Saint Lucia No. 58. Saturday, October 2, 2004

A publication of the Department of Information Services

Gov’t forcus on Crime - page 2 & 6

Sport, Tourism, Romance - WINSTON page 3 FRANCIS CENAC, QC Is the Environmental Levy oppressive- page 6 LAID TO

REST 1925 - 2004 inston Francis Cenac, QC Shortly after leaving St. Mary’s Col- whose offi ce was then situated in St. China visit a success Wwas burried on Thursday, lege, he entered the Public Service of George’s, . - page 7 September 30, 2004 at Choc Cem- as a Clerical Offi cer and In 1962 he was appointed to the etery. was appointed to the offi ce of Chief offi ce of Attorney-General of Saint Winston was educated at the St. Clerk of the First District Court, and Lucia which included the offi ce of Mary’s College, Saint Lucia, where then later in 1952, as Deputy Registrar Director of Public Prosecutions and he obtained the Cambridge School of the Supreme Court of Saint Lucia. that of membership of the Cabinet of Certifi cate and the London Matricula- In 1957, he was called to the Bar Ministers, and nomination as a mem- tion. of England at Lincoln’s Inn, London, ber of the House of Assembly of Saint England and in the same year was ap- He had one son, Earl Cenac, who Lucia. In 1964 he was transferred to pointed to the offi ce of Registrar of the was born to him on the 30 September, the offi ce of Attorney-General of St. Supreme Court of Saint Lucia. 1947. Vincent, which included appointment In 1958 he was appointed to the He married his wife, Flora Cenac Offi ce of Magistrate of the Southern as Director of Public Prosecutions of (born Jn Baptiste) on 1 March, 1950. Judicial District of Saint Lucia and in that island and as a member of its Former Prime Minister Winston In 1952 he obtained the degree of 1959, to the offi ce of Chief Registrar Cabinet of Ministers and as a nomi- Cenac, QC lead to rest Bachelor of Laws of London Univer- of the Supreme Court of the Wind- nated Member of Parliament. - page 1,4,5 & 8 sity as an external student. ward Islands and the Leeward Island, Continued on page 2 “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, October 2, 2004 Stiffer penalties for possession of illegal guns coming n a bid to reduce the number of Iillegal fi re arms in the country, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. has categorically stated that Parliament would enact legislation to substantially increase prison terms and fi nes for persons convicted on gun charges. “In 2003 Parliament enacted a new fi rearms act that makes provisions re- lating to the carrying and the use of fi rearms and ammunition. Despite the fact that parliament increased the fi nes for possession of illegal fi re arms, I be- lieve that parliament was too soft,” Dr. Anthony said. Prime Minister Anthony, who was at the time addressing the offi cial open- ing ceremony of the Vieux Fort Police Station and Divisional Headquarters on Friday, September 24th, 2004, also announced an increase in the reward for persons who assist the police to re- trieve an illegal fi rearm from $1,500.00 to $2,500.00. New Vieux Fort Police Station and Divisional Headquarters In expressing the fi rm view that the full weight of the law must be brought “a person, who is in possession or con- up to twenty thousand dollars and ten twenty years”. Referring to the current to bear, in order to send a decisive mes- trol of a restricted fi re arm is liable on years. On conviction, indictment, im- fi nes, he said, “These sentences are too sage to those elements who disregard summary conviction, to a fi ne of not prisonment for a term of not less than light, especially in the hands of pliable the law, Dr. Anthony pointed out that less than fi ve years. I want that to go ten years, I want to see that go up to judicial offi cers.” Cabinet approves the establishment of a Crown Prosecution Service he Offi ce of Public Prosecution of the island: “The second phase com- technology unit, a Law Library, the es- The fi nal phase of the project will Tis expected to be signifi cantly mences in April 2005, and will see the tablishment of a branch in the Second see a total of eight crown counsels strengthened by the establishment creation and fi nancing of one offi ce Judicial District in Vieux Fort, and the in the First Judicial District and two of a fully-fl edged Crown Prosecution administrator, an increase in crown appointment of two crown counsels crown counsels in the Second Judicial counsels from 4 to 6, an information Service, which will fall under the ju- based in the south. District court. risdiction of the Director of Public Prosecution. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny An- Winston Francis Cenac, QC laid to rest thony made the announcement during Continued from page 1 tor of Public Prosecutions of Grenada He is a life-member of the Com- the opening of the Vieux Fort Police In 1966, he was transferred to the he proceeded to Saint Lucia in 1969, monwealth Parliamentary Associa- where he entered into private practise. tion. Station and Southern Division Head- offi ce of Attorney-General of Gre- quarters on Friday, September 24th, nada, which included appointments While in private practise in Saint In 1988, he published a book en- Lucia, he accepted temporary appoint- 2004. The Crown Prosecution Service, as Director of Public Prosecutions titled “COUTUME de PARIS” the of that island and as a member of its ment as a Judge of the High Courts of which forms part of Cabinet’s efforts Evolution of Land Law in Saint Lu- Cabinet of Ministers and as a nomi- St. Vincent and of Antigua in 1971. He to enforce the prosecutorial and inves- cia. This book has been prescribed for nated member of its Parliament. took up the offi ce of Acting Judge if St. reading by law students at the Univer- tigation process, will be implemented Kitts, Nevis and of the Virgin Islands in During his tenure of offi ce as At- sity of the West Indies and reference in three phases. 1972. He then returned to private prac- torney-General of St. Vincent, he was has been made to it in decisions of the The fi rst phase of the Crown Pros- a Delegate and a Legal Adviser of tise in Saint Lucia in 1973, and during that time was appointed to the rank of Courts in Saint Lucia. ecution Service, which will come into the Government of St. Vincent at the Queen’s Counsel. His practise within the last 16 years effect between October 1, 2004 and Constitutional Conference at Marl- has largely been on the Civil side of March 31, 2005 will bring on board, borough House in London in 1965, In 1978, shortly before Saint Lucia’s the law in relation to such subjects as an additional compliment of person- on the grant of self-Government to independence in 1979, he was appoint- nel. According to Dr. Anthony, there St. Vincent. While holding the offi ce ed by the Governor-General as a Sena- the partition of land, title to land by will be “an increase in the number of of Attorney-General of Saint Lucia, tor of the House of Parliament of Saint succession, mortgages and charges Lucia. Crown Counsels at the fi rst judicial he acted as Legal Adviser to the Gov- over land, transfers of land, and Bills district from 2 to 4; the assignment of ernment of Saint Lucia at the Little In 1979, he was elected a member of of Sale. Constitutional Law matters, all police prosecutors in the fi rst judi- Eight Conference held in Barbados, the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia such as the rights of Public Offi cers cial district to the Crown Prosecutors aimed at establishing a federation for the Constituency of Soufriere and and Public Employees also usually was also appointed Attorney-General Service; and all police offi cers who are of Barbados and the Windward and fall within the ambit of his practise. of Saint Lucia for a second time, which prosecutors will now be shifted from Leeward Islands. The Criminal Law is the only legal said offi ce he held from 1979-1980. fi eld which he does not now practise the police to the offi ce of the Director In 1967, while he held the offi ce In 1981, he was elected Prime Min- of Public Prosecutions to manage pub- of Attorney-General of Grenada, that in. However, he practiced extensively ister of Saint Lucia and held that offi ce as a Criminal Lawyer while hold- lic prosecution cases.” Island was granted its Statehood by until he resigned in 1982, when he re- Britain. As a result, he was granted ing his various public offi ces. On the The fi rst phase of the Crown Pros- turned to private practise. whole, it can be said that his knowl- ecution Service will also see the ap- the option, either of remaining as During his return to private practise, a member of the Judicial and Legal edge and experience in the law is of a pointment and fi nancing of two Sec- he was elected President of the Saint general nature. retaries and two Clerk/Typists, two Service of the Eastern Caribbean or Lucia Bar Association and held that of- In 1998, he was made a Life-Mem- Process Servers, one Clerk and one to proceed on retirement on payment fi ce from 1989-1995. He also held the ber of the Executive Council of the Receptionist. of gratuity and on pension terms. He offi ce of Chairman of the Organization opted to take the later alternative, and of Eastern Caribbean States Bar Asso- Bar Association of Organization of Dr. Anthony also indicated that the after a short period of work as Direc- ciation from 1989-1994. Eastern Caribbean States. process would be extended to the south Saturday, October 2, 2004 Saint Lucia 3 Sport and Tourism: Two living forces for mutual understanding, culture and the develop- ment of society

eptember 27th, 2004, observed in competitiveness”, Minister Pierre Sas World Tourism Day brings said. He added that “Cricket World closer to home the signifi cance of Cup in 2007 is an opportunity for us the intricate linkage between sports as a people, a destination and a country and tourism. Addressing the nation, competing on the world stage to be- Minister for Tourism, Honourable come world class, whether we are on Philip J. Pierre explained that sport the fi eld playing, in a hotel, in a restau- and tourism were two living forces of rant or at the market selling our craft.” mutual understanding, culture and Mr. Pierre explained that govern- the development of society. ment would create the necessary infra- “This theme is appropriate and time- structure and enabling environment to ly”, Minister Pierre said, adding, “those allow tourism planners to yield maxi- who doubted our capacity to retain our mum benefi t from the opportunities winning ways in cricket must think created by the presence of thousands of again after the thrilling victory of the visitors visiting our island before, dur- West Indies at the ICC Finals, with our ing and after World Cup 2007. own St. Lucian son, Darren Sammy in On Tuesday, September 28, 2004, the team.” Minister Pierre introduced to the Saint In their joint statement for World Lucia Parliament what he termed the be announced for other areas of activ- a people and show the world the rich Tourism Day, the WTO and IOC de- “Sunset Legislation” that would make ity for World Cup 2007.” cultural offering of our country. There scribe sport and tourism as powerful generous concessions and incentives is need to use the opportunity to devel- forces for development, stimulating available for present and potential in- The Tourism minister urged Saint op and share the art, handicraft, music, investment in infrastructural projects vestors in our accommodation sector. Lucians to ponder on the two living like airports, roads, stadiums, sporting He said, “These incentives will cater forces, Sport and Tourism, as vehicles poetry and performing arts with the complexes, hotels and restaurants. for hotels of not less than six rooms, for mutual understanding, culture and thousands of visitors in the region for the development of St. Lucian society the weeks of the competition. There are “In 2007, St. Lucia will host one of luxury villas or apartments, condomin- today and beyond 2007. no boundaries to any realistic expecta- sports biggest events. This event will iums and hotels. The only obligation is tions if we plan, unite, think and work challenge our capabilities – though es- that the accommodation must be ready “Let us individually embrace the sentially in tourism, but more generally and available to host visitors for World philosophy of pride in self, in service together for ourselves and our coun- in service and quality, and by extension Cup 2007. Later, other incentives will and in standards. Let us co-operate as try,” Minister Pierre said. Best Island: St. Lucia Captures #4 Spot t. Lucia has captured the #4 Spot BodyHoliday LeSport was voted Sin the Best Island category ac- the 3rd Best Accommodation in the cording to a survey conducted among America’s and Caribbean and the 5th holidaymakers by Conde Nast Trav- Best in the Overseas Hotel Spas cat- eller Magazine, the UK’s best selling egory. consumer travel magazine. St. Lucia has won a number of St. Lucia’s natural beauty, stunning awards for 2004, among them are the World’s Leading Honeymoon Desti- landscapes and friendly people help the nation, most romantic, secluded and island to rise above stiff competition, sexy ambience to name a few. such as Mauritius and Sri Lanka, who came in 5th and 6th places, respective- The results were announced at ly. a lavish ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in London’s Piccadilly One of the island’s top hotels also and will be published in the October’s has reason to celebrate after being Anse Chastenat honeymoon resort 2004 issue of Conde Nast Traveller recognised in multiple categories. The Magazine.

Caribbean people called upon to create greater link “CARIFORUM Food Security Project”, in between agriculture, heath and education which we seek to enhance fter a two year tour of duty of seek to enhance the capacity within in- out is that it is not suffi cient to fi nd the capacity within ASaint Lucia and the Caribbean, dividual countries to deal with the food food to fi ll the stomach. He said that individual countries to Sub-regional representative of the production, using appropriate technol- there must be a focus on food quality, Food and Agriculture Organization ogy and getting the farmers more in- food safety, the right types of food, be- deal with the food produc- (FAO) for the Caribbean, Dr. Win- volved and organised.” cause increasingly, “as we seek to deal tion, using appropriate ston Rudder believes that Caribbean Two other aspects to that initiative with the issue of hunger and poverty, people must pay greater attention have to do with improving the market- there is another side of the coin, and technology and getting the to the intricate link between agri- ing and information aspect. “It is one that is, even when people are getting cultural food production and health farmers more involved thing to produce food, but the other enough food, they are not consuming and education. and organised.” thing is to get it to market and to know the correct foods, and what we are see- which markets are more appropriate Dr. Rudder, who was in St. Lucia ing are patterns of health problems de- on September 29 to bid farewell to the for the food that is produced. The third policy, and much more integrated in- veloping, such as non-communicable Government of Saint Lucia and of- aspect, which is increasingly important volvement of agriculture into the over- diseases”, citing these as obesity, heart, fi cials of the Ministry of Agriculture, in the context of Caribbean develop- all development of the country.” explained the FAO’s involvement here ment, is to see how one can link more diabetes and certain forms of cancer. Dr. Rudder’s employment with the in a number of areas: “More recently closely, agricultural food production These he said are directly related to the FAO comes to an end on October 31st, a key endeavour has to do with food with health and education”, Dr. Rudder quality of food that people eat and the 2004. While on island, Dr. Rudder met security. St. Lucia, is part of a regional said. lack of balance in their diet. “So we are with Agriculture offi cials and the Per- project dubbed the “CARIFORUM Explaining further, Dr. Rudder concerned about relating food produc- manent Secretary in the Ministry of Ex- Food Security Project”, in which we pointed out that what they are fi nding tion policy to health policy, to nutrition ternal Affairs, Mr. Cosmos Richardson. 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 2, 2004 Dignitaries pay last respects to Winston Francis Cenac, QC, at Parliament

Governor-General pays her respect Family members

Cortege being taken into Parliament Family members pay vigil to cortege in Parliament

Prime Minister consoles Mrs. Cenac and family Saturday, October 2, 2004 Saint Lucia 5 Dignitaries pay last respects to Winston Francis Cenac, QC, at Parliament

Family members Prime Minister consoles junior members of the family Sir signs register

Acting Chief Justice, Adrian Saunders Family members pay vigil to cortege in Parliament views body at Parliament

The late Winston Cenac 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 2, 2004 Is the Environmental Levy oppressive? PM in conversation with the Nation agreed with the World Bank that the cost of paying for garbage disposal and the investment in solid waste disposal would be met by a tax on households, levied on one of their utility bills. Could you imagine each household being taxed to pay for garbage to be collected? This government rejected that approach because it would have been burdensome and inefficient. We decided instead, to introduce a levy on selected imports. But what of the used cars? Prior to 2000, the Government had banned the importation of used cars over the age limit of five years. Put dif- ferently, St. Lucians were not allowed to import cars over five years old. The Government reversed that policy in 2002 and then allowed persons to import such cars provided that they were prepared to meet the Environ- mental Levy. What do you prefer, “My Youth”, a complete ban on the importa- tion of used cars over five years old or Dr. Kenny D. Anthony the right to import these used cars at a ood Day, St. Lucia, another Mon- Housing Development that the Envi- struction is done through the National higher cost? Gday is here and it is time for an- ronmental Levy was imposed to deter Housing Corporation. Obviously, this “My Youth” has also ignored an- other Conversation. As promised in the young persons from investing in auto- was targeted at low income earners. other point. On two occasions, in 2002 last Conversation, I shall respond to an mobiles? 3. Exemption from Stamp Duties on and 2003, the Government reduced the e-mail from a listener who styled him- 2. Has this Government imposed so mortgages or transfers of titles on such Excise Tax on vehicles. In effect, the self or herself as “Your Youth”. The many levies and duties on any and ev- homes. price of vehicles actually fell. Just ask term “Your Youth” sounds clumsy so I erything construction-related? the car dealers! In effect, “My Youth” has it all shall describe the writer as “My Youth”. 3. Are young people being helped to wrong. Finally, nearly every Caribbean Here is the text of the e-mail: realise their dreams to own a home and country has had to introduce measures What can be said is this: Increases During the sod-turning event at the property? to control the importation of used cars. have been experienced in the cost of HUDC lands at Choc you stated that 4. Finally, is the Environmental Levy Barbados has banned the importation building materials, for example, lum- the Environmental Levy had been im- oppressive? of cars over four years old. Others have ber and steel, because of the high cost posed as a means of deterring young Let us now take each question in introduced special levies, just like St. of fuel. So, while the duties and ex- persons from investing in automobiles turn. We start with my comments at Lucia. emptions remain the same, St. Lucia and thus getting them to look into in- the sod-turning ceremony to mark the pays more to suppliers because the The e-mail from “My Youth” dem- vestment in property instead. commencement of construction of the transportation costs to St. Lucia have onstrates two things: first there is a re- infrastructure at Choc Gardens. I would like to find out how exactly increased. Likewise, the price of steel markable amount of misinformation in you intend to encourage young persons The Choc Gardens Comments has increased sharply because of a the public domain. Secondly, the gov- to build when your very administra- ernment needs to do even more to ex- This is what I actually said at the worldwide shortage of steel caused by tion/Cabinet has imposed so many lev- plain its policies to the public. But let Choc Gardens ceremony – and by the heavy demand in China. St. Lucia can- ies and duties on any and every thing us leave that for another occasion. way, the tape is available for verifica- not dictate to suppliers what the prices construction-related that only a select tion: for their products should be. Conclusion: a note of sadness… few young people can realistically look at the option of home building. “I want to say to our young people Help in housing for the young I will conclude our Conversation on that you are not going to get mortgage Then, “My Youth” implies that a note of sadness and regret. Now, back to the Environmental rates like that (meaning, low mortgage young people are not being helped to Levy The Government of St. Lucia joins rates) in a hurry. You have to make use realise their dreams to own a home. the rest of the country in expressing Who exactly is exempt from this of it. Like I have preached to you be- That could not be true in housing. Two sympathy and condolences to Mrs oppressive levy? Are you aware that fore and I know some of you did not examples will suffice: Flora Cenac and other members of the many of the young persons whom you like it when I had to take tough mea- 1. Government has enacted legisla- family of the late Prime Minister, Win- refer to as “travelling officers” have sures with used cars – leave the used tion to exempt from income tax up ston Cenac. An honest and decent man, jobs in public, statutory and state en- cars alone and invest in land.” he must be remembered for services tities? These positions require that we to $6,000 of income per year saved This statement merely sought to em- by a would-be first home buyer, sub- rendered to the country and the legal move between various locations. No phasise that it is better for young peo- fraternity throughout his working life, longer are we confined to desks, push- ject to it being saved regularly in a ple to invest in land rather than used bank for a five-year period. So, if both at home and abroad. ing paper for eight hours; rather, our cars. So, “My Youth”, what you have “My Youth” saves $6,000 per year Lest we forget, it was the late Mr performance heavily depends on our claimed I said is certainly not what I towards building a home, a deduc- Cenac, as Prime Minister, who signed, travel to locations under our responsi- said. But I shall return to that later. bility. Our pay increases depend on our tion of $6,000 can be claimed from on behalf of St. Lucia, the Treaty of performance. And our ability to build Duties and Levies on Construction income tax per year. Basse Terre establishing the Organi- “a home to call our own” depends on Materials 2. Since April 01, 2003, a first-time sation of Eastern Caribbean States our pay. “My Youth” says that the Govern- owner of a house which the owner (OECS). And most of all, the late Prime Minister saved St. Lucia from So you see, forcing the Environmen- ment has imposed “so many levies and occupies enjoys exemption from property taxes for a period of three bloodshed by resigning his post when tal Levy on us – young people – does in duties on any and everything construc- years. Different rates of exemption it was clear that the option was too fact affect our ability to achieve some tion related.” Unfortunately, I am not ghastly to contemplate. Some saw this told what these duties and levies are. apply, but if the mortgage value is of our dreams. up to $200,000 the owner receives as weakness, but others understood it You always speak of the youth, but I wish “My Youth” had been more ex- as “courage”. plicit. I suspect, however, that exam- an exemption of 100% on the pay- these levies and duties you continue to ment of Property Tax. These are ini- The Government has already indicat- ples just cannot be found. impose seem to favour the youth who tiatives of this Government. ed that the late Prime Minister will be (1) have inherited great sums, (2) have In actual fact, in the 1999/2000 Bud- given a State Funeral with full honours Oppressive environmental levy? been lucky to land double-digit jobs, or get Presentation, I announced several and a statement on his death will be is- (3) have turned to “other” sources of initiatives to encourage investment in We come now to the Environmental sued shortly. In the meantime, I urge all income.” housing. These included: Levy. Is it oppressive? St. Lucians to pay their respects to the Whenever people think of the En- later Prime Minister in whatever way Questions to answer 1. The exemption of select power tools from duties and taxes; vironmental Levy they think of used they can during the days leading to his This e-mail invites consideration of the 2. Import Duty and Consumption Tax cars. That is unfortunate. funeral. following questions: Rebates on materials used in construc- The Environmental Levy was intro- Until next Monday and our next 1. Is it true that I said at the sod-turn- tion on land and house costing no duced to pay the cost of Solid Waste Conversation, do have a nice day and ing ceremony of the Choc Gardens more than $90,000, provided that con- disposal. The former government had enjoy the rest of the week. Saturday, October 2, 2004 Saint Lucia 7 A Successful Visit t the invitation of the Govern- to Her Excellency, seeking possibility Ament of the People’s Republic of for further cooperation. The Governor China, Her Excellency Dame Pear- of the Shaanxi Province, the Executive lette Louisy, Governor General of Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen City, and Saint Lucia visited Beijing, Xi’an, the Mayor of the Shanghi Municipality Shenzhen and Shanghai of China be- met with and held grand welcome ban- tween September 5 and 14. She was quet in honour of the Governor Gen- warmly welcomed by the Chinese eral, respectively. people wherever she went. The visit concluded successfully. The delegation visited, some of Chi- na’s world heritage sites, such as the Attaching great importance to the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Governor-General Dame Pearlette Louisy and His Excellency, Zeng Qinghong, Vice visit by Her Excellency, the Chinese the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and Government accorded her courteous the Terra-Cotta Warriors. The Governor President of the People’s Republic of China shake hands in friendship reception for the Head of State. Elabo- General is the four-hundredth Head of den, the Splendid China, etc. They also the friendly, serious and sincere atti- rate arrangements were made by the State who has climbed the Great Wall. visited the Shanghai Huadong Normal tude of the Chinese side. governments at all levels. His Excel- University and met with a St. Lucian The visit by Her Excellency Dame The competent department of the Pearlette Louisy is a significant event lency, Zeng Qinghong, Vice President Beijing Municipality held a grand cer- student studying there. The Governor of the People’s Republic of China met General planted a tree of friendship to- that reflects the sound relations be- emony and awarded her a Certificate. tween the two countries and will be with and gave the Governor General A replica of the brick of the Great gether with the other delegation mem- and her entourage a grand dinner in the recorded in the annals of the Sino-St. Wall was presented to Her Excellency bers when they were in the Village of Lucian relations. The successful visit Great Hall of the People. as a souvenir by His Excellency Gu Chinese Folk Arts in Shenzhen. by the Governor General promoted the An Agreement on Economic and Huaming, the Chinese Ambassador to All countries are equal irrespective mutual understanding and enhanced Technical Cooperation was signed be- Saint Lucia. The delegation watched of size. This is a principle embodied in the friendship between the two peoples. tween the People’s Republic of China the Peking Opera and historical and the reception of the Governor General “We are convinced that the good rela- and Saint Lucia. The Minister of Cul- traditional dances, visited the High- by the Chinese Government, Both the tions of cooperation will be strength- ture and the Minister of Education of Tech Development Zone, the Pudong wel1-conceived and tight traffic con- ened and developed continuously”, the China paid successive courtesy visits New District, museums, botanical gar- trol at central and local levels showed Chinese Ambassador to St. Lucia said. Police Reform Programme on target rom the outset, the Govern- In several instances, it was recog- Additional vehicles, equipment and hallmarks for Public Confidence. Pub- Fment understood that the Police nised that the physical structure of training, were also provided. lic Confidence in turn fosters trust and Force had to be reformed and repo- police stations could not be restored Procurement of police vehicles facilitates collaboration, support, good- sitioned. Modernization of the op- simply by refurbishing the buildings. will and a sound working relationship erational management of the Force Decades of neglect had taken their toll. Between 2001 and 2004, twenty- between the Police and the public. six police vehicles were purchased. is necessary if the Police are to con- Government, therefore, had to allocate Reorientation in training front crime and defeat the growing resources to building new police sta- In addition, the Government of Korea donated sixteen new vehicles to the A fundamental weakness of our Po- sophistication of crime. A Police tions in those cases. lice Force was crime detection. Detec- Reform project aimed at reposition- Police Force. In effect, then, this Gov- The Vieux-Fort Police Station was ernment has made available forty two tion rates were abysmal. Consequently, ing the Royal St. Lucia Police Force one of those cases. Total expenditure it became necessary to re-orientate the commenced in September 2000. The (42) new vehicles to the Police Force for this new Police Station and Divi- between 2001 and 2004. Training of Police Officers to empha- Reform Programme of the Royal St. sional Headquarters was approximate- size Crime Prevention, Detection and In this area, much has been done Lucia Police Force followed a Strate- ly $6,281,575. A new Police station Community Policing. To this end, in over the past seven years and much gic Review which was conducted by was also constructed in Marchand in July of 2000, an advanced training pro- more must be done. It is important a team of British Experts, who were January 2001, at a cost of $1,766,467 gramme was conducted for thirty Po- to note, that whilst Government can invited by Government to undertake and in Anse-La-Raye in 2003, at a lice Officers in the area of Crime Scene provide new Police Stations, increase this project. The lead consultant, cost of $1,182,989. Three other Police Management. This Programme was fa- manpower, vehicles, equipment, train Mr. Michael Taylor, along with Mr. Stations are also at varying phases of cilitated by three professional experts Police Officers and increase the re- John Crutchlow, spearheaded the design and construction in Dennery, from Canada, provided as technical as- current and expenditure annually, we Reform Programme, with significant Micoud, and Bexon. Dennery and Mi- sistance by the Government of Cana- cannot achieve the desired level of local input and support from middle coud Police Stations are estimated to da: Some of the key courses covered efficiency and effectiveness based on and senior management of the Police cost $1,824,806 and $2,015,516, re- in that Programme included, Forensic these variables only. Force. spectively. Science, Crime Scene Protocols for Systems Reform In addition, between August 2001 Importantly, attitude to work, man- DNA Evidence, Special Consideration The aim of the Reform Programme and July 2003, four other Police Sta- agement of the operations of Police for Sexual Assault Evidence, Search, was to achieve a well managed Police tions were refurbished in Choiseul Stations islandwide and individual Seizure and Law Procedures, Criminal Service under clear leadership and di- ($882,554), Marigot ($631,494), Units at the Police Headquarters by su- Profiling; and Homicide rection, and importantly, focused, on Laborie ($882,554) and Canaries pervisory/middle and top management “I am pleased to tell you that detec- improving its service delivery, and op- ($568,195). The total cost of the refur- must form part of the equation, if the tion rates are improving steadily. How- erational performance. Activities were bishments was $3,017,551. desired results are to be achieved. Cou- ever, it is one thing to detect crimes, but effected to facilitate the full implemen- In order to establish a desirable and pled with this factor, is the critical need a totally different thing to win cases in tation and restructuring of police per- acceptable level of efficiency and ef- for Police Officers at all levels from the Court. We understood, therefore, that sonnel, operating systems, processes fectiveness in the operations of the Po- rank of Constable, to top management we had to strengthen the investigative and activities. lice Service, the Government decided to conduct their responsibilities with and prosecutorial process”, the Prime dignity and integrity. These are the Minister said. The Reform Programme identified to increase the manpower of the force. seven major programmes and areas Increase in manpower of emphasis. These were Community Between 1997 and September this Policing, Restructuring, Corporate year, a total of three hundred and fif- Support Functions Corporate Admin- ty new officers would have been re- istration, Operations and Crime Pre- cruited, and trained at a total cost of vention, Legislative Review, Training $403,472.00. in Operational Policing, Investigation and Detection Skills, and Scenes of In addition, plans are in train to ad- Crime Work. vertise for new applicants to facilitate the recruitment of an additional forty Unacceptable Conditions Police Officers before the end of this During the Review Process, which year. prepared the way for the Police Reform On assumption of Government Project, a number of disturbing issues into office in 1997, the total recur- surfaced which were of great concern rent expenditure for the Police Force to the Government. For example, was ($21,054, 313). This financial police officers of all ranks around the year (2004/2005), the amount was in- island were found to be operating un- creased by approximately (thirteen der unacceptable and degrading condi- million) dollars or (62%) to a total of tions. As a result, Government had to ($34,019,204). Personal Emoluments take urgent remedial action to alleviate and allowances represent an average these pressing problems at Police Sta- (82%) or $24,359.000 of total recur- tions islandwide. rent expenditure. New police station in Vieux Fort 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 2, 2004 The Legal Fraternity pays respect to colleague Winston Francis Cenac, QC

Cortege being taken to Parliament

Michael B.G. Gordon, QC, represent- Ladyship Ag. Justice of Appeal Suzie ing the Justices of Appeal; and His d’Auvergne; Her Ladyship Justice Lordship Justice Albert Redhead, Head Indra Hariprashad-Charles; and Her Plenary Sitting of the of the St. Lucia Criminal Division, rep- Ladyship Justice Ola Mae Edwards resenting High Court Judges. Master Brian Cottle. The family of In attendance were, His Lordship the late Winston Cenac was also pres- Eastern Caribbean Justice of Appeal Brian Alleyne; Her ent at the Sitting. Supreme Court held to honour Winston Francis Cenac, QC

Plenary Sitting of the Eastern Mr. Parry Husbands, QC, and Mr. Ken- ACaribbean Supreme Court was neth Foster, QC, representing the Inner held on Thursday, September 30, to Bar; Mr. Hilford Deterville, QC, rep- honour the late Mr. Winston Cenac, resenting the Antigua Bar Association; QC, who passed away on Wednes- Ms. Nicole Sylvester, and Mrs. Shirley day, September 22, 2004. Lewis, representing the St. Vincent Bar The cortege of the late Winston Association and the St. Lucia Bar As- Cenac was viewed at the High Court sociation, respectively; Mr. Deale Lee by the legal fraternity from 8:15 a.m. representing the Attorney General, to 9:30 a.m., following which it was Head of the Bar and Legal Represen- taken to Parliament via a procession tative of the Government of St. Lucia; of over 65 lawyers. They then made Mrs. Victoria Charles-Clarke, Direc- their way back to the Court House to tor of Public Prosecutions (Ag.); and commence the Sitting at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Wilkinson Larcher and Mr. Dexter Presentations in honour of Winston Theodore, representing the Utter Bar. Cenac were made by Mr. Joseph Ar- Brief remarks were made by His chibald, QC, representing the OECS Lordship Honourable Acting Chief Bar; Mr. Kenneth Monplaisir, QC, Justice Adrian Saunders; His Lordship Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE is published every week by the Department of Information Services. Contact us at: The Department of Information Services, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building, The Waterfront, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies Tel: (758) 468 2116; Fax (758) 453 1614; E-mail: [email protected]; http://stlucia.gov.lc