the responsibility of the ballot pers I and III are scheduled The CSEC and the CAPE ex- be the last Session of this Parlia- Party have been victorious in should never be taken lightly no for 9:00 am and 1:00 pm re- aminations are regional ex- ment prior to the next General eight polls. Further to this, the matter if it is new or habitual. spectively. aminations administered by Elections. Our country will, in peaceful transfer of the reins of The ballot still remains the Consequently, the follow- the CXC. Therefore, the Min- time, proceed to the polls to power from one party to anoth- fundamental expression of each ing secondary schools will istry of Education, Human allow for the expression of the er has occurred five times since citizen’s political will. As such, serve as both CSEC centres Resource Development and democratic will of the people to Independence and six times I urge all eligible voters to exer- and polling stations: Anse Labour received the blessings select their political representa- since Adult Suffrage. cise their franchise, not only in Ger Secondary, Castries of the CXC for its examina- tives. We have therefore, if only by the interest of some perceived Comprehensive Second- tions to be held simultane- This upcoming General Elec- virtue of this metric, achieved personal gain, but in the inter- ary, Choiseul Secondary, ously with the General Elec- tions would represent our tenth a mature and stable democracy. est of our collective and com- Clendon Mason Secondary, tions of 2016. such event since attaining Inde- The electorate, therefore, ex- mon dominion.

Fixed Date for Next General Elections? This may very well be the last General Elections to be held here on a date selected by the Prime Minister. That is, if the next Government of Saint Lucia elects to follow the path outlined by Her Excellency the Governor General during delivery of her 2016 Throne Speech last month. Dame Pearlette There can be no doubt that of governance that we inher- impending elections can add to ited from Westminster. This Louisy indicated the Government has given consideration to considering uncertainty and indecision by view has now been discarded, following the path taken by the UK government in opting to elect for a investors, domestic or foreign. by none other than the Unit- fixed date for general elections. Nationwide reproduces below the relevant Investors often prefer to wait on ed Kingdom Parliament; the the outcome of General Elections cradle of Westminster conven- section from the Governor generals 2016 Throne Speech. to make investment decisions. tions and practices. That coun- Of course, it does not follow that if try’s parliament has now en- r President, Mr electoral cycle, political cam- courage it. Some have argued fixed election dates are introduced acted what it has described as a Speaker, I com- paigning to remain in office or that the system is manifestly the tendency to early campaigning “Fixed-term Parliaments Act.” Mmenced this address be elected to office seems to com- unfair as the incumbent party for General Elections will cease. My Government has noted by referring to electoral mat- mence far ahead of the eventual has the advantage of surprise. But the argument about “fairness” this development with con- ters. It is fitting that I come to dissolution of Parliament. These days, that argument can cannot be totally dismissed. siderable interest and will a close on that subject. The uncertainty over election hardly stand scrutiny as elec- It was once thought that fixed also consider the enactment It cannot have gone unno- dates does not fully explain this toral preparations have become election dates were inconsistent of legislation to introduce ticed that with each passing phenomenon, but it can also en- rather public. with the parliamentary system fixed election dates. Page 6 NationWIDE Saturday May 28, 2016

THE DIE IS CAST! Following is the full text of the address to the nation delivered by Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister & Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning & Social Security, on 19th May 2016, on the set date for the next General Elections in Saint Lucia.

PURPOSE OF ADDRESS time ever, we surpassed the one Fellow citizens, I address million mark for combined stay- you tonight on the date for over and cruise passenger arriv- the next General Election als. The construction sector ex- in our country. As you are panded by 7.4%. Manufacturing probably aware, the fifth too, is on the rebound. The sec- anniversary of the last Gen- tor grew by an estimated 13.7%. eral Election is November Agricultural production, 28, 2016. Our Constitution though uneven, is rising, with says in section 55(2) that banana exports surging by “Parliament unless sooner 35.3%. Many of us may not be dissolved shall continue for aware, but Saint Lucia is the five years from the date of only Windward Island still ex- the first sitting of the House porting bananas to the United gains and the sacrifices we fied tax system.”[See Page after any dissolution and Kingdom. have made to get us here can be 42 of the BudgetAddress, shall then stand dissolved.” Investment has also returned quickly undone and reversed by 2007/2008] This would mean that Gen- to our country. Currently, two recklessness and irresponsible Sir John’s successor, Hon eral Elections are consti- major new hotels are under con- actions. Stephenson King, in his tutionally due for the lat- struction. Some 700 Saint Lu- 2011 Budget Address, reit- est, three months after the cians are employed at the Roy- DELICATE CHOICES erated Sir John’s comments first sitting of Parliament, alton at Cap Estate; another275 One such example is the re- promising to introduce which was held on January are employed at the Harbour Prime Minister cent opportunistic and bizarre VAT in April 2012.He pre- 05, 2012. In effect, the Gov- Club in Rodney Bay. When the proposal by the leader of the pared draft legislation and Dr Kenny D. Anthony ernment would have had Royalton is completed, some United Workers Party on VAT. engaged civil society on until April 05, 2017 to call 650 to 700 Saint Lucians are ex- The leader of the UWP, at a re- the merits of VAT. General Elections. within a reasonable period af- pected to find jobs. In the next cent meeting on the Boulevard, Apparently, the wisdom However, I have decided ter the General Election, its eco- few days, I expect a sod turning stated that his Party will do an of Sir John Compton in in the interest of our coun- nomic and policy proposals by ceremony will be held to signal “immediate reduction and ul- announcing the introduc- try to call the General Elec- way of a Financial Statement the construction of the new ho- timate removal of the dreaded tion of VAT in 2007, was tion several months ahead to the House. Incidentally, that tel, Sunset Bay Hotel, at “Sabwi- VAT.” He added: “We will find conveyed to his successor, of its due date to ensure was the view I held and ex- sha”, in Choiseul. The develop- a more creative way and less Hon Stephenson King, but peace, stability and cer- pressed way back in 1997 when ers have already paid for the onerous way of raising revenues somehow not to King’s tainty in our country and General Elections were held on land. generated by VAT”. These are successor as leader of the its affairs. The Opposition May 23, 1997, just after the pre- The local private sector too is his words, not mine. UWP, Allen Chastanet, United Workers Party has sentation of the budget in that investing in our country again. So in the mind of Allen Chas- even though he was part agitated for elections for year. Unicomer Limited, the parent tanet, VAT is “dreaded" and yet, of the Cabinet that made months and on our side, the company of Courts (Saint Lucia) at a Town Hall Meeting in Gros those decisions. Saint Lucia Labour Party THE ISSUES is constructing its new head- Islet last night at which some Our Government be- says, “we are ready.” We come to this juncture after quarters. The Dayana Centre twenty persons were in atten- lieves that VAT has settled four years of collective effort in the City Centre is nearing dance, he told his audience that reasonably well. It is not PASSAGE OF BUDGET and sacrifice. These past four completion. “VAT is the best and most effec- perfect. Adjustments may You would have noticed years have been a period of ad- The public sector too is also tive tax in the world. No argu- well be necessary from that while there was a de- justment for our economy and playing its part! A sod turning ment”. Now, which is it? Ask time to time but our num- bate on the Estimates of indeed, for all of us. ceremony has already been held yourself, why this incredible ber one priority must re- Revenue and Expendi- I remain eternally grateful to to confirm the commencement about turn and inconsistency? main the creation of new ture for the Financial Year you for the support and under- of the Administrative Complex In 2015/2016 our country jobs. And this will be the 2016/2017- which of course, standing that you have shown in Vieux Fort. Two new bridges, earned $346.37 million dollars continuing focus of a new most members of the Op- for the adjustments we have one in Thomazo and the other in from VAT. It is this revenue that Labour Government. position did not attend- made to ensure that our econ- Canaries are about to commence pays for our nurses, doctors, We believe that more there was no presentation omy became stronger, better, construction. Plans are now at teachers, police officers, civil money must be put in the of a Budget Address. The and more resilient. Some of our an advanced stage for the com- servants, and repays our debt. pockets of Saint Lucians by explanations for what ap- measures were not always pop- mencement of the Secondary For every 1% reduction in VAT reducing on the number of pears to be unusual, are ular but it was never in doubt Roads Improvement Project to Revenue, the country loses $7.0 persons who pay personal rather simple. that the measures were imple- pave the way for the expansion million dollars. The question income taxes, reducing Section 79(1) of our Con- mented in the best interests of of the Choc to Gros Islet High- then is this: what are the new corporate income tax to stitution requires that our country. By our common way. The European Union has “creative” measures, what are encourage even more in- the Minister of Finance will and collective efforts, we confirmed financing of a new the new taxes that Allen Chas- vestment, and ensuring a prepares and lay the Es- saved our country from the IMF. bridge at Piaye and the recon- tanet plans to impose on the fair and just property tax timates of Revenue and The results of our efforts struction of the Venus Road in people of Saint Lucia to make regime. We believe that Expenditure “before or have now begun to yield fruits. the Anse La Raye Quarter. up for this staggering loss of $ our revenue base must be not later than thirty days Our economy has returned to The prospects for the health 346.37 million dollars in rev- protected to pay for hospi- after the commencement growth. Last year, it grew by sector are promising. The cre- enue? tal care for our people, pay of the financial year.” In 1.3%. ative industries have begun to In 2007, Sir John Compton our teachers to educate our turn, section 79 (2) of the We have reduced our fiscal take shape; youth and sports are announced in his only Budget children, provide more ac- Constitution provides for deficit from 9.6% of GDP in 2012 in good hands. Address before his death that cess to university educa- an Appropriation Bill to be to 3.1% in 2015. This is a remark- We continue to educate the his Government will intro- tion for our young people, introduced in the House able reduction by any measure. children of Saint Lucia to equip duce VAT. He said so in these and to protect our elderly, of Assembly to authorize Our current account surplus them to be the future drivers of words:“Madam Speaker, I wish to our poor and our vulner- expenditure from the Con- increased to $73.8 million in our country’s destiny. We pro- draw to the attention of this Hon- able. These are the issues solidated Fund. These are 2015/16. We also registered a vided our students from Form ourable House thatVAT is not a before us. the two fundamental re- significantly improved perfor- 3 to Form 5 in our secondary tax with which we are unfamiliar. quirements established by mance in the primary surplus, schools with Laptops. We plan We currently have on our books a DECISION TIME the Constitution to allow which grew to $45.3 million to extend this programme to number of transaction taxes such as Fellow Saint Lucians, the expenditure by the Gov- in 2015/16 from $3.7 million in Form 1 of all our secondary the consumption tax, hotel accom- die is cast! The decision ernment. Clearly, we need 2014/2015. schools. modation tax and the travel tax. It time has arrived! Today, I to ensure that any expen- Unemployment is finally We are well on our way to di- is more efficient to bring all those advised the Governor Gen- diture by the Government trending downwards, from versifying our energy needs by taxes under a single legislative eral to dissolve the Parlia- is fully authorized. And we a high of 24.5% to 20% in the developing alternative sources and administrative structure That ment of Saint Lucia, and to have done so! last quarter. There was a net of energy. All over the country would widen the tax base while eas- issue “Writs of Election” to Given my decision to call increase in the number of em- we are opening modern, state- ing the burden of existing taxpay- pave the way for the Gen- the General Election just ployed persons by 3.8% to of-the art Information Technol- ers. The VAT will not be another eral Election. The General after the passage of the Ap- 77,131. In the Fourth Quarter ogy Centres to give all Saint tax, but a replacement for some Election will be held on propriation Bill 2016/17, I alone, our Labour Force grew Lucians free access to comput- existing taxes. It will be a broad June 06, 2016. Nomination felt it best that the Govern- by 5,220 persons. It is clear we ers and high-speed internet for based comprehensive and simplified day will be May 27, 2016. ment elected by the will of are the only Government with learning and entrepreneurship. system of taxation on transactions. Good night and may God the people in the General a plan for jobs! We need to con- Our country is, once again, During the course of this financial bless and protect each and Election which I am about tinue on our path. proud, resilient and on the year, we will be consulting with every one of you and our to announce, be given the Tourism arrivals continue to move! However, it is also deli- you on an appropriate schedule island home, Saint Lucia! I opportunity to present, increase steadily. For the first cately poised, and all of these for implementation of this modi- thank you. Saturday May 28, 2016 NationWIDE Page 7

PM clarifies why Nominations Day is today Public Service Minister responds to May 28th was the only Outrageous and fair and appropriate date for Nominations! Absolute Fabrications!

Following is the full text of the Statement Following is the full text of the statement by Minister on the Change in the Date for Nomination for the Public Service Senator Dr Jimmy Fletcher, on a of Candidates issued by Prime Minister Dr social media notice on the Public Service. Kenny D. Anthony on the evening of May 25th 2016 in an Address to the Nation. y attention has ity for Public Officers been drawn, as at Union, in what was Minister for the previously Spinners, n the light of the concerns and available date to hold M Public Service, to a notice to equip Public Offi- raised in some quarters nominations and Her Excel- that is being circulated cers with the necessary over the change in the lency the Governor General I on social media suggest- skills to operate even date for the nomination of issued the amending writs candidates from Friday, 27th accordingly. ing that the Labour Gov- more efficiently and ef- May 2016 to Saturday 28th I recognize that Saturday, ernment has plans for the fectively. May, 2016 it is necessary that 28th May 2016 is a day of Public Service after elec- 2. Initiate a comprehen- I clarify the circumstances religious worship for many tions that will negatively sive programme to up- that made this change neces- in our society. Indeed, Fri- impact the livelihoods of grade and enhance the sary. days and Sundays are also Public Officers. information technology Let me first state unequivo- religious days of worship for I wish to respond to the skill sets of Public Offi- cally that no consideration some. I was, however, mind- following claims that have cers. whatsoever was given on my ful that a particular day of been made in the social 3. Create a child care facil- part or any other person’s worship may be difficult for media notice entitled At- ity on the Waterfront to part, of offending or incon- some candidates. However, tention Public Servants: provide a safe place for veniencing any candidate’s I was equally mindful of the 1. There is absolutely no the Public Officers who or person’s religious beliefs fact that the law allows a can- truth to the claim that work on the Waterfront or faith. didate’s agents to nominate Public Officers on tem- Public Service Minister to keep their children in The sole consideration and him or her in their absence. porary appointment Senator Dr James Fletcher the period between the motivation to the change of I should add that, two of will be placed on con- dismissal of school and the date of nomination was the candidates of the Saint tract for two years. It is the end of the work day. to ensure adequate time for Lucia Labour Party, Joachim and an absolute fabrication. the nomination of candi- Henry and Jerome Gedeon, also patently false that 3. Finally, there are absolutely 4. Continue the Employee dates, and to preserve the belong to denominations officers who are on con- no plans to implement the Assistance Programme date for the election as re- which worship on a Satur- tract, or any other offi- 5% salary reduction. Because to provide support to quired by law. day. It is therefore incon- cers for that matter, will of our collective sacrifice we Public Officers who As I mention later, the Elec- ceivable that anyone could be dismissed if they have been able to close the fis- may be experiencing tions Act does not, except in sensibly believe that I would score less than 85% on cal gap and stimulate growth distress that is impact- exceptional circumstances intentionally or otherwise their appraisals. in our economy. We need to ing on their ability to which do not apply, allow discriminate against any of 2. There are no plans to continue to build on these function in the work the date of an election to be the religious beliefs of our change the pension gains and catalyse even more place. changed by the Executive or candidates, supporters or arrangements for of- positive sustained growth in 5. Integrate the new Uni- Judicial Branches of the Gov- that of any or all citizens. ficers on Permanent our economy. fied Communications ernment of Saint Lucia. I sincerely regret the in- Establishment. In other I can however state with a high System in the opera- On Thursday, 19th May, convenience that this change words, the claim that degree of confidence that the tions of all government 2016, prior to my announce- may cause to Saint Lucians when officers on Per- Labour Government intends offices so that Public ment of the date for the Gen- for whom Saturday is their manent Establishment to undertake the following Officers may commu- eral Election on national Sabbath. retire they will not re- measures in the Public Ser- nicate more effectively television, the Office of the Fortunately, as I mentioned ceive a gratuity but will with each other, using Governor General was ad- earlier the Elections Act vice in its new term of office: vised of the date for nomina- provides authority for the receive only a monthly 1. Establish a state-of-the-art voice-over-IP technol- tions and General Election. nomination of a candidate pension, are outrageous modern Training Facil- ogy and having greater The writs for the General who may be unable to at- ability to host telecon- Election should have been tend because of his Sabbath ferences and video con- signed on that day, but was to be nominated in his or her ferences. held up to await the list of absence by his or her duly 6. Continue to address the Returning Officers from the authorized representative or several Occupational Electoral Commission. agent. Health and Safety is- That list was only made This will allow any candi- sues that plague some available in the afternoon of dates affected by the regretta- of the Government of- the next day, allowing pub- ble but, in the circumstances, fices, so as to ensure lication in the Gazette, but unavoidable change of date to that our Public Officers not in a local newspaper by proceed with their nomina- are not exposed to haz- way of extraordinary publi- tion without offending their ards in the work place. cation, because by then, most religious beliefs or sensitivi- 7. Complete the digitiza- newspapers had closed for ties. tion of all government the day. Therefore, this change of records and make it This resulted in the first date does not prevent or af- publication in a newspaper fect the nomination of any possible for processes becoming available on the candidate of any of the Par- such as Leave Manage- morning of Saturday, 21st ties intending to contest the ment to be done quickly May 2016. General Election on Monday, and more efficiently on That publication date 6th June 2016. an online platform. meant that if the original In closing, I wish to reiter- 8. Integrate the successful nomination date of Friday, ate that it was never my in- 311 Contact Centre with 27th May 2016 had been kept, tention or that of my Govern- the Emergency 911 and candidates may not have had ment to discriminate against 999 services for greater the seven (7) days prior to or inconvenience any reli- efficiency and more ef- Nomination Day. gious group or offend any ficient response times. Consequently, it became sensitivities. Government plans to continue to integrate ICT solutions to 9. Complete the Vieux Fort necessary for the Governor The decision that had to be ongoing administrative problems to facilitate greater Administrative Com- General to send to the Chief made required that careful efficiency throughout the Public Service. plex to provide Public Elections Officer amending consideration be given to the Officers in the south writs to correct the date for law and the various options and the general public nomination day. in order to preserve the date with modern, spacious It must be noted that the law for the General Election. permits the date for Nomina- In any event, I wish to place premises to work and tion Day to be changed. But, on record my apologies for transact business as I have indicated the law any difficulties or any incon- 10. Make it possible for does not permit or allow a venience that this unavoid- more government ser- change of the date for the able change may cause, and vices, such as renewal General Election except in trust that all will go well on of Driver’s Licences and specific and restricted cases Nomination Day, so that we application for Birth of emergencies. can proceed to elect the new Certificates, to be done Therefore, in the circum- Government for Saint Lucia Government plans to make it even more easy to get quicker online via the Govern- stances, Saturday, 28th May on the 6th June 2016. God’s responses when calling government telephone numbers or ment Web Portal. 2016 became the only fair speed and God bless! seeking emergency help from government services. Page 8 NationWIDE Saturday May 28, 2016 What The Law Says...

What the Law says on Police Warning Number of Days between Nominations and Elections No Alcohol on Election Day he Opposition mounted a big hue and cry following the ELECTION OFFENCES announcement of the dates for Nomination of Candi- Tdates and for the next General Elections, claiming Prime INTOXICATING LIQUOR NOT Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony broke the law, as 21 days notice is supposedly required between nominations and elections. Here TO BE SOLD SUPPLIED OR is what the Elections Act, Chapter 1 Section 2 at sub-section 36 says: GIVEN ON POLLING DAY ISSUE OF WRITS (ELECTIONS ACT 2008) (1) For the purposes of every general election of members of This is what the law says about Sale or Use of Alcohol on the House, and for the purposes of the election of members Election Day in Saint Lucia. to fill vacancies in the House caused by death, resignation, or Chapter 72 Sub-section (1) No intoxicating liquor shall be sold, otherwise, the Governor General shall issue writs under the offered for sale, supplied or given away, at any premises situate Public Seal of the State, addressed to the returning officers in any electoral district in which an election is being held, to of the respective electoral districts for which members are to which a licence issued under the Liquor Licence Act, or under be returned. Such writs shall be forwarded to the Commis- the Registration of Proprietary Clubs Act or under any other sion for transmission to the several returning officers. enactment applies, at any time between the opening and the (2) Every writ shall be in the form set out as Form I in Schedule closing of the poll on polling day. 3 and shall specify— (2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) is liable on (a) the day of the nomination of candidates being not less than summary conviction to a fine of $500 or to imprisonment 7 and not more than 14 days after the day of issue of the writ; for 6 months. (b) the day upon which, if necessary, the poll shall be taken, (3) This section does not apply to any port or airport wherein being not less than 7 days and not more than 14 days after liquor is sold under concession to persons therein who are the day of the nomination of candidates; about to leave Saint Lucia. (c) the day the writ is returnable to the Governor General be- The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to encourage ing not more than 7 days after the polling day. the citizenry to read and study the laws which govern the (3) Upon receipt of such writ every returning officer shall pro- country. ceed to hold the election in the manner hereinafter provided. (Know Your Laws is a production of the Press Office of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.)

Police Warning Police Warning Employers Must Allow Arrangements for General Elections

(ELECTIONS ACT 2008) Workers Time to Vote! This is what the law says about the rights of workers to get time to vote on Election Day. ELECTION OFFENCES Chapter 36. ISSUE OF WRITS (1) For the purposes of every general election of members of the House, and for the purposes of the election of members to fill vacancies in the House caused EMPLOYERS TO ALLOW by death, resignation, or otherwise, the Governor General shall issue writs under the Public Seal of the State, addressed to the returning officers of the respective electoral districts for which members are to be returned. Such writs EMPLOYEES PRESCRIBED shall be forwarded to the Commission for transmission to the several return- ing officers. PERIOD FOR VOTING (2) Every writ shall be in the form set out as Form I in Schedule 3 and shall specify— (a) the day of the nomination of candidates being not less than 7 and not more than 14 days after the day of issue of the writ; (ELECTIONS ACT 2008) (b) the day upon which, if necessary, the poll shall be taken, being not less than 7 This is what the law says about the rights of workers to get days and not more than 14 days after the day of the nomination of candidates; time to vote on Election Day. (c) the day the writ is returnable to the Governor General being not more than 7 days after the polling day. Chapter 73 Sub-section (1) An employer shall, on polling day, al- (3) Upon receipt of such writ every returning officer shall proceed to hold the elec- low every elector in his or her employ a reasonable period being tion in the manner hereinafter provided. not less than 2 hours or such other period as may be prescribed for Chapter 37. NOTICE OF TIME AND PLACE FOR ELECTIONS voting, and no employer shall make any deduction from the pay Upon the issue by the Governor General of a writ the Chief Elections Officer shall or other remuneration of any such elector or impose upon or exact give notice thereof, and of the day and place fixed for the nomination of candi- from him or her any penalty by reason of his or her absence during dates, by publication in the Gazette and one or more local newspapers at least 7 days before the day fixed for such nomination; and the returning officer shall give such period. further notice of the issue of such writ and of the time and place for the nomina- (2) Any employer who, directly or indirectly, refuses, or by intimida- tion of candidates by causing notices in the form set out as Form 6 in Schedule 3 tion, undue influence, or in any other way, interferes with the grant- to be posted or affixed in some conspicuous place near the principal door of every ing to any elector in his or her employ, of the period for voting as court house, police station and Revenue Office, and in any other place he or she may deem necessary provided in subsection (1), is liable on summary conviction to a fine Chapter 38. RETURNING OFFICER TO OBTAIN LISTS OF ELECTORS of $500 or to imprisonment for 6 months. Before the day fixed for the nomination of candidates, the Chief Elections Officer The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to encourage the citi- shall supply the returning officer with the prescribed number of copies of the zenry to read and study the laws which govern General Elections in register in force by virtue of this Act. Saint Lucia. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to encourage the citizenry to read (“Know Your Laws” is a production of the Press Office of the Roy- and study the laws which govern General Elections in Saint Lucia. (“Know Your Laws” is a production of the Press Office of the Royal Saint Lucia al Saint Lucia Police Force.) Police Force.) Saturday May 28, 2016 NationWIDE Page 9 St. Lucia listed as top honeymoon spot Scandinavian travel in the Caribbean by travel booking site agents open way for new tourism market

ot on the heels of the success of the 25th Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, efforts are well under way to open yet another Hnew European market for the island. The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) UK hosted a number of journalists and travel agents from Scandinavia (Sweden and Denmark) earlier this month. The group visited a number of hotels and participated in many activities whilst on island – chocolate-making at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, hiking the Tet Paul Nature Trail, visiting the Sulphur Springs and Antillia Brewery, touring the Pigeon Island National Landmark, and ravel booking site The Romantic Tourist has listed St. Lucia as the top destination in the Caribbean riding the Rainforest Aerial Tram. This growing market will now for couples looking to go on their honeymoon. The site referred to the experience of the founders be able to fly to Saint Lucia without the need to overnight in London Tof its parent company during their honeymoon at Crystals which is located in Soufriere. The Ro- through Condor, which will fly direct from Frankfurt to Saint Lucia mantic Tourist allows site visitors to plan and book trips to various destinations. The trips include events in November. While here, the agents got access to a growing mar- and hotel rooms and allow visitors a unique opportunity to browse the benefits of different destinations ket that will now be able to fly direct from Frankfurt to Saint Lucia, located in various countries around the world. (Courtesy Saint Lucia News Online) starting November. Tourist Board promoting Saint Lucia in Connecticut, USA

gents received incen- ents to Saint Lucia for summer spring luxury tour this time at tives for referring their 2016 and beyond. Island Destinations' Larchmont, Aclients to Saint Lucia for TACT is a membership of over New York headquarters, cel- summer 2016 and beyond. The 90 travel agency owners and ebrating "chocolate luxury" and Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) advisors from the state of Con- the new JetBlue Mint Service. hosted the monthly meeting of necticut. Island Destinations is the lead- the Travel Association of Con- Each month destinations, ho- ing luxury boutique tour op- necticut (TACT) in Wallingford, tels, wholesalers or airlines are erator on the eastern seaboard CT on May 17. invited to host meetings where focusing on promoting and Utilizing a combination of exclusive access is given to the marketing the Caribbean, Eu- one-on-one interactions, a membership. rope and Africa. mini-tradeshow and a de- The host is also featured on The program featured 12 Saint tailed destination update, the association's website for that Lucia properties. A total of 40 TACT members received in- corresponding month. in-house and remote staff at- Agents received incentives for referring their clients to centives for referring their cli- The SLTB also continued its tended the day of training. Saint Lucia for summer 2016 and beyond.

Coco Palm awarded 2015 Du Boulay’s Bottling voted Hotels.Com Certificate of Excellence one of top regional investors nother saint Lucian hotel has won anoth- u Boulay’s Bottling Investment Never CAI- er top regional award. Company has been PA President and CEO of ThisA time Saint Lucia’s bou- Drecognized as one of Invest Saint Lucia McHale the top investors in the Re- Andrew, who also attend- tique hotel, Coco Palm has gion, having emerged win- ed the Summit, remarked once again been honoured ner in the Local Investor that this latest award is with a Certificate of Excel- of the Year category at this testimony to the fact that lence by Hotels.com for 2015. year’s Regional Investor of Saint Lucia’s manufactur- Chairman Allen Chastanet the Year Awards (RIYA). ing sector is on a growth promised Coco Palm would The RIYA is a collabora- trajectory. be something special. tive initiative that seeks The manufacturing in- He said, “Our vision was to recognize and promote dustry in Saint Lucia ac- to offer guests something the contribution of for- counts for approximately authentically Saint Lu- Coco Palm Revenue Department and Front Office eign and local investors to five percent of the island’s cian without compromise, proudly display Certificate of Excellence. the Caribbean economy. gross domestic product with value for money and Du Boulay’s beat out and employs about six the best food in town. doors, we never imagined the plate and contributed two other nominees – percent of its workforce. Those values still hold the power that people enormously. Our work Chocolate Dreams Ltd. The companies within from Jamaica and Bowjay this sector, including Du today and are enhanced have influencing your speaks for itself” Mrs Gil- from Guyana – to win the McHale Andrew, President Boulay’s, Baron Foods, product via Online Travel bert went on to say. each year”. category title. of CAIPA & CEO of Invest Viking Traders, St. Lucia Chastanet said he picked Agents (OTA) as Hotels. The Certificate of Excel- The overall award of Re- Saint Lucia and Dunstan Du Distillers and Windward the best team he could com With 89% positive re- lence bestowed by Hotels. gional Investor of the Year Boulay, Managing Director and Leeward Brewery over ten years ago and to- views, this has certainly com honours hospitality was captured by Kika- of Du Boulay’s Bottling Limited, continue to re- gether they have created proven to be the endorse- excellence, is given only boni (Healthy Flow Agro- Company Ltd. receiving the ceive international rec- something special. ment consumers need to- to establishments that industrial SRL), a healthy Local Investor of the Year ognition and numerous “Credit must go to our day” noted St Rose. consistently achieve out- snack manufacturing Award 2015. accolades for their brands. Heads of Department and Revenue Manager and standing traveller reviews company from the Do- The local manufactur- Team members who have Front Office Managers, Mrs on TripAdvisor, and is ex- minican Republic which velopment Agency (CEDA) ers anticipate that over the became the first company next two to three years, the taken Coco Palm to anoth- Claudine Gilbert Mashack tended to qualifying busi- and the Caribbean Associa- Biroo are the engines behind nesses worldwide. in the world to produce tion of Investment Promo- manufacturing sector will er level and never rests on healthy snacks using Mo- tion Agencies (CAIPA) for be further expanded with their laurels” noted Allen Coco Palm and can take Establishments awarded ringa Oleifera as one of naming the Company as the the introduction of a new Chastanet. pride in such an honour. the Certificate of Excel- their main ingredients. Local Investor of the Year. flour mill in VieuxFort, a General Manager Mr Gilbert measures her lence are located all over Speaking at the conclu- He expressed his sincere chicken processing plant Jean St Rose, who has success by seeing the the world and represent the sion of the ceremony held gratitude and apprecia- in Dennery and the ex- been at the helm for over award winning boutique upper echelon of businesses earlier this month during tion for the many courtesies pansion of Antillia Brew- ten years, couldn’t be hotel placing in the top listed on the website. the Caribbean Investment extended during his at- ing Company to a full- prouder. He said, “I will spot week after week, When selecting Certifi- Summit in Miami, Dun- tendance at the 2016 Carib- fledged brewery, with the share this Certificate of year after year and this is cate of Excellence, Hotels. stan Du Boulay, Manag- bean Investment Summit in intention to export within Excellence with our Team no small feat. com uses a proprietary al- ing Director of the local Miami, which was a great and outside of the region. bottling company con- experience, the memories of These prospects can only who have made Coco “I am so proud to share gorithm to determine the veyed his appreciation to which will be with him for augur well for the sector this with my Team who honorees that takes into Palm something special. the Caribbean Export De- years to come. and the country overall. When we opened our have all stepped up to account reviews ratings. Page 10 NationWIDE Saturday May 28, 2016 Musical Therapy working well at Wellness Centre!

t a time when the Prime session. We had a great and fan- Minister is being scan- tastic time. Adalously accused of Musical therapy is part of oc- having not a care in the world cupational therapy and music for mentally disturbed saint Lu- therapy does allot for our pa- cians, patients at the National tients. It helps our patients relax Wellness Centre have been and puts them in a very good proving the claims as being just mood as well as it helps them wild and ridiculous. sleep properly. So, all in all, mu- Staff and clients of the St. sic therapy is very good for our Lucia National Mental Well- patients." ness Centre were thoroughly Quite thrilled and excited for entertained by various artistes her clients was the Executive the likes of Sisterhood, Linda Director for Mental Wellness 'Chocolate' Berthier, Shirleyann Services, Charmaine Hippolyte- Cyril-Mayers and others, in- Thomas, who encouraged op- cluding performances by some portunities for more social of the clients during the first involvement between clients, ever-Jazz and Arts show held on family and the general public the grounds of the facility. such as this jazz event. Dubbed the "Jazz Climax: "It is special for me know- Mental Wellness Centre Edi- ing that persons who are able Staff and patients together stamped the Wellness Centre trademark on the Saint Lucia Jazz tion", the aim was to provide a to sign and dance and demon- and Arts landscape. different type of therapy, musi- strate arts are able to come to cal therapy to clients, in a very the Wellness Centre to share lies and other persons come loved ones by simply visiting here every day probably some- light, social atmosphere with with the clients and it is also ex- around. them more often. times twice a day and he is hap- family, friends and fantastic citing for me knowing that the Brian Francis, father of one "Actually visiting the patient py to see me around and I am music. clients are not forgotten in the of the clients at the facility, is like a medication for them. happy coming around too. One of the organizers of the whole spirit of jazz. agrees that activities such as When they see their relatives it's I pray to God that I can come activity, Jane Charles, the Occu- Thomas added that the well- the Jazz Climax can help in like they have a joy in them and around every day to see my son pational Therapist at the Well- ness centre will encourage even the rehabilitation of the men- actually that can motivate them so that he could be better." Or- ness Centre, was very pleased more opportunities like the jazz tally ill patients and keep to cure faster and get better. ganizers hope to make the "Jazz with the way the event turned event which can add therapeu- them motivated. He encour- So it's a nice thing to have the Climax: Mental Wellness Cen- out. "We planned a Jazz Session tic components to the care pro- aged family members to play family members come around tre Edition" an annual events on for our mental patients and they vided at the facility and said he a more supportive role in to visit their family. Actually the calendar of activities at the were looking forward to this staff were all happy when fami- the recovery process of their I've got my son here and I am Mental Wellness Centre. Trade Saint Lucia launched to enhance business support

he initiative combines cia Trade Export Promotion thereby providing an ecosystem telligence, trade facilitation and Saint Lucia. We need to get the efforts of TEPA Agency (TEPA) and the Small that will enhance Saint Lucia’s export strategy; together under our youth to realize their Tand the SBDC to en- Business Development Centre international competitiveness," one roof, is the perfect union dreams, to tap into their hance business support ser- (SBDC) with an aim to enhance Minister for Commerce, Busi- to lead Saint Lucia to economic skills and to contribute to vices. Trade Saint Lucia, an business support services to the ness Development, Investment prosperity.” this economy." initiative of the Ministry of business sector. and Consumer Affairs, the Hon. Barbara Innocent Charles, Cabinet approved the cre- Commerce, Business Devel- “The creation of Trade Saint Emma Hippolyte said. SBDC Director, spoke on the im- ation of Trade Saint Lucia opment, Investment and Con- Lucia is part of a wider struc- "The SBDC with its core portance of micro-enterprises on March 21, with the en- sumer Affairs, was launched turing effort of the Ministry of strength of capacity-building, and the youth. tity coming into effect April. here earlier this week. Commerce as we continually long term consultations and “The economy is such that Trade Saint Lucia was created The initiative combined seek to improve our services startup assistance; and TEPA’s we need to harness the ca- as a statutory body drawing the efforts of the Saint Lu- to the local commercial sector, strength and focus in market in- pabilities of our people in on established resources.

Public Service Training Minister pleased about Agriculture Sector performance griculture Minister, Mo- sales to hotels and supermarkets, The minister opined that Saint ses Jn Bap¬tiste, has said has a lot to do with efforts made Lucia can look forward to an Institute launched Athat he is pleased with the to standardize the operations of increase in the consumption of performance of the sector, despite farmers. safe, healthy local food, and an a few downsides. He explained that as a re- increase in the number of busi- “We have seen agriculture in- sult of the long-running farmer nesses in agri¬culture. crease value added by seven per- certifi¬cation program, farmers He spoke of an increase in the cent in this year’s estimates and are more aware of what they need use of local food in the school seen double digit growth in al- to do to produce quality food; and feeding program, and the need most every area,” he said, nothing that there is a greater awareness for emphasis on essen¬tial oils. that there was a slight decrease in of standards, due largely to the The minister said that mil- chicken and fish landings. work of the Saint Lucia Bureau of lions of dollars plus employment Jn Baptiste said that the prog- Standards to develop product stan- can also be had from chicken ress now recorded in terms of dards for the agriculture industry. pro¬duction.

The first of its kind, the training institute will formulate customized programs to improve public service delivery. US $1.4 Million worth of Bailey Bridges

he Ministry of the Public Currently, the training divi- Service, Information and sion of the Ministry of the Pub- to accelerate disaster recovery TBroadcasting has formal- lic Service operates two training he Ministry of Infrastruc- ly launched the Public Service rooms, one with a seating ca- ture, Port Services, and Training Institute. pacity of 15, and the other with Transport, has welcomed The first of its kind, the train- a seating capacity of 25. T the recent consignment of Bailey ing institute will formulate The spatial constraints restrict Bridges which have been used customized learning and devel- the number of people that can to restore vital roadway access opment programs to meet the be trained at any given time, between communities following deficiencies identified by the resulting in the sub-optimal use severe infrastructural damage Learning Needs Assessment of allocated resources. caused by storms. and aims to build capacity with- The absence of break-out In April, the ministry received in government ministries by rooms and video-conferencing 15 single and double-lane Bailey In April, the Ministry of Infrastructure received 15 single and strengthening human resources technology has also affected bridges of varying lengths. The double-lane Bailey bridges of varying lengths. in accordance with service de- the quality of training being Government of Saint Lucia had livery and policy and program offered. previously purchased 300 meters The minister noted that while bridges. These bridges were used to objectives. The Public Service Training of Bailey bridges in 2013. the traditional concrete and steel reconnect communities severed as a Deputy Prime Minister and The institute will also adopt a Institute will address these approach was costly and required result of the weather event. Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. competency-based approach to short comings. a lot of time, the investment in Bai- The new shipment of Bailey Philip J. Pierre, recalls that follow- human resource training and The launch of the Public Ser- ley bridges allowed government to bridges was financed by the ing the 2013 Christmas Eve trough respond to emergencies in a time- World Bank under the Disaster development in the public ser- vice Training Institute took the ministry was able to restore lier manner and at a lower cost. Vulnerability Reduction Project vice, in keeping with objectives place on May 25. The train- vehicular access in the communi- The Government of Saint Lucia also (DVRP) at a cost of $1.4 million. identified for training in the ing institute is located in the ties of Canaries and Piaye within came to the rescue of Saint Vincent Staff training on the installation of Ministry of the Public Service’s former Spinners building at less than a week, with the erec- following the Christmas Eve trough Bailey bridges is also being provid- Strategic Plan for 2014-2017. Union. tion of Bailey bridges. by donating over 100 meters of Bailey ed to the Ministry of Infrastructure. Saturday May 28, 2016 NationWIDE Page 11 The Diplomatic Courier New Taiwan President Venezuela reiterated commitment to PetroCaribe during Maduro visits to Jamaica and Trinidad takes office espite facing economic which Maduro said stood to benefit challenges, the Venezuelan both countries. r. Tsai Ing-wen of the Dem- DGovernment has reiterated “We look forward from Trinidad ocratic Progressive Party its commitment to maintaining its and Tobago to provide significant Dwas on May 20 inaugu- arrangements with Jamaica anmd relief to the people of Venezuela. rated as the 14th-term President the rest of the Caribbean under the This relief to come from a supply of of the Republic of China (Taiwan). PetroCaribe Agreement. manufactured goods from Trinidad In her address at the inaugural President Nicolás Maduro made and Tobago,” Rowley told Maduro. ceremony, President Tsai laid out the promise during a recent work- “We have created a joint venture her vision for Taiwan’s future and ing visit to Jamaica, as he sought to that would be responsible to con- elaborated on the policy goals of allay uncertainty about his coun- duct all the investments required in her administration. try’s commitment to the agreement. order to tap those resources for the Regarding the ROC’s foreign He said that both governments benefit of both countries. discussed the need to strengthen “We have also decided to increase policy, President Tsai stressed the scheme and that was important, the trade flow between the two na- her desire to bring Taiwan closer as the PetroCaribe Agreement has tions. We have already established to the world while upholding the been successful in bolstering the the contacts and very soon, through universal values of peace, free- economic and energy exchanges of a revolving fund with US$50 mil- dom, democracy, and human the member countries. lion, we will be able to strengthen rights. “We are fully convinced that in Jamaican Prime Minister the flow of trade between Trinidad Taiwan will continue to deepen the last 10 years, PetroCaribe has Andrew Holness and Venezuelan and the Eastern part of Venezuela,” relations with friendly democra- clearly demonstrated that it’s only President Nicolas Maduro Maduro said. cies including the US, Japan, and together that we can reach develop- hit the red carpet in Kingston Following Maduro’s address, European nations. It will also President Tsai stated her ment and (achieve) happiness for following their successful Trade and Industry Minister Paula our peoples,” President Maduro Gopee-Scoon spoke about the ar- proactively participate in interna- administration’s commitment meeting last Sunday. tional economic and trade coop- said. rangements that would be put in eration, as well as free trade ne- to strengthening regional He noted that the meeting with of respect, brotherhood and co-op- place for Venezuela to obtain the gotiations. Furthermore, Taiwan peace and stability. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew eration,” Maduro told Rowley. much-needed food. will contribute to fostering envi- Holness and Jamaican Government Among the issues discussed were She said the US$50 million fund ronmental sustainability. ing President Ma Ying-jeou to ministers was marked by dialogue trade, security and repatriation of Venezuela had established would on cooperation and a strong will citizens who are currently detained be used to purchase manufactured President Tsai stated her ad- President Tsai. Saint Lucia was represented at to continue efforts to further unite in prisons on both sides. goods from Trinidad and Tobago, ministration’s commitment to both countries. The Trinidad and Tobago govern- which would be sent to the eastern the inauguration by Education strengthening regional peace Meanwhile, Venezuela has agreed ment also signed a memorandum states of Venezuela, which have and stability, and emphasized Minister Dr Robert K. Lewis, as to buy US$50 million in food from of understanding with Maduro been faced with a shortage of food the importance of fostering closer well as by Cabinet Secretary Dar- neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, to purchase gas from Venezuela, for months. economic links with other Asian rel Montrope and Speaker of the including the priority items like countries. As part of this commit- House of Assembly Peter Foster. butter, chicken, pork, ketchup, rice ment, President Tsai announced a Ahead of the inauguration, the and black beans. new southbound policy to broad- Taiwan Embassy here hosted a News of the purchase came from en exchanges in the areas of tech- special ceremony at the Union Venezuela President Nicolas Mad- nology, culture, and commerce. Agricultural Station to mark the uro at a joint press conference with In her address, President Tsai occasion of yet another change of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minis- also touched on various domestic government in Taiwan. ter Dr Keith Rowley in Port of Spain. issues, such as pension and judi- Deputy Prime Minister Philip J. President Maduro described cial reform, long-term care mech- Pierre and Taiwan Ambassador his meeting with Rowley and his anisms, and transitional justice. His Excellency Ray Mou officiat- Cabinet as fruitful and successful, promising to strengthen ties and Saint Lucia and other Caribbean ed at the special event, which was also attended by other diplomats the relationship with Trinidad and states were also represented at the Tobago going forward, the Trinidad and government officials, along inauguration in Taipei, which saw Guardian reported. the change of power from outgo- with special guests. “We need to continue working Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Prime Minister Dr Keith hard in the future to further our re- Rowley in a handshake during a joint press conference following lations in the premise of principles bilateral talks in Trinidad on Monday. SLHTA looks to foreign languages lab

he Saint Lucia Hotel and within the SLHTA's Hospital- Tourism Association (SLH- ity Training Centre at Rodney OECS DG met Martinique Council President to continue TTA) has collaborated with Heights and will provide train- engagements with neighbouring French member-state the Embassy of Mexico, the Em- ing for private sector employees. bassy of Spain and the Univer- Discussions also explored sity of Quintana Roo, to discuss scholarship opportunities for irector General of the the establishment of a private employees in maintenance and sector foreign languages lab. air conditioning repair. Organization of Eastern Recently, SLHTA representa- The private sector foreign lan- DCaribbean States (OECS) tives met with representatives guages lab will be available to Dr. Didacus Jules met with of the organizations as they all SLHTA members and their the President of the Executive work to move closer to the re- employees to access training Council of Martinique, Alfred alization of the facility. and receive internationally rec- Marie-Jeanne at the offices of The facility will be located ognized certification. the Collectivité de Martinique in Fort-de-France. The meeting was the first since the election of a new ad- OECS Foreign Affairs ministers ministration in Martinique fol- lowing the French national elec- tions of Dec. 2015 and followed will remain engaged on regional the long-established practice of briefing engagements between and global issues the Director General and new- ly-elected heads of political ad- The meeting between President Marie-Jeanne (left) and DG he second Meeting of the the backdrop of profound and ministrations of member states. Jules was the first since the election of a new administration in OECS Council of Foreign dramatic changes taking place on The meeting covered a wide Martinique following the French national elections of Dec. 2015. TAffairs Ministers was con- the geopolitical front and offered range of issues including the vened in Saint Vincent and the the ministers the opportunity to nature and structure of the membership, and received the cessity for the appointment of Grenadines on May 8, under the contribute to the process of de- new governance arrangements assurance of the Director Gen- elected representatives and oth- chairmanship of the Foreign Af- signing and fashioning respons- in Martinique, as well as the eral that the OECS Commission er officials to the various OECS fairs Minister of Saint Vincent es to the challenges confronting inherent implications for a existed to serve the member organs and working groups. and the Grenadines, Hon. Sir the region as a result of those smooth transition between both states of the organization. The parties to the meeting Louis Straker. changes. administrations and systems; Attention was also given to considered it a tremendous suc- Minister Straker accepted the The council considered a wide the priorities of the new admin- the necessity for continued cess and agreed on the need for mantle of chairmanship of the range of issues including the istration both domestically and active participation of Mar- continued engagement and ac- council from the outgoing chair- external representation of mem- in respect of regional coopera- man, Hon. Alva Baptiste, Minis- ber states, relations with third tinique in the organization, tion in the interest of achieving ter for External Affairs, Interna- states, progress towards the tion; the governance structure and for continuation of the ac- concrete results. tional Trade and Civil Aviation of realization of the OECS Single and arrangements of the OECS; tive engagement between the The President and the Direc- Saint Lucia. Domestic Space, United Na- and the modalities of participa- administration and the OECS tor General were supported The incoming chairman ex- tions matters, relations with the tion by Martinique as a member Commission. In this regard, the by their respective delegations pressed the hope that the council EU post-Cotonou, and matters of the OECS in the work of the President confirmed the deci- which included Chef de Cabi- would continue to address the relating to hemispheric institu- organization. sion of his administration to net Mme. Maguy Marie-Jeanne, business of the OECS in an effica- tions such as the ACS, CELAC The meeting also discussed maintain its resident represen- OECS Commissioner for Mar- cious manner. and the OAS. the efforts of the OECS Com- tation at the OECS Commission tinique Mme. Murielle Lesales The second Meeting of the The council committed itself mission to make the organi- via the physical presence of the and Head of International Rela- OECS Council of Foreign Affairs to remain engaged on these and zation more relevant for its Commissioner for Martinique, tions at the OECS Commission, Ministers was convened against other matters under its purview. non-independent and associate and agreed on the urgent ne- Mr Anthony Severin. Page 12 NationWIDE Saturday May 28, 2016 Marchand honours 36th Mother of the Year Free 2016 Jazz & Arts

he Marchand commu- son worthy of this honor. There nity has honored its 36th are people who go about their concert held at Marchand TMother of the Year. In its daily lives, with no fanfare and 37th year of observance of this no media coverage, but they prestigious event, the March- make very meaningful contri- Children’s Park to close and Women’s League this year butions to the community -- and chose Mrs Lesnie Louisa Gill as Mrs. Gill is one of them.” Silver Jubilee! the 2016 Marchand Mother of Referring to the coming Gen- the Year. eral Elections and the ongoing The 69-year-old housewife is festive Jazz fanfare with a broad a mother of five with 17 grand- smile on his face, the four-term children and three great grand- MP went on to say, “I have been children. Mrs Gill has also been attending this ceremony for a member of the Marchand almost 20 years now and even Women’s League for over 25 when I was Minister of Tour- years. ism, no jazz activity has ever A devout Catholic, speaking stopped me from coming to cel- after the honoring ceremony, ebrate with you. So, I hope that I she said she raised her children will have the privilege, through in the fear of God, to the best the people of this constituency, of her abilities and urge young Deputy Prime Minister and to return here on many other Castries East MP Philip J. mothers to do the same. occasions to honor many more astries East, through the initiative of MP Philip J. Pierre, Pierre celebrated Mrs Lesnie She told members of the press mothers in this constituency.” hosted one of the many activities that brought the cur- Louisa Gill as the 36th March- after the ceremony, “Never give The Marchand Women’s tains down on the 2016 edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz up on your children, no mat- and Mother of the Year. League also elected a new C and Arts Festival -- a free concert at the Marchand Children's ter what -- and with the help of president this year. Mrs. Paula Park. The festival was officially opened at the Mindoo Phillip God, they will be good citizens Parliamentary Representative Charles replaced Mrs Monica Park -- also in Marchand -- on April 29. The free concert, held and make you proud. With God, for Castries East Philip J. Pierre Alcide, who had served for over on May 14, was therefore more welcome news for the commu- all things are possible.” said, “Mrs. Gill is a fitting per- twenty years. nity. The concert featured Dynamix, a relatively young local band, whose members are from the Castries East and Gros Islet constituencies. The members, all former students of the Saint Lucia School of Music, are below the age of 20. Dynamix’s rep- ertoire comprises local, regional and international selections. ISL again contributes Mr Pierre said he was pleased with the fact that Marchand and Castries East continue to host Jazz activities, both big and small

to National Telethon NCF concludes 2016 telethon with plan to review format he National Community cated to renowned Saint Lucian Foundation (NCF) conclud- musician and philanthropist Ted its largest annual fund- Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, who raiser last Sunday. The 13th edi- performed at the live event. tion of the NCF’s Telethon took "I must say it is a great honour place at the National Cultural for me to be recognized in this Centre, raising just about $147,000 way. It was something I did not -- far below previous years. expect. When I got the phone Madonna Monrose, Executive call, I was pretty surprised. I Director of the non-profit or- think it sends a good signal to ganisation, said the NCF needs the young people. I'm no rocket to review the format of the tele- scientist and what I have done thon to make it more cost effec- throughout my music career is ISL’s annual donation this year was $5,000 and Executive Director Madonna Monrose (right) tive. something that I know and I says it will help supplement the NCF’s existing educational assistance program. At left is ISL "We noticed that there was a hope the young people would representative Natasha Edwin-Walcott lot of expenditure attached to aspire to and achieve also. With the Telethon. We try to raise regards to my philanthropic or the fourth consecutive As is customary, ISL also as- initiative is one of the ways in critical funds that we need to as- work, I think it is my civic duty year, Invest Saint Lucia (ISL) sisted with the pledges during which we are able to contribute sist our clients, but at the same to do the things that I do." Fhas shown its support for the event which was carried live to Saint Lucia’s most important time we spend so much to get The NCF, as a non-govern- the National Community Foun- on local television. resource.” those funds in. So we decided mental organization, depends dation (NCF). During ISL’s cheque presenta- ISL’s annual donation was we would make a change – take on donations to service six During its annual telethon tion to the NCF, ISL represen- aimed at supplementing the the risk. We did that last year core areas – education, health, held on May 22, ISL made a do- tative Natasha Edwin-Walcott NCF’s existing educational assis- and we were pleasantly sur- youth-at-risk, persons with nation of $5,000 to the founda- said, “ISL is once again proud tance program that helps provide prised in that we found that the disabilities, the elderly and the tion which is geared towards to assist with such a worthwhile much needed financial support amount of funds raised was not homeless. assisting disadvantaged stu- cause not only because it is part to students who have difficulty that much different in the past Those interested in donating dents meet the cost of their edu- of our community outreach pro- meeting the expenses associated or the year before." can contact the NCF office on cational needs. gram, but more so because this with getting an education. This year’s telethon was dedi- High Street in Castries.

Nationwide Sports Saint Lucia considering international Jet Ski Race

team of jet ski en- Team 972 from Martinique, over 40 persons to Saint Lucia thusiasts from Mar- comprising 17 jet skis, visited including three boats with se- Atinique spent the Saint Lucia in response to an curity, emergency and other lo- last weekend in Saint Lucia invitation from the Consul Gen- gistical personnel. exploring logistical arrange- eral in Martinique, Yasmine The international jet ski race, ments for Saint Lucia’s possi- Walcott, for discussions and he added, brought to Marti- ble involvement in an inter- first-hand experience of Saint nique over 50 participants from national jet ski race in 2017. Lucia as a likely host for the the United States, Russia, Can- Martinique recently hosted 2017 international jet ski race. ada, Kuwait, Qatar, Belgium, the first round of an interna- The proposal is for the race to Peru, the United Kingdom, Italy, tional jet race competition start in Martinique and culminate China, South Korea, Japan, Sau- organized by the Interna- in Saint Lucia - the first time an di Arabia and France. tional Jet Sports Boating As- international jet ski race will start The hope is that Saint Lucia Jet sociation (IJSBA). The IJSBA in one country and end in another. Ski Pilots will participate in the is the worldwide sanction- Edson Eugene of Team 972 2017 international race. Team ing body for personal water- (Martinique’s area code) said 972 is expected to provide train- The proposal is for the race to start in Martinique and craft competitive racing. the trial run brought a total of ing and race orientation. culminate in Saint Lucia.