Saint Lucia No. 107. Saturday, September 17, 2005

A publication of the Department of Information Services

Universal Health Care (UHC) - page 2

on Ignatius Jean, Minis- ter life for those who produce bananas. ter for Agriculture, For- Today I urge that we extend the hand estry & Fisheries recently of friendship and cooperation and once addressed a meeting of and for all put behind us any lingering Hthe Inter American Institute for Co- suspicion or animosity. The occasion operation in Agriculture Ministers’ of the review of the EU banana import Meeting in Guayacil, Ecuador. The regime provides the opportunity for us Governor General’s response following is the full text of his pre- to make real progress in intra-regional - page 3 sentation cooperation. “The banana dispute of the last de- There is no doubt that banana ex- cade was an unwelcome irritant in ports to Europe, our only market are relations between Latin America and absolutely vital for the economic well the Caribbean. Both sides sought to being of our small island countries, the advance their individual agendas but Windward Islands as well as for other without being suffi ciently sensitive to banana producing countries that are the concerns of the other. In the current members of the Caribbean Communi- search for a new EU banana regime, ty. For decades banana production has we again fi nd ourselves on opposing been the backbone of our economies. sides. But in reality we share the same The current tariff quota regime ensures nightmare, that the single tariff would a reasonable degree of market stabil- damage our vital banana export trade. ity and a price that is more profi table Hon. Ignatius Jean I fi rmly believe however that the than in other markets. This is what has Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Protecting our citizens and visitors time has now come to look beyond this guaranteed a secure livelihood for our distracting confl ict and recognize the farmers and the regular income that - pages 4 & 5 underlying commonality of our inter- has brought stability and permitted our system if it is detrimental to banana ests and needs in this hemisphere. Our economies to thrive. We therefore, as export industries of the supplying region must cooperate and Member- do our Latin American counterparts, countries and consequently the fu- nations must be mutually supportive in need the European import regime to ture of our farmers and economies? order to progress. This entails working permit the continuation of our banana This would be an outcome where together rather than against each other exports on a reliable and remunerative none of us would be winners. if we are to succeed in achieving a bet- basis. What would be the use of a new Continued on page 8

Hurricane preparedness - Still a priority - page 6

140 eye surgeries on Saint Lucians pa- tients in Cuba almost complete - page 7 Work on the upgrade of Port Castries to meet international standards

“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 Saturday, September 17, 2005

Background You will be registered at a general 1. What is Universal Health Care hospital depending on your permanent (UHC)? A. Universal Health Care home address or where you work. This (UHC) is a health programme that will hospital which is your registered pro- provide all residents with equal access vider will be responsible for your hos- to quality health services defined in a pital services. However, if you have an published package of services and ben- emergency you can access the closest efits. It is also a supplemental system emergency room. This way, if you fall of financing. sick or need urgent medical attention 2. Why is UHC being offered now? getting treatment will be convenient by A. It is important for you to have ac- saving you time. cess to quality health care regardless Drugs included in the published of your financial status such as where UHC package are provided at all par- you live or how much income that you ticipating pharmacies and you have earn. access to this medication under UHC It is also necessary for us to improve coverage. the quality of health care at our hospi- Criteria for qualifying tals and other health care institutions. 5. Who may qualify? A. To qualify 3. Why should I be interested in for services under UHC you must be a St. Lucian or non-national residing in the country for at least six (6) months of the year in which you are seeking One of the private health care facilities on the island coverage. 6. Who may not qualify? A. The fol- you. There will be a chain of command covered under UHC. The objective of lowing persons may not qualify to re- for making your complaint orally or in UHC is to provide the best health care ceive services offered by UHC: (a) A writing. It starts with your service pro- possible for all beneficiaries. Saint Lucian who permanently resides vider. The court is the last place that 13. How much coverage will I re- overseas; (b) Visitors to Saint Lucia you can address your complaint if you ceive? A. You will receive limited cov- such as tourists and diplomats. have gone through the other options in erage in the areas included in the list Services offered that order: 1st - The service provider of the services that UHC will offer. 7. What services will I benefit from? (hospital); 2nd - The Universal Health Please refer to the list. A. Through UHC you will benefit from Care Office; 3rd - The Ministry of 14. Will I be covered for visits to the following services: hospital ser- Health; 4th - The Court. private doctors? A. No. You will not vices, pharmaceutical services, mental 10.Will there be penalties for per- be refunded for visits to your private health services, limited overseas care, blood bank services, ambulance servic- es and drug rehabilitation services. These services are further divided into out patient and hospital services. Hon. Damian Greaves The primary out patient services you Minister for Health, Human Services, will benefit from are: Specialist con- Family Affairs and Gender Relations sultations by referral, Physiotherapy, Medication and Emergency Consulta- UHC? A. You should be interested in tions. UHC because it will provide essential Hospital services that will be of- health benefits once you are registered. fered include: Obstetrics, Gynecology, It also aims to achieve the principle of Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, solidarity. This means that the high in- Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Derma- come earners will support the low in- tology, Outpatient surgery, Urology, come earners, the healthy will support Dentistry and Neurology. the sick and the young will support se- 8. Which institutions will provide nior members of our community. service? A. The two general hospitals, 4. How will UHC work? A. The the Victoria Hospital and the St. Jude’s process of providing you with quality Hospital will be the main service pro- health care under this new system is an viders. However, private health care easy one. To access the health benefits institutions may be entitled to become offered you must first be registered providers of services under UHC by with UHC. When you do so, you will meeting certain criteria and becoming Pharmaceuticals - part of the programme be given a UHC registration card with registered. your photograph and registration num- 9. What may I do if I am dissatis- sons who abuse the UHC system? doctor. If you have private medical ber. You will receive information on fied with the service? A. You will have A. Yes. There will be penalties under insurance you can settle payment of place and time of registration at a later the right to make a complaint if you are the law to deal with persons or provid- your doctor’s fees with that insurance date. dissatisfied with the service provided to ers who abuse the system. Examples company. However, if you fill your of abuse are: (a) Unauthorized access prescription at a pharmacy registered to the system such as hospital records; with UHC you will receive free medi- (b) Access to pharmaceuticals that have cation if your medication is included not been prescribed by a doctor and that on the list of pharmaceutical covered you do not need; (c) Wrong billing; (d) by UHC. Inappropriate referrals by health care 15. What will not be covered by workers; (e) Breach of Confidentiality; UHC? A. The following will not be (f) Non-adherence to standards. covered by UHC: (a) Visits to your private doctor; (b) Outpatient lab tests Coverage and x-rays; (c) Visits to a hospital that 11. What types of illnesses will is not your provider. UHC cover? A. Various illnesses that 16. Isn’t health coverage included are common in Saint Lucia, such as in my National Insurance Corporation those associated with Diabetes and Hy- (NIC) contributions? A. No. The 5% pertension will be covered under UHC. deduction from your salary for Nation- You can refer to the list of services, al Insurance covers your pension, inva- common illnesses, essential pharma- lidity and sickness benefits. The NIC ceuticals and essential overseas care in-patient hospital benefit was a special for more information. arrangement with the government. 12. What types of illnesses will not

be covered? A. Illnesses that are not in- Public health care facility cluded on the list of services will not be Continued in the next week’s issue Saturday, September 17, 2005 Saint Lucia 3

The following statement has been re- nual salary as pension. If his salary of $ 2,000.00 a month is to be paid to leased by the Office of the Governor was indeed $ 4,000.00 a month, he the three retired Governor Generals General in response to a release from was entitled on retirement to a monthly – Mr. Boswell Williams, Sir Stanislaus the United Workers Party entitled pension of $ 1,600.00. The monthly James and Sir George Mallet – not to ‘The Governor General’s Salary pensions of the other two would be the serving Governor General. The – Some are more equal that others”. considerably less. The Principal Act monthly pension is to be increased from “Section 7 of The Governor Gen- however, allows a Governor General 2/5 to 2/3 of their highest monthly sal- eral’s Emoluments and Pensions Act to continue receiving any other pen- ary with effect from January 1, 2005. No. 4 of 1968 makes the following sions in respect of previous service in The level of gratuity payable remains provisions for pension benefits for re- the Permanent Civil Service, during the same – 25% of aggregate salary re- tired Governor Generals: Two-fifths the time that he/she holds the office of ceived during their term of office. of annual salary if he/she has held Governor General and after retirement, Assuming that the salary of the cur- office for five (5) consecutive years and provides for the payment of a gra- rent Governor General remains un- or moree; A pension in proportion to tuity immediately upon retirement: that changed, she would have to remain in the period served of the five-year pe- amount was increased from 12.5 % to office for 35 years, i.e. until. 2032 to riod if he/she held office for less than 25% of aggregate salary by an amend- qualify for a gratuity of $ 840,000 as five (5) consecutive years. ment to the Act in 1990 (Section 6, Act claimed in the statement released by Governor General Accordingly, of the three retired 13 of 1990). the United Workers Party. Dame Governor Generals – Mr. Boswell The amendment to the Act which The terms and conditions of service Williams, Sir Stanislaus James and was recently passed in the House of of Governor Generals provide for pay- vehicles of which there are two. The Sir George Mallet, only Sir Stanislaus Assembly pertains to retired Governor ment of a tax-free salary, for a fully-ser- Governor General is however respon- qualified for receipt of 2/5 of his an- Generals only. The Living Allowance viced official residence, and for official sible for his/her own living expenses : the food he/she eats, the clothes he/she wears, his/her medical expenses, insur- ance coverage – medical or otherwise, private entertainment and contributions and donations to deserving causes. Where an Official Residence is not pro- vided, as has been the case, a housing allowance is paid, which allowance is taken into account in the computation of total salary earnings for retirement benefits (Amendment Section 2 Act 13 of 1990) While there was an increase in the Governor General’s salary upon her appointment, a review of the salaries paid to Governor Generals across the CARICOM region would determine whether the current salary level in Saint Lucia could be considered “out- rageous”. Based on 2002 figures, the salary paid in Saint Lucia represents the third lowest among the ten jurisdic- tions – The OECS, Bahamas, Barba- dos, Jamaica and Belize –, 35% below the regional average, 40% below the median country, Grenada and 23% be- low the sub-regional average of the six Government House in Castries OECS countries.”

The Government and people of Saint Lucia express condolences and sympathies with the Govern- ment and people of Dominica over the death of the late former Prime iplomatic relations and co- Minister, Dame Eugenia Charles. operation between St. Lucia Dame Eugenia was a candid and Dand Mexico are expected to forthright woman of strong char- strengthen, as a result of the deepen- acter and integrity who was re- ing of diplomatic relations between the spected by all including her political Governments of the island and the ma- opponents. jor Latin American country. Mexico’s Serving as Prime Minister for new Ambassador to St. Lucia, His Ex- three consecutive terms from 1980 cellency Sergio Melendez, presented to 1995, Dame Eugenia presided his credentials to Governor General over the island’s immediate post-in- Dame Pearlette Louisy at Government dependence development. A leading House, Thursday 8th September. political figure of the Caribbean, she Ambassador Melendez reiterated his will be remembered, not only for her country’s commitment to developing role in the US invasion of Grenada stronger ties with St. Lucia. He ex- during the Reagan Administration, plained that in its search for a higher but also for her firm defence of the role in international affairs, Mexico political principles in which she be- recently took a decision to establish lieved. an Embassy in the sub-region to be ac- Dame Eugenia was a major con- credited to serving the member-states tributor to the pride of Caribbean of the OECS. Following his meeting women and during her reign she in- with the Governor General, Ambassa- H.E. Dame Pearlette Louisy greets the new Mexican Ambassador spired many young women to take dor Melendez paid a courtesy call on the political road. The people of Acting Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, in the areas of livestock development language teachers and diplomatic staff. Dominica, St. Lucia and the Carib- during which he again reiterated Mexi- and tropical agriculture. Mexico has Acting Prime Minister Pierre said after bean have lost a formidable political co’s interest in deepening existing rela- also been assisting in educational and meeting Ambassador Melendez that St. figure, who served with distinction tions with St. Lucia. diplomatic training for St. Lucians. In Lucia welcomes the move by Mexico and dignity, and who departed from St. Lucia established diplomatic re- May of this year, 22 St. Lucians left for to take diplomatic relations and coop- the political field with grace and hu- lations with Mexico immediately fol- Mexico City to study various subjects. eration to a higher level. He said St. mility. She will always be remem- lowing Independence in 1979 and the Technical assistance is also being re- Lucia would reciprocate both at a bi- bered as we share in the grief of two countries have maintained bilater- ceived by St. Lucians through a series lateral level and through multilateral her loss. al relations and cooperation, especially of short training courses for Spanish cooperation with Caricom. 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 17, 2005 Saturday, September 17, 2005 Saint Lucia 5

nce again the Government of Saint Lucia is keeping to Oits promise of providing a reasonable working environment for the men and women who are devoted to providing Law Enforcement and Security Services and the protection of our lives and property. The high risk nature of the operations of both Policemen and Firemen dictates that they are provided with requisite comfortable accommodation com- mensurate with their mandate. Upon assuming office within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Inter- nal Security, I engaged the attention of various stakeholders towards the identification of some of the needs and constraints as well as recommenda- tions to guide the way forward. The absence of a Police presence in certain Hon. Calixte George strategic locations as well as the need Minister for Home Affairs and to upgrade accommodation in other ar- Internal Security eas was highlighted. I did promise ac- tion with respect to recommendations cupy a total area of 4933 square feet made. When promises are made by (2508 sq. ft/ground floor area and 2425 me, I do my best to deliver. sq. ft. /first floor area). It is within this context that there has The Micoud Fire Station will be Police Stations being built islandwide been continuous dialogue between my larger in area with a total of 5184 sq. ft. Ministry and officials of NIPRO on the (ground floor/2704 sq. ft. and first floor matter of providing modern infrastruc- I look forward to the implementation der rate is difficult to comprehend. The least reduce the incidence of crimes. 2480 sq. ft.) tural facilities for both the Police and of continuous community intervention driving forces behind such murders are The establishment of Community Fire Services. The Sod Turning Cer- The property will be properly land- programmes; in particular Community complex and involve several factors Partnerships is applicable not only to emony being witnessed today there- scaped. The project also includes Policing and Fire Prevention and safety – social, economic, educational, politi- Police Officers but to Fire Officers as fore is as a result of the tireless efforts provision of furniture and furnishings programmes. There ought to exist this cal, environmental, etc. etc. well. Much must be done to achieve a by my staff and that of NIPRO. The for twenty-two (22) Fire Officers and inextricable linkage between officers While we cannot prevent murders, certain level of public trust and confi- Ministry of Physical Development has twenty-two (22) Police Officers. and various communities. Commu- we strive to reduce the frequency of dence. In fact it must be mutual. offered substantial technical expertise The officers who will occupy these nity Policing has become an important their occurrence and the probability As I have indicated in the past, the to my Ministry through the Services of buildings we hope will appreciate the strategy in the fight against crime at of their likelihood by taking certain Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal

Government officials at the ground breaking ceremony Recent police constables strengthening the force the Project Coordinator, Ms Jennifer substantive investment made by Gov- the local level. This necessitates the preventative measures such as provid- Security is continuously striving for Auguste. We do appreciate her astute ernment in providing these structures. engagement of Communities Island ing an effective Police presence in the excellence. This can be achieved only competent technical guidance on all The nonchalant attitude with respect to wide in developing strategies to reduce Community. if we work together as a Team towards the BOLT Projects and this project in what is perceived to be “Bagay Gou- opportunities for crime at the ground What we are witnessing today is a the achievement of that goal. The particular. vedman” is rampant in this country. I level. This also implies the establish- step in that direction. It is only by such proximity of the two stations to each Two (2-storey) buildings will be therefore urge the management of both ment of close partnerships with exist- partnerships that we can hope to lessen other should encourage collaboration constructed on this site on adjacent lots departments to ensure that mechanisms ing community groups. the incident of major crimes such as between the two services and give rise and will house the offices and dormito- are adopted in ensuring that this attitude As we develop, the nature and fre- murder, rape and other crimes against to synergies for the greater good of the ries for the Micoud Police and Micoud will not be tolerated. The officers must quency of crimes change. In recent persons. The fight against these major community. It is with some anxiety Fire Officers. The land is owned by therefore, play a positive role towards times the number of senseless inexpli- crimes is difficult and I can assure you therefore that I wait the unfolding of Government. the daily upkeep and maintenance of cable murders is on the rise. The issue – the citizens of Saint Lucia that this this new relationship. The Micoud Police Station will oc- these facilities. of the causes of the increase of the mur- Ministry will make every effort to at I thank you. 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 17, 2005

e must all accept the need with the intensity of floods. The topog- ery so often, you hear of a Resolution for greater vigilance and raphy of Saint Lucia, the combination in Parliament to raise money for flood Wcaution during the upcom- of hills and valleys will always lead to control and disaster mitigation. All of ing season. Our fishermen and coast flooding. We can lessen the effects of this is done as part of a broader dwellers must pay serious attention flooding by disposing of our garbage planning process. to the advisories which are issued in the manner prescribed by the Solid Proper planning includes things like by the disaster and emergency agen- Waste Management Authority. being aware of the emergency shelters cies. The combination of poor garbage in your neighbourhood. Many persons The Government of Saint Lucia disposal with flood conditions brought query the adequacy of these shelters for through the Saint Lucia Met Services on by hurricanes can lead to the out the Hurricane Season; this is why they maintains a Weather Information Ser- break of diseases. A good example is are Emergency Shelters and not Hur- vice at telephone 454-3452. There leptospirosis. This disease is carried by ricane Shelters. Disaster Prepared- is now no excuse for any of us not to rats and can be lethal. ness, as I indicated earlier, is a per- know the status of the weather for a We must take control of how we deal sonal precaution. For that reason, the particular day or when a hurricane is with our garbage. The cycle of life is Government of Saint Lucia, through approaching. described as such because all that we the NEMO Secretariat, advises that Home owners and indeed all fami- do is linked. So it is in Disaster Man- persons take steps to make their homes lies, must take the necessary steps to agement: Hurricanes bring rain that their emergency shelters. If this is ensure that their homes and families can cause floods. Poor garbage dispos- not possible then we should make ad- are adequately protected from hurri- al can worsen those floods. Floods can vance arrangements to be with family canes and their after-effects. sweep persons and buildings away and or friends. As recently as Hurricane Insure your properties do untold damage. Ivan, I announced in my address to the Credit Unions in Saint Lucia use the Prime Minister Dr. The value of disaster planning Nation the exact shelters that would group insurance methodology that al- You may have noted this Govern- be opened. The 2005 List is available lows members to access coverage at a Vexed issue of trees ment’s heavy emphasis on disaster from NEMO and on the Government reasonable rate. The Civil Service Co- Another issue which we must ad- mitigation and disaster planning. Ev- of Saint Lucia website. operative Credit Union, for example, dress is the trimming of trees. For offers House and Household Contents many, this is a vexed issue. How of- coverage to its members. But the tra- ten have neighbors quarreled with each ditional house insurance is not the only other over trees that separate boundar- risk we need to consider. Recently ies or grow in each other’s back yard? I there have been a number of landslides, urge you to put your differences aside throughout the island. Subsidence in- and trim your trees to avoid injury and surance, as well as fire, flood and earth- damage. quake are some of the packages which The laws of Saint Lucia provide an are available. Again, I want to chal- avenue for addressing the nuisance of lenge you to strive for a 60% figure trees. However, we are all aware of of insurance coverage for this year, no the burden that the judicial system la- matter how painful the financial cost. bours under and it may be months be- Insurance not only applies to our fore your case comes before the courts. homes but to our businesses too. Busi- Neighbours must work together to re- ness persons need to ask the following move the hazard of dangerous trees and questions. Does the business have: (a) branches. So, the solution does not lie business interruption Insurance cover- in the court. If you are reluctant to cut age? (b) rent insurance coverage? and or trim your trees, then, think again! (c) a continuity of operations plan? Disposal of waste As you know, this is a technologi- This brings me to a related issue, the cal age. Businesses should therefore disposal of our waste. Having cut a determine whether they have backup tree, a river is not the place to dispose files and data saved away from their of the waste. Poor garbage disposal in businesses. our water ways comes back to haunt us A timely reminder of the impact of storms

Flood mitigation works will prevent destruction Saturday, September 17, 2005 Saint Lucia 7

he majority of Saint Lucian medical conditions before they could them daily and have discussions with patients now in Cuba for eye actually perform the surgical interven- the— find out how they’re feeling, Tsurgeries under the Cuban tions to the eyes. This is particularly what they’re missing and what have Eye Care programme are said to the case with people with diabetic and you—And I must report, it has been have received their treatment. Word hypertensive conditions,” Mr. Lansi- very cordial to date. I spoke to my Min- of this has come from Saint Lucian quot said. istry not to long off over the weekend officials monitoring the ‘Miracle The 140 Saint Lucian eye patients and advised them, that I need help with Plan Project’ in Havana. are in the company of Parliamentary about two students to come up and help Head of Mission of Saint Lucia’s Secretary in the Ministry of Health with translation and treatment of the Embassy in Cuba Mr. Peter Lansiquot Honourable John Odlum and Ms. Eve people,” Mr. Odlum said. says despite language and cultural bar- Felicien, a young St. Lucian doctor. Mr Some of the eye patients now in riers, the patients are extremely cheer- Odlum says he is very pleased with the Cuba may have to return to the Spanish ful. He says the experience will serve way the programme has progressed, speaking Caribbean nation for more well in handling future groups under but says the experience has been quite treatment because of complications the programme. challenging. with their present conditions. When “There have been a few delays be- Hon. Jon Odlum Parliamentary Secretary, “We’ve been having meetings with this group returns to St. Lucia, another cause the Cuban doctors in many in- Ministry of Health, Human Services, them daily. They are in two differ- batch of patients will be flown to Cuba stances needed to check out other Family Affairs and Gender Relations ent hospitals and we travel to both of for more eye surgeries.

he Miracle Plan Project (Plan little inconveniences that might arise. Milagro) continues to record Besides the generally smooth prog- Tgreat success in Havana, Cuba. ress of the Project, a few concerns have To date nearly 60,000 patients have re- arisen concerning some level of impa- ceived eye surgery and most of them tience on the part of some of the com- have already returned to their homes panions. and loved ones in several Caribbean Some companions have been ex- islands and Venezuela. The first Saint pressing concern about the date of their Lucian contingent of returning pa- return to Saint Lucia. The Saint Lucia tients will be in Saint Lucia during the delegation in Havana wishes to inform course of next week. all future participants in the Miracle Reports from Havana indicate that Plan Project, companions in particu- the Cuban authorities have expressed lar, that they must ensure that they can great pleasure with the behaviour of the remain in Cuba for a minimum of two Saint Lucian patients in particular. It is weeks and a maximum of one month. believed that the constant and active In cases where a patient presents other visits by the official Saint Lucia del- medical complications, a companion egation in Cuba, under the leadership whose presence is absolutely needed of Parliamentary Secretary Jon Odlum, by a patient, should be willing to spend has been the main factor contributing more time with the patient. to such fine behaviour by the Saint Lu- In the meantime the Saint Lucia cians. The delegation has been encour- delegation in Cuba is making arrange- aging the participants to bear patience ments for the reception of the next with their new surroundings and any group of Saint Lucian patients. The Miracle Plan team members

Negotiating Team Appointed The Cabinet of Ministers has appointed a new Government Negotiating Team for Negotia- tions on Working Conditions for the 2004/2005 to 2006/2007 tri- ennium. The team is chaired by Mr. Victor Poyotte, a manage- ment consultant and former Sec- retary to Cabinet in Saint Lucia. The other members of the team are human resources man- agement consultant Mr. Henry Phillips, Mr. Ivor Daniel of the Ministry of Finance and Mr. Mark Louis Permanent Secre- tary in the Ministry of Labour Relations, Public Service and Cooperatives. The decision to reactivate the Government Negotiating Team was taken earlier this year. Government is the largest single employer in the country 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 17, 2005

Continued from page 1 increased competition would result in ground among all suppliers on an ad- briefly postpones the looming catas- a massive drop in prices, even if im- equate transition period to a single trophe of the 1st January 2006 desta- The European Union intends to set ports do not expand substantially. It is tariff - one that takes account of the bilization of the market and the price a high tariff as of 1 January 2006. It our farmers and economies that would interests of all those involved and se- collapse. is true that we in the Caribbean need endure massive losses through no fault cures market access and price stability. a high tariff in order to survive but we We as Ministers must display coura- of their own. Taking responsibility for determining understand those who argue that this geous political leadership, vision and a our future must be better than the leap will not be good for many in Latin This is why some of us in the Ca- willingness to work together as devel- in the dark, some might say a game of America and who fear that a high rate ribbean have been working together to oping countries of the same region to Russian roulette, which the Arbitration will damage their exports; the Caribbe- encourage the African and European secure a better future for our farmers process could constitute. an know that if the tariff is set too low, producers, who currently favour a high that is more ambitious, sustainable and their trade will be totally destroyed. tariff, to instead support a satisfactory We can and must work together but worthwhile, than merely providing the success will only be possible if the fi- lowest possible priced bananas to the Given what I have just said about be- transitional arrangement in which the nal arrangement is one that genuinely European consumer regardless of the ing sensitive to each other’s concerns, I market is safeguarded from the threat preserves stability, rather than simply cost to our own countries. assure you that we would not wish that of over-supply whilst our access and the price of our security is damage to remunerative prices are secured. This the trade of some of our neighbours. would be an achievable objective if However their prosperity should not be we all put aside short-term ambitions achieved at the cost of our survival. to expand exports. I extend the same Some still cling to the hope that a invitation to Latin American banana single tariff can be implemented at a producers to also commit to the pursuit level that will be fair and safeguard of that objective that would safeguard market access. It seems to me that in the interests of us all. the current circumstances, there is no At the International Banana Confer- conceivable tariff level that will not de- ence held in Brussels in April, a suc- stroy damage or at the very least, make cession of speakers from both Latin all of us worse off than we are now. American and ACP countries insisted This therefore is not the sensible way that they wanted a solution that en- to proceed. abled their trade to be maintained with- Europe is currently the only major out harming the other side. I fully sup- market still shielded from the global port that view. But I fear that such an oversupply so that its prices are rela- outcome will not be achieved by sitting tively remunerative and fair. That ben- back and waiting to see what emerges efits all of us. We need to reflect care- from a second Arbitration. The result fully on the likely impact of a single that we need can only be achieved tariff on the European market. The by actively seeking to find common Cul-de-Sac - one of the largest banana producing areas on the West Caost

THIS WEEK ON NTN

Sat. Sept. 17th - Fri. September 23rd, 2005 A new voter registration campaign has gotten underway, NTN takes a closer look at the exercise with members of the he Ministry of Social Trans- for day care and $10 for insurance. Meals of today, we are in fact enhancing their Electoral Commission - Mon. Sept 19th formation, has announced will be provided. Application forms for preparedness for the world of tomor- 8:00 p.m. the opening Culture and Lo- registration of students are available row and the tasks our country will face • Perspectives of Rastafari in St. Lucia - T Mon. September 19th, 6:30 p.m. cal Government of the new Entrepot from the Ministry of Social Transforma- in the years ahead.” • Join NTN for the latest episode in the Day Care Centre. The centre, which tion, Culture and Local Government, as Mr Pierre also thanked the Ministry exciting series Women West Indies -Tues. opens Monday, September 19, will be well as at the Day care Centre. and Minister of Social Transformation, September 20th, 6:15 p.m. open from 8:00am to 4:00pm daily Acting Prime Minister Philip J. Culture and Local Government, as well • It’s certainly the region’s fasting grow- and will be located below the current Pierre, who is also the Parliamentary as the Permanent Secretary, as well as the ing industry & the main stay of the St. Entrepot Human Resource Develop- Representative for Castries East, has staff of the day care Unit “for making it Lucian economy, find out about ‘Careers ment Centre. welcomed the opening of the new day possible for our toddlers to learn and grow in Tourism’ – Wed. September 21st, 8:00 It will house approximately 40 chil- care centre. He said: “It will provide in a safe and comfortable environment.” p.m. dren from the Castries environs, aged care and comfort for the young chil- He said it was “part of the Government’s • The reorganization & upgrading of ag- between three months and three years. dren from the environs, who will be policy of improving the lives of citizens ricultural sites on the island Thurs. Sep- Fees for the new day care centre will be tember 22nd, 8:30 p.m. tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. By of the inner-city neighbourhoods of Cas- • Highlights of NIPRO’s latest multi $70 per child, per month, comprising $60 ensuring they are properly taken care tries and other urban environs.” million dollar investment – The Micoud Police & Fire Station September23rd, 9:00p.m. Remember to tune in for: • GIS News Breaks and Kweyol News daily from 6:30 p.m. • Issues & Answers/Mondays at 8:00pm: • Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm : • Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 8:00pm (Kweyol Discussion): • Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. (Min. of Ed. Prog). Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm (Week in Review) • Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm - (Week in Review—Kweyol)

For the complete programme guide, log on to our website at www.stlucia. gov.lc and then click on the NTN icon.

Entrepot Human Resource Centre www.stlucia .gov.lc 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