Saint Lucia No. 142. Saturday, June 17, 2006

A publication of the Department of Information Services

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS DOMINICA ANTIGUA

GRENADA

ANGUILLA

MONTSERRAT

GRENADINES ST. VINCENT AND THE

SAINT LUCIA ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

COVER NOTE The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which is head- quartered in St. Lucia, observes the 25th anniversary of its founding on Sun- day 18th June. To mark this signifi cant milestone in the history of the region, this edition of St. Lucia Nationwide devotes four pages to the OECS. Our cover picture shows the fl ags of the member countries and six of the seven persons who signed the Treaty of Basseterre on that historic day in St. Kitts – Nevis. They are: at the back: the late Winston Cenac, Prime Minister of St. Lucia; the late Maurice Bishop, Prime Minister of Grenada; Lester Bird, former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; front: the late Dame Eugenia Charles, former Prime Minister of Dominica; the late Hudson Tannis, former Foreign Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Dr. Kennedy Simmonds, former Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis. Missing from the picture is Franklyn Margetson, former Minister of Government from Montserrat who Hurricane Warnings signed on behalf of Montserrat. Saint Lucia Normalises Relations - page 2 with Haiti - page 7

“Take 2 ” - A fi fteen minute news review of the week. Government Notebook A fresh news package daily Every Friday at 6.15 p.m. on NTN, Cablevision Channel 2. on all local radio stations 2 Saint Lucia Saturday, June 17, 2006 Warnings For The Hurricane Season NEMO: Prepare Solid Waste Mangement: ith the first week into the NEMO Director. A Caution 2006 hurricane season She said people should attempt to in- gone, the National Emer- ith the advent of the hurri- is properly managed. No green waste W spect their homes from now and make cane season, the Saint Lu- should be dumped along roadsides, gency Management Organization the necessary repairs to avoid their cia Solid Waste Manage- near or in communal bins as it gets NEMO is calling on Saint Lucians to dwellings from being blown away in a W be ever more vigilant and to make the ment Authority is advising the public into drains resulting in flooding dur- storm. Home, she says, should be the necessary adjustments that will al- to exercise caution in their manage- ing rainfall. Additionally, waterways first place of shelter in the time of a low them to safely weather a storm. ment of green waste which includes such as rivers, ravines etc. should storm and should be secure. Director of NEMO Dawn French grass clippings, tree trimmings, cut not be utilised for dumping of green said Saint Lucians need to stock-up on “That is my policy personally. I have or fallen trees. waste. They should be left free of the necessary food items in case a hur- tried to strengthen my mothers home Education and Public Information waste in order to allow the free flow ricane strikes. and if things get too bad I will move Manager at the Authority Emlyn Jean of water.” “We never advocate that people do the to my sisters place, because the last disclosed that the hurricane season is Miss Jean recommends that all green last minute buying at the supermarkets and place government is going to open is a the time of year when residents and waste should be transported to the De- get caught in that rush. We advocate that school or a shelter, and we know what other agencies undertake tree trim- glos Sanitary Landfill or the Vieux Fort people look at the things they are buying the conditions are like there; we would ming and cutting in order to protect Solid Waste Management facility. She now—their bottled water, their tin food, have to wait for NEMO to send down lives and property. further advised that the monthly bulky their biscuits, dried bean—start having particular food items and bedding and “ However we need to ensure waste collection service can be utilised those things in place, start looking at the clothing,” French said. that while attempting to prevent one for the disposal of small quantities of important document they want to secure Experts predict that this year’s hurricane problem we do not create others. It is green waste provided that it is prop- if they are going to leave home,” said the season will be as active as last year’s. therefore critical that all green waste erly bundled or bagged.

Flooding in Castries Deglos Landfill Chaussee reopens to two way traffic

hausee Road is now open to two-way traffic after works Cto install a water main along that street was completed Tuesday June 6th, 2006. Drainage works on the Chaussee had been completed for months now, but the opening of the route was delayed because of problems experienced with the re- placement of the WASCO main. According to Project Manager Mandish Singh, who is also the Direc- tor of the Halcrow Group, workmen were busy Tuesday afternoon com- pleting paving works to make the road more motorable. “That would be the majority, I would say, 95% of the work done on the Chau- see. There are a few remedial pieces of work remaining to be done, some drain inlets where we need to install some grills, but that would not at all interfere with the traffic during the installation of those grills,” Singh said. Workmen are now focussing on works to be undertaken on the Darling Road as well as drainage works on Jn. Baptiste Street. Mr. Singh anticipates The Retention Pond off the Chaussee Road that all works on the Castries Flood Mitigation Project should be complet- flood pipes as well as cleaning and re- with the last part of the works,” said Street and the elevation of Darling ed by the end of July. furbishing of the existing culvert under the Director of the HALCRO Group. Road, a retention pond, to collect much “The works on the Darling which, Darling Road with the junction of Jn The flood mitigation project was of the water from smaller drains, was in the next two weeks we are hoping Baptiste Street. So it is quite critical designed to deal with the problems of constructed in the George the Fifth Park. to commence, will involve the raising that we’ve gotten this piece of work flooding in that area. Apart from the This is expected to ease the pressures on of Darling Road and the installation of behind us so we can move forward installation of drains along Jn Baptiste existing drains during heavy rains. Saturday, June 17, 2006 Saint Lucia 3 Government/Grambling State Sign Scholarship MOU

Dr. Horace Judson, President of Grambling State and PM Anthony Signing the MOU

he Government of Saint Lu- cate our domestic students, and helps cia and the Grambling State us prepare our students to live success- University of Louisiana, fully, work successfully and co-opera- T tively in a global community and a USA have formalised a scholar- ship agreement with the signing of a global society.” Memorandum of Understanding on Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny An- Education. thony, while stressing his appreciation for the scholarships was optimistic that The agreement entails five full Inter- students who gain scholarships will national Student Scholarships and fifty take full advantage of the opportunity partial International Presidential Stu- to further their education. dent Scholarships at Grambling State. “ I believe and sincerely believe that It takes effect this month and will last our Saint Lucian students will acquit for five years. themselves very well. They will make President of the Grambling State us proud and make you feel a sense of University Dr. Horace Judson was justification for providing these schol- in Saint Lucia for the signing of the arships. But beyond that it is important Memorandum of Understanding last for us as a small nation to understand Friday. He said that although Gram- the umbilical cords that bind us, the bling was extending its services as roots that shape us and in a very real part of its overall mission, he expected sense your humanity is reaching out, Saint Lucian students will create an environment at the University that will not only for that broader purpose of provide greater opportunities for do- enhancing your own reputation as an mestic students. international institution, but more im- “ So while you come and receive a portantly reaching out to make a de- quality education you will also help to finitive statement about the historical Exchanging copies of the MOU create an environment that helps edu- relationships that we share.”

Education policy on teen mothers Requirements For Cuban aint Lucia’s education policy child under the age of fifteen to be out Nursing Scholarships concerning teenage mothers of school.” he Government of the Re- a minimum of four passes at CXC has attracted the praise of the However in light of the extenuating S public of Cuba is offering level [Grades 1,2 and 3) preferably United Nations Convention on the factors that can mitigate against a teen elimination of all forms of discrimi- mother’s continuation of school, Ms. Tthe Government of St. Lu- in English, Mathematics, one Sci- nation against women. Pascal said the state has implemented cia 300 scholarships in Nursing ence subject and one other. Saint Lucia as party to the Conven- successful mechanisms to provide tenable at a University in the Re- Applicants are also required to tion has been identified as moving in support systems for young mothers public of Cuba for the academic provide a recent Police Record or the right direction. Director of Gender to continue to develop educationally. year 2006/2007. The Commence- Certificate of Character. Relations Lera Pascal said the Educa- One such example is the National ment date for this programme is Interested applicants are invited tion Act facilitates the continued edu- Skills Development Centre – NSDC. June 30th 2006. to contact the Department of Human cational development of female stu- “Apart from doing their studies in The pre-requisites for these schol- Resource Development, Ministry of dents who become pregnant. whatever fields, there is a child care arships are as follows:- Education, Human Resource Devel- “One of the things we were ques- component so the children can be put Applicants must be citizens of St. opment, Youth and Sports, Francis tioned about was the position of Saint into the nursery and they can learn Lucia between the ages of 18 and 25 Compton Building, 4th Floor, Wa- Lucia on teenage pregnancy and teen about child care and at the same time terfront, Castries, or at telephone motherhood at school. We were happy and they do their studies . I think this years. to tell them that in Saint Lucia there is is an excellent arrangement.” Possess a current medical certifi- numbers (758) 468-5230/1 to com- plete the relevant application forms. no policy that prevents a teen mother Ms. Pascal says to deprive a young cate that shows good physical and from attending school. There is no mother of her education would be to mental health ( HIV, Hepatitis, Preg- The deadline date for the receipt such policy. As a matter of fact the perpetuate a vicious cycle of poverty in nancy tests must be included). of application forms is Monday 19th Education Act makes it illegal for any most. Candidates should have attained, June 2006.

4 Saint Lucia Saturday, June 17, 2006 Saturday, June 17, 2006 Saint Lucia 5

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OECS THE STRUCTURE OF THE OECS The Treaty of Basseterre lays out six objectives for the OECS. These are: THE AUTHORITY - The OECS Author- Belgium, Canada, and the United States wenty fi ve years ago, on ever it is precisely because they are integration process. The Heads will of the leaders of the WISA Council ity is the highest decision-making body of of America. Over the years the OECS has the evening of June 18th so small that regional integration has sign a Declaration of Intent to bring the who thought that with the impending • To promote co-operation among the Member States and the regional and inter- the Organisation. The Authority comprises created several subsidiary and autonomous 1981 in Basseterre St. been so necessary for them, operating Economic Union Treaty into existence independence of the countries in the national level; the Heads of Government (Prime Minis- institutions. These incliude:.the Eastern Kitts, the leaders of gov- as it does, on the principle that there in 2007, after one year of consultations late 1970’s to the early 1980’s, they ters and Chief Ministers) whose decisions Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the • To promote unity and solidarity among the Member States and to defend their direct the work of the Organisation as re- monetary authority for the seven OECS Ternment or their representatives, are some functions of government that with the people of the member states. should fi nd a means of cooperating quired. The chairmanship of the Authority governments and the government of An- of Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica. countries, particularly small ones, can The opening ceremony will be followed on overseas representation, an idea sovereignty, territorial integrity an independence; changes every year, rotating alphabetically guilla (The British Virgin Islands uses the Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia, do best if they carry them out together. by a gala dinner during which more that led to the OECS, and who on by country. The OECS Authority meets US Dollar as their de facto currency).The St. Vincent & the Grenadines, The offi cial celebrations of this twen- awards will be given to other individu- his return to offi ce in 1982, helped • To assist the Member States in the realization of their obligations and respon- twice yearly. OECS countries share a single currency, and St. Kitts and Nevis, signed a ty fi fth anniversary of this regional in- als who have assisted with the growth steer the organization through its tur- sibilities to the international community with due regard to the role of interna- THE SECRETARIAT- The OECS is ad- the Eastern Caribbean Dollar ($2.70 ECD Treaty establishing the Organisa- tegration movement begin on the after- of the Eastern Caribbean integration bulent fi rst years in which it had to tional law as a standard of conduct in their relationships; ministered by a Central Secretariat located = 1 USD) and the ECCB oversees its op- on the Morne, Castries, St Lucia. The Sec- erations. The member states also share a tion of Eastern Caribbean States noon of Sunday June 18th with Church movement. Prior to the formal OECS deal with, among other critical prob- • To seek to achieve the fullest possible level of harmonization of foreign policy retariat is headed by the Director General common Supreme Court: The Eastern Ca- and so ushered in a new ear of re- services throughout the member states. Authority conference, the Heads will lems, the implications of the Grenada among the Member States; to seek to adopt, as far as possible, common posi- who is responsible to the Authority. The ribbean Supreme Court with its two divi- gional integration between their The celebrations then move to Basse- meet on Wednesday morning with rep- Revolution and the military coup that tions on international issues and to establish and to maintain wherever possi- Secretariat consists of four main Divisions sions, the High Court and the Court of Ap- countries. The foundation of the terre, St. Kitts on Wednesday 21st June resentatives of development partners aborted it; and there was Earl Hunt- responsible for: External Relations, Func- peal. The Supreme Court is headed by the ble, arrangements for joint overseas representation and/or common services; OECS had in fact been laid fi f- where the Heads of Government will – friendly countries and international ley, the former St. Lucian diplomat tional Cooperation, Corporate Services Chief Justice. High Court judges are based teen years before when the coun- organizations – to discuss development and public servant, who wrote the and Economic Affairs. These four Divi- in each Member State, but the judges of the hold a meeting of the Authority, the • To promote economic integration among the Member States tries had begun cooperating in highest decision making organ of the assistance to the Organization in light report on the mechanics of joint sions oversee the work of a number of spe- Court of Appeal are resident in St Lucia some functional areas through an of the impending economic union. cialised institutions, work units or projects and travel to each territory to hear appeals OECS. There will be two signifi cant overseas representation, the report from the High Court. Final appeals go to informal mechanism of heads of • To pursue these purposes through its respective institutions by discussion of located in six countries - Antigua/Barbuda, events during the formal opening cer- As the celebrations of the twenty that called for the formation of a new questions of common concern and by agreement and common action. Commonwealth of Dominica, St Lucia, the Privy Council in the UK government called the West Indies emony of the meeting. A new fl ag for fi fth anniversary of the OECS take organisation that would incorporate Associated States Council of Min- the OECS will be unfurled for the fi rst place, it is recalled that there are some joint diplomatic arrangements and isters, the WISA Council. time and an award will be given to a St. Lucians who made noteworthy con- formalize and strength the integra- The OECS built on that experi- national of the OECS who has made an tributions to its success. There was the tion process that had begun in 1966. MESSAGES FROM OECS HEADS OF GOVERNMENT ence and twenty fi ve years later is outstanding contribution to the integra- fi rst Director General of the Oragnisa- As this organisation that was born in recognized as one of the most suc- tion movement. The opening ceremony tion, Dr. Vaughan Lewis, and the fi rst 1981 ends its fi rst twenty fi ve years cessful examples of regional integra- will also be the stage for the presenta- Director of Administration, the late Au- of linking the people of the East- AND SECRETARIAT OFFICIALS tion among developing countries. Its tion of an economic union treaty to gustus Compton who guided the organi- ern Caribbean, we look forward to a success is all the more remarkable replace the Treaty of Basseterre, es- sation through its fi rst very challenging new era when it will truly unite them because its members states are some tablishing the OECS, as the countries decade; there was former Prime Min- through its transformation into one of the smallest in the world. How- now embark on further deepening the ister, Sir John Compton, who was one Eastern Caribbean State.

“The OECS must begin to assert its huge “Our sub-region has seen light and dark “Unity has enabled us to speak with one “…it is my distinct pleasure to congratu- qualities. To be sure we have weaknesses hours yet its social and economic advance- voice at the negotiating table. Unity and soli- late the OECS on 25 years of achievement. and limitations, but we possess enormous ment has been strengthened by the col- darity have also enabled the strong members As a group of states we have led the way strengths and possibilities. Our record laboration of all. From scanty beginnings of the OECS to help those members who ex- in our approach to integration coopera- of achievements is more than solid. Our of our sugar industries, our modern tour- perience diffi culties from time to time. I can tion and indeed regionalism. This achieve- forebears, our distinguished leaders and ist and offshore fi nancial services sectors think of several occasions when the interests ment can indeed serve as a model to the our international friends have brought us have become the main stay of our varied of the members of the OECS were best pur- region and the rest of the world.” Dr. The to this juncture of achievement hope and but similar economies. Character is often sued by adopting a united approach. The cur- Hon. Keith C. Mitchell, Prime Minister of optimism. There is much to celebrate on tested in times of adversity. In our case, rent negotiations for concessions for all the Grenada the twenty-fi fth anniversary of the OECS. dismal hurricanes and devastating volca- Less Developed Countries of the OECS as a I am confi dent that there is much more for noes have strengthened our resolve. We condition for joining the CARICOM Single us to achieve. Together Now!” Chairman have acquired a platform on which we are Market and Economy will undoubtedly bring of the OECS, Dr. The Hon. Ralph E Gon- able to hold our own on the world stage.” considerable benefi ts to the OECS.” The salves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Hon. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minis- Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Grenadines. ter of Antigua and Barbuda. Dominica

THE BIRTH OF THE OECS 18TH JUNE, 1981: Signatories to the Treaty of Basseterre front row from left to right: DPM Lester Bird of Antigua and Barbuda, PM Eugenia Charles of Dominica, Foreign Minister Hudson Tannis of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, PM Kennedy Simons of St. Kitts and Nevis (fi fth from left), PM Winston Cenac of Saint Lucia (sixth from left), PM Maurice Bishop of Grenada (extreme right) and back row: second from left Franklyn Margetson of Montserrat. Others include back row, extreme right, Foreign Minister Peter Josie, of Saint Lucia and front row fourth from left Augustus Compton Executive Secretary of the WISA Council “This 25th Anniversary is therefore a de- fi ning moment in the historical evolution THE ORIGINS OF THE OECS of the OECS and must be a time for refl ec- Active and effective participation in the “The advances we have made through tion and thanksgiving to God Almighty, The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Prior to the signing of the Treaty of Basse- became evident that there was need for a more a Division of the OECS Secretariat in St global economy requires a sub-regional OECS initiatives in education, health, pov- as we look back from whence came as a States (OECS) came into being on June terre, the Eastern Caribbean States had been formal arrangement to assist with their devel- Lucia. institution committed to promote coopera- erty alleviation, telecommunications, civil region. Our challenge must therefore be to 18th 1981, when seven Eastern Caribbean informally linked through two bodies that had opment efforts. So it was that the OECS was The OECS is now a nine member group- tion, unity and solidarity. This is now even aviation, environmental sustainability, judi- hold on to the gains of the past while we countries signed a treaty agreeing to coop- been set up after the collapse of the West Indies established. The WISA Secretariat became ing comprising Antigua and Barbuda, more urgent, than it was 25 years ago. That ciary and legal reform and the strengthen- “The OECS has managed to survive and to forge ahead in unity and solidarity to se- erate with each other and promote unity and Federation. These were: The West Indies As- the Central Secretariat of the OECS and the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean ing of our monetary union have all worked be successful. This feat has been due to the cure a better future for the people of our together to fulfi ll national aspirations of remarkable resilience, creativity and pas- solidarity among the Members. The Treaty sociated States Council of Ministers (WISA) ECCM, the Economic Affairs Secretariat. Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia States has endured for so long and has to its region.” The Hon. Osborne Fleming, Chief became known as the Treaty of Basseterre, in 1966 and the Eastern Caribbean Common In mid 1997, as a result of restructuring and St Vincent and the Grenadines. An- credit numerous substantial achievements economic and social development.” The sion of the people of the OECS and the vi- Minister of Anguilla so named in honour of the capital city of Market (ECCM) in 1968. However as the is- of the organisation, the Economic Affairs guilla and the British Virgin Islands are as- is a feat worthy of recognition. Dr. Lowell Hon. Dr.Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minis- sion of their leaders.” Dr. The Hon Kenny St. Kitts and Nevis where it was signed. lands gained their independence from Britain it Secretariat was merged into and became sociate members of the OECS. Lewis Chief Minister of Montserrat ter St. Kitts & Nevis D Anthony, Prime Minister of St. Lucia Continued on pag 6 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, June 17, 2006 OECS to launch cultural network Continued on pag 6 n online cultural network On Tuesday June 20 the launch of www.oecsculture.net will the www.oecsculture.net will culmi- Abe launched with a major nate with a WEB SEARCH COM- 3-day Cultural Fiesta in St. John’s PETITION, targeting the region’s Antigua as part of activities mark- youth. www.oecsculture.net, the ing the OECS 25th Anniversary. online network of OECS Cultural The launch begins on OECS Day, practitioners, is coordinated by the Sunday June 18 with a PERFORM- OECS Secretariat and funded by the ING ARTS FESTIVAL at the Anti- French Government in order to deep- gua Multipurpose Centre featuring en regional integration in the OECS top artistes from throughout the along with Martinique and Guade- OECS, including the Antigua Dance loupe. Private sector partners in the Academy, Grenada Heritage Theatre launch include: Cable and Wireless Co., Arts Arise with poetry from St. Antigua, Premier Beverages, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mami la Caye folk Lucia Distilleries, The Star publish- & story-telling group from St. Lucia, ing Co St Lucia. King DICE from Dominica, and The The web portal provides members Red Hott Flames and Roots Steel with visibility, newsletters, news, Band from Antigua and Barbuda contacts in all areas of culture, art- Events to promote the www.oecs- ists (music, dance, theatre, film, literature, visual arts…) promoters, “While the OECS is rightfully proud of “The theory of integration in its purest state culture.net continue on Monday June its many achievements of the last 25 years, would also place the OECS on the highest 19 with the first ever OECS FILM studios, performance arts venues, your most important accomplishment has rungs of the integration ladder, given the FESTIVAL, featuring productions ex- government departments, events, been bringing together the people of the areas in which there is closest cooperation clusively from the OECS: Sweet Man- etc. The web portal also opens the Eastern Caribbean and recognizing our including currency and central banking.” go, No Seeds (HAMA Productions, window to a range of useful resourc- common ground” Dr. The Hon. Orlando Sir K Dwight Venner, Governor Eastern Antigua and Barbuda), Ribbons of es for artists. Interested individuals Smith OBE, Chief Minister British Virgin Caribbean Central Bank Blue and Troubled Waters (Mathurin and organizations are encouraged to Islands. Emmanuel, St. Lucia) and Blinded explore www.oecsculture.net and to (Anderson Quarless, Grenada). There join the network, which currently will also be an opportunity to debate comprises over 80 organisations with the film makers. covering thousands of persons.

Companies in the OECS which tar- sectors. EDU will facilitate the in- get the regional export market get an terfacing of the producers with the opportunity to showcase their goods buyers and negotiate opportunities and services directly to regional for entry of products and services buyers at an OECS Trade Exhibition into the wider Caribbean markets. in St. Kitts/Nevis, June 21st to 23rd The three-day exhibition, dubbed 2006. “Best of the OECS” will also in- The OECS Export Development clude two workshops for partici- Unit (EDU) which is organizing pating exhibitors and buyers. The the exhibition expects more than 50 first will look at trade related issues “The OECS must continue to be a fortify- “Merely to have survived 25 years is a ma- businesses from across the OECS to arising from ongoing negotiations at ing instrument for the Member States of this jor achievement and our organization can set up display booths. In addition, the regional and international level, area. I would hope to see a concentration take due pride in this success. During these EDU has received confirmation from with special focus on CSME ar- that points a new way in agriculture in these years the OECS has had to face all kinds of about thirty buyers, mainly from the rangements. The other will address countries. Services and Tourism are going to issues.” Swinburne A.S. Lestrade, Direc- tourism/hospitality and distribution marketing opportunities arising out play a very important role. The OECS in the tor General, OECS Secretariat 1995-2002 sectors. of the CSME and more specifically future, by making sure that we can sustain the The OECS export sector is target- the Cricket World Cup 2007. monetary union by making effective the eco- ing the regional markets as a priority The OECS-EDU has been working nomic union will demonstrate to the larger market given the opportunities aris- over the last five years in getting OECS CARICOM the forms of cooperation that are possible without stepping on one another.” ing out of the recently initiated CAR- companies export ready through in- Dr. Vaughan Lewis, Director General, OECS ICOM Single Market and Economy terventions in management enhance- Secretariat 1981-1995 (CSME). The tourism/hospitality ment, product development, quality sector is being specifically targeted assurance, market research, and prod- as it prepares for the 2007 Cricket uct promotion. Some 200 companies World Cup. The refurbishing of across the nine OECS Member States existing hotel plant, construction of have been receiving various levels new rooms, and the anticipated in- of technical assistance. Independent flux of visitors, are expected to of- evaluators have confirmed that be- fer a significant market opportunity tween 50 and 75 of these companies for OECS producers in the food and are now exports ready and positioned beverage, furniture, garment, art to enter the regional and international and craft, music and entertainment markets.

“Collectively, all of the States have ben- efited from the relatively large amounts of external resources that flowed into the “The OECS Model for integration and re- OECS over and above what the States gionalism has become recognized by the were receiving individually. Targeted areas international community as being worthy for these funds included economic man- of emulation by other groupings of Small agement, education, the environment, and Island Developing States. For the past solid waste management, health reform, twenty-five years, Member States have judicial and legal reform, trade policy man- helped build a sub-regional institutional agement, agricultural diversification and structure which has effectively promoted export development.” George Goodwin Jr., areas of common interests.” Dr. Len Ish- Acting Director General, OECS Secretariat mael, Director General, OECS Secretariat OECS craft on display 2002-2003 2003-Present Saturday, June 17, 2006 Saint Lucia 7 Increase OECS Domestic Capital Investment Lewis model as his point of departure, really have representative institutions education targeting the right groups on advised that Eastern Caribbean Countries that allow them a say. Many of those the scale required.” must “think ahead and create the strategy who leave do so because they don’t He advised that if one raises the to beat the world”. He declared that de- feel included.” standard of living by putting the proper mocratization is the single most impor- James noted the pursuit of economic systems in place, the economies of the tant form of domestic capital in which goals as the number one reason for the OECS will strengthen. He remarked a country should invest. The Senior departure of many people from OECS that investment in human capital will Research Fellow at the UWI School for Member Countries. However he rec- help to develop a niche product that the Graduate Studies added that human capi- ommends that if one follows his pre- OECS Member Countries can export tal in the form of years of education is one scription of domestic capital invest- as well as use to attract viable invest- of the more important forms of domestic ment, especially driven by education, ment. “Let’s make sweet music and capital in the Caribbean. Regarding hu- the economy will rapidly transform bring them here” He furthered that in- man resource development Dr. James and create so many opportunities that a vesting in data is among the approaches said people in the informal business sec- large number of those persons who are for improving the social landscape. Dr. tor should be developed through relevant leaving for economic reasons will find James stated that the OECS Member educational opportunities. Dr. James attractive reasons to stay. Countries have a good reason to cel- also noted the importance of including “When we propose that we invest in ebrate. “The OECS has a concentration these persons in national decision mak- domestic capital as the way to develop of serious people”. ing to ensure effective representation. the economy we mean also that it will Earlier, Director of the OECS Eco- He indicated there is enormous potential be a major part of the solution to the nomic Affairs Division Randy Cato Dr. Vanus James for growth lying outside the mainstream emigration problem. Not that our peo- highlighted the many accomplishments economy and by accommodating persons ple should not for a mix of reasons em- achieved by the OECS have been mod- n a dynamic and informative lec- within the mainstream economy the ben- igrate in sufficient numbers. One of the eled by many including the European ture on Wednesday June 7th, Dr. efits will include increased patriotism, gains we make from having our people Community. This is the second in the IVanus James prescribed invest- social dialogue and investment. He cited go abroad is that we were able to build series of lecture presentations. Grenada ment in domestic capital as a useful institutional capital as a form of domestic our music industry, exporting much hosted the first OECS 25th Anniversary catalyst for enhanced social and eco- capital investment that could help find a more easily because we have pockets lecture under the auspices of the OECS nomic development in the OECS. Dr. balance in responding to the challenges of reverse colonisation in the rest of the Bar Association. James’ address was the feature pre- of emigration. world. ..We have set up centers of life With the generous support of Scotia sentation at the second in the series “The institutional capital that allows that make it easy to market our niche bank and Caribbean Money Market of lectures marking the 25th Anni- your people to share decision making goods and services…But in so far as Brokers (CMMB) the OECS 25th An- versary of the Signing of the Treaty is essentially about building the capital keeping most of our people here, we niversary lecture series is part of the of Basseterre. form we call a serious legislative mech- need our economies to grow substan- public awareness and participation ex- Describing the OECS 25th Anniver- anism that can regulate the behavior of tially faster than they are growing now ercises to enhance public involvement sary as “A significant development in the the executive. Many people don’t be- and that will only happen if we invest in issues regarding the regional inte- Caribbean’s Social Landscape”, the UWI lieve they are really a first class citizen in appropriate domestic physical infra- gration process. Check www.oecs.org Senior Lecturer, using the Sir Arthur from that viewpoint because they don’t structure targeting the right people and for more on Dr. James’ address.

rime Minister Dr. Kenny ribbean Community have welcomed the constitutional architecture of repre- Anthony has declared that the return to constitutional rule in Haiti sentation can be completed. Prelations between Saint Lu- through the election of a president and With the return to constitutional rule cia and Haiti have returned to of parliamentary representatives in the in Haiti, and in keeping with the prin- normal, following the Presidential course of an electoral process deemed cipled position it took following the elections in Haiti earlier this year by the people of Haiti and the interna- interruption of the democratic process which brought Renee Preval to tional community as free and fair. on 29 February 2004, the Caribbean power and Preval’s appointment The Senate and Lower House have Community looks forward to Haiti’s of a new Government last week. recently ratified the candidacy of Mr. resumption of its place in its Councils. The Prime Minister added that Jacques Edouard Alexis as Prime Minis- In keeping with the Community’s the international community must ter designated by President René Préval. usual practice, as one of the Heads however come to the assistance of Heads of Government wish to con- of Government elected since the last Haiti in what is going to be a long gratulate the people of Haiti who meeting of the Conference in Febru- hard road to normalcy. Prime through their patience, resolve and ary of this year, His Excellency René Minister Anthony’s remarks come courage demonstrated their attachment Préval has been invited not only to after the Caricom Secretariat in to the democratic process by exercis- take Haiti’s rightful place in the Con- Georgetown had issued statement ing their franchise to determine their ference on the occasion of the Twen- re-admitting Haiti to the Councils representatives at the presidential and ty-Seventh Meeting scheduled to be of the Caribbean Community. The legislative levels. The Community held in St. Kitts and Nevis on 3-6 July statement reads: looks forward to the election of local 2006, but also to address the Opening “Heads of Government of the Ca- President René Préval and municipal representatives so that Ceremony. Universal access to AIDS treatment by 2010 rime Minister of St.Kitts sex workers and prisoners, the disabled and Nevis and Chair of and children.” PPan Caribbean Partnership The Prime Minister who has the Against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP), CARICOM portfolio for Health, in- the Hon. Dr Denzil Douglas com- cluding HIV/AIDS Human Resources mitted the Caribbean to the goal was speaking on 2 June at the High- of universal access to prevention, level Plenary Meeting on HIV/AIDS, care, treatment and support for at the United Nations (UN) Headquar- every man, woman and child by ters in New York. 2010. He identified international partner- According to the Prime Minister, ships evidenced by alignment of pro- “by 2010 [the Caribbean] would grammes and funding requirements, sustained international financing, pre- have reaped the benefits of a har- Vitamin supplements to slow down the HIV Virus monised international partnership” vention strategies and an increase in and “every country would have in- human resource capacity as necessary and bilateral agencies, which disqualify more than a 50 percent increase in troduced supportive legislation and for the achievement of the goal of uni- medium-income countries such as Bar- the number of people living with a policy framework to protect vul- versal access. bados and The Bahamas from access to HIV/AIDS on treatment in the Re- nerable populations, such as men Dr Douglas also called for the eligi- front line awards, to be challenged. gion. However access remains un- who have sex with men, commercial bility criteria imposed by multilateral Since February 2004, there has been equal across the Region.

8 Saint Lucia Saturday, June 17, 2006

Participants at the Communications Workshop (left) and at the opening of the ICC’s Venue Summit IX (right) ast week, Cricket World Cup Operations Mangers are responsible afforded them the opportunity to share St. Lucia hosted the ICC’s IX for ensuring that all the players’ needs creative ideas and highlight successes LVenue Summit as West Indian are met,” he said. in the roll-out of their programmes as THIS WEEK ON NTN territories continued their prepara- Holder, a former Barbados and West well as identifying country-specific tions for the 2007 Cricket World Cup Indies batsman, elaborated on these challenges which they face. to be held in the region. The summit needs saying they “range from the “Spending time with my counter- Sat. May 10th to Fri. June 16th was held from the 5 - 9th June and obvious matter of working with the parts from the other Host Venues in this , 2006 brought together representatives of groundsmen to ensuring pitches remain type of forum is of huge benefit. It is NTN – PROVIDING INFOR- all the Local Organising Committees in excellent condition for the duration great to see and hear about the roll-out MATION YOU NEED in the territories staging the matches of the period they are used, or keeping of each LOC’s specific programmes. The NIC explains the concept of in the tournament. players supplied with refreshments and There is a lot of work being done at the the Emerald Housing Develop- In addition to a meeting of the Coun- also details like having cups and ice in grass roots level right across the region. ment and fields questions from cil of Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) place.” It was useful to be able to each share potential buyers - Sat. June 3rd, of the Local Organising Committees, The participants were each asked to some of the daily challenges we face 12:00 noon there were workshops for officials as individual Host Venues that may not provide an update which they present- Operation Miracle: The Cuban from the various sector teams work- be so apparent from a regional perspec- ed on day two. Each presentation was Eye care Programme - Sun. ing for the World Cup. Two of these followed by a question-and-answer tive. It means we benefit from hearing June 4th - 11:30 a.m. were Corporate Communications and session. Lennox John of the St. Vincent about everyone’s experiences. For ex- Cricket Operations. Participants from & the Grenadines LOC was one of the ample, a creative idea that has been The Health Centres Project both these sectors were enthused with satisfied attendees. successful in one country might be – A national refurbishment of the outcome of their meetings as the “The forum offers a good reinforce- something we can think about adapting health centres is ongoing – find following reports indicate. ment of things we may have already and applying ourselves,” noted Com- out more on – Mon. June 5th been aware of but the actual presenta- munications Manager of St. Vincent & – 8:00 p.m. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT tions really allowed me to understand the Grenadines LOC, Elson Crick. Rebroadcast: “Feedback” We FOR CRICKET OPERATIONS the importance of all the factors. There The group sessions then saw par- spotlight the elderly – Tues. June is such diversity in all of the LOCs and ticipants collectively working through 6th , 9:00 p.m. The Cricket Operations Forum III the opportunity to hear from my coun- some of the communications issues Living well with diabetes: A ended last Friday, following two inten- terparts means I now know where they surrounding the delivery of the tour- must for diabetics - Wed. June sive days of presentations. are with all of their preparations.” nament, as well as shining the spot- 8th, 6:15 p.m. The forum, led by Michael Hall, As a Warm-up venue, St. Vincent & light on best practices. Planning and AgriFocus: “Water in the Val- Cricket Operations Director for ICC the Grenadines will be part of creating management of crisis communications ley” – Thurs. June 9th , 7:30 p.m. Cricket World Cup 2007 and his team, formed the foundation for the after- that key ‘first impression’ for teams, King & Queen of the Bands had a total of 24 delegates. Attendees officials and media. The importance of noon session as the delegates were led came from each of the Local Organis- through a training session facilitated 2005 – Fri. June 10th, 9:00 p.m. this is clear to John. Remember to tune in for: ing Committees (LOCs) in the nine “Coming out of the workshop I am en- by Alison Saunders-Franklyn of SFA GIS News Breaks and Kweyol Host Venues and the respective territo- couraged and feel an even greater in- Communications. rial cricket boards. centive to carry on and ensure we are Key learnings included agreement on News daily from 6:30 p.m. Day one focussed on a number of finished and ready for Warm-ups. The why crisis planning is necessary, issues Issues & Answers/Mondays at key issues pertaining to the manage- goal for the St. Vincent & the Grena- monitoring in order to correctly identi- 8:00pm: ment and movement of teams during dines LOC is to be the best warm-up fy potential crises and key actions to be Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm : the tournament including airport and venue ever.” undertaken in the event of a crisis. “Be- Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at hotel protocols, the requirements for ing prepared to deal with a crisis in the 8:00pm (Kweyol Discussion): practice sessions as well as an over- CWC 2007 run up to a tournament of this size is Your Right to Know/Thursdays at view of match day logistics. COMMUNICATIONS very important,” commented Jennifer 6:15 p.m. (Min. of Ed. Prog). Roland Holder, Cricket Operations MANAGERS SHARE Gaston of the Saint Lucia LOC. “One Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm Manager at ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc., XPERIENCES of the key things we covered was the (Week in Review) was one of the presenters at the forum E fact that this tournament has so many Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm - and provided an enlightening view of The three-day Corporate Communica- stakeholders and that as a result while (Week in Review—Kweyol) some of the core elements that need to tions Workshop V opened last Wednes- we are clear on what the roles of CWC be in place for a practice venue. day with delegates from all nine Host and LOCs are, we now need ensure that “It gave me an opportunity to reit- Venues in attendance. Communica- in each country we hold a strategic cri- For the complete programme guide, erate the importance of providing the tions Managers from all of the Local sis planning session with organisations log on to our website at www.stlucia. gov.lc and then click on the NTN icon. teams with a good experience during Organising Committees (LOCs) spent who have an interest in various aspects their practice sessions. They are inten- the morning updating each other on the of the delivery of this tournament, so communications activities taking place sive exercises and there needs to be ab- that everyone knows where the lines of solutely no doubt that the LOC Cricket in their respective territories. The forum communication are demarcated.” www.stlucia .gov.lc

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