Saint Lucia No. 59. Saturday, October 9, 2004

A publication of the Department of Information Services

Sandals to build new Hotel- page 3

CWC 2007: What is at stake for the Caribbean - pages 4, 5 & 8

Kenny Rogers, Maxi Priest- coming to St. Lucia - page 8 STOP BLAMING GOVERMENT

New-look Saint Lucia Gazette - page 6 FOR EVERY-

PM CONVERSES WITH THE NATION THING!ject was encouraged by a humorous responsible for my discomfort and ello Again, St. Lucia! Today, I want to share some thoughts conversation with a young attorney, a my plight.” Then she smiled, “After withH you on an issue that has both- charming lady, in the foyer of Parlia- all, you get blamed for everything!” ered me for some time. It is this issue ment just before the funeral procession We both laughed as we knew she had – the tendency in our society to reject of the late Prime Minister, Winston touched a raw nerve, a national hab- personal responsibility for our actions Cenac. it. The biggest recipient of national or misfortunes and to fi nd a reason The foyer was hot, humid and blame is always the Government and to blame someone else. We always sweaty. The young lady turned to me in this regard, the principal culprit, Remembering former Prime Minis- blame others, but never ourselves. and said: “Prime Minister, I am sweat- your humble servant, the Prime Min- ter Winston Cenac, QC - page 7 Curiously, my selection of this sub- ing. It is extremely hot in here. You are ister. Continued on page 2 “Take 2 ” - A fi fteen minute news review of the week. Government Notebook A fresh news package daily Every Friday at 6.15 p.m. on NTN, Cablevision Channel 2. on all local radio stations 2 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 9, 2004

The Blame Syndrome - continued from page 1 public property before our eyes and in- stead of taking the person to task, we say it’s not our business. Or we simply blame the person’s action on some un- known factor. Not for once would we consider that the property being de- stroyed is ours too. We fail to remem- ber that it is our taxes that paid for it and that it is also our taxes that will have to be spent to repair the damage. Sometimes, the person doing the dam- age, if accosted or questioned, would simply say that it was his or her tax dollars that paid for it, so he or she can do what they want to it. What logic! Take again, our attitude to our own property. In our quest to have our own homes we do whatever we feel it will take to get a roof over our heads. Some people would build houses out of ply- wood and galvanize with no regard for toilets, electricity or water, then turn around and blame the government for not providing these utilities. In other areas they would simply squat on government’s land and build houses and call on the government to provide services. Some would even build more than one house in such ar- eas and rent them out, becoming land- lords in the process and still calling on government to provide services -- this time, to their tenants. In still other cases, some property owners would simply cut up and sell house lots and encourage families to build on them without roads, sewer- age or drainage facilities. But as soon as they cannot get lights or water after building their homes in those private housing schemes, they blame the gov- ernment – not the developer, who, in the first place, caused the problems. It is said that the more we get the more we want. That too is an attitude Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony that results in blaming others when we cannot get all that we want. I can The easiest target Contractors don’t do their work and Some talk show hosts invite listeners remember a case in my own constitu- Some of it is, amazingly, understand- the government gets blamed. STEP and viewers to attack, abuse, disrespect ency. A constituent moved into an un- able. Getting blamed for any and every workers don’t get paid on time and and even lie on public functionaries. planned development and built a home. they blame the Prime Minister. They refuse to correct them, even find- thing comes with being Prime Minister, After she moved in, she wanted elec- especially in a society like ours where But it doesn’t just stop there. This ing excuses for them. After the damage is done, they then call on the politi- tricity and water. Both were provided. we believe that nothing moves or hap- “blame game” is also played by people Then, weeks later she told me that she pens without the Prime Minister. You you would expect better from. cians or public servants to respond or had bought a car and she now wanted should not wish to be Prime Minister if clarify. Policemen who get criticized for to park it near her house. So she want- you do not understand that martyrdom slow response (or lack of it) to com- You would think that the responsi- awaits you. bility of the journalist or talk show host ed me to arrange to build a ramp over plaints turn around and blame the gov- the drain that separates her home from The fact is that in times of distress, ernment for not giving them vehicles would be to correct what’s wrong, to the road. She continues to blame me hardship or disaster those affected look or for the vehicles not having gas seek to get the accusers to verify their for the easiest explanation, the one that or drivers. Public Servants who can allegations or back them up with fact. for not providing access to her home will resonate. Take some examples of not satisfactorily answer public que- But instead they encourage the allega- for her car. Mind you, the use of public the phenomenon. ries about their work turn around and tions and put the onus on the accused to money to fund what is a private need, blame the government. A union and a defend himself or herself. does not bother her. Examples of the phenomenon government ministry have an indus- Sometimes they goad their listeners. The list can go on and on… A lady is unable to get water to her trial problem and the Prime Minister On one programme, I heard a caller sug- What is the consequence? home on a regular basis because the is accused of not wanting to intervene. gesting that bullets were fired at me in national water system cannot yet meet Prosecutors lose an important case in my constituency. This never happened. But do not get me wrong. There are the needs of the residents in her area, the courts on the basis of a technical- But was it a subtle invitation to certain occasions when a Minister or the Gov- so she blames the Prime Minister. Yet ity and the government is blamed for elements to do so to prove a point? I ernment deserves blame and citizens unexplained factors cause land move- not training them enough. Persons sen- wonder. So too do many people. have a right to complain or express ments at Tapion, but the Government tenced to hang and who have appealed Right and wrong their displeasure. After all, how else are awaiting the conclusion of their and its engineers somehow get the I ask you: what has become of our could a government be held account- appeal process, but the government is blame. Someone is the victim of a sense of right and wrong? Why are we able or in check? But we cannot allow cruel and hideous rape, and the Gov- blamed for not hanging them. Senior our lives to be governed by frivolities, public servants, including Permanent so unwilling to give right where it is ernment is responsible, not the perpe- by a failure to apportion blame or re- Secretaries, personally decide to move due? Why are we so inclined to only trator. Criminals shoot each other and see the wrong and the negative? Why sponsibility where it truly lies. No on and out of government, but first they country can truly face its problems, if some end up dead and the government must blame the government – and the is it that we complain when things are its citizens are schooled into identify- gets blamed for not having a handle on Prime Minister, of course. bad but do not acknowledge when it is crime. People breach the law and dam- good or when somebody or the govern- ing scapegoats for every ill that afflicts From time immemorial, calypso- ment does something good? Why have them. So, let us reaffirm that there is age public property before our very nians have virtually accepted that they right and there is wrong in everything eyes and instead of taking them to task, have a right to publicly denigrate pub- we become so afraid to give praise and we somehow find an excuse and blame lic officials in song and on stage. They credit? that we say or do. it on unemployment – and by exten- offer the familiar excuse, with a know- But look further afield. Take our atti- Until next week, May God Bless sion, the government. ing smile, “is just kaiso…” tude to public property. People damage You and Keep You! Saturday, October 9, 2004 Saint Lucia 3 PM welcomes introduction of “Beaches” family resort chain rime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony Phas welcomed the announcement of the introduction of “Beaches”, a new line of hotel resorts about to be introduced to the island by the Sandals Group, ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup in 2007. The Prime Minister on Tuesday morn- ing said he welcomed the announcement by Sandals Resorts International (SRI), es- pecially as it will create additional employ- ment and enhance the island’s hotel plant ahead of the world’s most popular interna- tional cricket tournament. SRI, the parent group of the Sandals and Beaches chains, announced last week that it would construct a new US$80 million hotel on 35 acres of land the company re- cently acquired at Pigeon Point. The new hotel, which was originally carded for Vieux Fort, will be a five-star property with 300 rooms and luxury suites. Artist impression of Main Pool & Plaza It is expected to employ approximately 250 jobs during the construction phase and some 600 fulltime jobs when it commences operation. The Prime Minister said he particularly welcomed the news that in order to start the construction as soon as possible, SRI had fast-tracked the design and tender pro- cesses for the new resort, which will cater for singles and couples, as well as for fami- lies. Dr Anthony said he was also happy that the new hotel “will add to the available room plant on the island for Cricket World Cup 2007.” He said SRI’s introduction of the new line of resorts through investment in a fourth property on the island was “another manifestation of the confidence the group has in St. Lucia.” SRI Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart said here last week that a major factor be- hind his group’s decision to make yet an- Artist impression of Caribbean Village other investment in St. Lucia was “the en- lightened business climate” that has been evolving on the island. Mr Stewart said Sandals was proud to be an active player in St. Lucia’s economy and was enthusiastic about the introduction of its new line of family resorts to the island. Speaking of the new resort, the Sandals Chairman said it was intended to introduce “a new dimension in St. Lucia’s tourism product” and that “nothing will be spared to make it a showpiece for St. Lucia’s tour- ism industry.” The Jamaican entrepreneur said San- dals “will continue to do all in its power to unlock the island’s tourism potential and bring more prosperity to its nationals.” The Sandals group has been operating in St. Lucia for eleven years. With three properties on the island, the group already employs nearly 2,000 workers and its con- tribution in direct revenue to the economy last year stood at $300 million. Artist impression of French Village The three Sandals properties (Regency, Halcyon and Grande) already contribute over 800 rooms to the island’s total hotel stock and the new Beaches will take it over the 1,000 mark. SRI is the largest operator of luxury, ul- tra inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Its holdings include Sandals resorts, Beaches Resorts, and Royal Plantation Ocho Rios. Sandals Resorts has a total of 12 cou- ples-only properties, with seven in Jamai- ca, three in St. Lucia, one in Antigua and one in Nassau. Beaches Resorts, which specialises in hosting families, has four hotels in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos Islands. Royal Plantation Ocho Rios is a one-of-a-kind, stylish and British- co- lonially-inspired 77-suite hideaway in Jamaica. Beaches St. Lucia will be the chain’s first such hotel in the Eastern Carib- Artist impression of Safari Adventure Village bean. 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 9, 2004 What is at stake for the Caribbean in hosting the Cricket World Cup 2007 event

What is at stake for the Caribbean by hosting Cricket World Cup 2007 pacts of sports tourism given by cred- ery kind of land and water sport under is captured here by Jean S. Holder in a 2003 address to the Caribbean ible sources. the sun. It is an opportunity which must Tourism Association Teachers Forum in Grenada Sports Travel Magazine estimated be grasped with both hands. in 1998, that the sports-related travel Our region, which is four times It was George Orwell the author of both succeeds and endures, is therefore and tourism market is worth some more dependent on the tourism indus- ‘Animal Farm’, who described sport a unique phenomenon, and should be US$118.3 billion. This includes sports try for its foreign exchange earnings as “War, minus the shooting”. Cer- treasured. No. Must be treasured! spectators and participants, family and job creation than any other region tainly few activities of human en- Sport, then, is a rather more complex travel, sports adventure and sports fan- of the world, is currently facing stiff deavor create more fierce passions in activity than it is generally thought to tasy camp travel, and sports-related and growing competition at a world the breasts of mankind than compet- be. One writer states that “at the indi- corporate incentive travel. level for market share. In additional itive sport, and if there is one thing vidual level it provides deep satisfac- It all begins with the event organiz- to the traditional competition from ex- we fans understand about sport, it is tion to human beings in their realiza- that it is serious business. ers and travel planners who, through otic warm weather destinations, we are tion of the desire to be self complete their work, create a reason for millions encountering more and more competi- The role of sport in social develop- through testing and extension of the of people to travel to sports events or tion from countries like the USA and ment body. This tension has a special at- to take sports-related vacations. The Canada, which are not only intensify- As the Secretary General of the Ca- traction for the spectators who identify Magazine reckons that their readers ing their promotion of both interna- ribbean Tourism Organization, my with the contestants, causing a release alone spend US$6.1 billion on travel tional and domestic tourism, but are of energy which impacts on perfor- business is decidedly tourism, and I each year. enhancing their product offers to meet mance. At the level of the society, intend, as I proceed, to speak of the The Planning and Budget Office of changing consumer preferences. Con- sport, especially during the last de- role sport can play, first of all in de- the Governor of velopment generally, in tourism de- cade, has become a social phenomenon of considerable magnitude. It has been Utah had a study velopment specifically and finally to done on the eco- address some of the challenges and op- described as permeating any number of levels of contemporary society, touch- nomics of the portunities presented by the World Cup Olympic Winter Artist impression of Beausejour Cricket Ground when expanded for Cricket World Cup 2007 Cricket 2007 event. ing upon and deeply influencing such disparate elements as status, race rela- Games of 2002 Perhaps educators appreciate and tions, business life, automotive design, in advance of the understand as few other professionals clothing styles, the concept of the hero, games. It estimated do, the legitimate and inherent impor- languages and ethical values”. that US$2.8 billion tance of sport and the role it has played would be generated MIn fact, with the exception of tech- and will continue to play in the social in economic output, nology, communications, and tour- development of all communities. 23,000 one-year ism itself, probably no other activity full time jobs cre- Perhaps no better measure of this re- has done more, to bring countries and ated and US$972 ality can be adduced than the role played continents together, irrespective of dis- million created in by the Olympic Games in Greece, the tance, culture and language. first historical record of which dates income to Utah back to 776 years before Christ. Few The economic impact of sport workers and busi- enterprises created by man have lasted Even at a casual glance, therefore, it ness owners. so long. Few have been accorded such can be seen that there has to be an enor- It further esti- international importance. In the An- mous synergy between tourism and mated that even af- cient World a sacred truce was declared sport. Guttman remarks that “in an age ter public safety and and enforced to permit participants to of relatively easy inter-regional and in- other government travel unmolested to the Games. Time ternational travel, sports events are able services were paid in Ancient Greece was measured by to generate substantial gatherings of for, the state and the four year interval between games, peoples to ‘collective rituals’. The his- local governments known as an Olympiad, and the great- torical religious pilgrimages have been in Utah would be est honour then to be attained by any replaced by modern international flows left with as much Greek was the winning of the simple to such rites as the Olympic Games, the as US$140 million branch of wild olive given to a victor World Cup, national championships, in new revenue to in the games. Kings competed along- cup finals and even smaller events….” invest in schools, side commoners and winners became The economic benefits of such move- streets, parks and national heroes. Musicians sang ments of people are considerable, in- human resources their praise, sculptors preserved their volving transportation, construction, etc. strength in marble and their feats of renovation of facilities, creation of em- Australia, which skill and courage were recorded by the ployment, cultural exchanges, specific is big in sports poets and writers of the time. The clos- services and a range of commercial tourism has over 400 sporting events sider that more than 66 million people est practitioners of this art today would activity, including sports cruises, tours, each year, many of which are world visit America’s 8,200 museums every be our calypsonians. attractions, use of resorts etc. championships and international tour- year . When a debate took place some The year 2000 was an incredibly naments, and which are promoted as This is a new world of events mar- years ago in Barbados about whether successful year for international tour- tourism events. keting and changing distribution sys- or not Sir Garfield Sobers, the world’s ist arrivals which increased by 7 per New Zealand assesses that the sport tems, and we must all change with it, greatest cricketer, should be accorded cent. It has now become the base year and leisure industry supports 23,000 if we are going to stay in business. the status of national hero, I remem- by which we judge how well we are full time jobs, contributes US$2.2 bil- We see therefore the need to diversify ber thinking that in ancient Greece the recovering. There is a very special rea- lion to the economy and pays US$417 our traditional product of sun, sea and argument then would have been, who son why 2000 was so great a year for million in taxes. With a population of sand, which fortunately provides ex- else, besides Sir Garry, deserved to tourism. It was the year of the Sydney 3.45 million people, New Zealand has cellent circumstances for developing make the team. Olympics and the World Cup Soccer more than 400 golf courses, that is, sports tourism. I have often drawn attention to the games in France !!. more per head of population than any Society’s commitment to the goal of almost impossible demands we make Sport provides stimuli for local en- other country in the world, and 25 ski sustainable development requires that of professional sportsmen. Many of us fields. jobs not only be created, but sustained, do our work behind closed doors and trepreneurs, civic leaders and the com- munity at large for more touristic-ori- and that adequate returns on invest- have reputations we have not necessar- The Sport-Tourism Opportunity ment can only be realized by year long ented skills with the added bonus of ily earned. Sportsmen do theirs in the It goes without saying then, that earnings. The tourism industry has middle, before the critical gaze of thou- bringing various levels of society to sport presents the Caribbean with an therefore been challenged to provide sands, and even millions. Excellence is work together towards common goals excellent opportunity for developing year round jobs for its employees and expected on every occasion. Success as, organizers, volunteers and entrepre- one of the fastest growing niche mar- a more even stream of revenue. This or failure is transparent and applause neurs. kets in the tourism sector, and that the means that, given the growing depen- lasts only as long as the most recent Let me cite, just by way of example, Caribbean, with its near perfect year dence on tourism as an economic sec- good performance. A sportsman who some of the figures for economic im- round weather, suits itself to almost ev- tor, empty hotels after May, financial Saturday, October 9, 2004 Saint Lucia 5 What is at stake for the Caribbean in hosting the Cricket World Cup 2007 event

droughts in September and October, surfing, Fishing, Soccer, Hockey, Vol- This requires considerable investment, and lay-offs of staff for significant pe- lyball, Surfing, Diving, Golf, Horse Economic Spin-off which may have to come largely from riods, are no longer acceptable. Racing, Sailing and other Water sports, In industrialized countries the spin the public sector, but it must be seen It was to fill these co-called “shoul- Tennis, and Horseback Riding. There off from sport goes even further, with for what it is, a contribution to socio- der” and “off-seasons” periods, that are myriad other events that we can the development of the leisure cloth- economic development. many new events were marketed and create for the entertainment of visitors ing market. This is one of the fast- we have seen the arrival of carnivals, which to us living here seem routine est growing sectors of the economy Success Factors music festivals, sports events, and and uninteresting. We simply need to in Canada and the USA, with some Critical to the success of these facili- tournaments, all of which have made a be innovative and this is not just the re- US$13.4 billion being spent on sport ties, is that they must be designed with difference in dealing with the problem sponsibility of the tourism people. and recreational equipment, and some the relevant expert advice, that there of seasonality. Where a level of professionalism US$14 billion on sports supplies. Our should be an awareness of the recurrent Sports Tourism In The Caribbean with respect to organization, infrastruc- entrepreneurs must be sufficiently in- cost of operation, that there are clear In the area of significant sports ture, research, marketing, sponsorship novative to seize similar opportunities. and innovative ideas about maximiz- events, considerable progress has been and the buying in of expert advice, has One of the ideas surfacing at this very ing use to ensure proper cost recovery, workshop is that we should establish made in the Caribbean with such ac- been utilized, impressive economic and that management based on merit is tivities as the Aruba Hi-Winds Pro-Am gains have been achieved. strategic alliances with external and experienced entrepreneurs to create a employed. Windsurfing Championships, Jamai- When CTO surveyed departing visi- range of products that are finished in The plan must go beyond the par- ca’s Johnnie Walker World Golf Cham- tors after a Test Match in Barbados in the region and not necessarily started ticular major event which is normally pionship, Antigua’s Sailing Week, the the 1998 West Indies/England Cricket from scratch here. the occasion for building new facilities series we wit- nessed outstanding The Benefit of Sports Tourism or improving old ones. It must include clear ideas on how the facilities will be economic results. Sports tourism then seems to offer During the week bright prospects for the Caribbean, used and maintained thereafter. A fine Artist impression of Beausejour Cricket Ground when expanded for Cricket World Cup 2007 immediately after provided the necessary work is done line must therefore be drawn between the game some in a planned and coordinated manner creating adequate accommodation and 8,300 or 15% of between the Sports and the Tourism other infrastructure, and building mas- departing visitors Authorities. sive structures which incur huge debt, in the survey, indi- The benefits seem to be many and require lots of maintenance and become cated that they had varied: white elephants which are a burden to come to Barbados • It is a powerful tool for destina- the state and the community after the for cricket. Some tion promotion as the Jamaica significant event has passed. 6,474 or 78% of Reggae Boyz or the Jamaica Bob- those were from We at CTO have, from time to time, sled team has demonstrated. As done some research work, seeking to the U.K. With you know the latter achievement identify the size of the sports market. an average stay was turned into a successful film of 10 days, these which further promotes Jamaica. In one of our studies on Golf we indi- visits translated • It generates new industry and is a cated that there were some 21.7 million into some US$24 stimulus for infrastructural devel- Golf players in the USA, 12 million in million to the Bar- opment. Japan, 300.000 and rising in Germany bados economy. • It creates increased employment. and 1 million in Canada. Thanks to a It is important to • It increases government revenue very recent study of the German Mar- remember that, in from regulatory fees and taxa- ket we are able to identify even more these matters, even tion. when the organiz- precisely the size of the German sports • It increases the sports and recre- and leisure market segments, for exam- ers lose money, ation facilities for the local com- the economy can ple that there are 1.5 million surfers, 2 munities leading to improved so- million divers, 250,000 who canoe, 1.2 gain; which is a cial interaction. million anglers and that hiking is the strong argument • It elevates the level of national for government pride and the moral of the citizens number one holiday activity of Ger- subsidies to sport when success attends the effort of man holiday makers. when a major eco- local teams. There is a growing market of persons nomic objective • It brings economic benefits as who wish to travel to both play and has been set. hobbyists and spectators arrive watch sports, especially if their own The benefits and spend money across the soci- celebrity players are involved. Those Rolex Cup regatta in St. Thomas, the of a highly professional sports event ety. Caribbean countries, which have had Cayman Islands Super Fish Bowl, the can go far beyond the immediate lo- • It brings together various ele- such a difficult time achieving growth Nikonos Shootout in Bonaire, the Tour cal economic impact, and create enor- ments of the society, public and in the US market, should be reminded de la Martinique, the Cockspur Gold mous positive publicity and tourism private sector, to work for the that Americans are almost obsessed Cup Horse Racing event in Barbados promotion for the country. The Johnny common good of the society. with sport. Some 120 million Ameri- cans, half the population, watch the and Test Cricket generally in the Ca- Walker Professional Golf Tournament As is always the case however, none, ribbean. With a relatively small invest- Super Bowl, and some 16 million are in Jamaica has aired in 83 countries or very little of the above, will happen ment by the country in most cases, members of sports clubs. As always with a total audience of over 300 mil- unless there is a carefully devised plan and good support from sponsors, these involving all the relevant public and the specialist magazines and Travel lion, and television news reports went events have had a high level of suc- private sector stakeholders from tour- specialists in the marketplace are your cess. to more than 200 broadcasters in 130 ism and sport, a plan which is clear best allies and should be identified and These examples suggest that we have countries. In this case the sponsor was about objectives and policies. Such a utilized. barely tapped into a rich vein which spending some US$15 million in golf plan must also address, inter alia, as- But not all the opportunities are to has the potential to yield considerable sponsoring and support marketing, as pects of marketing, public relations, be found in dealing with external mar- dividends, whether we are marketing opposed to just over US$1.0 Million publicity, communications, research, kets. There are abundant opportunities to those who wish to come to engage as spent by Jamaica. physical planning and sponsorship. for intra- Caribbean sporting events players or officials, to those who attend at the corporate and amateur levels. A as spectators, or to those who come to With respect to the Barbados and Sports Infrastructure perform some duty resulting from the Jamaica examples, what we have seen, Sporting events, whether at the hob- number of these are already in progress sport, such as sports journalists, public is the Tourism and the Sports people byists level, or at the international tour- and an intensification in their number relations expert, sponsor etc. working together, each with an under- nament level involving large numbers would also provide a clearer vision of Our visitors, at some level, already standing of the economic importance of spectators, needs sports facilities of how some of the facilities about to be participate in Water Skiing, Jet Skiing, of the event, beyond the immediate ob- an acceptable standard and all the re- built could be utilized in the future. Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Wind- jective of the contest itself. lated infrastructure that goes with it. Continued on page 6 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 9, 2004 PrimeIs the MinisterEnvironmental congratulates Levy oppressive? Printery on new-look Saint Lucia Gazette lished in the Gazette, the publication others depicted the La Sikwi Sugar usually includes bulky copies of new Mill, Famous Landmarks of St. Lucia laws Passed in parliament. (such as The Pitons and Pigeon Island), Mr Regis said the NPC considered national cultural icon Sesenne, the 25th that dull and bulky look was “to ex-of- Anniversary of Independence and im- ficio and not sufficiently appealing to ages from Emancipation. the General Public.” The current issue features St. Lu- Thus the change… cia’s national tree, the Calabash, which For over a year now the Gazette, shall remain until year’s end. However, which is now a weekly publication of that’s not the only new feature. Government business, has boasted a Mr Regis says “a major new feature” bold, striking, new appearance. In April that started with the latest issue is “a 2003, its first new-look issue featured a weekly update on St. Lucia’s prepara- full-colour cover page featuring Gov- tions for Cricket World Cup 2007” that ernment House, the Official residence will appear on the inside of the back of the Governor General. page of every issue. The present new-look Gazette, apart According to Mr Regis, this is “to Back Cover of the new-look Saint Lucia Gazette Front Cover of the new-look Saint Lucia Gazette from its colour cover, also features maintain public interest and aware- news releases from various Govern- ness towards the island’s commitment rime Minister Dr Kenny D. An- the public.” to hosting the best Cricket World Cup thony has congratulated the Na- ment quarters, extracts from the Con- P NPC General Manager Edmund Re- stitution of Saint Lucia, as well as what ever.” tional Printing Corporation (NPC) gis this week explained that as part of on the continuing evolution of the Mr Regis described as “items that ex- Prime Minister Anthony said he was new changes introduced two years ago, “pleased with the new features in the all-colour, on-line St. Lucia Govern- the Corporation sought to reinvent its emplify the preservation and apprecia- Gazette, especially the decision to in- ment Gazette. flagship publication with a new look tion of St. Lucia’s rich and varied, nat- Dr Anthony offered his congratula- aimed at making it “more interesting, ural, cultural and historical heritage.” clude information on our preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007, which tions to the NPC on Tuesday as it ob- reader-friendly and relevant.” He said the new publication also served two years of ongoing changes highlights on its cover page “illustra- will help spread the word that we are The Gazette has been traditionally committed to hosting the best World at the establishment formerly known as known as an ordinary, dull, black- tions of features that are uniquely St. Cup ever!” the Government Printery. and-white publication with no photos. Lucian,” and which would “heighten He said he was “quite impressed It featured an endless range of Gov- our sense of national pride.” The new Gazette, which is available with the progress made in enhancing ernment Notices, Vacancy Advertise- Five new illustrated color covers on subscription, is also available on the both the appearance and content of the ments, Laws, Statutory Instruments have been published so far in the new Internet at www.slugovprintery.com Gazette to make it both easier on the and the like. And since laws cannot Gazette. Apart from the inaugural pho- and its e-mail address is npc@gosl. eyes and more pleasant and useful to come into effect before they are pub- to of the Governor General’s residence, gov.lc Education: The main pillar towards future advancement very strong message on the im- Canaries community will aggressively cations are what will determine their fu- student, whilst thee Edsel Edmund Schol- Aportance of academic excellence promote education for all in Canaries. ture progress. “I think there is too much arship Award was presented to the most has been sent to the youth of Canar- We will continue to expand our evening reliance, too much dependence on things outstanding O Level student. The awards ies, through the hosting of the first an- classes programme, we will persist with like favouritism, nepotism and political were named after two members of the nual Community Academic Awards on our fundraising efforts to make formal patronage. People think well, because I community who have excelled academi- Saturday, September 26th, 2004. The education more accessible to our young vote for so and so then I am automati- awards ceremony, which included the cally, but moreover, have been giving people, and we will continue to encour- cally entitled for a job, but it is not so at of their time and knowledge to enhance presentation of scholarships and bur- age academic excellence.” saries, was an initiative of the Canar- all. We are living in a very competitive the development of the community of ies Community Club. The community club members believe world, hence the reason we are placing Canaries. Awards totalling $3,600 was Public Relations Officer of the club, their efforts will ensure that more stu- such priority on education,” explained made possible through the support of Ms. Jacqueline Joseph called on the com- dents gain entry into secondary schools. Mr. Lansiquot. several sponsors including Mrs. Margue- munity to work together to improve the Member of Parliament for Canaries, The Canaries Community Club pre- rite Edward, Mr. Cyprian Lansiquot and attitude of the youth towards educational Honourable Cyprian Lansiquot in his re- sented the Maguerite Edwards Award to Mr Edsel Edmund, Mr. Keith Mondesir, achievement: “In the coming months, the marks reminded the students that qualifi- the most outstanding Common Entrance and the Canaries/UK Association.

Canaries achievers, including primary and infant school students, club members and sponsors Saturday, October 9, 2004 Saint Lucia 7 Remembering Winston Francis Cenac, QC 1925 - 2004

Leaving the Cathedral At the Choc Cemetery

Laid to rest Cable & Wireless comes to the assis- tance of Girls Vocational School he Corpus Christi Girls Voca- women and, in the process has helped The changes include the renaming of less has not only ensured that the Ttional School will be able to con- to strengthen the economic, moral and the school, which will now be called school’s students will be able to con- tinue with classes for the 2004/2005 social fabric of the nation. the Corpus Christie Girls’ Vocational tinue their education uninterrupted. school year, thanks to assistance “It is a monumental legacy that de- and Arts Center and the addition of a They have also helped to preserve the from Cable & Wireless. serves to be supported and needs to variety of extra curricular activities and legacy of one of the longest-serving The principal and teachers of the be kept alive … Cable & Wireless is an arts program that will among, other educational institutions in St Lucia. school have praised Cable & Wireless delighted to continue with our support things, offer drama and creative dance. Originally founded in 1968 by Carmel- for lending a helping hand and enabling for education by providing assistance Cable & Wireless also received ite Sisters, the Corpus Christi Girls Vo- the school to remain open, after months to the Girls Vocational School,” he praise from Acting Permanent Secre- cational School was opened at a time of worrying whether it would be forced added. He said Cable & Wireless was tary in the Ministry of Education Es- when there was a dire need for schools to close its doors permanently, due to a looking forward to working closely ther Braithwaite, who also attended the catering to girls in need of a post-pri- shortage of funds. with the school and the Ministry to see presentation. She said the government mary school education. It started off by how further assistance can be provided welcomed the assistance Cable & Wire- Cable & Wireless Chief Executive offering secretarial and other vocation- Fred Walcott formally announced, at a in the future. less had provided to the school. She noted that the government’s subvention al subjects and later added academic presentation ceremony held at the Girls’ Assistant Superior of the Carmelite subjects to its curriculum. Among the Vocational School on Tuesday, that the Order Sister Adriana Noel, who was to the school had to be decreased due to subjects it will now be offering are company would be providing an assis- present at Tuesday’s presentation, ex- a decline in enrollments. However, she English Language, mathematics, prin- tance package to the school to help it pressed her delight at Cable & Wire- said, the government appreciated the meet its staffing and upkeep expenses less offer of assistance. She said with- timely help from Cable & Wireless. ciples of accounts and business, IT and for the school year and to enable the out support from Cable & Wireless, “We recognize that we can’t do ev- computer studies, clothing and textiles, students who had been enrolled for this the school would not have been able to erything but with support from our art and craft, hair dressing, food and year to continue their classes. continue. Thanks to the assistance, she corporate citizens a great deal can be nutrition and upholstery, home man- He said the Girls’ Vocational School said, the school would now be able to achieved. Cable & Wireless has proven agement and art and craft. has played a tremendous role in enrich- make some revolutionary changes to its that and we are grateful to them.” The first set of students for this year ing the lives of many young St Lucian curriculum and educational program. The assistance from Cable & Wire- commenced classes on September 27. 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, October 9, 2004 Kenny Rogers, Maxi Priest to sing for charity as American Airlines makes inaugural fl ight t. Lucia Tourist Board and Amer- taking pictures of St. Lucia. late 50’s with fi ve of those children. was singing over the mic at their live- Sican Airlines have announced Kenny Rogers, the most successful Maxi Priest was born on June 10th, dancehall sessions with folks like Smi- that the now-famous, Pigeon Island in Country Music history has sales of in Lewisham, London England, along ley Culture, and made history in 1984 Park will be the venue for a Novem- 105 million units from 61 albums, in- with two brothers and one sister. His after he and Paul “Barry Boom” Rob- ber 6, 2004 charity concert, featur- cluding The Gambler, and Lady. And father was a steelworker in a factory, inson produced Philip Levi’s “Mi God ing two world-renowned musical ar- with 20 platinum albums, he is in the while his mother devoted her life to Mi King”; the fi rst UK reggae tune to tistes - Reggae superstar Maxi Priest league group of all-time greats, includ- Christianity; she was a missionary at a reach number one in Jamaica. and Country Music legend, Kenny ing Elvis Presley, Elton John and Mi- Pentecostal Church and lead singer for And that is just the beginning… Rogers. This special, one-day-only chael Jackson. the church choir. So, after Transcending from the Ca- charity event coincides with Ameri- Max Elliott known as Maxi Priest Next we fi nd our hero making him- ribbean sound, known as Reggae mu- can Airlines’ inaugural fl ight to St. is the eighth of nine children born to self a living as a carpenter. After being sic, Maxi Priest has achieved success Lucia, at which the island is to be Alfred and Hyacinth Elliott, who mi- asked to build speaker boxes for a lo- and international fame worldwide in presented with a special hospitality grated to England from Jamaica in the cal reggae sound-system, Saxon, he popular music, known as Pop. Sign- services award, as a tourist destina- tion. At a press conference held at the Au- berge Seraphine on Wednesday, Octo- ber 6, 2004, Walter Elmore, Executive Director of the Miami-based promotion group, Turn Key Productions (TKPP), said that the charity concert was the initiative of Children’s Umbrella Char- ity Groups, an amalgamation of local charity groups. The concert will also include a num- ber of local artistes and production personnel, which Mr. Emore said had improved considerably, over the years. The TKP Executive Director also indi- cated that Kenny Rogers would remain on the island for a few extra days “to partake in his professional hobby, pho- tography”. He said that Mr Rogers was extremely excited at the prospect of ing to Virgin Records in 1985. He has achieved #1’s, Top Ten hit singles on the Billboard Charts, R& B Charts, Cricket World Cup 2007: Top of the Pop Charts, Reggae, Jazz, Country and many other charts around the world. He has been nominated 3 What is at stake for the Caribbean times for a Grammy Award and other continued from page 5 the logistical challenges. perform with excellence, what num- Awards for outstanding achievements. Under normal circumstances we ex- bers, for example, we can handle ef- Numerous soundtracks such as ‘How Regrettably, some of those, who al- fi ciently. Given our normal tourism ready labour in the fi eld, report poor pect people to make allowances for our Stella got her Groove Back”. Scam, inadequacies. fl ows and utilization of our accom- and House Party 2. Working with a cooperation from some of those who modation facilities, the choice of In 2007 this will not be good enough. wide range of legendary artists, Ro- own or manage the regional hospital- dates for fi xtures will be critical. ity and travel services. There are, of Globalization with globalized stan- berta Flack, Lee Ritneour, Sly & Rob- course, examples of high levels of dards, is already on our door step and I know we can do it and do it with bie, Lisa Fisher, Soul II Soul, Shabba service in our region. But the qual- like the cricketers themselves, we the excellence. Ranks, Shaggy, Joe, Toni Rich, Moni- ity overall is uneven and some of the Caribbean people will have to perform In 2008 China will be the host of fah, Apache Indian, Dennis Brown, stories that make the rounds, do not before the glare of the TV cameras of the Olympic Games. The Chinese Yuji Oda, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, augur well for the Caribbean success- the world, watched, it is estimated, by government has already put the coun- Glamour Kid, Degree (to name just fully handling really big events, un- some 1.2 billion pairs of eyes. try on a full training alert. The Chi- a few to have come from his stable), Talk shows such as David Letterman, less there are signifi cant changes for What a chance to shine! To play host nese people will be educated in what the better in the status quo. Arsenio Hall, Vibe, Morning Show, to the world! To show off our beauti- is involved, will be expected by their MTV, Bay Watch, BET, VH!, working World Cup Cricket 2007 ful countries and all their facilities and government to deliver excellent ser- with producers and directors such as to invite people to return and visit with vice and to prove to the world that In view of all that I have said Kevin Brae, Hype Williams, Todd Hol- us even after all the cricket events are China is a quality destination. lman, appearing at the Wembly “Free above, you must now understand the ended. incredible opportunities and challeng- Caribbean governments must mo- Nelson Mandela” Concert, seven best- es posed to the Caribbean by hosting To show them what real Caribbean bilize all the arms of government and selling albums and has released “Com- the 2007 World Cup Cricket Series hospitality is, how polite and honest the resources of Civil Society to do Bination”. which will dwarf all previous events our people are and how clean our coun- the same for World Cup 2007. He’s been classifi ed vocally with hosted in the Caribbean by Caribbean tryside and beaches are; to display the You Educators will have a signifi - Frank Sinatra. He is a pioneer like his people. highest standards in our transport and cant role to play. There is a large con- legendary peers the honorable Robert all our other public services; to show stituency which is entrusted to your Nestor Marley AKA Bob Marley, The As I understand it, some sixteen off our hotel properties, whether at the teams will be involved over a period care and you have the opportunity Prince Dennis Emanuel Brown (known luxury or the Bed and Breakfast level; as Dennis Brown), and Marvin Gaye. of about 40 days. They will be sup- to promote our unique cuisine and to to pass on the message of what is at ported by tens of thousands of fans stake and to recruit each student as an He continues to speak the word in Reg- put on stage a workforce equal to the gae music in the inter and outer na- who will seriously test our entertain- best in the world; and to present the ambassador for his or her country in ment, accommodation, catering and this important endeavour. tional world and His recordings & live Caribbean and Caribbean people as performances showcase a marvelous parking facilities, our ground, sea and something special. A once in a lifetime You have some three and a half air transportation services, our facili- voice, impeccable songs sense and the opportunity!!! years in which to do this effectively ability to tackle a wide range of mate- tation, security and safety at airports and to play your part in making World and seaports, our health services and What however if we do not deliver? rial. He has created a screaming pan- Then we have the opportunity to wipe Cup 2007 the success it can be. Go to demonium of excitement and with the generally our administrative abili- it. ties and expertise in running things out in full glare of the world, the posi- ability to thrill the hearts of any audi- on a scale as we have never had to tive balance of an excellent reputation, The Caribbean Tourism Organiza- ence. do before. Our theatre of operation some of it, in tourism terms, gained at tion has already accepted the chal- And that’s not even the end... considerable costs. is already very complex. The Carib- lenge and committed to the West In- Some of the proceeds from the char- bean countries traditionally involved While previous World Cups can be dies Cricket Board to play its part in ity concert, which will be held on Sep- in cricket, with the exception of Guy- used as a guide, we cannot seek to fol- making World Cup 2007 a success. tember 7, if it rains on September 6 ana, comprise many small islands and low slavishly what has been done by You too can count on us to help you will go towards the hurricane-ravished are therefore separated by signifi cant larger countries with greater resources. in framing your educational strategy islands of the Caribbean, including bodies of water which will exacerbate We must decide at what level we can in whatever way we can. Grenada and Jamaica. Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE is published every week by the Department of Information Services. Contact us at: The Department of Information Services, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building, The Waterfront, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies Tel: (758) 468 2116; Fax (758) 453 1614; E-mail: [email protected]; http://stlucia.gov.lc