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NationSATURDAY FEBRUARYWIDE 6, 2016 Biggest-ever Local Cricket Tournament Bowls-off Today!

The 2016 Independence Celebrations get under way today, with the biggest- n ever local cricket tournament bowling off at the brand new Dennery Playing field this afternoon. The Prime Minister’s National T-20 Cricket Tournament ICT Training Under Way in the South! - Page 3 will give local players chances to both play their best and earn the most, while entertaining crowds backing the various teams (Story on Back Page). The Destination Saint Lucia Scores Big at World Independence 37 program has also been launched (See Page 2), following Wedding Expo! - Page 3 on the heels of the recent opening of Walcott Place, a new national cultural museum at the birthplace of the island’s only surviving Nobel Prizewinner Gas Price Here Lowest in OECS! - Page 4 (See Centre Pages 6 and 7). This issue also highlights the full text of the Prime Minister’s New Year Address (See Page 9), as well as all you need to Coconuts on the Rebound! - Page 5 know about the latest pronouncements on the Zika virus by world, regional and local leaders and health officials (See Page 12). The Diplomatic Courier CELAC Adopts CARICOM’s Reparations Call - column updates you on the latest related national, regional and international Page 8 issues, at home and abroad (See Page 8). As always, Nationwide starts your Zika Gets National Health weekend with an early and fresh update on what the Government of Saint Priority Status! - Page 12 Lucia has been doing and saying, in the name of country and people, at home and abroad. Read and Enjoy! And remember to watch NationwideTV on NTN daily and browse the Nationwide Website at stlucianationwide.com

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

Page 2 NationWIDE Saturday February 6, 2016 Editorial Of Minors, Children and The Law… he ease with which we “as a country, Saint Lucia

arrive at conclusions we has a right to tell interna- 2016 Calendar of National Events deem logical can some- T tional community that it is times be mind-boggling. time to re-examine the issue, DATE EVENT VENUE TIME Home Affairs and National to determine whether what 2016Independence Calendar Netball Classic of NationalVarious Communities Events Security Minister Senator Vic- obtained in the past is still (Netball Saint Lucia) tor La Corbiniere treaded very relevant today.” carefully earlier this week, in The minister noted that School Independence Celebrations School Districts response to a question from “Many of today’s minors are (Ministry of Education) the media about when a minor far more mature, and they Feb. 6 Prime Minister’s Cup T/20 Cricket Various Communities or child can be charged for a fully understand what they DATE EVENT Championship VENUE TIME criminal offense. are doing at an earlier age.” Without pointing to a He insisted that “Youth re- Feb. 6 Independence Beach Volleyball Sandy Beach, Vieux Fort specific case, the minister sponsibility cannot be sim- Championship responsible for implementa- ply assessed by age, because (SaintIndependence Lucia NetballVolleyball Classi cAssociation) Various Communities tion of the island’s laws had today’s youth are maturing (Netball Saint Lucia) Feb. 7 Independence Table Tennis Beausejour Indoor Facility to point out the real fact that at an earlier age.”

Championship (Saint Lucia National “many minors today are ful- The average reporter had School Independence Celebrations School Districts Table Tennis Association) ly aware of their actions.” wrongly assumed that guilt (Ministry of Education) The question was posed or innocence is judged by age. Feb. 13 Independence Invitational Games Stadium, Vieux Fort 10:00 a.m. to the minister against the But, as the minister correctly Feb. 6 (Saint Prime Minister’s Lucia Athletics Cup T/20 Cri Association)cket Championship Various Communities backdrop of the arrest of a pointed out, time changes Feb. 13 Kia National Independence Tennis Saint Lucia National Tennis Centre 4:00 p.m. 16-year-old female charged just as the climate does, with Feb. 6 IndependenceTournament Beach Volleyball Championship Sandy Beach, Vieux Fort with “non-capital murder” the passage of time. (Saint (Saint LuciaLucia Volleyball Tennis Association) Association Inc.) in the death of a Bagatelle Young persons in the Inter- man over 40 years her senior. net Age are not at all as inno- Feb. 13 National Sports Awards(Ministry of National Cultural Centre 7:00 p.m. The man was found in a cent and unaware of wrong Youth Development and Sports) Feb. 7 Independence Table Tennis Championship Beausejour Indoor Facility pool of blood at his home and right as might have been Feb. 18 (Saint LuciaNational National Day Table of Tennis Prayer Association) Islandwide 6:00 a.m. late last month. felt decades ago. The case has highlighted Feb. 19 National Colours Day Island wide Too many youth today what some in the local press have rejected all adult please

Feb. 19 Ecumenical Service(Ministry of Social Minor Basilica of the Immaculate 9:30 a.m. consider discrepancies in to avoid violence and settle Feb. 13 Independence Invitational Games George Odlum Stadium, Vieux Fort 10:00 a.m. Transformation) Conception Saint Lucia’s domestic laws disputes peacefully. They (Saint Lucia Athletics Association) Feb. 19 St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant School Circuit 10:00 a.m. relating to the definition of consciously embrace and

Road Race a minor and the definition cultivate a love for the un- Feb. 13 Kia National Independence Tennis Tournament Saint Lucia National Tennis Centre 4:00 p.m. enshrined in the United derworld, even involving Feb. 20 Independence (Saint Lucia Tennis Bikers Association Extravaganza Inc.) Castries Waterfront 10:00 a.m. Nations Convention of the occultism and other shady (Lucian Street Riders Motorcycle Club) Rights of the Child. aspects of the modern crime Feb.Feb. 13 20 National Independence Sports Awards Bayfest National Cultur Rodneyal Centre Bay 7:0012:00 p.m. p.m. Saint Lucia is a signatory to world. the convention, which holds To expect the law today not Feb. 20 (MinistryIndependence of Youth Development Volleyball and Sports) Beausejour Indoor Practice Facility that a child is below the age to also grow-up and under- Championship of eighteen. However, local stand the effects of today’s (Saint Lucia Volleyball Association) Feb. 18 National Day of Prayer Islandwide 6:00 a.m. laws say that from the age changed circumstances on Feb. 20 Roseau Valley & South Castries Youth Marigot Secondary School of twelve, an individual can the thinking and behavior

& Sports Council Creole Spelling be held liable for a criminal of today’s young people is

Competition (National Youth Council) offence. to call on the law to bury its Feb. 19 National Colours Day Island wide Asked to explain Saint Lu- head in the sand like most of Feb. 20 Miss Independence Pageant 2016 Nat’l Cultural Centre 7:00 p.m. cia’s position, the National us still do, especially when Feb. 20 Independence Challenge Around the Island 4:00 p.m. Security Minister said, “Mi- we consider the matter is & 21 nors were very actively in- “Not my business!” Feb. 21 Mon Repos Road Relay Mon Repos 7:00 a.m. volved in a lot of the recent But if we ever have to get gang violence involving a handle on youth violence Feb. 21 Babonneau Youth & Sports Council Babonneau Playing Field shootings and killings here, and crime, our attitudes have Edurama Fair (National Youth Council) some of whom are awaiting to go through as much a sea Feb. 21 Lobster & Seafood Fiesta Fisheries Complex 10:00 a.m. trial at the Bordelais Correc- change as the minds of our (Ministry of Agriculture) tional Facility.” children are going through As a lawyer of good stand- at a rate that outpaces their Feb. 21 Carenage Craze Castries Waterfront 12:00 p.m. ing with responsibility parents and grandparents. Feb. 21 Naming of the new Hospital Hospital Grounds 3:00 p.m. for law and order and na- There’s been rapid climate (Ministry of Health) tional security, Senator La change in the minds and val- Corbiniere said Saint Lucia ues of our your people and Feb. 21 Cocktail Reception Prime Minister’s Official Residence 7:30 p.m. “is clearly bound by interna- the quicker we adapt to that Feb. 22 Military Parade (Mindoo Philip Park) 8:00 a.m. tional conventions.” change the better for the en- (Royal Saint Lucia Police Force) “However,” he also said, tire society. Feb. 22 Cultural Expo Mindoo Philip Park 8:00 a.m. Feb. 22 National Celebratory Rally Mindoo Philip Park 2:00 p.m. Feb. 22 JETE Dance Competition Mindoo Philip Park 5:00 p.m. (Ministry of Tourism) Feb. 22 SLAM Concert (Ministry of Tourism) Mindoo Philip Park 7:00 p.m. Feb. 25 Independence Lecture: Vladimir Gros Islet Secondary 7:30 p.m. Lucien “The Artist and Saint Lucia: An School’sAuditorium exploration of the Saint Lucian Self” Feb. 25 NYC Annual Independence Debate National Insurance Corporation’s 3:00 p.m. (National Youth Council) Conference Room Feb. 27 Youth Vision Mapping Pigeon Island National Landmark 10:00 a.m. Feb. 28 D.A.S.H Independence Colour Run Choc - Rodney Bay 6:30 a.m. Feb. 28 Map4Saint Lucia’ Mapathon National ICT Centre 9:00 a.m. (Ministry of the Public Service) Feb. 28 Independence Challenge Swim Meet Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre 10:00 a.m. (St. Lucia Amateur Swimming Association) Feb. 28 Order of Saint Lucia Government House 2:00 p.m. (Office of the Governor General) March St. Lucia Manufacturers Association Sandals Halcyon 6:30 p.m. 5 Quality Awards (St. Lucia Manufacturers Association) March 3-Stage Invitational Cycle Race Dennery & Castries 2:30 p.m. 5 (Saint Lucia Cycling Association) Please contact: 712-5794 and visit our social media pages for updates: Facebook: Saint Lucia 37 | Instagram: @SaintLucia37 | Twitter: saintlucia37 Saturday February 6, 2016 NationWIDE Page 3 Ministry hosted Internet Providers IXP workshop

he Ministry of the Pub- ternet Service Providers (ISPs) called in technical terms "back lic Service, Information and Content Delivery Networks hauling" or "tromboning." Tand Broadcasting, in col- (CDNs) exchange internet traf- In his address to the stake- laboration with the Eastern Ca- fic between their networks. holders, Roberts noted the ob- ribbean Telecommunications “So the idea of an internet ex- jective of the IXP workshop. Authority (ECTEL), recently change point is to establish a “This workshop is targeted hosted a two-day Internet Ex- physical switch in a geographi- towards content providers and change Point (IXP) Training and cal location that can concentrate technical persons such as your- Stakeholder Workshop. the local traffic in that specific selves with the objective of ad- The workshop is a collabora- geographic location. vising you as to the processes of tive effort of the World Bank “In other words in Saint Lu- peering at an IX, what the benefits funded Caribbean Regional cia, internet traffic that is des- would be to the content provider, Communications Infrastruc- tined for other Saint Lucians, and of course the actual economic ture Program (CARCIP), and other sites, or destinations in benefits that there might be to- The workshop targeted Internet Service Providers to advise of the the Caribbean Telecommunica- Saint Lucia, can be routed lo- ward those peering at the IX.” process and benefits of an Internet Exchange Point (IXP). tions Authority (ECTEL). cally instead of having to leave Pairing in terms of computer Christopher Roberts, Coordi- Saint Lucia, go to a switch some- networking is the voluntary changing traffic between the association with the exchange nator for CARCIP said an IXP where else, and then come back interconnection of adminis- users of each network. of traffic; instead, each derives is essentially a physical infra- to Saint Lucia. tratively separate internet net- In the practice of pairing, nei- and retains revenue from its structure through which In- “That process is normally works for the purpose of ex- ther network pays the other in own customers. ICT training under way for Farmers markets expanding and unemployed youth in the South improving, now at Marigot Bay! he Caribbean Regional also be holders of a minimum of new farmers market has Communications Infra- three CXCs, or have at least one successfully started up in Tstructure Programme has year job experience in their course the community of Marigot. commenced FREE training in In- of interest. A The Marigot Famers Market opened formation and Communication The CARCIP ICT Skills Devel- on December 20 and consists of six Technology (ICT) in the south of opment Programme forms part farmers and one craft worker. the island. The sessions started of the government’s overall strat- "The famers market takes place from February 1 and are continu- egy to increase economic growth, every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.," ing. through the enhancement of pro- Deputy Director of Agricultural The training is being under- ductivity and technical expertise Services, Barry Innocent, said. taken in collaboration with the In- within the local ICT sector. "It was established through the Re- ternational American University The programme is currently be- gion 7 Agricultural Extension Office (IAU) located in Vieux-Fort. ing implemented by the Ministry in Roseau, with very high collabora- The IAU will offer regional and of Public Service, Information tion from the Capella Hotel and the Agri-Business Development of the international certification in six & Broadcasting in collaboration Ministry of Agriculture." Meanwhile, different ICT courses: Database with the TVET Unit of the Min- the Rodney Bay Famers Market The farmers are exploring financing options to improve operations. Management, Multimedia Pro- istry of Education, Human Re- marked its fourth year of existence. duction, Information Commu- source Development and Labour. "It grew from every third Satur- The farmers recently formed a ven- farmers markets, contact the Min- nication Technology, Computer Under its ICT Skills Develop- day, to every Wednesday and Sat- dors association as a next step in the istry of Agriculture, Food Produc- Maintenance and Repair, Systems ment Programme, CARCIP com- urday, and serves tourists, yachters, evolution process and are exploring fi- tion, Fisheries, Cooperatives and Analysis and Design and Internet menced ICT training and certifi- and has seen increased sales from nancing options to improve operations. Rural Development at 758.452.2526 Security. cation in October 2015. local community residents." For additional information on the or email [email protected]. To be eligible individuals must Currently, there are over 200 be unemployed and between the students being trained under the ages of 17 to 35 years. They must programme. Minister calls on citizens to improve Destination Saint Lucia scores waste disposal practices

inister for Sustainable De- proper waste disposal methods, he these effects. big at top world wedding show! velopment, Hon. Dr. James said, as it is an important climate While personal responsibility is MFletcher, has called on change adaptation measure. critical, the Government of Saint citizens to improve waste disposal The indiscriminate dumping of gar- Lucia will also implement legisla- practices. bage contaminates water sources, cre- tion to help prevent the improper Dr. Fletcher made the call at the ates a breeding ground for vectors of disposal of trash. first post COP-21 community meet- disease, and contributes to flooding Dr. Fletcher said that the enact- ing in Soufriere. by clogging drains and waterways. ment of recycling laws is a priority He indicated that the indiscrimi- Already, scientists have predicted that may place a value on certain nate dumping of waste in rivers, water scarcity, more frequent and garbage items. drains and other places around the more intense storm events, and an However, he stressed the need for island is exacerbating the risks posed increase in vector-borne illnesses as citizens to practice proper waste by climate change. Action is required a result of changing climatic condi- disposal for the greater health of the at all levels of society to change im- tions.Littering threatens to worsen environment and mankind.

Guests at the WedLuxe wedding show had a chance to win the ultimate prize of a honeymoon in the world's leading honeymoon destination, Saint Lucia. TEPA presents Standard Operating he Saint Lucia Tourist Board ning with the Saint Lucia Tourist Procedures Manual to Customs Department (SLTB) earlier this month, Board and partner, New Wave Tkicked off 2016 by participat- Travel, for destination weddings he Saint Lucia Trade Export ing in one of the most sought after and honeymoons. Promotion Agency (TEPA) has wedding shows of the season. “This was our first year partici- Trecently presented a “Standard The WedLuxe Wedding Show is pating in the WedLuxe show as an Operating Procedures” (SOP) man- hailed as one of the best and most experiential partner and we were ual to the Saint Lucia Customs and luxurious wedding shows in the impressed with the quality and Excise Department on January 26th, world. calibre of the event,” said Alison 2016. At the event, the SLTB show- Theodore, Regional Marketing The Department has a mandate of cased everything that is romantic Manager for the Saint Lucia Tour- trade facilitation, revenue collection about Saint Lucia. Visitors were ist Board. and border protection consistent treated to the Saint Lucia Sweet “Our Sweet Life Cocoa Bar with many Customs organizations Life Cocoa Bar, an interactive was one of the most popular at- worldwide. area where newly engaged part- tractions and the Instagram and The apparent lack of clearly de- fined SOPs within the department ners and their guests sampled honeymoon contests were well TEPA officials presented the SOP Manual to the Customs Depart- is a derivative of many factors. ment to help it meet local expectations and international standards. delicious cocoa treats inspired by received. It was a successful event As the department moves towards Saint Lucia. and fun for all involved.” conforming to best practices within Guests also had the opportunity The wedding show, now in its relied heavily on circulars, orga- Towards this end, TEPA em- the global trading environment and nizational directives and the “sta- barked on the project spearheaded to win luxury gift baskets and the sixth year, took place on January improving efficiency, the adoption tus quo” in relating processes and by the Saint Lucia Bureau of Stan- ultimate prize of a honeymoon in 10 in Toronto. of Standard Operating Procedures procedures to provide guidance for dards to provide the Customs & paradise at the Ladera Resort, in The event is ‘invitation only’ to is a timely venture. staff. Excise Department with a concise the World's Leading Honeymoon suppliers and welcomed 2,000 It will highlight the explicit in- The implementation of SOP “Standard Operating Procedures” Destination, Saint Lucia. visitors this year. structions to reflect the Customs within the Department will seek (SOP) manual, which highlights ex- This is the second year in a row The Saint Lucia Tourist Board Strategic Business Plan 2013 – 2018 to obtain consistency, clarity, trans- plicit instructions for the successful Ladera Resort has partnered with will be participating in several and the new organizational struc- parency, uniformity and standard- accomplishment of its specific goals the Saint Lucia Tourist Board at additional wedding shows this ture soon to be implemented, with ization in the execution of various in the Customs Strategic Business the WedLuxe show. year. the modus operandi reflecting con- tasks for the entire department in Plan 2013 – 2018. More than 300 entries were re- The Caribbean Tourism Organi- sistency in conformity with depart- addition to ensuring that approval This will promote consistency, ceived. zation has officially declared 2016 mental policy and transparency. procedures are followed in compli- transparency, professionalism, Entrants will be invited to at- to be the ‘Year of Romance in the The Customs & Excise Depart- ance with the department’s direc- public trust, moral authority and ment has for a number of years now tend a private information eve- Caribbean’. tion and legal provisions. accountability. Page 4 NationWIDE Saturday February 6, 2016 Officials see positive outlook for Saint Lucia tourism

he Saint Lucia Tourist USA) Lorine Charles-St Jules. and the anticipated 700 addition- Board attended the re- The group followed a robust al rooms. At the conference, the Tcently concluded Carib- schedule including a ministe- Saint Lucia Tourist Board won bean Hotel and Tourism As- rial caucus and over 60 pre- an award for Destination Part- sociation (CHTA) Marketplace arranged appointments with ner of the Year by Classic Vaca- in Nassau, Bahamas. The Saint existing and potential partners tions for 2015 and hosted the Lucia delegation led by Min- from the USA, Canada, UK, Eu- media launch of the 2016 Saint ister for Tourism Hon. Lorne rope, the Caribbean and Latin Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. Theophilus included Chairman America, selling the Caribbean. Over 24 Saint Lucia Hotel and Matthew Beaubrun, Director Following those meetings, DMC companies partnered with Louis Lewis, Deputy Direc- partners reported that Saint Lu- the Saint Lucia Tourist Board in tor Tracey Warner Arnold and cia is expected to perform "ex- creating the "Saint Lucia Vil- Regional Marketing Manager ceptionally well" in 2016, with lage" at the Atlantis Paradise Is- Tourism partners anticipate that Saint Lucia will perform "ex- (Northeast and Westcoast - the addition of increased airlift land Hotel in the Bahamas. ceptionally" in 2016, with increased airlift and additional rooms. NICE expands Farm Labor Independence 37 observance launched

Support Program aint Lucia's 37th Anniversary we have anything. Lucia and its talents. of Independence has been offi- “Those who choose to be nega- “We will have, during Indepen- Scially launched. The 2016 Inde- tive will still question whether we dence, a chance to answer some pendence Day celebration will be ob- are confident, self aware, still de- questions about ourselves: Who we served under the theme “The Journey pendent on foreign forces for sup- are, What is Saint Lucian charac- Continues.” port or too heavily influenced by ter, How it has changed, How it is Chairman of the Independence external sources. evolving, and What makes us Saint Standing Committee, Darrel Mon- "However, Independence 37 is Lucians in terms of language and trope, spoke on the importance of about our journey. rituals. Saint Lucia's independence. “One cannot expect to have re- "And throughout the activities for He said, “It meant that we got our solved all limitations within a the year, for the calendar year, not own flag, constitution, coat of arms, 37-year span but, we have made just during the month of February national anthem and the right to significant strides over the last 37 but for the calendar year, we will self determination. years and this is what we want to attempt to tease out those answers “Some, perhaps, may question celebrate.” and responses from the public.” what that means; what exactly self Montrope said the celebration of Saint Lucians are encouraged to determination is and whether or not Independence will showcase Saint promote their culture and participate The National Initiative to Create Employment recently engaged in the Independence activities. residents from Ravine Poisson to Cul De Sac to discuss the implementation of the farming program.

he National Initiative Food Production and Rural De- Recreate the Future! to Create Employment velopment. Noted Saint Lucian economist delivered Sir Arthur Lewis (NICE) has engaged a It was designed to stimulate newT group of community mem- the agricultural sector through 2016 Nobel Laureates Week Lecture bers in its aim to generate em- the use of specially trained ployment and support for the and skilled personnel to work aint Lucians were treated to a reflection, repositioning, strate- agricultural sector. on farms that have been dor- comprehensive discussion on gic alliances, good governance NICE has held a meeting with mant or under producing due Sdevelopment at the 20th Sir Ar- and transfer of knowledge. He has farmers and other members of to the high cost of production, thur Lewis Memorial Lecture. served for 19 years at the IMF, in The annual lecture was held at the various positions. the community to discuss the unavailability of skilled labor, Cultural Development Foundation, Newly appointed principal of the implementation of the Farm La- inability to afford skilled labor, in celebration of Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis Community Col- bor Support Program in Region and loss or lack of market share. Week. lege, Dr. Olivia Saunders, said qual- 8 (Ravine Poisson to Cul De Sac). The initiative is also an at- The presentation, delivered by Se- ity education is fundamental to ad- The program was successfully tempt to stimulate the interest nior Resident Representative of the vancing nations. implemented in regions 1-7 and of the youth in agriculture and International Monetary Fund, IMF, She also addressed her commit- yielded many positive results provides an opportunity to ex- Dr. Hyginus Leon, was titled “Rec- ment to building excellence through for farmers and workers alike. perience success through the reating the Future.” transformative education at the Sir Professor Leon said there is an ur- Arthur Lewis Community College. Its introduction in February development of transferable job gent need for small territories such “I am happy to note that the peo- 2014 was crucial in facilitating and life-skills. as Saint Lucia to reflect, reposition ple of Saint Lucia are committed the growth and sustainability of The program targets unem- and recreate. to applying their skills, talents and the agriculture sector, resulted in ployed persons aged 16 to 45 for He explained, “Governments The annual lecture was about resources to this transformative na- an increase in food production specialty training in crop pro- should strive to create a sound mac- the works of Sir Arthur Lewis. tional initiative that will fashion an island-wide, and a general a shift duction. roeconomic environment for bal- institution that leads, informs and in the mindset of persons work- Interested persons within Re- anced sustainable growth; build deepen financial markets and access facilitates the country's development ing within the agricultural sector. gion 8 are asked to contact NICE strong institutions to foster investor while safeguarding financial sus- in a very big way," Saunders said. confidence; ensure efficient and well tainability; and foster financial in- The lecture was hosted by the The farming program is a col- at 468 2177 or visit the office on targeted public spending including Sir Arthur Lewis Community Col- laboration between NICE and the 3rd floor of the Blue Coral clusion to increase savings and pro- investing in infrastructure while mote environmental sustainability." lege in collaboration with the Nobel the Ministry of Agriculture, Mall, William Peter Boulevard. maintaining debt sustainability; Dr. Leon addressed themes of Laureate Committee.

New PM Press Secretary TEPA and Ministry of Creative Industries collaborate to increase music exports has taken office! n its ongoing pursuit of increas- ing exports, The Saint Lucia ffective, February 1, ITrade Export Promotion Agency Ms. Jade Brown as- in partnership with the Ministry sumed duties as the of Creative Industries today an- E nounced the launch of a consultan- new Press Secretary to the cy to assess, and advance export of Prime Minister. the Saint Lucia music industry. Ms. Brown replaced Mrs. Sound Diplomacy, a UK based Jadia Jn. Pierre-Emmanuel music market development consult- who resigned to become the ing company has been contracted Communications Director of to create an overall music industry the . development framework and music Mrs. Emmanuel served as export strategy for Saint Lucia. Press Secretary to the Prime Representatives from Sound Di- Minister from January 2012 plomacy have been here since Janu- ary 26th through to the 31st to hold to January 2016. Creative Industries Ministry and sound diplomacy personnel consultations with relevant Saint discussed the project ahead of the collaborative agreement Ms. Brown is the former an- Jade Brown Lucian music industry stakehold- chor at Helen Television Sys- ers, agencies and personnel. tem (HTS) News Force, and the Prime Minister has prom- Through this contract, the consul- It is also expected that the results increasing music exports. previously served as a senior ised it will maintain its estab- tants will conduct a SWOT analysis of this intervention will strengthen The second phase of this project the competencies of TEPA and the addresses Artist Development in news reporter at the same lished and functioning meth- of the Saint Lucia music industry, to determine its true economic impact Ministry of Creative Industries in preparation for international show- media outlet. ods of communication with working with artist and music in- casing and networking. She is from the community the public; and will continue and marketability in / for interna- tional markets. dustry practitioners. Mrs. Flood emphasized “The of Canaries, and serves as the to keep the nation informed A major objective of this initiative Chief Executive Office of the findings and final output of this Chairperson of the Canaries and connected through its is the development of a music ex- Trade Export Promotion Agency, contract will provide TEPA with a Carnival Committee. regular updates on main- port strategy that will guide TEPA’s Mrs. Jacqueline Emmanuel-Flood strategic approach /framework to Meanwhile, the Office of stream and social media. work with the industry and its prac- noted that this contract is phase one develop and promote the product of titioners. of a two pronged approach towards the music industry.” Saturday February 6, 2016 NationWIDE Page 5 Saint Lucia gas prices lowest in OECS! Ministry meets unions

aint Lucia now has Gasoline will be sold for of liquid petroleum gas the lowest retail $0.51 less, at $9.72 per gal- (LPG)-100lb, 22lb and as health facilities Sprice for unleaded lon, which is lower than 20lb cylinders-remain un- gasoline in the Eastern the existing prices in ev- changed from the previ- Caribbean Currency ery member state of the ous period. transition process gets Union (ECCU), the re- ECCU. Government continues gion of the OECS. This Diesel will be sold for $0.06 to subsidize the 20lb and is pursuant to the latest less, at $9.07 per gallon. 22lb LPG cylinders at a under way adjustments occasioned Based on the existing cost of $9.98 and $10.70 per by changes in the price of prices of petroleum prod- cylinder respectively. crude oil on the interna- ucts across the ECCU, the The next price adjust- tional market. price of diesel in Saint Lu- ment will be made on Feb- As of February 1, con- cia is the third-lowest in ruary 22. sumers in Saint Lucia will the ECCU. Below is a schedule of pay less for both gasoline The retail prices of the retail prices for petro- and diesel. kerosene and all classes leum products:

Petroleum Existing Price New Price Change Product Unleaded $10.23 per gallon $9.72 per gallon Decrease by $0.51 Gasoline $2.25 per Litre $2.14 per Litre Decrease by $0.11 Diesel $9.13 per gallon $9.07 per gallon Decrease by $0.06 $2.01 per Litre $2.00 per Litre Decrease by $0.01 Kerosene $5.40 per gallon $5.40 per gallon Unchanged $1.19 per Litre $1.19 per Litre The Ministry of Health initiated dialogue with workers unions to address the new LPG: management structure of the Millennium Heights Medical Complex. 20 Pound $24.97 per cylinder $24.97 per cylinder Unchanged he Ministry of “At the meeting, we dis- and other issues are very 22 Pound $27.74 per cylinder $27.74 per cylinder Unchanged Health, Wellness, cussed the elements of the critical and we hope to 100 Pound $174.74 per cylinder $174.74 per cylinder Unchanged THuman Services MHMC Act that would iron them out as time and Gender Relations has affect particular work- goes by." Bulk $1.62 per pound $1.62 per pound Unchanged initiated dialogue with ers, and we also provided The General Secretary $3.57 per kilogram $3.57 per kilogram labor unions represent- general updates. of the Civil Service As- ing the staff of the Mil- “The Act addresses the sociation (CSA), Wilfred lennium Heights Medical jurisdiction of the board Pierre, commended the Complex (MHMC), to ex- of directors over the ex- Ministry of Health for ini- Saint Lucia establishes diplomatic plain the complex's new isting employees, and tiating dialogue aimed at management structure continuity of employment addressing staff concerns. and objectives. under the new structure." "We looked at some of relations with the Republic of Fiji The MHMC Act No. 1 of Secretary General of the the key issues and com- 2015 brings the Turning National Workers Union plaints which the staff Point Rehabilitation Cen- (NWU), George Goddard had regarding the transi- tre, the National Mental Jr., welcomed the engage- tion, so we are very happy Wellness Centre and the ment and added that the for the engagement." Owen King EU Hospital main area of concern for The Ministry of Heath, under one management the unions was the conti- via the MHMC commis- structure headed by a nuity of employment and sioning team plans to board of directors. the security of tenure of engage other staff repre- MHMC Commissioning staff. sentatives, including the Director, Dwight Calixte He said, "The staff need Saint Lucia Nurses Asso- explained the motive for to know that they will ciation, and will directly the gathering. have the full cooperation engage staff to provide He explained, "As part of the authorities in the timely and relevant in- of the transitioning pro- process of transitioning. formation, listen and re- cess, we want to engage “Of course there are a spond to staff concerns, all representatives to en- number of concerns and allay fears and reach Ambassador Rambally and Ambassador Thomson exchanged instruments sure that the transition is apprehensions relating to consensus through open establishing formal diplomatic relations between Saint Lucia and the Republic of Fiji a collaborative one. their employment. These dialog.

aint Lucia has for- friendship and coopera- nerships to address Saint malised diplomatic tion between the two sides Lucian interests in the Srelations with the in the political, economic context of an ever evolv- First Phase of Coconut Replanting Republic of Fiji. and cultural spheres at ing global environment. On January 27, 2016, Am- the national and interna- Following the signing bassadors Peter Thom- tional levels. the two Ambassadors Program ends successfully son of the Republic of Fiji This latest formal solidi- discussed matters of com- and Menissa Rambally fication of diplomatic ties mon interest to Small Is- of Saint Lucia signed the represents the consolida- land Developing States instruments establishing tion of Saint Lucia’s ac- (SIDS) and the opportu- diplomatic relations. tive diplomatic outreach, nities for further bilateral The agreement aims which seeks to build cooperation at the United to promote relations of mutually beneficial part- Nations. (Turn to Page 8) Postmaster General says new codes improving efficiency aint Lucia has made He explained, “One of addressing.” another major leap the things we strongly According to Charles, in its development considered was proper the postal code system The project met its target to locally collect and conduct early sprouting, and to S redistribute planting material to growers. by implementing a postal addressing. That has been will be implemented in code system. A postal lacking in Saint Lucia. two phases. code is an identifier for a “Now, what is advocat- “In Phase One, we have aint Lucia's Coco- was executed success- that affects palms, and postal delivery point. ed by the World Bank, by stuck mainly to delivery nut Replanting Pro- fully. was identified in Antigua The delivery point is a the European Union, and points and we now have Sgram is progress- The project met its tar- and Jamaica, phase two of single mailbox or other the International Mon- 54 delivery points island- ing. Under the Coconut get to locally collect and the project ensued where physical address where etary Fund, and most of wide. Replanting Program, the conduct early sprouting, 5,000 invitro coconut mail is delivered, like a all the universal postal “Phase Two will be a Department of Agricul- and to redistribute local planting materials were post office, a private let- union which is the UN granular one, where we ture, through CARDI, coconut planting material purchased from Mexico. ter box, or a residential or body responsible for the look into giving a code to purchased 5,000 sprouted to 80 growers. Another 2,050 extra business address. regulation of interna- Sans Souci, giving a code coconuts and seed nuts The agriculture min- plantlets were freely giv- Postmaster General tional postal sector, is that to all little areas -- in La at $2 per nut, for resale to istry then decided to go en due to expected losses Josiah Charles said the particularly in develop- Clery if needs be -- giving farmers at a subsidized through a second phase usually accounted for in main objective of the new ing countries, there has a code to every street in price of $1. of the program as a pre- the acclimation process. system is to meet interna- been the issue of [a lack Castries, or every named Deputy Director of Ag- emptive measure to stem About 18.5 percent of tional standards and im- of] proper addressing. street. The new system ricultural Services, Barry a regional contagion. these plants died leaving prove the efficiency of the “All of these areas have was launched on Decem- Innocent, said the first Pending the threat of le- behind over 5,700 thriv- postal system. been pushing for proper ber 1, 2015. phase of the programme thal yellowing, a disease ing plants. Page 6 NationWIDE Saturday February 6, 2016 Saturday February 6, 2016 NationWIDE Page 7

Walcott House is entrusted to the community! by Travis Weekes

hile the “Walcott House” would be the most strategically fitting warm audience that shared with him the profound significance of his mo- title for the recently restored boyhood home of Derek and Roderick ment. WWalcott, “The Trusted House”, the poetic title given by the 1992 But the few words managed by Walcott must trigger an absolute focus of Nobel Laureate for Literature, may actually be the spiritual name needed to how “The Walcott Place” can make a difference. ensure the survival of the institution. “Arthur Jacobs built this house,” were the very first words he shot at the Here, I am joining Walcott to harness all of my faith in the magic and in- audience. spiration of poetry. Jacobs (or “Jakes” as he is popularly known) was a star actor of the St. Lucia The opening ceremony of “The Walcott house” conjured up nostalgia of Arts Guild and undoubtedly a huge inspiration to Walcott, who cast him in that pre-ghetto period in the communities of Grass Street and Chaussee most of the plays that he directed in Saint Lucia. Road. Walcott has also immortalized “Jakes’ in his most recent work “White In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Egrets”. identified several prominent families that resided in the neighbourhood and Walcott refers to the actor as “a man without no money/ despite his tremen- highlighted the successes of several sons of the street. (See full speech on dous presence, light as a leaf/and as delicate dancing/coal black and like Page 9) coal/packed with inspiring fire…a beauty of soul…a wit, an intelligence.” The Prime Minister’s hope it seems is to bring back the glory days of prom- In his short but powerful utterance, he spoke of his love for his actors; those inence and success of people from that community. To that end, the restored he worked with in St. Lucia, Trinidad and Boston. A love he suggested that house itself is part of a larger project, “The Walcott Place” which will include developed because of how willingly the actor gave to the director; how obe- a museum and a theatre. dient he was to the director’s guidance. Thus, for the government, the project would not only become a pivot of Grass Street and the youth who frequent there have to be re-shaped by heritage tourism in Castries but would also be crucial to the social transfor- skilled directors. mation of a very troubled part of the city. Grass Street today is one of the most troubled spots in the city of Castries For Derek Walcott, the house is a place of nostalgia and a sacred space in and the question is: will the youth give themselves in trust to the direction which the memory of his family is honoured. of the authorities. For St. Lucian artists and intellectuals, it is site of unending inspiration; an For many years, this place has been one of the areas responsible for spo- example of how success and fulfillment of talent can emerge, out of love and radic bursts of gang violence in the city. modesty. A casual walk through the area and one notices that, like the Grave Yard Speakers on the programme, including the Governor General were all ex- at the other end of the Chaussee, it is a home for predominantly male youth pressing gratitude to those who assisted in the realization of the project and who find an identity in “badness”. all speakers without exception singled out the residents of Grass Street. Even during the opening ceremony, the volatility of the area was clear in When the time had come for Walcott, the man of the moment, to read as the demeanor of one dread who walked near the proceedings displaying his indicated on the programme, he didn’t. In fact, it seems that he couldn’t. In- gangster style: barebacked, with dropping pants showing underwear, as he stead he wept. But not really... Robert Lee had accompanied him to the stage. strolled leisurely and deliberately in full view of the gathering, swinging a Walcott spoke (or tried to), expressing his gratitude and love for Saint Lucia bottle of liquor. -- and as he spoke, he appeared to be fighting against a total collapse into Another walked around at quick pace shouting his displeasure at some- tears. thing or someone. He seemed charged with emotion and struggling to contain himself. This Clearly this is a project cemented in faith and trust! It is a huge trust! struggle meant that he couldn’t read the poem that he had written for such The “Trusted House”, the title of the poem written by Walcott for the occa- an historic occasion; the official opening his boyhood home, restored! sion, puns on “The Trust”, that is, The Saint Lucia National Trust, which led Fellow poet Robert Lee, whom Walcott referred to “as a lovely reader”, per- the initiative of the restoration. formed the task. However, the Walcott House is also “The Trusted House” because it carries These moments certainly lent a deep insight into the character of a man so much hope for its immediate surroundings. It must attract skilled and who has always borne a tough exterior. trustworthy directors. More significantly however, the moment also lent dramatic irony to the It’s the “front”, the lead structure of a project that must trigger spin offs for transformed setting of this “opening scene”; this scene that would provide the people of the community whether through directors who will shape the the prologue for a brand new script for the people of Grass Street. characters of the youth; or through the market that it will provide for the Here, Walcott resisted a show of emotional frailty in the face of a commu- artisans and artistes. nity easily triggered into vulnerability by the words or deeds from society’s It is a “Trusted House” for its own vulnerability. big guns. It is entrusted to a community who must care for and protect it, so that it Physically frail at 86 years old, but still mentally solid, Walcott steadied may win the trust of so many, who need to remain in touch with the beauty himself through the experience. With grace and gratitude, he embraced the of their souls. Page 8 NationWIDE Saturday February 6, 2016 The Diplomatic Courier Saint Lucia and sign ‘Reparations demand is not a backward call for handouts’ another healthcare agreement Sir Hilary Beckles Presents Model for Reparations at Oxford University

he chairman of the Carib- The meeting was a follow-up to bean Community (Caricom) Sir Hilary’s speech on reparations TReparations Commission, before the British Parliament last Sir Hilary Beckles, says Carib- year. bean countries are not looking for At the lecture at Oxford, hosted “handouts” in their call for repara- by Professor Louise Richardson tory justice, and has presented a — Oxford’s new vice-chancellor 10-point plan to deal with the issue. — Sir Hilary said that Britain Sir Hilary made the distinction should establish a faculty like the while speaking at a public lecture Jewish Reparation Fund which on ‘A Model for Reparation’, or- “drives Israeli development works ganised by Oxford University, in projects”. England last week. He said a Caricom Reparation Cuban Ambassador Jorge Soberon and Health Minister Alvina It is not a backward call for Fund could receive reparations Reynolds signed the new bilateral agreement, which continues a long handouts, he said. for development purposes and “It is a renewed call for develop- fund projects for the people of the period of health cooperation between the two countries, lasting over Sir Hilary Beckles, chairman ment co-operation between Brit- Caribbean. 15 year thus far. of the Caribbean Community ain and the Caribbean. His 10-point action plan calls for (Caricom) Reparations Com- “It’s about Britain making a an apology, reparations, an indig- uba has been a strategic Reynolds indicated that the Cu- long-overdue contribution to the mittee during his presentation enous people programme, cultur- partner in the provision of ban medical teams will also assist on ‘A Model for Reparations’ at healthcare in St. Lucia for in critical areas such as eye care, economic development of the Ca- al institutions, programmes de- C ribbean through investments in Oxford University, England, on signed to improve public health, more than 15 years, providing ser- cancer and kidney care, currently January 26. vices in the areas of eye health, di- under-resourced, while persons are areas such as education, health literacy and African knowledge, alysis and biomedical services. out furthering their studies or re- care, agriculture reform, tech- psychological rehabilitation In January, Minister for Health ceiving professional training. nology and science to transfer to honour its legal and moral obli- and technology upgrading pro- Wellness, Human Services and "As we position ourselves to move through the universities and col- gation to the Caribbean. grammes and debt cancellation. Gender Relations Alvina Reynolds into the New National Hospital, the leges. “Every finance minister in the He said that Britain had a re- and Cuban Ambassador Jorge So- Owen King EU Hospital, we want to “It’s about debt abandonments Caribbean should stand with the sponsibility to the citizens of the beron signed another cooperation ensure that we have a very strong since the governments of the Ca- reparations movement and jointly Caribbean to right the wrongs of agreement strengthening the ties team of healthcare workers to deal ribbean have used up their scarce call upon Britain to facilitate eco- slavery by paying reparation. between Saint Lucia and Cuba. with the issues that we constantly resources desperately trying to nomic development and recovery “It is a vital step in the racial and Ambassador Soberon said this face among the population in St. clean up the colonial mess Britain since as PM [David] Cameron political healing process,” he de- week, "This cooperation agreement Lucia. left behind, such as rampant illit- said, the Caribbean has been ne- clared. takes into account prior experi- “Today, we are very pleased to see eracy, poor health care, horrible glected for 30 years after 300 years Noting that “Blacks are the only ences. that we can renew our collaboration housing, and backward attitudes people who have received no “We are building upon that and we and to strengthen the healthcare of wealth extraction,” he added. hope to be in total compliance with system in terms of human resource. to development,“ Sir Hilary ar- Sir Hilary also met at the House reparations for crimes of slavery”, the cooperation agreement, to bring “Definitely, it's a day to celebrate gued. of Commons with a cross section Sir Hilary said urgent action was more quality services in healthcare and we want to extend our sincere “Britain abandoned its financial of political leaders and civil society required to repair damage facing and to make a more effective contri- thanks to Ambassador Soberon and obligation, and the Caribbean citi- organisations to explore how they the region such as the debt crisis, bution to the development of health- as well the government and people zens and governments had done can best support Caricom’s call for poor health and literacy ratios, care in Saint Lucia, mainly within of the Republic of Cuba." very well with self responsibility, reparatory justice for African en- institutional poverty, food inse- the public sector. Cointha Thomas, Permanent Sec- but the time has come for Britain slavement and native genocide. curity, unemployment and more. “We are therefore very happy that retary in the Ministry of Health we are able to continue cooperation said this agreement comes at a cost in this sensitive and important area." of $1.5 million to the government of The Cuban Ambassador stated St. Lucia and the Cuban team con- CELAC adopts CARICOM call for Reparations that from all reports the people of sisting of 25 medical personnel will Saint Lucia have been very friendly work in various parts of the health and cooperative with Cuban medi- sector. he Community of Latin tion from St Vincent and the Commission for SVG, noted cal staff, "and most off all very She explained, "At the two hos- and American States Grenadines (SVG) Speaker of that CARICOM has agreed appreciative," of the cooperation pitals, we have specialists in the T(CELAC) Parliamentary the House of Assembly Leroy on the call for Reparatory agreement in the area of healthcare. Nephrology Department where we Group has adopted the Ca- ‘Jomo’ Thomas, during a meet- Justice and urged CELAC “Both Cuba and Saint Lucia be- take care of the dialysis patients. ribbean Community (CARI- ing last week in which legisla- parliamentarians to join the long to the Caribbean, so there are “We have specialists at the Victo- COM) call for Reparations for tors from 17 countries met in cause. not many differences between Cu- ria Hospital from all the different Native Genocide and the En- Quito, Ecuador, to formalize The final call for the mo- bans and Saint Lucians. In addition health specialties from women's to that, we should also remember health, ophthalmology, the eye clin- slavement of African People the operation of a parliamenta- tion, which was adopted by that more than 500 Saint Lucians ic continues with about eight profes- in the Caribbean through the ry network across Latin Amer- the parliamentary group, was have graduated in Cuba in different sionals. Trans-Atlantic slave trade. ica and the Caribbean. drafted and submitted by disciplines. “In the maintenance department, The call for its adop- Thomas, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House, “So, we are talking about an ex- we have a biomedical engineer who tion came via a presenta- Chairman of the Reparations Senator Carlos James. change of experiences and knowl- will support the maintenance and edge and all of our teams, when we care of the equipment particularly get back to Cuba, bring home very as we move to the new hospital with good memories about Saint Lucia. the new type of equipment that we Mexican President tells CELAC 4th Summit: “We hope it remains this way, were not using previously. because it creates human relations “We do have a specialist who is between us and the Saint Lucian part of the maintenance team who ‘Let’s address differences and challenges people that we care about very, very will assist in ensuring that the much." equipment is used and maintained Minister for Health Alvina Reyn- properly." olds welcomed the renewing of this As the Victoria Hospital continues with dialogue and compromise!’ cooperation agreement, which she the transitioning effort to the Owen The IV Summit of Latin knowledge, technologies and outstanding progress in meet- says ultimately benefits the people King EU Hospital, health officials of Saint Lucia in the health sector. look forward to further support and America and Caribbean States best practices in government to ing the UN’s Millennium Devel- "Over the last 15 years, we have collaboration to strengthen health- (CELAC), held recently in Ecua- advance together towards more opment Goals. reached out to Cuba and they have care services in Saint Lucia. The dor, was addressed by Mexican equitable, inclusive and sustain- He said the UN’s 2030 Agenda responded very well in terms of agreement was signed at the Minis- President Enrique Peña Nieto, able development. for Sustainable Development “is strengthening our health sector." try of Health. who, accompanied by Foreign President Pena Nieto noted the road map for overcoming Affairs Minister Claudia Ruiz that countries in the region have the complex social, economic Massieu, reiterated Mexico’s renewed their commitment to and environmental challenges Venezuela assumes presidency of commitment to reinforce the combat poverty and inequality of our time.” But he added, “Al- CELAC mechanism. and in recent years, they have though the scope of this agree- Security Council The President reiterated Mex- achieved dynamic economic ment is universal, its effective ico’s commitment to strength- growth, which made it possible implementation requires a clear ening CELAC. He said Mexico to accelerate social develop- national commitment and a re- s of February 1st 2016, This is the fifth time Venezuela is developing major energy in- ment. newed regional alliance.” Venezuela assumed the has held this position in the Secu- terconnection projects that will “Between 2010 and 2014, the re- “In our case,” he added, “We APresidency of the United rity Council and the first within contribute to accelerating eco- gional Gross Domestic Product are working to achieve an in- Nations Security Council, which the framework of the Bolivarian nomic and social development. (GDP) increased by an average clusive Mexico, on the basis of is the only organism of the UN Revolution. The President called for con- whose decisions oblige member- The 181 UN member-states vot- of 3.7 percent; above the Europe- a better quality of life and more states to comply. ed for Venezuela to join the UN solidating the organization as a an Union with 1%; above Japan opportunities for advancement As a result, for one month, Rafa- body for a period of two years, unique forum for benefit of its with 1.5% and above the United for our society.” el Ramírez, Permanent Represen- until December 31st 2016. more than 620 million inhabit- States with 2.1%,” he said. The president reiterated tative of Venezuela to the United Venezuela, as a member of the ants. As a result, according to his country’s commitment to Nations, will lead the activities Security Council, has laboured He also participated in dis- ECLAC, in the past 11 years, the strengthening CELAC and urged taking place within the organi- under the principles of solidarity, cussions about the fight against proportion of people living on his counterparts to consolidate it zation, which is responsible for the non-interference in the inter- inequality and poverty eradica- less than a dollar a day in the “as a unique forum for identify- ensuring the maintenance of in- nal matters of the Nations, for the tion on the continent and said region has decreased by 63.5%, ing coincidences, building con- ternational peace and security, in respect of sovereignty and has he was sure that as a result of from 12.6% to 4.6%. sensus and projecting our region accordance with the Principles of condemned the use of violence for CELAC’s 2016 Action Plan, the President Peña Nieto said for the benefit of its more than Justice. the oppression of Peoples. 33 nations will continue sharing CELAC countries also achieved 620 million inhabitants.” Saturday February 6, 2016 NationWIDE Page 9 OUR MUSTARD SEED! The following is the full text of an address by the Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning & Social Security on the occasion of the official opening of Walcott House, 15-17 Chaussée Road, Castries, Saint Lucia on Sunday, 24 January, 2016.

A PROUD DAY his is a proud day. A proud day for our coun- Ttry and its people. This is a proud day for Saint Lucia. This is a proud day for the Ca- ribbean and its civilisation. This is a proud day no doubt for Derek. This is a proud day for the memory of Roderick, of Pam, of Warwick, of Alix. FOR THE ARTS GUILD This is a proud day for the Arts Guild, and its inheri- tors. We might recall them as if a litany of actors: “Jakes” and “Spa,” Sextus and Sonia, “Mackie” and McDonald, the two Ruths, Harwick and Hog- arth, Ornan and Kenneth, George and Keith, Egbert and Primrose, Pancrus and Maurice, Connie and Marcel- lus, Lennie and Martin, “Se- cra” and “Mockie,”Winston Prime Minister and “Specie” the jester; the The Walcott House ahead of the start of the commissioning celebration. memories of the Turks in the Dr. Kenny D. Anthony yard, the calypso melodies on steel pan, the and those who reclamation of the memories, the duced in the past and recreate a Shortly, through the help of the Ca- velopment Association, the watched on from the flanks past, the poetry, the plays, the new economy around this. Fur- ribbean Development Bank, Grass Saint Lucia Social Develop- and from the audience. words and the wax. thermore, those who doubt are of- Street will be extended and con- ment Fund, the Royal Saint In this house, their memo- For while this house stood clear ten, through no fault of their own, nect to Leslie Land Rd. It will cre- Lucia Police Force, the Cas- ries, whether living or lost, of a city’s death by fire in 1948, it unaware of the richness of history ate a street of class and character tries Constituencies Coun- can find a spiritual home. In faced a city’s death of neglect. The that can be unveiled and captured so that the area can become more cil, the Cultural Develop- this house, our spirits can be flight from the city to the suburbs, within our tourism product. active and vibrant. ment Foundation, and UWI heated and enlivened like the the flight of children to foreign And work will commence on the Open Campus. heat under the midday sun. lands for career and craft, meant DRUMS AND COLOURS OF construction of the larger museum We say thank you to the This is a proud day for those the slow, steady decline, and then GREAT MEN block of the project before mid- contractor, Mr Atlanta Henry, who admire the arts, and who the paralysis, the crucifixion by Today, we are opening the Wal- year. This will incorporate a three his team, and all those who have worked and produced crime. cott House. But this area around level structure that will link to the laboured on this phase of the with Roderick and Derek. us is a cluster of much Saint Lu- Walcott House What is to be seen project. We say thank you to And those who follow in their OUR AMNESIA IS NO MORE cian human achievement, many in this new phase? It will include a the work of the Nobel Laure- footsteps, who build on their Our amnesia is no more. We are a time by working class families. ticketing and reception area, a café, ate Committee under the di- foundations. reclaiming our memories, and Down the Chaussée: the home of book and gift shop and courtyard rection of Her Excellency the with them our hopes. And yes, Sir Allen Lewis, our first Chief with seating at ground level. Governor General. Justice and also Chancellor of FOR GRASS STREET there are many who say with pes- As you would appreciate soon And thank you to the many This is a proud day for the University of the West Indies. simism: how could you possibly enough once you enter the house, other committees which Grass Street and this part of And it is there that Arthur Lewis the proportions do not suffice to have worked to realise this the Chaussée, the families of put a museum in Grass Street? would spend his vacations home There are those who ask why provide the full interpretive ex- project thus far – and who its past and of its present, and from the London School of Eco- perience for the project. And so, must continue to labour in spend money on building a house the people who come and go nomics. And across the Chaussée, on the first floor level of the new the belief that we can create and frequenting these parts: for the Walcott’s when we need to the blue house to your left was structure, there will be an addi- a world class product here in The Jules’, the Springers, improve our health system. There owned by Sir Darnley Alexander, tional 2,700 square feet of space for Castries. And of course we the St Villes, the Fletchers, are also some who do not believe the Soufriere-born first chief jus- the museum. say thank you to Derek, and the Drysdales, and so many even in the need for museums.And tice of Nigeria. This is about three times what is the Walcott family here to- And the block behind me on more. there are some who still view the currently available from the house. day who have supported and This is a day in which we Mary-Ann Street, the home of Dr Arts as acts of hobby making. We It will allow for modern interac- guided this project. can look forward and imag- Karl La Corbiniere, who served as believe in the totality of the human tive, multimedia displays that can ine the things to come. With Deputy Premier of the West Indian better tell the story of the Walcotts THROUGH HER VOICE spirit. We believe in body, mind each new phase, new hope, Federation and founding member and the arts movement in Saint Lu- And we confess our debt and spirit. with each new hope, a life of the Saint Lucia Labour Party – a cia; and for a variety of audiences. of gratitude to the lady of saved or succoured. For all We believe that if a people do not home where the likes of Bradshaw the house, Teacher Alix – know themselves, cannot celebrate The second floor will make allow- our lives are too precious of St. Kitts would frequent as Saint the mother who, with her themselves – if they cannot laugh ance for a small research library, a to be lost to the bullet or the Lucia hosted the first meeting of strength and discipline, in- and feel moved, then living itself the British West Indies Labour Par- resident artist’s office, administra- needle or the diseases of man. structed and taught, who is reduced to meagre value. And ty. And there are more. tive and curatorial space. It will then CHALLENGE OF THE POET as Sir Arthur Lewis recognised, we And so, the drums and colours of importantly allow for disability ac- through her singing voice Often times dreams are for- can ill-afford a “cultural desert.” these great men can find another cess to the upper levels with a lift in and stitching hands moved got within a short time from For we want health bodies and life in a reawakening of this area of the reception area. The third phase and mended, who single- their conception. We wake up healthy minds and healthy spirits. Castries. And so, this project, Wal- involves looking at the development handedly raised three chil- and they flee like chicks from And so, we can never juxtapose cott Place, must be taken within of a small black-box theatre with au- dren against great odds. We the hawk. These dreams are these matters as we have sadly the context of a broader regenera- dience seating for about 150 persons. honour today, in a special often whispers of the mind, done in the past. tion. We cannot leave our treasures This is the dream which we have put way, her memory. so softly uttered that if not hidden and in decay. put to pen and paper, they WE CAN MOVE THE to word, and now must put to action. LET THE HOUSE SPEAK might be lost in translation, MOUNTAIN OPPORTUNITY IS COMING We all must work towards it. The poet seeks always to in utterance. We are not naïve. But yet, we But yet, I must say to the commu- condense the scenes of life, This is the challenge of the must believe. We must have faith nity, that visitors and investment GRATITUDE AND the emotions, the passions, poet, the challenge of the that we can move the mountain of will not come and bring economic ACCOLADES the laments, the verse as writer, the challenge of the poverty. We can move the moun- activity to a place will not come to I wish to express gratitude and succinctly as possible. The actor: to find these words, tain of neo-colonialism. We can that is unclean and unsightly. They provide accolades to the many who politician generally does not. and capture them and make move the mountain of crime. We will not be drawn in and stay and have made this possible. In partic- Today, I have sought to learn must have faith that the poet’s them real, if but only on pa- buy if they feel unsafe or harassed. ular, the Government of Saint Lu- from the poet by being brief, word can move the mountain of per, or in the echoes of a hall. Opportunity is coming but you cia is deeply grateful for the grant and so I shall proudly let the depression and doubt and despair. Decades have past and we are provided by the Republic of house and all its memories We must believe that our people, must prepare. Opportunity is com- still capturing these dreams, (Taiwan) which is making this pos- speak now for itself – speak our stories, our productions, our ing but you must know how to ap- condensing them and morph- sible. We say a sincere “thank you” to you, and for you, to the history, is as noble as any other; proach it, for the dream is still but ing them into form and func- Your Excellency. We say thank you generations to come. and is to be cherished as any other. a whisper. Opportunity is coming, tion. to the Saint Lucia National Trust, Let us respect her and love We must believe that we can move but it will take time a careful plan- RECLAMATION OF THE the custodians of this house. her. And what she says to our the mountain. ning. It is not instantaneous. You MEMORIES must respond positively to the op- We say thank you to the Min- children, and our imagina- This building behind us is OUR MUSTARD SEED portunity and seize the moments istry of Physical Development, tions. Let us respect her walls just that. A home long lost, Today – this proud house – this as they come. Housing & Urban Renewal under and her presence. Let us re- long enveloped by a printery house is our mustard seed. And the direction of Senator Stanley spect her memory, as she be- and then by abandonment around it and through it we will A SMALL PART OF THE WHOLE Felix for the technical support in comes a place of pilgrimage can find once more a rebirth. grow feeding off its inspiration. Today, we unveil a small part design and project management. for many seeking to discover It can sit and feast on its past, For it has already produced world of a much larger whole. Walcott And of course, a special word of themselves through play and it can look into the mirror on renowned greatness in Derek and House is part of the larger complex thanks to the Architectural Section song and poem. Ladies and its past life, and form again Roderick. To the people of Grass of Walcott Place. The next phase of that ministry headed by Mr Au- gentlemen, I thank you and a love for itself. What is be- Street and the people of Castries, of Walcott Place, which is to com- gustin Poyotte. urge you to believe that we ing unveiled today is the first we have the opportunity to look mence within months, will set the We say thank you to all the part- can move mountains with step. It is reclamation. It is back on what this city has pro- basis for the viability of the project. ner agencies: the Grass Street De- our mustard seed.

Page 10 NationWIDE Saturday February 6, 2016 THE SEARCH FOR A COLLECTIVE DETERMINATION! Following is the full text of the New Year’s address to the nation by the Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning & Social Security on Monday, January 25, 2016

Introduction: A Leap Since commencing on January COM and the Alliance of Year 1st, we have received tremen- Small Island States. Equally I do not know whether dous interest from potential ap- importantly, I applaud the many of you are aware that plicants wishing to become new drive of our young people, this year is another Leap citizens of Saint Lucia. particularly the members Year. There are of course, Whilst we have spent the last of the Saint Lucia Chap- many myths, tales, apho- four years stabilising and restor- ter of the Caribbean Youth risms and dire warnings ing our economic foundation, Environment Network, the which abound about Leap the Citizenship by Investment commitment of our artists Years. Programme will provide impe- who joined the “1.5 to stay There is one aphorism in tus to our recovering economy alive” fight and helped to particular which says that to take off in the coming months. amplify our voices, and the “If you do not properly till Over the next few weeks, an- several media personnel the soil in a Leap Year there nouncements will be made of who developed and carried will be a poor harvest.” My a number of resorts which will so many climate change hope is that we till the soil be constructed in Saint Lucia. stories in the lead-up to well this year to reap a good These resorts will create much COP 21. harvest for our country and needed jobs in the construction our people. I believe that sector, add more jobs in the hos- A Silent Energy we are well - placed to reap pitality sector, revive our real Revolution a bountiful harvest. I say estate sector and restore a high What is taking place in this because I am becom- level of growth to our economy, the energy sector in Saint ing increasingly confident last enjoyed in 2006 when the Lucia can best be described about our economy and its Labour Party left office. as a revolution. Our Gov- future prospects. I am excited by the progress in ernment is completely the Citizenship by Investment transforming this sector Performance Of Our Programme and its prospects so that it can be a catalyst Economy for the future. I ask you to have for new, sustained national Let me share with you, the faith and confidence that we economic development. details on the performance can deliver the best managed At the end of last year, of our economy for the first and most respected programme Parliament enacted new three quarters of the finan- in our region and indeed, the legislation to establish a cial year. Following a pe- National Utilities Regu- Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony world. Believe in Saint Lucia riod of very tepid growth, and believe in our abilities as a latory Commission, or domestic output strength- people! NURC as it is now popu- ened in 2015. Most eco- tunes during the review period. market economies and move- larly called, to regulate the nomic sectors showed signs While there were declines in ments in commodity prices, par- Climate Change And Cop 21 electricity sector and the of recovery within the first banana exports and livestock ticularly oil. As many of you know, the water sector. We have also production overall, increases nine months of 2015 as the Trends In Employment Government of Saint Lucia started national consulta- construction sector gained were recorded in pork produc- played a leading role in the ne- tions and work on draft- tion and vegetable production. This time, I have with me the momentum amid renewed latest employment figures pro- gotiations that led to the adop- ing new legislation that confidence in the economy. Purchases by supermarkets and tion of a historic international will replace the current hotels increased by an estimat- duced by the Department of This was supported by con- Statistics and the data provides climate change agreement in Electricity Supply Act that tinued buoyancy in tour- ed 12.0 per cent to 6,648 tons, Paris in December, 2015. The gives LUCELEC an 80-year reflecting in some measure, the cause for optimism. The rate of ism, agriculture and other unemployment fell from 25.0 Paris Agreement, as it is now monopoly on the genera- services. success of the CFL farmer cer- known, will come into effect in tion, transmission and dis- tification programme coupled percent in the second quarter to Construction activity 23.5 percent in the third quarter. the year 2020 and will establish tribution of electricity in was led by the private sec- with increased demand from new rules and procedures for Saint Lucia. When the new the tourism sector. In this period, the Department tor as work commenced estimated that over 3,000 per- how the global community will suite of legislation is pi- on the construction of the Our fiscal balances continue to reduce the emissions of danger- loted through Parliament show improvement. An overall sons gained employment. How- Royalton Hotel (the for- ever, youth unemployment re- ous greenhouse gases like Car- later this year, we will mer Smugglers Resort) and deficit of $-27.2 million was re- bon Dioxide. This is critically have a new Electricity Sup- corded for the first half of the mains elevated at an estimated continued on a number of 44.0 percent, a reflection of the important for vulnerable Small ply Act that will remove projects including Tides fiscal year 2015/16, representing Island Developing States (SIDS) LUCELEC’s monopoly on a 55.8 percent reduction from underlying structural impedi- Sugar Beach in Soufriere, ments of the labour market and like ours that will feel the great- the generation of electric- Harbour Club Hotel, the the $-61.6 million in 2014/15. est impacts from climate change ity. We will also have new Total revenue and grants in- the education system. Clearly, Courts Megastore and the we have a long way to go but I from events like dangerous sea regulations for licensing Dayana Commercial Cen- creased by 9.0 percent to $507.7 level rise, more extreme hurri- of utility companies, cus- million while total expenditure am relieved that we are begin- tre. This increased level of ning to see a gradual reduction canes, more frequent and pro- tomer service standards, activity was reflected in a remained relatively flat with a longed droughts, and increased tariffs, interconnection and 1.4 percent growth to $534.9 mil- in unemployment as I had pre- 13.5 percent increase in the dicted some time ago. prevalence of some infectious anti-competitive behav- importation of construc- lion. This resulted in a current diseases. iour, among others. tion materials over the pe- account surplus of $47.4 million A Difficult But Necessary One of our poets, Kendel Hip- But that is just one side riod from January to Sep- in the first six months of the fis- Decision polyte, recently made the point of the energy transforma- tember 2015. cal year compared to $19.6 mil- On January 1st, 2016, Saint Lu- on the Social Media - and I am tion triangle. At the same The tourism sector con- lion in the previous year. cia offered to the citizens of oth- paraphrasing him - that we time, this Government is er countries the opportunity to tinued to accomplish re- Risks In Debt Management must practice in our country also aggressively pursu- cord performances, with Notwithstanding the im- share our citizenship by invest- what we preached to the world. ing new investments in the a 6.4 percent increase in proved fiscal performance over ing in our country. It was a diffi- Kendel meant that if we preach renewable energy sector. total arrivals over the Janu- the first half of the financial cult decision to make. But given “1.5 to stay alive” then we must Last year, together with an ary to November period. year, I must caution you that the persistent decline in foreign begin to take better care of our investor from Texas known An increase of 10.1 and 2.6 significant risks remain in man- direct investment caused by environment. I agree with him, as WindTex, we commis- percent in cruise and stay- aging our debt and in ensuring the world financial crisis, the without reservation. sioned a test tower in the over arrivals respectively debt and fiscal sustainability mounting challenges to raise The Paris Agreement sets the area adjacent to the Borde- over the period contributed over the medium to long term. money for our development, the stage for the mobilization of lais Correctional Facility to higher visitor expendi- We have to continue to inspire increasing use of citizenship greater levels of climate finance to collect wind data as the tures, which stood at an confidence in the management programmes by other countries to help countries like Saint Lu- first step toward setting estimated $414.5 million in of our economy and contain as an incentive tool, we took the cia adapt to the effects of climate up a 12 Mega Watt (MW) the first half of the year. reckless increases in our debt decision to offer a similar pro- change. It will take some time wind farm. The data col- Higher levels of domestic level. gramme. I know that some of before these funds reach us. So, lection phase is expected and export demand were you are still opposed; others are we have to make a start on our to be completed sometime reflected in a 6.3 percent Future Prospects uncertain and harbour doubts. own as we have already started toward the end of the first increase in manufacturing Growth in 2016 is expected to Some worry about the need to to do, using our limited financial half of this year, but the production. The output be sustained, driven by contin- protect our patrimony. Rest as- resources. We have begun the preliminary studies ap- of food and food products ued improvements in the con- sured that I understand your process to reduce our own emis- pear promising. We an- increased by 21.6 percent, struction industry and growth concerns and fears. After all, I sions of greenhouse gases by ticipate that by the end of corrugated paper and pa- in tourism. Increased foreign too was a non-believer in the making the transition from die- 2016 we will break ground per board by 12.5 percent, direct investment in the ho- necessity and viability of such sel and gasoline for the genera- for the construction of a wood and wood products tel sector is expected to be the programmes. tion of electricity to renewable, 12 MW wind farm, which by 11.6 percent and fur- main impetus for the growth in I offer those who have anxi- indigenous forms of energy like when completed, will pro- nishings by 16.1 per cent. the construction sector. How- eties the comfort that we have wind, solar and geothermal. vide 20% of our demand From all vantage points, ever, this projection is subject designed the most transparent, Paris was a tremendous suc- for electricity in Saint Lu- these increases are wel- to downside risks related to the robust, and structured pro- cess for us. I want to thank our cia when operating at peak come and encouraging. global outlook of the economy, gramme to ensure that issues hardworking and committed capacity. The agricultural sector developments in mainland of credibility and integrity are group of negotiators from Saint experienced mixed for- China, a slowdown in emerging well- protected. Lucia who led the way for CARI- Continued on Page 11 Saturday February 6, 2016 NationWIDE Page 11 THE SEARCH FOR A COLLECTIVE DETERMINATION!

Continued from Page 10 Desruisseaux Water Treatment maze and Saltibus in Choiseul; monwealth Office could not ernment did not come by Plant, and improvement works and Jacmel. Like the previous point to a single instance where accident. It exists because We are also working to at the Micoud Treatment Plant. Centres opened earlier in the a foreign Government had there is not one MP or mem- develop our potential in Last year, we launched multi- year, all of these new ICT Cen- ever acceded to such a request. ber of my Cabinet, who has solar energy. Within the million dollar projects for the tres will have free Wi-Fi avail- Third, while we respected the not felt and lived it with next few weeks, an interna- redevelopment of the water able to their users and residents right of the Foreign and Com- you, and worked tirelessly tional tender will be pub- system serving Vieux Fort and in the immediate vicinity. monwealth Office to establish its to assist both personally lished for the construction Laborie and the development of While there are other interest- own threshold to entertain such and through our national of a 3.2 Mega Watt solar a new system for the Mabouya ing developments planned for requests, we did not believe that programmes. But as we photovoltaic farm in Vieux Valley and Dennery. Work on this year in the ICT sector, the the threshold which they had work each day, to deliver to Fort South. This solar farm, both of these important projects last exciting one I want to share established had been met in the young, the elderly, the when commissioned, will will commence this year. The with you is the “Map Saint Lucia this instance. Fourth, to accede poor, the underprivileged increase the penetration of Government is committed to Project”. This is the brainchild to the request would have set a and more, we recognize, renewables by another 5%. putting an end to the suffering of Minister James Fletcher. It dangerous precedent and place that for all, progress may In other words, the solar of the residents of these commu- involves using cell phones and other States at risk by the force not be easily seen. So the farm and the wind farm nities. tablets to digitally map the lo- of the precedent. We have a duty work continues; our work will account for 25% of However, the biggest interven- cation of all streets, bridges, to uphold the Vienna Conven- continues. peak demand while stav- tion that we will make in the wa- schools, health centres, church- tion on Diplomatic Privileges ing off the need for invest- ter sector this year will be at the es, community centres, librar- and Immunities. Fifth, we have Conclusion: Collective ment in diesel generating Dam. Hurricane ies, playing fields, banks, hotels, a responsibility to protect our Determination plants. Tomas and the Christmas Eve restaurants, emergency shelters, diplomats, except where they This year as we begin to At the same time, we Trough did serious damage to in fact every important national commit criminal offences or turn the corner and move continue to work with the the dam and impaired its abil- asset in our country. This proj- acts which are outrageous and forward again and as the World Bank, the New Zea- ity to serve the residents in the ect was launched last week and unprecedented in nature and cadence of the political land Government and the north of our island. This year, while it is expected to last the character. dramas unfold, many will potential geothermal de- we will finally start work on the entire year, Sunday the 28th of In this matter, the Government debate our progress, but it veloper, which is a world- de-silting of the John Compton February has been selected as of Saint Lucia has been guided will not negate the reality renowned geothermal Dam. It has been a long, careful- the date for our national “Map- by our commitment to uphold that a lot more has been company from Israel, to ly thought-out process and I am A-Thon,” which is an official ac- the principles of International done with a lot less. Some- develop our geothermal sure that like me, many of you tivity in our Independence Cel- Law and respect for due pro- where in the middle of the potential. More explor- will breathe a sigh of relief when ebrations this year. cess. It was not an easy decision attention for political par- atory work will continue this work starts. By the end of this year, we to make given the pressures in- ties, the economy, the me- this year and we hope to want to have a comprehensive volved but we must always seek dia, and the communities; conclude most of the legal Excitement In The Ict Sector digital map of Saint Lucia, with to do what we believe to be right somewhere in all of this, negotiations during the The information and com- GPS locations of every place of even if we are alone. is YOU.. and the truth that course of the year. munications technology, or ICT national interest in our country. An Unmatched Social Con- you live every day. The final side of our ener- sector, is one that causes great In addition to the obvious na- science This year will not be de- gy triangle involves energy excitement and provokes con- tional benefits, this project will Earlier, I spoke about my confi- fined by Kenny D. Anthony efficiency. Over the last two siderable interest among both generate information that young dence in the future of our island. or anyone else. It will be years, government and LU- the young and old. This sec- Saint Lucian entrepreneurs can There are some who will say defined as always, by our CELEC have embarked on tor is transforming the way we use to create mobile applications that the confidence that I have in collective determination as a replacement of the street learn, the way we work, the way that will be valuable to Saint Lu- this country and this economy is Saint Lucians. You, the sons lights in Castries and Gros we communicate, and the way cians and visitors. misplaced; it is “just for show,” and daughters of Saint Lu- Islet. Currently, we have a we live. Things that we take for they will say. They will choose cia will determine whether stock of over 21 thousand granted today, like video chat- Two Diplomatic Challenges to ignore the positive projec- you want to continue to street lights around the is- ting with a friend anywhere in I now turn to two matters tions of the IMF and the World drive our nation's progress, land, which is costing the the world on our cell phones, us- which have attracted your atten- Bank. They will deny all other or whether, because we Government over $11 mil- ing a mobile app like Shazam to tion and may have caused you upward indicators as Saint Lu- experienced some trying lion annually in electric- name a song that we are listen- uneasiness and anxiety in recent cia begins to rise again. times together, you would ity payments to LUCELEC. ing to, carrying our entire book times. The first is the IMPACS There are others who thrive on let that progress collapse. I The current street lights are or music libraries everywhere REPORT and the insistence of controversy, so they will extol have been and will always not energy efficient. There- with us in the cloud, were the the United States that those who negatives until they echo be- be a die-hard believer in fore, in collaboration with source of science fiction when I are accused of the extra-judicial yond our hills and valleys, be- Saint Lucia. I believe in the LUCELEC, we have enlist- first became Prime Minister in killings of twelve persons be- yond our shores. Of course, they power of the Saint Lucian ed the support of the Carib- 1997. tween 2010 and 2011 when the will absent themselves from the people to overcome all ob- bean Development Bank to This Government, at a very United Workers Party was in responsibility of their actions, stacles and emerge trium- fund the replacement of all early stage, recognised the im- office, be brought to justice. I as- blaming everything on the Gov- phant; and you have always of the street lights in Saint portance of the ICT sector for sure you that we will continue ernment. But we shall not be proven me right. Lucia with energy-efficient, our national development and to work closely with the United moved! So my Cabinet will con- cost-effective, longer last- invested significant resources in States to bring closure to this This Government has re- tinue to fight for the better- ing LED lights. Those of ensuring that everyone would matter. However, to assist us, mained determined in the face ment of all Saint Lucians, you who have driven in have access to this bold, new the Government has engaged of ALL challenges and adversity. and while there will still be the city of Castries at night world. We promised island- the services of a firm of lawyers It has been courageous, adapt- challenges to face, I ask you would have noticed how wide WiFi, and we kicked that operating in Washington to rep- ing to new realities and adopt- to do the same. Join togeth- much brighter and more off in the town of Soufriere, resent us in discussions with of- ing policies which it once repu- er and let us all continue to effective these new LED which is also where we commis- ficials of the State Department. diated because it understands work, because progress is lights are. sioned the first Community ICT The second matter concerns that a new and different world not just a destination, for This year we will con- Access Centre. the decision of this Government confronts us. It has stood by the us, it must become our ev- tinue the replacement of This year, we will take our to refuse the request by the For- people, with a social conscience eryday way of life. the stock of street lights Community ICT Access pro- eign and Commonwealth Of- unmatched in our nation’s histo- Unquestionably, there around the island, and our gram to an entirely different fice (the FCO) to waive the dip- ry. Consider for a moment that it: is a lot more to be done. I aim is to convert the entire level. Within the next three lomatic immunity of Dr Walid increased bursaries for the poor; am confident that our col- inventory of 21,000 plus months, we will open new Com- Juffali, our representative at the provided first time ever bursa- lective determination will lights within a two-year pe- munity ICT Access Centres in International Maritime Organi- ries for the disabled; introduced overcome the singular self- riod. We expect that when the village of Micoud, the town sation, in the application of his the National Initiative to Cre- interest which sometimes this process is complete, of Vieux Fort, the village of Anse ex-wife to seek further and addi- ate Employment(NICE) without dominate the pursuit of Government’s payments to La Raye, the village of Canar- tional relief. Again, I know that which thousands would still be political power. I believe LUCELEC for street lights ies, and the community of La this decision has caused concern unemployed and thousands of you have understood the should be cut in half. Ressource in Vieux Fort. All of in some quarters given our close families would be left without challenges that we face and these centres will be equipped historical ties with the United an income; ensured through the the hard work and sacrifice Vital Work In The Water with state-of-the-art computers, Kingdom. STEP Programme that hundreds that we have all made to re- Sector printers, projectors, and elec- I am confident too that the are able to receive an occasional store progress in our coun- The water sector is one tronic whiteboards. Equally im- motives of those who sought income, small as it may be, to try. I know you are not eas- that is expected to be hit portantly, they will all have free to compromise, tarnish and assist them to meet their com- ily fooled. I assure you that hard by climate change. WiFi and will serve as Wi-Fi hot impugn the reputation of this mitments; introduced the Home when needed, I will make However, even before we spots for the immediate commu- Government and our country Help Care Programme for our the difficult decisions be- started to feel the impacts nity in which they are located. will be exposed wherever they elderly; provided a subvention of cause I believe we will build of climate change, we al- By the end of 2016, we would may be. Suffice it to say that for $500.00 to the parents of children a better Saint Lucia for our- ready had serious challeng- have also converted existing the Government there were five who were successful at the Com- selves, our children and the es with our water system. community centres into mod- overriding considerations in its mon Entrance Exam; ensured generations yet to come. Ours then is a most urgent ern and fully-equipped Com- decision. that each child in Form 3 of every In that spirit, I pray that task. munity ICT Access Centres in First, the request of the For- Secondary School is provided this New year - what re- Consequently, this year Monchy in Gros Islet; Garand eign and Commonwealth Office with a laptop so that no student mains of it - is kind to you, will be an active one for the in Babonneau; Faux A Chaud, was unprecedented in that it is left behind in this digital age; confers many blessings, be- Government and WASCO. Entrepot and Marchand in Cas- was made on behalf of a private established a targeted funding stows good health, grants By the end of February, we tries; Belmont and Grande Riv- citizen. Normally, such requests program to train young persons you prosperity and success hope to complete works on iere in Dennery North; Dennery are made on behalf of the state, for employment on Cruise Ships; in all that you do. May our the reconstruction of the Village; Grace and Belle Vue in in instances where the state has and provided targeted support Mighty God bless and pro- Desruisseaux water intake, Vieux Fort North; the village of a defined interest of its own. to single mothers. tect each and everyone one the rehabilitation of the Laborie; Darban, Mongouge, La- Second, the Foreign and Com- The compassion of this Gov- of you. I thank you. Page 12 NationWIDE Saturday February 6, 2016 February Declared Action Month Against Zika!

he Chairman of the Orga- OECS Member States, proactive ports and main means of sea nization of Eastern Carib- measures are currently being and air transportation will be Tbean States (OECS), Doc- implemented a. asked to play a key role in pre- tor Keith Mitchell, has declared He also stated that stronger venting vector transmission. this month one of concerted ac- coordination of effort will be He said that the OECS Phar- tion by all stakeholders against seen in the coming weeks. maceutical Procurement Ser- the dreaded Zika virus. Mitchell outlined a number of vice will be undertaking central Mitchell, who is Prime Minis- measures that are already be- purchasing of mosquito control ter of Grenada, declared that the ing taken and asserted that the related commodities and servic- enemy – the tiny mosquito, can- OECS Council of Ministers will es, to ensure that the sub region not be fought by government be actively overseeing a four- will be able to obtain sufficient ministries alone. prong new campaign. quantities at the best prices. “Every one of us must play our He revealed that the campaign “Public awareness is the most part in creating safe living and will include public education, important weapon in this battle working spaces in which mos- eradication and protection ac- because we can only success- quitos are eliminated. We urge tions, care and case manage- fully defeat the threat of this each and every one of you to ment and monitoring and sur- disease if all citizens and visi- play your part in this war,” he veillance. tors understand what must be said in a statement today. “The campaign and we will done,” the OECS Chairman ob- Mitchell said the sub-region involve the private sector, espe- served. does not intend to take the Zika cially the tourism industry, the He added: “We also need to threat lightly. trade unions, churches and oth- communicate and demonstrate The Grenada Prime Minister er civic bodies in what must be to the outside world the deter- While acknowledging that the noted that it is also about pro- disclosed that although to date a national effort,” he explained. mined effort that we will under- battle is foremost about protect- tecting their livelihoods – the there have been no confirmed Mitchell stated that at the re- take so that visitors will not be ing the lives of the people of vital tourism industry on which cases of Zika in the majority of gional level, the air and sea fearful of coming to our shores.” the OECS against Zika, Mitchell so many rely National Health Security Committee makes ZiKA a top priority!

he National Health Secu- “Once Tourism is impacted, the role in creating awareness and the rity Committee, headed by economic sector will similarly be desire behaviour change needed TCabinet Secretary, Darrel impacted. It has implications for to combat the threat of Zika by Montrope, zoomed in on the Zika Ministry of Environment and Sus- eliminating the breeding sites of Virus as a national priority, on tainable Development, so we need the Aedes aegypti Mosquito. the heels of the declaration by Dr. everyone at the table to under- Zika, he said, has different im- Margaret Chan, Director General stand the threats but more than pacts on individuals including a of the World Health Organization just the threats the responses. potential paralysis and so what (WHO), that Zika virus (ZIKV) rep- :”Because, we have to breed we have been discussing here is resents a Public Health Emergency confidence not just in ourselves in terms of the procurement of of International Concern (PHEIC). but also to inspire the external equipment and stuff like that to The National Health Security environment, our trade partners, help treat the disease once it has Committee appointed by Cabinet that we have systems in place to found itself in St. Lucia.” looks focuses on health security respond to particular threats and According to Chief Medical Of- threats facing the country and challenges.” Montrope stated. ficer, Dr. Merlene Fredericks, St. develops strategies for combating To date St. Lucia has no con- Lucia like other countries around those threats. With global travel firmed cases of Zika, though the world are to be IHR (Interna- and tourism being a key part of the virus has been confirmed in tional Health Regulations) Com- The National Zika emergency committee members at their meeting. St. Lucia’s national development neighbouring Martinique and pliant by 2016. strategy, health becomes a major Barbados however authorities are This is the primary function issue for St. Lucia. bracing and preparing for that of the National Health Security though studies have shown Zika protected, that the mosquito Montrope said, “There is no is- eventuality. Committee and diseases such as to be a very mild disease where doesn’t bit them, that they get rid sue affecting St. Lucia that is ver- “The Point for us is in terms of Ebola, Chikungunya and Zika most persons who have the virus of the breeding places and take all tical. All the challenges we are how we respond to and ensuring Virus are integral to the whole as- may not be affected or any never precautions necessary from being going to face are more horizontal, that systems are in place to deal pect of country preparedness in show signs and symptoms, it has bitten by the mosquito.” meaning that they cut across sec- with it. So we want to encourage terms of IHR. been closely associated with Mi- According to CARPHA, Zika tors, be they health or agriculture St. Lucians to be more sanitary, I “The World Health Organization crocephaly or congenital abnor- has been confirmed in five territo- or any of those things they will mean how we dispose of garbage, has declared Zika Virus Disease malities in babies in pregnant ries of the Caribbean Community. cut across sectors and the Health it’s a perennial problem. a public health event of interna- women who get infected in the A number of other Caribbean Security Committee is a multi- “We lament about flooding, but tional concern, so they have actu- early stages of pregnancy. jurisdictions have also reported sectoral grouping that will look it’s not just the problem it will ally lifted the alert of Zika Virus There has also been an associa- Zika transmission. The Carib- to how we manage the health cause for flooding, but also the Disease to a very high level which tion with Guillian Barre Disease, bean Public Health Agency threats affecting the country.” problem it will cause for breeding will allow greater resources to be a paralytic type illness which (CARPHA), has supported its With the Zika Virus threatening of mosquitoes. “We have to man- mobilized to address this event. usually occurs a week or two after member states by enhancing re- to affect St. Lucia the spotlight age all of those things. So, from “To date, we have not confirmed a person has recovered from the gional surveillance and the Agen- falls on the Health and Security the public health national policy Zika Virus Disease in St. Lucia. Zika Virus Disease. cy’s capacity for ZIKV testing, by Committee to provide a clear plan perspective is to encourage St. We are and we continue to send “And as such we are encour- monitoring regional and global of action. The Tourism sector has Lucians to be more hygienic, take sample to the Caribbean Public aging all persons but especially developments, partnering with already witnessed cancellations better precaution.” Montrope Health Lab in Trinidad, so we are our pregnant women, especially regional and international stake- of some booking due to the un- added. testing for it but we have not con- in the first few months of preg- holders, and providing updates easiness ZikV has created around The Cabinet Secretary said pub- firmed the disease here.” nancy, we are encouraging all for Ministries of Health and other the world. lic education will play a major Dr. Fredericks added that women to ensure that they are key stakeholders.

Vieux Fort North MP mobilizing Most prestigious cricket competition in St. Lucia’s history constituency against ZIKA Prime Minister’s Independence T20 he Parliamentary The first phase included According to Hon. Moses Representative for an internet poster cam- Jn. Baptiste, while it may Cricket Tournament bowls off today! TVieux Fort North paign which encouraged be impossible to stop the Moses Jn. Baptiste has initi- Facebook users to share in- ZIKA virus , it is impera- ated phase two of his plan formation on ZIKA. tive to reduce the breeding he Prime Min- lowed by Mabouya Valley vided with their own to raise awareness about Groups and volunteers places of mosquitoes in the ister’s Indepen- and Dennery. However, all sets of cricket uniforms the ZIKA virus in the con- are being invited, to help constituency. Tdence T20 Cricket teams must be present to- and a gear bag. stituency. with the distribution of The same mobilization Competition bowls off day. In between matches, As of Monday February flyers and to help educate efforts were done in Vieux today (Saturday, Feb- This tournament will be fans will also get the op- 1st, colourful flyers with the constituents of Vieux Fort North when Chickun- ruary 6th, 2016) at the the most prestigious crick- portunity to take part information on ZIKA have Fort North. Clean-up gunya and Dengue impact- newly-constructed play- et tournament in St. Lucia’s in the fiesta with fun started being distributed in activities are being en- ed the country. ing field in Mabouya history with over $25,000 in games such as “Catch a house-to-house mobiliza- couraged within the con- For Mr Jn. Baptiste, edu- Valley, featuring some prize monies, to be distrib- it if you can”, “Longest tion effort starting at Aupi- stituency, in the next two cation ,mobilization and of the island’s most fa- uted as follows: 1st Place - Six”, “Legend Chal- con, Pierrot. weeks. action are the most im- mous cricketers. $10,000, 2nd Place - $7,500, lenge” and lots more. Over 1,400 flyers will be All clubs and groups are portant tool for the fight Opening Day action 3rd Place - $5,000, 4th Place Thirteen teams from distributed over a three being encouraged to mobi- to reduce ZIKA, which begins at 3pm, with - $2,500. across the island will week period to all house- lize using their own strate- has been linked to serious a presentation by the Other individual prizes take part in the tourna- holds in the areas of Sa- gies to get rid of old tires, illness and birth defects Prime Minister, fol- will also be on offer, such ment, separated into vannes, Aupicon, Pierrot cans, containers and other in babies. lowed by two matches. as Man of the Match, Most three zones and matches , Cacao, Vigee, Belle Vue, receptacles where mosqui- He says, “We must not The first will be be- Sixes and Play of the Game will be played at Piaye, Zabo, Mourne Cayenne toes breed , within their wait and react only if ZIKA tween Gros-Islet and awards. Gros-Islet and Mabouya ,Grace and La Retriate. smaller communities. visits us, we must all ACT.” South Castries, fol- Teams will also be pro- Valley.