Saint Lucia No. 76. Saturday, February 5, 2005

A publication of the Department of Information Services Welcome our PM

Water Bill passed - page 7

St. Lucians in Bay Gardens: Best Hotel - page 2

Economy, People attract The Landings French boat coming for Independence - page 6

China Trade Forum - page 3

t a time when countries in people are unemployed and prone to the local media that St. Lucia was the region are competing criminal activity. But all this is far from the fourth most beautiful paradise is- for limited foreign invest- the truth, if what investors say is true. land in the world, and its people are ments, St. Lucia’s strong Economy and people among the most beautiful. He also economy and friendly people are its A Chief Executive Offi cer of The pointed out that St. Lucia had one of greatest pull factors, having been the best beaches in the world, there responsible for attracting The Land- Landings, investor Frank Heaps, who has worked on St. Lucia’s physical were sewer and water mains next to ings, a US$130-million resort mari- the property, and that the island had na, which was launched at Le development plan and social and eco- nomic surveys around the world while the best infrastructure in the region Body Holiday last week. to support the yachting industry. PM Flood Appeal This came at a time when many be- working with the United Nations De- - page 2 lieve that the economy is weak and the velopment Programme (UNDP), told Continued on page 8

“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, February 5, 2005 St. Lucia and Bay Gardens win Tourism Awards t. Lucia has captured two cov- Dawn Adbomra came fourth. eted prizes at the Second An- Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) Snual Crystal Star Awards pre- President and manager of Bay Gar- sented by Caribbean Star Airlines dens Hotel Berthia Pearle, in her ac- last weekend. St. Lucia won Destina- ceptance speech for the award of Hotel tion of the Year and Bay Gardens, of the Year, noted that greater empha- Hotel of the Year. sis needed to be placed on beefing up Held at Antigua’s Sticky Wicket re- inter-island travel. She said, “I have sort, Caribbean Star Airlines invited always been a great proponent of inter- the award nominees, tourism officials Caribbean travel, and I still maintain and regional media to be part of the that not enough is being done for us to celebrations, to recognize the achieve- grow that market. As it is now, we re- ments of the winners and the growth of ally have not begun to scratch the sur- Caribbean Star. face of really making it affordable for our Caribbean brothers and sisters to Chief Operating Officer for Carib- travel within the islands of the region. bean Star, Edward Gilkes said, “Five Before the Bay Gardens was built, we years ago, nobody knew us, five years made a conscious effort to go after the ago, they looked at us as a product that Caribbean market, to offer our Carib- would perhaps drop out of the skies bean family the same level of excellent within a year. Four and half years later, service and quality we offer to our in- we are now even a better household ternational visitors”. name than , be- Caribbean Star, part of the Stanford cause we are performing.” Bay Gardens Hotel Group was founded in 2000, and has Carrying more than 600,000 persons by Caribbean Star. St. Lucia captured very closely so that we can deliver this grown substantially since then. Its fleet last year alone, the airline now oper- the award of Destination of the Year. award winning product to our consum- includes seven new 50-seat DASH 8- ates 100 daily flights with a fleet of 10 Receiving the award was Director of ers. Certainly, Caribbean Star has been 300 aircrafts with all-leather seating, aircraft serving 14 Caribbean destina- Tourism Hilary Modeste. a great partner, one that we appreci- and by year-end, there are plans for a tions, stretching from in the In his acceptance speech, Mr. ate”. further three to replace the existing 37- north to in the Modeste said, “This business is a lot The award of Travel Agent of the seat DASH 8-100’s, giving the airline south. about partnerships, that’s how you Year was won by Junica St. John of the newest fleet in the Caribbean. The Crystal Awards recognize the ef- develop tourism. As a destination, we Whitchurch Portsmouth Travel Agency Caribbean Sun, a sister airline was forts of travel agents, who sell Star Va- have the product, but then there are the in ; she won a Suzuki Liana launched just over a year ago, serving cation packages to destinations served partners with whom we have to work motor vehicle. St. Lucian nominee, the northern Caribbean.

Saint Lucia at CWC Saint Lucia Prepares to Observe 26 years of Independence 2007 Venue Summit IV Saint Lucia’s twenty-sixth anniversa- service awards receiving their various hairman of World Cup Saint ida the LOC representatives will be ry of Independence will be observed honours at the Order of Saint Lucia In- Lucia Inc. Dr. James Fletch- exposed to the wide range of activities on February 22nd under the theme vestiture Ceremony to be held at Gov- Cer is leading in local delega- and issues involved in the preparation “Working Together With Pride to ernment house from 3:00 p.m. tion to the fourth venue summit for of the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl Build Our Nation”. Cricket World Cup 2007. This spe- Other activities planned include the is one of the biggest one-day sport- A number of events have been cial meeting of chairpersons and St. Lucia Athletics Association Inde- ing events in the USA, where issues of planned to mark the observance, in- chief executive officers of Cricket pendence Track and Field Meet at the security, transportation, accreditation, cluding a National Ecumenical Service World Cup Local Organising Com- National Stadium from 10:00 VIP hospitality and match-day opera- on Friday 18th February at 2:00pm mittees (LOCs) is being held in Or- a.m. on February 22nd, and a number tions are addressed in a highly sophis- at the Minor Basilica of the Immacu- lando, Florida from February 02nd of community activities island wide. ticated manner. late Conception; the National Sports to 05th 2005. Independence celebration began Awards scheduled for the National Cul- At that meeting, the members of the The Saint Lucia delegation also in- with activities to mark Nobel Laureate tural Centre on Saturday 19th February LOCs from the Caribbean region will cludes the venue development director Week from January 23rd to the 29th. at 7:30 p.m. and a concert of Praise and be brought up to date on the prepara- Claudius Francis and architect Claude Nobel Laureate Week highlighted the Inspiration to be held on Sunday 20th tions at the regional level for the host- Guillaume, who will lead the work on achievements of Nobel laureates Sir February at 5:00 p.m. at the National ing of the ICC Cricket World Cup in the upgrade of the Beausejour Cricket Arthur Lewis and Honourable Derek Cultural Centre. the Caribbean in 2007. While in Flor- Ground in preparation for CWC 2007. Walcott. The Royal St. Lucia Police Force Sir Arthur Lewis was awarded the and other uniformed groups will stage Nobel Prize for Economics in 1979 and the Independence Day Parade at the Honourable Derek Walcott received PM calls for Guyana Mindoo Philip Park on Independence the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. Day starting at 9:00am. Independence Both Sir Arthur and Honourable Wal- Flood Appeal Day will also see nominees for national cott were born on January 23rd. he Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Items may be taken to the Saint Lucia A container is scheduled to leave Castries, Saint Lucia. Tel: 758-452- Anthony Chairman of the Red Cross Building at Vigie in Castries Saint Lucia on Thursday February 10, 3802/Fax: 758-453-2152; E-mail National Emergency Man- or to any Post Office. Write “NEMO” 2005. We urge all Saint Lucians to (main) [email protected] /(alternate) T open their hearts to fellow Caribbean agement Organisation [NEMO] has on the package and at no cost to you [email protected]; NEMO’s Web activated NEMO to respond to the the Postal Service shall deliver your people. Contact the National Emergency presence: http://www.geocities.com/ Flooding in Guyana. contribution to NEMO.NO CLOTHES Management Office, P O Box 1517, slunemo. Fellow CARICOM State and mem- HAVE BEEN REQUESTED. ber of the Caribbean Disaster Emer- The needs list to date include the fol- gency Response Agency [CDERA], lowing: Pampers [Adult and Children], Guyana has experienced flooding in Sanitary Napkins / Tampons, Baby the majority of its parishes. A state of Food, Baby Formula, Feeding Bottles, disaster has been declared by the Presi- Large Garbage Bags, Laundry Soap, dent. Toilet Soap, Toilet Paper, Scrubbing NEMO together with the Guyana/ Brushes, Bottle Water, Plastic Plates Saint Lucia Association and the Saint [with cutlery], Hair Shampoo, Plasters, Lucia Red Cross thus launches this ap- Bandages, Disinfectant, Buckets, Blan- peal to the Nation to open their hearts kets, Tooth paste, and Tooth brush. NO to yet another sister State affected by a CLOTHES HAVE BEEN REQUEST- Guyana floods disaster. ED. Saturday, February 5, 2005 Saint Lucia 3 : Bringing state-of-the-art Network to St. Lucia he Government of Saint Lu- will be able to transmit over three mil- on January 15, 2004. In addition, the switched long distance at competitive cia has issued a submarine ca- lion simultaneous telephone calls— company has received authority to land prices; (2) International private line and Tble landing licence to Antilles greatly expanding telecommunications its fibre in Barbados and expects final data services, including bandwidth on Crossing (St. Lucia) Limited. and data capacity and quality in the regulatory approvals to operate the ca- demand; (3) High-speed fixed wireless Antilles Crossing,(St. Lucia) Limited Eastern Caribbean. ble in February from the Government Internet services; (4) Data warehous- of Barbados. Once the final approv- ing, business continuity and disaster is a subsidiary of Antilles Crossing, LP, It is expected that telecommunica- als are received and Antilles Crossing recovery services, and (5) Wholesale a joint venture between Light & Pow- tions carriers in Dominica, Martinique, has finished its final assessment of the capacity to other carriers. er Holdings Limited of Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Leucadia National Corporation. Antil- regulatory environment, it will be in a The completion of the Antilles will be able to microwave position to begin construction. Once les Crossing, LP plans to construct a their signals to Saint Lucia for trans- Crossing fibre will improve the com- state-of-the-art 40-gigabit per second construction is started, the system is petitive position of the new cellular port to networks around the world via (Gbps) network from St. Croix in the expected to be operational within sev- carriers and help data and Internet us- U.S. Virgin Islands to Vigie Bay, Saint Antilles Crossing. en to eight months. ers by removing service related prob- Lucia and subsequently to Needham’s Antilles Crossing received U.S. Fed- The range of telecommunications lems such as signal latency (time lag) Point, Barbados. eral Communications Commission ap- services to be provided by Antilles and packet loss resulting from satellite Once constructed, the cable system proval to land the cable in St. Croix Crossing will include: (1) Circuit- transmission.

tave said the program had so far proven for integrated services at the family to be successful. level. Secondary School “Some of our successes of the pro- “Overtime, I do believe that this gram include the commitment of Rovers project could be considered another to the task of educating and stimulating learning ground, a resource for many graduates now serving children in their care, an increase sense currently active in the more formal ed- of responsibility and improvement in ucation institution, as it tries to incor- self esteem. Expression of satisfaction porate recent thinking on child rearing, as Caregivers from community members who have socialization, and parenting theories indicated improved social skills and and practices”, Mr. Schreurs said.. he St. Lucia Chapter of the in Jamaica, and is a non-profit initiative development in language patterns of The program will be replicated in the Roving Caregivers Program designed to provide early stimulation children in the program. The inclusion communities of Bruce Ville, Boisden, Twas officially launched at the and enrichment to young children, who of three male rovers in the program we Anse la Raye and Augier, and is funded Greenfields Inn in Dennery on Tues- have no access to early childhood edu- consider a major success despite the at- by international and local agencies. In- day. The implementation process be- cation. The program was implemented titude of male to ECD programming in ternational donors include the Bernard gan in September 2004, and included in St. Lucia, following a recent Social St. Lucia”, said Mrs. Gustave. Veer Leer Foundation, the Caribbean the extensive training of 15 second- Protection Review, which indicated Senior Programme Specialist of the Support Initiative and the United Na- ary school graduates who are now that 39% of the nation’s children from Van Leer Foundation Mr. Hubb Sch- tions Children Fund. Among the local serving as caregivers or rovers in the ages 0-4 years were living below the reurs, said the Rovers Caregivers pro- funding agencies are the Poverty Re- communities of Auxlyon, Dennery poverty line, while 20% had no access gram had the potential of bringing men duction Fund, the Basic Needs Trust Village, Monchy and Riviere Mitan. to day care services. and women together in social and eco- Fund and the Ministry of Social Trans- The Roving caregivers early child- Education officer for early child- nomic development activities. He be- formation, Culture and local Govern- hood home visiting program originated hood education Mrs. Marguerite Gus- lieves that the projects set an example ment.

ice President of the People’s enhanced, and mutually beneficial co- Republic of China, His Ex- operation steadily expanded, as evi- Vice President of China Vcellency Zeng Qinghong, ar- denced by good co-operative relations rived in Jamaica today (February 1), in various fields. following a three-day visit to Trini- “Facts prove that it serves the long- arrives in Jamaica for dad and Tobago. term and fundamental interests of both The Vice President is on his first of- peoples to strengthen China-Jamaica ficial visit to the island to attend the relations. The Chinese Government and Trade Forum China-Caribbean Economic and Trade people value their traditional friendship Co-operation Forum, which will be with Jamaica,” he added. held at the Jamaica Conference Centre “The purpose of my current visit is in Kingston from February 2 to 3. As to strengthen the mutual trust between a supporting event of the Forum, the China and Jamaica, expand consensus, China-Caribbean Trade Fair will be deepen co-operation and seek common held at the National Arena from Febru- development. I shall have an in-depth ary 2 to 5. exchange of views with Prime Minis- In a statement, issued on his arrival ter Patterson on strengthening bilateral at the Norman Manley International relations, and on international issues of Airport in Kingston, Vice President common interest,” he explained. Qinghong expressed pleasure at being The Forum, which has as its theme: in the island. “Promoting Friendship and Partnership “I am very pleased to pay an official for Common Development”, will be visit to Jamaica - the land of wood and divided in two parts to facilitate gov- water. I would like to extend my high- ernment-to-government exchanges and est tribute to the great Jamaican people business-to-business deals. and convey to you the cordial greetings The inter-governmental exchange and good wishes from the Chinese peo- will address issues relating to trade and ple”, the statement said. investment, human resource develop- He noted that although China and ment, agriculture, fisheries, science and Jamaica were geographically distant, technology, finance as well as tourism friendly exchanges between Chinese and transportation, while the business and Jamaicans dated back to one and a conference will concentrate on half centuries ago. At the opening ceremony of the Fo- “Our two countries shared similar rum, to be held at the Jamaica Confer- historical experience and are now both ence Centre on February 2, Prime Min- striving to build a better future. I sin- ister Patterson and the Vice President cerely wish Jamaica prosperity and its will address the gathering. people well-being, with constant new China is expected to send a 100-mem- progress on their road to development,” ber governmental delegation headed by Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, K.D. Knight (left), escorting Vice Mr. Qinghong said. Vice Minister of Commerce, An Min, President of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Zeng Qinghong (right) The Vice President noted that since and a group of 165 entrepreneurs from across the tarmac after he arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport China and Jamaica established dip- 70 enterprises, who will be expected to in Kingston by special aircraft this morning (Tues. Feb. 1) on an official three-day lomatic ties 32 years ago, the mutual cover areas of trade, investment, tour- visit to the island. understanding has been continuously ism, finance and transportation. 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, February 5, 2005 PM returns from French Guiana and pledges to Negate the Neglect! PM Anthony explaining a painting of the Pitons to President of the General Council of Martinque, Pierre Desert. PM’s wife Dr. Rosemary ity; and more so because it is the Prime Lucia’s experience with its annual Jazz Antoine-Anthony is at right Minister of St. Lucia.” He said it was Festival and said they would send rep- “a great honour” for him and his Coun- resentatives to attend and observe the rime Minister Dr Kenny D. clude the Kweyol language, Carnival cillors. 14th St. Lucia Jazz Festival in May. Anthony last week returned and Jazz Festivals, all of which opened The Mayor said St. Lucians are well Mayor Lafontaine identified cooper- to St. Lucia following a up avenues for closer cooperation.” three-day visit to French An avid footballer, President Kar- PGuiana, promising to develop closer ram also suggested sports exchanges ties aimed at ending the isolation of between St. Lucia and French Guiana, St. Lucians in the distant French ter- “beginning with a visit to St. Lucia by ritory. a team from Cayenne in the not too dis- Prime Minister Anthony, who was tant future.” accompanied by External Affairs Min- In the case of General Council Presi- ister Senator Petrus Compton and Con- dent Desert (whose wife is St. Lucian sul General to the French Antilles Mr and whose daughter is also married to Cass Elias, met with the main lead- a prominent Vieux Fort businessman) ers of the political and administrative said there was much interest among structures in the French Overseas De- French Guianese business persons in partment and also held several meet- exporting lumber and wood-related ings with St. Lucians in various com- products to St. Lucia, as well as in de- munities across the territory, which is velopment of tourism and cultural ex- located on the north-western shoulder changes. of South America. He said many St. Lucians experi- Dr Anthony and his delegation held enced difficulties in accessing birth major discussions with the President of certificates and other relevant immi- the Regional Council Mr Antoine Kar- gration documents from St. Lucia and ram, as well as with the President of welcomed the appointment of the Con- the General Council Mr Pierre Desert sul General in Martinique with respon- and Mayor of Cayenne Jean Claude sibility for the French Antilles as a first La Fontaine, on issues ranging from step towards addressing those needs. strengthening of ties with St. Lucian President Desert said St. Lucians communities to cooperation and ex- were among his staff and Councillors changes in such fields as business, cul- and they worked hard and continued ture and sports. to identify with their land of birth or Regional Council President Karram, origin of their parents in a way that at- whose grandmother hails from Vieux tracted the appreciation and praise of Fort, noted that this was the fist visit to French Guianese. Said Monsieur Des- French Guiana by a St. Lucian Prime ert: “I love St. Lucians; I married one Minister. He said his countrymen ap- and so did my daughter.” preciated the role of St. Lucians who, The Mayor of Cayenne (capital of “over three generations, worked hard French Guiana), who PM Anthony also and sacrificed tremendously to help met on the first day of his visit, said he build the territory.” was “very pleased to have the honour He said “St. Lucia and French Gui- of welcoming a Prime Minister of an ana share several cultural ties that in- independent nation to this municipal- PM Kenny Anthony and delegation welcomed at Rochambeau Airport by St. Lucians sporting their national flag and colours respected in French Guiana and “they ation in development and promotion of carry themselves with respect and con- Kweyol as another area of interest for tribute to its growth, but they also main- his municipality. He noted that there tain a great pride in St. Lucia, which are five variations of the Kweyol lan- they always consider their home.” guage spoken in French Guiana. Apart Mayor Lafontaine, whose office co- from the indigenous Guianese Kweyol, ordinates the three-year-old Cayenne he noted those spoken by immigrants Jazz Festival and the territory’s annual from Haiti, Martinique and Guade- Carnival (Touloulou) said he wished loupe, Dominica and St. Lucia. to develop closer ties between his mu- To this end, he said, “St. Lucia’s nicipal body and St. Lucia’s Cultural experience in promoting the Kweyol Development Foundation (CDF). Language and in organizing Jounen To this end, a representative of the Kweyol activities could be very help- CDF, Mrs Barbara DuBoulay, who ful to the efforts of French Guianese to was also a member of the Prime Min- unify the languages that are being pro- ister’s delegation, held meetings with moted separately by groups of different the municipality’s director of cultural national origins.” affairs and other Carnival organizers, The Prime Minister’s delegation with a view to ensuring participation also met with ACREDEG, an associa- by groups from Cayenne in St. Lucia’s tion of representatives of commercial, upcoming Carnival 2005 in July. industrial, agricultural, tourism, fish- Foreign Service Officer Linda Brice (right) meets her sister in Cayenne The Mayor’s office also indicated ing, timber, construction and gold min- (center) for the first time interest in learning lessons from St. ing interests, who expressed interest in Saturday, February 5, 2005 Saint Lucia 5 PM returns from French Guiana and pledges to Negate the Neglect! PM Anthony receives a welcome gift from Mayor of Cayenne, exploring avenues for the development However, the Prime Minister indi- Jean Claude La Fontaine of commercial ties and investment pos- cated that the French Government had sibilities in St. Lucia. opened the way for closer contact by they visited St. Lucia. Others identified ket in Cayenne, accompanied by the The Guianese commercial and pri- generously relaxing the requirements property inheritance in the absence President of the Regional Council and vate sector representatives noted that for visas for travel by St. Lucians to the of the relevant documentation, while the Mayor of Cayenne, Prime Minister some recommended a series of student Anthony met several St. Lucians who exchanges to help better inform the were engaged in agricultural and live- younger generation of the historic ties stock industries and who provided ser- between the two countries. vices of various types on Market Day. There was also a proposal for the es- A highlight of the Prime Minister’s tablishment of a Maison de Ste Lucie visit to French Guiana was a specially (St. Lucia House) in Cayenne, to better guided tour of the Guiana Space Centre inform St. Lucian descendants about at Kourou, from where European satel- the history and culture of their land of lites are launched into space and where origin. St. Lucians are also employed. The Prime Minister, who updated The PM and his delegation were al- the St. Lucians in Cayenne on devel- lowed privileged access to the launch opments back home, assured them that pad, the control centre and the location after his visit, they “will no longer feel where the Arianne 5 rocket is being neglected” as the Government of St. constructed and prepared for launching Lucia would ensure they were served next month. by the Consulate General in Mar- Dr Anthony was taken from Kourou tinique. He also said that steps would on a visit to the tiny land-locked village continue towards the appointment of of Saul, which is based in the centre of a complementary resident Honorary French Guiana, and which, along with Consul in Cayenne to attend to their neighbouring Saint Elie, are mining immediate needs. communities originally founded by St. The Prime Minister said he appreci- Lucian miners in the last century. ated “how St. Lucians live with honour, On his return home, Prime Minister pride and dignity in a land that is not Anthony said he saw the visit as “the their own” and he was also “encour- beginning of the end of the isolation aged by the level of appreciation for of the St. Lucian community in French their contribution to Cayenne’s devel- Guiana.” He said the St. Lucia Gov- opment as expressed generally by the ernment was also “ready and willing people of French Guiana.” to work with the French Government After being treated to special cultural and the local administrative authorities performances that featured musicians to examine areas in which mutually of St. Lucian origin playing songs of beneficial commercial, cultural and La Rose and La Marguerite, the Prime sporting links could be developed for Minister said he was “quite pleased further friendship and cooperation, in that they also celebrate Independence the interest of all.” and other national holidays, play crick- He said he felt comfortable that his et and in several other ways maintain visit had “opened the way for closer contact with their St. Lucian roots.” cooperation, and negating the neglect During a visit to the Central Mar- of the past.” PM Kenny Anthony and delegation welcomed at Rochambeau Airport by St. Lucians sporting their national flag and colours direct trade opportunities with St. Lucia French Antilles. were hampered by the cost and transit He said since then, direct contact problems associated with transporta- between Martinique and St. Lucia had tion, but also expressed an interest in multiplied and resulted in thriving exploring how commercial ties could cross-channel business for commercial be developed. interests in both islands, as well as in- To this end, the ACREDEG indi- creased tourism flows both ways. cated that a delegation representing St. Lucia’s experience with Mar- the Guianese timber industry would tinique, the PM said, indicated that be visiting St. Lucia in March to ex- “where there’s a will to do business, plore avenues for business. They also once pursued in the right way and with indicated they would send a separate the right spirit, it can happen.” and larger delegation to Castries later Prime Minister Anthony held two to explore wider opportunities for joint very lively and well attended meetings investment. with large groupings of St. Lucians in There was some pessimism and Cayenne, during which they welcomed scepticism expressed on the part of the him and his delegation with cultural Guianese business leaders about the performances. likelihood and possibilities of develop- The St. Lucians explained what ing direct commercial and business ties some of their problems were. Among between French Guiana and St. Lu- those identified were Customs and Im- cia, citing distance, competition from migration regulations and lengthy in- PM and Mrs. Anthony with a St. Lucian national and children at the neighbouring Brazil and other factors. transit stays in Martinique whenever Kindergarten School at the Mayor’s Office in Kourou 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, February 5, 2005

the Adelaide and Frances Memorial to $100,000. were providing much need support to The plight of the elderly aban- Adelaide observes government in meeting the needs of the doned by relatives was also a concern elderly. He however lamented that still for Dr Vaughn Lewis, who was in- too many of the island’s aged are aban- vited to speak at Sunday’s ceremony. 20th Anniversary doned by their relatives. According to Dr. Lewis, older folk Speaking in Creole Dr. Anthony said, are usually left alone unattended ei- t was a day of celebration for officials, the elderly and two visiting “Nou ni pou fe sa nou pe’ pou fe’ jen- ther because of extensive migration the Adelaide and Frances Me- contingents from Martinique and nenwasyon an ki ka vini an’ konpwann or employment. He added that there yo passe’ abandonnen’ gwan moun yo. was need for institutions at all levels, morial Home for the Elderly on Dominica. I Yo passe’ abandonnen fanmi yo, nou ni which can provide solace and com- Sunday, as the institution observed Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny An- its 20th anniversary with a thanks- pou witounen’ pou kilti nou te’ konnet fort to people who feel displaced and giving mass at the Minor Basilica thony, who addressed the gathering in avan,” alone. of the Immaculate Conception, fol- Kweyol commended Chairman of the The Prime Minister announced that The Adelaide and Frances Memo- lowed by a parade on the Derek Home, Mr. Augustus Justin for his con- government would be increasing its rial for the Elderly is observing its Walcott Square. Sunday’s celebra- tribution to the island’s senior citizens. yearly subvention to the Adelaide and 20th anniversary under the theme tion brought together government Dr. Anthony said that institutions like Frances Memorial Home from $60,000 “God is Real”

either on its own or together with our allied forces of the Antilles zone. To French ship “Francis Garnier” this end, it is able to welcome, accom- modate and cater a Marine Corp of 120 seamen, and to load up to 20 vehicles, coming for Independence sucha as trucks, cisterns, and 4-wheel- drive vehicles. for groups not exceeding 10 persons. It is also made to appeal in times Interested groups can call telephone of hurricane disasters. Its transporta- number 455-6602 in order to schedule tion capacity makes it a precious as- their visit on board. set to carry earth moving machines, The “Francis Gamier” is a light ambulances and humanitarian freight transportation ship of the French Ma- to disaster areas. As such, the “Francis rine, brought into service in 1974. It Gamier” took part in the humanitar- has been based in Fort de France since ian rescue operations in Grenada and July 2004. It has just taken over from Jamaica September 2004, in the after- the “Champlain” that had to be dis- math of hurricane Ivan. armed. The “Francis Gamier” is very useful With a length of 80 meters, the in the Caribbean area, because it is a “Francis Gamier” has a displacement multi purpose ship with various quali- The Francis Gamier of 1300 tons at 15 knots. Its crew con- ties. It is able to carry out as well, tradi- sists in 4 officers and 47 seamen. Its tional maritime surveillance or public n the occasion of Saint Lu- 2005. The public is invited to visit main activity consists in the transporta- utility missions, such as disembarka- cia’s 26th Anniversary of In- the vessel on Sunday 20th February tion of Marine Corps in the framework tion missions, thanks to its ability to Odependence, the French ship from 2 to 7 p.m. of combined operations. “beach”, which means to voluntarily “Francis Garnier” will visit Port Moreover, visits can be organized Operational all the year round, it car- strand, in order to disembark vehicles Castries from 16th to 23rd February during the morning of the same day, ries out inter-arms training missions, and troupes. Architects to approach new status with responsibility and sensitivity rchitects Awareness Week for architects have lobbied consistent- of architecture, but more importantly challenge of shaping an environment, being celebrated this week ly for the profession to be recognised however, the Act entrusts architects which is sustainable, which is friendly A(January 30 - February 5) has through legislation”, Mr. Hennicart with a serious responsibility for the hu- and which will leave a legacy for fu- taken on added significance for its said, calling on the current 32 members man environment. ture generations. It is that responsibil- membership, with the recent passing of the Institute to approach their new In declaring Architects Awareness ity that has led this government to pass of the Architects Registration Act on status with responsibility and sensitiv- legislation empowering architects, and January 21, 2005. Week open, Minister for Physical De- ity. placing the future and the landscape So said President of the Saint Lucia He commended the government for velopment, Environment and Housing, of this country firmly in your hands,” Institute of Architects (SLIA) Mark its vision and recognition of the contri- Honourable Ferguson John, who pi- Hennicart, who pointed out that along bution which the practice of architec- loted the Act through Parliament said Minister John said. with its 9th Anniversary, the architects ture makes to sustainable development, the Act would support the mandate of Architects Awareness Week is be- were celebrating the recognition now noting that the Architecture Registra- architects. ing held under the theme: Sun, Sea and accorded to them through the Act. tion Act now provides for the regis- “In this Architectural Awareness Architecture, reflecting the architects’ “This achievement is momentous, tration and regulation of the practice Week, you will be asked to meet the role in tourism development. OECS and Commonwealth Youth Pro- gramme explore new plans for Sports he OECS Sports Desk and the Head of the OECS Sports Desk Da- been pursuing the implementation Commonwealth Youth Pro- vid Peterkin and the Regional Director of this programme since 2002 on the Tgramme’s Caribbean Centre of the CYP’s Caribbean Centre Arm- advice of its regional advisory board. are exploring an initiative to develop strong Alexis brainstormed the idea at Alexis noted that the CYP, not being a contingent of Community Sports the Castries based OECS Secretariat sports oriented, sought the support of Leaders in the sub-region. on Monday January 30th 2005. an organization with responsibilities Both parties are discussing an ex- Peterkin says the areas associated with for sports development. To this end, ercise to help individuals design and the proposed Community Sports Lead- the OECS Sports Desk was identified implement a strategic and structured ers programme include basic rules of as the organization that shared the sim- sports programme for communities in sporting events, club structure, coach- ilar kind of orientation with the CYP. OECS member states. ing, working with different age groups The CYP believes that working with and community leadership through the OECS Sports Desk will yield the The concept is consistent with the physical education. expected results. agenda of both the OECS Sports Desk David Peterkin and the Commonwealth Youth Pro- The programme is also designed to Alexis says the Community Sports reverse the situation of male marginal- gramme (CYP) which involves the de- enhance the status of course conduc- Leaders exercise will introduce the ization. velopment of youth and communities tors and master course conductors. CYP’s sports programme for the re- The proposed Community Sports by creating multi-disciplined individu- The two organisations also agree that gion. Leaders initiative has already attracted als. Both institutions envision the pro- there is an urgent need for Community The OECS Sports Desk believes the interest of several persons in the gramme as one that will complement Sports Leaders in the OECS. that the gender inclusive Community OECS. It will also involve the partici- the activities of sporting organisations. However, the CYP has specifically Sports Leadership plan can also help to pation of other development partners. Saturday, February 5, 2005 Saint Lucia 7 Change the attitude towards Caribbean travel – Tourism Official

irector of Tourism, Hilary you in. I think if we are very serious Modeste has highlighted the about this, and certainly the Caribbean, Dneed for Caribbean Commu- which is so dependent on tourism, then nity (CARICOM) member countries there has to be a different attitude on to do more to ease the hassle facing the part of our immigration people to- nationals when travelling through- wards our visitors”, Mr. Modeste said. out the region. His comments came in the wake of According to the high ranking tour- many CARICOM countries like St. ism official, it has become increasingly Lucia, reporting record numbers of in- difficult to travel the region, not be- ter-regional travel. Mr. Modest is of the cause of inadequate scheduling on the view that these statistics could swell part of the airlines, but primarily due even further, with a more efficient and to the complex processing format and visitor-friendly processing system in attitudes of Caribbean immigration of- place for regional tourists. ficials. Mr. Modeste also underscored moves “What is the point of having a spe- afoot at bringing the CARICOM Sin- cial area that says CARICOM nation- gle Market and Economy (CSME) on als, and when you get there, customs stream, which in itself, calls for easing officers spend ten minutes looking at L - R: Costello Michel, SLTB Chairman; Philip Pierre,Tourism Minister; of restrictions on the movement of la- your passport and grudgingly allowing and Hilary Modeste, Director of Tourism bour.

application licences and permits for cia. This project will eventually close use of water in water controlled areas. on the 31st of March 2005”, the Minis- Bill passed to enhance “The water resources management ter informed. Agency is expected to assume and continue to perform the functions of The Bill was facilitated and directed water quality and use the Water Resources Unit, among oth- under the terms of the 5th Water Re- ers, whose activities were funded by form Project, initiated by Government, Bill seeking to reconcile a Addressing the Speaker of the House, the European Union, under the Stabex and funded by the World Bank and the number of key elements in Minister for Public Utilities, Hon Felix Funds and the Government of St. Lu- Caribbean Development Bank. Athe supply and use of water Finisterre said, “It looks to, of course, on the island was passed on Tuesday, give certain regulatory certainty so that February 1 in the first sitting of the the persons, who invest their money House of Assembly for 2005. could be ensured of a fair return on their investment. Also, it looks at pro- The Bill came on the heels of the tecting the right and the needs of the Prime Minister’s New Year’s Address socially vulnerable and poorest of our in which he cited water as a major pri- society; so no one is going to be left ority for his Government in 2005. behind.” The Water and Sewage Bill, which The Bill also gives the State rights replaces the Water and Sewage Act of 1999, came after a long and compre- to rivers and ravines, thereby protect- hensive process of national consulta- ing the resource from harmful agents. tion, during which a national water It also makes provisions for the estab- policy was formulated. The bill looked lishment of a Water Resource Manage- at issues of quality of service and the ment Agency to be located within the protection and management of the re- Ministry of Agriculture. The Agency source base, attracting private sector would advise the Ministry on several investment. issues including the consideration of WASCO’s waster storage and treatment facilty at Ciceron

The mission is delighted to have the support of the British High Commis- British fine foods to the Caribbean sion and the Auberge Seraphine hotel he British Caribbean Cham- tasting will be fine preserves, bis- pork products from Wales; and Wom- in St. Lucia. The hotel will be hosting ber of Commerce is leading cuits and speciality teas and refresher ersley Fine Foods, showing hand made a brunch for specially invited guests Ta UK Trade & Investment drinks produced for HRH The Prince fruit and herb jellies, fruit and herb vin- from the food and drink industry. There sponsored trade mission of British of Wales’s company, Duchy Originals. egars and chutney, that compliment the will also be an afternoon tea for a local fine food producers to the Eastern Products for Duchy Originals are made excellent meat and fish products avail- ladies charity group. Caribbean. The mission will visit St from the finest organic produce, beau- able. Resident British Commissioner, Lucia from 3-6 February. tifully packaged and presented. Working with local chefs from the Kelvin Green, said “I am sure that the Sophie Grigson, celebrity cook and Others participating are Bleikers islands of Barbados, St. Lucia and An- participating British companies will a familiar face on British TV screens, Smokery of North Yorkshire, smok- tigua, Sophie has designed a special find an enthusiastic market for their will be travelling with the mission to ers of fine fish products; Mackenzie menu marrying the British products high quality products in St Lucia.” Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. Yorkshire Smokery, smokers of qual- with local Caribbean products. She will Profiles and contact details of the Sophie said. “I am delighted to be ity smoked meats and pork products; be conducting a special masterclass participating companies can be found introducing some of the very best of The English Beef and Lamb Executive for catering students at the Sir Arthur on the web site for the British Carib- British Fine Foods to the Caribbean”. who will be bringing with them cuts of Lewis Community College on Friday, bean Chamber of Commerce www. Amongst the products available for Spring Lamb from the Cotswolds and 4 February. britishcaribbean.com.

medication regularly, decrease the risk Leprosy Day was observed under the for passing this disease on to a healthy theme, “Uniting Forces in the fight St. Lucia observed person”, Minister Greaves said. against Leprosy”. Global statistics reveal that over 500,000 new cases of leprosy were de- World Leprosy Day on tected during 2003. In Saint Lucia, 13 new cases of leprosy were detected in 2004, a figure which according to Min- Sunday, January 30th ister Greaves is high when compared to hile the Ministry of Health said the success of the Leprosy Control the size of island’s population. continues to develop and Programme will depend immeasurably “Every St. Lucian must make it his/ Wimprove its program for on people changing their attitude to- her duty to learn about this disease. I the control of Leprosy, health offi- wards the disease. am making a special appeal to those cials say they are concern that many “We must change our perception of communities where Leprosy numbers persons still have a negative percep- this disease and see it for what it is, are high; together let us fight this dis- tion of the disease. that is, just another infectious disease, ease and win the battle against Lepro- In a national address on the occa- which is curable and does not kill. sy”, he said. sion of the 52nd observance of World Here are the facts about Leprosy: there Leprosy is one of the oldest recorded Leprosy Day on Sunday, January 30th, is a cure for leprosy and medication is diseases, with affected persons suffer- Section of Victoria Hospital housing Health Minister Hon. Damien Greaves free of charge. Patients who take their ing gross deformities. This year World the Leprosy Unit 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, February 5, 2005 Media given opportunity to question The Landings Continued from front page (CWC) comes around in 2007, some and assuming a multiplier of four, an penditure by tourists increased by ap- Putting it more bluntly to the small 150 units of 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms or additional 2,400 persons will benefit. proximately US$43 million from EC$ number of media personnel who turned 250 – 275 bedrooms would have been The property is also expected to pay 761.6 million to EC$879.3 million. up at a lunch meeting at Le Sport to constructed. And assuming an occu- for electricity, water and other services, This includes expenditure on accom- provide an opportunity for them to pancy rate of 60 per cent, the unit own- and will contribute to the community modation, meals and drinks, transpor- question the investors and seek clarifi- ers would yield a return of six per cent as a good corporate citizen, siad Mr. tation, shopping, souvenirs, tours and entertainment. cation on issues they are not comfort- annually, which compares favourably Heaps. able with, was shareholder and Chair- Also, some six farmers will be ad- with the rate of interest in the interna- In terms of foreign currency inflows opted and assisted in growing food and man of the Board of Directors of The tional economy. Landings, Craig Barnard: “The Land- to the island, it is assumed that The vegetables for The Landings, a similar ings in St. Vincent (for example) is not Benefits to St. Lucia Landings will bring additional visitors arrangement with what obtains at Le worth a lot. But in St. Lucia, where the In addition to enhancing the room to the island, thereby increasing the Sport. Mr. Barnard noted that vegeta- economy is strong, it is worth a lot”. count for CWC 2007, some 600 jobs flow of foreign currency into St. Lucia. bles eat up 25% and meats 20% of the will be created during construction, Statistics show that in 2004, total ex- food and beverage bill. Investment climate But Mr. Heaps and Mr. Barnard are not the only ones who have seen enough merit in the economy and people of St. Lucia ‘to put their money where their mouth is’. Only late last year Gordon “Butch” Stewart, citing the island’s favourable investment climate announced that his Sandals Resort International (SRI) outfit would bring its tally of resort properties in St. Lucia to four, with the construction of a US$80 million resort alongside Sandals Grande. For the same reasons, the econo- my and people, Chairman of Destiny Health and Wellness based in Canada, David Singh was enticed to bring his outfit to St. Lucia. And the same was the case for Steven Baker, President David Vitalis of the Mirror has the attention of The Landings officials. and CEO of United Network of the GIS’ Chris Satney is at right and Micah George of The Voice in foreground. Eastern Caribbean (UNEC); and Pat- HTS’ Candy Nicholas not in picture. rick Casserly, CEO of E-Services. The Landings’ officials revealed and spoke on several pertinent issues relat- ing to the project. Adelaide and Frances Memorial THIS WEEK ON NTN History After working in St. Lucia in the Home celebrates 20th Anniversary 1970s, Mr. Heaps returned two years L - R: Sat. Feb. 5th - Fri. Feb. 11th, 2005 ago, at which time local entrepreneur, Prime Minister Barnard Johnson, who has developed The GIS speaks with the president of properties around the Rodney Bay area, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony; the St. Lucia Cancer Society – Sat. showed him the Rosewood site next Augustus Justin; and Feb. 5th, 6:30 p.m. to Sandals Grande. “The site looked Mitchelle Chelmancy, · “Sports in Action” – The GIS just like the one in Barbados, where a speaks with OECS Sports Director, similar, but smaller project was estab- Mayor of Lorraine in David Peterkin - Sat. Feb. 5th, 8:00 lished”, Mr. Heaps said. Martinque p.m. attending the · “From the Archives of the GIS” Upon his return in December last Soccer Galore – China Vs St. Lucia year, he put an offer, “but did not get Celebrations –Sun. Feb. 6th, 6:30 p.m. anywhere”. “I identified another site, at the Derek · Green Wealth: Caring For Our En- put an offer and was accepted; we paid vironment -Mon. Feb. 7th, 6:15 p.m. Walcott Square US$4.75 million for the 19 acre site; the · “How to Fill In Your Income Tax selling price will not impact unduly, on Returns” - Tues. Feb. 8th, 7:30 p.m. property prices and inflation”, he said. ·Legal Issues of HIV/AIDS and Em- Pointing to the fact that all real estate ployment - Wed. Feb. 9th, 8:30 p.m. prices rise over time, he compared a Senior citizens · Rebroadcast: Latest Edition of $1 million apartment in Canada today, enjoying a Banana Bits - “Issues of Fair Trade” – Thurs. Feb. 10th, 9:00 p.m. which was worth just $27,000 in 1967. meal during · DIWALI – A Cultural Tradition in The environment the Trinidad and Tobago – Fri. Feb. 11th, 6:30 p.m. Mr. Heaps assured that the Environ- Celebrations mental Impact Assessment, undertaken Remember to tune in for: by Smith Warner in Jamaica, one of at the Derek · GIS News Breaks and Kweyol the best in the region was favourable, Walcott Square News daily from 6:30 p.m. given that there would be no outfall · Issues & Answers/Mondays at into the sea and all wastes would go to 8:00pm: a treatment plant. · Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm : · Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 8:00pm In addition, there would be no fuel- (Kweyol Discussion): ling on the project compound for the Secondary School graduates serve as Caregivers · Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 70 - 80 boats there, leaving this for 6:15 p.m. (Min. of Ed. Prog). Rodney Bay Marina to do, citing the “The implemen- Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm immediate spin-off of the project. Also, (Week in Review) only owners of the 228 units would be tation process · Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm - (Week allowed to enter the project’s harbour. began in in Review—Kweyol) Benefit to unit owners September 2004, Pointing out that the project expects and included the For the complete programme guide, to spend over US$1 million on market- extensive training log on to our website at www.stlucia. gov.lc and then click on the NTN icon. ing this year, four of the 54 units to be of 15 secondary constructed in the first phase starting in school graduates” November this year have already been sold. By the time Cricket World Cup 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