Issue 3 January/ February 2014

Youth in Agriculture Stress Management What are your true sources of stress? Youth Art Cancer Month What You Need To Know

Independence 2014 Activities

Climate Change and our Way of Life

WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 1

www.slunyc.org | www.slugovprintery.com | [email protected] | email: [email protected] | www.facebook.com/whatsnext Editorial What’s Next generally caters to persons between the ages of At the regional level, persons such as Vernon Lewis (lawn 17 years and 35 years. This group of persons is referred to as tennis), Earl Jean (football), Danielle Beaubrun (swimming) youth. One would therefore assume that upon reaching the age Joseph Clercent and Julian Biscette (volleyball), to name a few, of thirty five, one’s youthful exuberance would begin to diminish have all contributed to the growth of this young nation and so and a certain level of adult maturity would begin or should begin What’s Next salutes them all. to emerge. Is this also the case with a nation? In the field of entertainment our youth continue to excel. This year St. Lucia celebrates its thirty-fifth anniversary of Soca artistes such as Ricky T, Mongster and Teddyson John are independence and therefore as a nation we have just come to the creating regional and even international waves. Shane Ross can end of our youthful days. The nation’s journey from 1979 to and will hold his own against any regional crooner. 2014 has not been smooth sailing just as the journey of those There are several other youth in this country who have youth who lived through that period. However, as a nation we contributed significantly during this thirty–five year journey have come a long way, and yes, our youth had a meaningful role that a single editorial may be insufficient to highlight them all. to play. Some of these roles were played against all odds. They have contributed in the fields of business, the arts, culture, It was the boldness of our youth back in 1985 which saw community work, politics, agriculture, health and education. the formation of the National Youth Council. At that time What’s Next says take a bow to all these people. it was a decision which was not supported by the powers that The journey of taking St. Lucia through that initial period, be. However, with the persistence of its then leaders the NYC its first thirty-five years has been achieved through the efforts developed into a major force representing the nation’s youth of all. However, the contribution of the nation’s youth was and is now seen as the voice of the youth in St. Lucia. In this outstanding. St. Lucia needs to move on and once again the regard, What’s Next salutes Mario Michel and his team, persons youth will be required to put their shoulders to the wheel. Even such as Henry Charles, Lilia Auguste and Ernest Hilaire for those who have gone beyond the age of thirty-five will be needed their contribution to the establishment of the NYC. The work to keep this nation moving forward for it was Robert F. Kennedy of Dr. Valentine St. Rose and his team as well as Ms. Veronica who said, “This world demands the qualities of youth; not a Cenac and her team cannot go unmentioned. time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of While we have had some lows during our youthful journey, on the imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the the field of sports we have had some success. It was a youthful appetite for adventure over the life of ease.” Yes, St. Lucia needs Darren Sammy and Levern Spencer which brought much regional the qualities of youth because the qualities of youth is not a time and international acclaim to St. Lucia. Undoubtedly, Levern is in one’s life, it is not an age but rather an individual’s state of the best female high jumper in the English speaking Caribbean mind, a willingness to be bold, a willingness to try new things, to while Darren is captain of the West Indies cricket team. Until take on challenges, to be adventurous and experimental. recently, he captained the West Indies in all three formats of the St. Lucia has grown in these thirty-five years. We now need to game and it does not get bigger than that. transform this nation into a mature one. Ogden Nash reminds Darren’s entry into the West Indies was later followed by us that you are only young once, but you can stay immaturely Johnson Charles and Gairy Mathurin. Levern’s high jumping indefinitely. prowess is quickly being followed and in some instances matched by Jeannelle Scheper. Darvin Edwards is also coming to the party. Makeba Alcide has certainly made her country proud on John Sealy the college circuit in the USA. Editor

2 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 C o n t e s

Page 2 SMILES - How it has changed the lives of Single Women in

Page 3 Climate Change and Our Way of Life

Page 4 Youth in Agriculture - School Gardening Programme

Page 6 SADS Observes Youth Art Month

Page 8 When to use of Mobile, Broadband and Social Media

Page 10 Jadia Jn. Pierre in Focus

Page 12 The Caribbean Youth Environment Network

Page 13 Something Fishy Down There

Page 13 Cancer: What you Need to Know

Page 14 What to do with your next Tax Refund

Page 15 Independence 2014 Activities

Editor Printing and Design John Sealy National Printing Corporation Contributors Photo Credit (Cover) Wellness Innovators Daniel Lester Ministry of Education Ministry of Youth and Sports Website Ministry of Agriculture www.slugovprintery.com National Youth Council (NYC) E-mail National Printing Corporation (NPC) [email protected] National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) The Caribbean Youth Environment Network Collaborators WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 3 Ms Lianda Aimable and National Youth Council (NYC) Ms Patricia Valcin (Secondary School Councillors) and National Printing Corporation (NPC) The National Skills Development SMILES program and this is what they a stage where she knows what she needs Centre (NSDC) has had a significant had to say. to accomplish and thanks to NSDC/ impact on the careers and lives of over Cassilda Joseph, a single mother who SMILES program she now has the 8000 St. Lucians since its inception in was trained in Hospitality Tourism - Vil- foundation to build masterpieces in the 2001. The NSDC is a non-profit, quasi- la Services, stated that her life was very elaborate world of Culinary Arts. governmental skills training institution hard before training, she appreciated the Our last testimonial is Ms. Esma linked to the Ministry of Education. It new perspective and understanding on Theophile, a vibrant mother of three emerged as a holistic solution to the un- how aligning her attitude with her goals who was overzealous when asked the employed, disadvantaged and marginal- made a world of a difference “It’s bet- questions. She was almost too anxious ized youth epidemic that constricted the ter to have 80% attitude and 20% skills to talk while trying to contain her in- growth of St. Lucia. because then someone will feel inclined fectious smile. She was literally glowing. With an organizational approach that to teach you the necessary skills”. For Esma it was God working through is dedicated to the advancement of at- Our next interviewee was Casey Law- prayer as it all manifested in such a titudes, skills and knowledge necessary rence who stated that the program has timely manner. She credits the NSDC/ for survival in the global working envi- indeed been a blessing. She confessed SMILES team for the support through- ronment, the NSDC has effected change that she and her daughter have become out the program “They have been like through its inclusive skills training even closer as they now share a few more family to me.” She acknowledged her projects. One of these training projects things in common thanks to her cook- Facilitator for being the father and is the Single Mothers in Life Enhance- ing. Before the Program, Casey admitted brother figure to the class and thanked ment Skills (SMILES) initiative; an that she could not cook but now she can her church for the guidance and persist- initiative that targets unemployed, single in fact teach her daughter how to find ence with her. mothers throughout St. Lucia, focusing her way around a kitchen. “The course This was a holistic life changing ex- specifically on communities which suf- has taught me to be more independent perience for those trainees and for the fer from poverty and other related ills. and I feel confident knowing the skills NSDC it was all the reason in the world The goal of the project is to equip these that I’ve learnt will help me in securing a to keep on doing what they’re doing. women with skills which will facilitate job and a better life”. Here are a few more outstanding an improved quality of life through the In Choiseul the sentiments had been single mothers who have been chang- attainment of a job or the establishment echoed. “I don’t like it, I love it” said ing their lives. Shenelle Dujon- Cook of their own micro enterprise. Sandy Moses, a once shy and reluctant at Firegrill, Karrencer Mason- Early With graduation right around the person, is today a strong and confi- Childhood Education at Aunty Pinky’s corner the p ublic relations team in- dent leader. Sandy who admits that it Montessori, Rameau - Account- terviewed a few participants of the wasn’t all smooth sailing, has gotten to ing Clerk employed at Renwick.

2 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Climate Change and Our Way of Life In this first article, Lucius Doxerie, in his capacity as Communications/Liaison Officer with the Pilot ogrammePr for Climate Resilience (PPCR)-Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) provides information about climate change. The PPCR-DVRP is managed by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science, and Technology and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security.

Difference between Weather & Climate portation system and other important South Poles. They form because high- The difference between weather & cli- infrastructure are affected as a result of latitude polar regions receive less heat mate is rather simple. Weather is meas- the change in climate, you can well im- from the sun than other areas on Earth. ured over a short period of time. For agine the consequences on the nation as As a result, average temperatures at the example, every day, we get the weather a whole. For all the reasons (and many poles can be very cold. Unfortunately, report from the Meteorological Office. more) mentioned above, scientists believe average temperatures at the poles have The weather report tells us whether it that it is very, very, important to study begun [to get warmer] in recent years due will be rainy, sunny, cloudy, or windy or climate change. But just why is the cli- to [climate change]. As temperatures rise, whether there will be a combination of mate changing? the polar ice caps start to melt and break rain and sun etc. apart. The changing environment at the Climate tells us about how the weath- Why is the climate changing? poles affects people, animals and plants. er system has been over a period of time. According to the National Aeronau- People who live in coastal villages may Essentially, climate is “average” weather tics and Space Administration (NASA), have to abandon their homes as [the] over a period of approximately 30-40 there is one simple reason—the earth is sea levels rise. See more at: http://won- years. getting warmer. deropolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-polar- So, weather describes conditions in the As the earth gets warmer, it melts gla- ice-cap/#sthash.wtOktwIi.dpuf atmosphere over a short period of time, ciers. The National Snow and Ice Data In this edition, we learnt: (1) the dif- from hour to hour, day to day. Climate, Centre (NSIDC) describes glaciers as ference between weather and climate, (2) on the other hand, describes weather over fallen snow that, over many years, com- that the climate is changing, (3) that the several decades. presses into large, thickened ice masses. earth is getting warmer, (4) that the sea Due to sheer mass, glaciers flow like level is rising because the glaciers and Climate Change very slow rivers. Some glaciers are over polar ice caps are melting and (5) that For some time now, persons who a hundred kilometers long or 300,000 the lives of millions of people, including make studying the weather their business feet long! When these massive ice sheets our lives as Saint Lucians can be badly have been discussing climate change. By melt because the earth is getting warmer, affected. studying the weather consistently, and the release of water into the ocean con- In the next edition, we will explore by looking at long-term weather records, tributes to what is commonly known as the main reason why the earth has gotten they have detected that the global climate sea level rise. In other words, the sea gets warmer. We will discover terms like Glo- is changing. higher than normal. bal Warming and the Ozone Layer. In The melting of polar ice caps also con- the meantime, listen to and read about Why is it important to study the tributes to sea level rise. Polar ice caps are issues pertaining to climate change be- climate? sheets of ice found near the North and cause climate change affects everyone. Scientists who study the climate (as well as many other people) believe that it is very important to study the climate because the change in climate, or climate change, can affect the way we live. A change in climate may affect farmers and the crops they grow. Hurricanes, storms, and droughts may become more severe, causing greater destruction to the agri- cultural industry. More powerful floods can result in the destruction of road networks. More people may lose their homes and their belongings. Many peo- ple may become poorer and health care may be out of the reach of most citizens. When schools, health centres, fire stations, the road networks, the trans-

WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 3 Students of the Carmen Rene Primary school – outdoor lesson on different types of leaves.

RC Boys School Garden- Harvesting of lettuce. Youth in Agriculture

containerized vegetable garden was es- within their families and generations. tions declaration of 2014 as the Interna- School Gardening Program tablished with the grade 5 classes, and In many of our schools which have land tional Year of Family Farming (IFF), the has continued to this day. We have seen space, especially our secondary schools, many strides and achievements as an Ex- Vernet James, Youth Officer through the success and publicity of this we see our students being exposed to all tension Division over the years, go hand Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries, Co-operatives and Rural Development program many other inner city schools forms of agricultural practices ensuring in hand with this timely declaration. As benefiting by the establishment of their well rounded students. Some of these ac- a nation we are playing a significant role own containerized vegetable gardens. tivities are; greenhouse production, tissue in reducing hunger and poverty, ensuring Our nation’s youth over the past dec- ful fruits and vegetables, the eradication Youth in Agriculture program as a staple The importance of agriculture to our culture, orchid production, ornamental better management of natural resources, ades have always participated in school of unwanted pests & diseases and the in its annual work program, and weekly nation and the longevity of our personal and propagation practices, vegetable and instituting greater understanding of agricultural activities in the form of welcome appearance of beneficial organ- schedule of activities. One of our great- lives have always been our driving goal food production, aquaculture and live- food security and sovereignty and thriv- education, food production, nutrition isms. The true essence of a garden sym- est delights and sense of achievements with this program. School gardening has stock production and culinary skills. Ad- ing towards sustainable production sys- and enjoyment. A time well spent in our bolizes the complexities of life on one has been the establishment of school gar- always been much more than food pro- ditionally there is the link between health tems in our agricultural sector. There- school gardens by the various students hand, and on the other aroma and beauty dens in 98% of our inner city schools. duction or a form of laborious activity and nutritional dietary needs and foods fore, the Youth in Agricultural program through out the length and breathe of of life. Four years ago this initiative began as for students. School gardening must be produced within those gardens. plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our this nation, has always brought smiles, re- It is for this reason that the Extension an Adopt a School Program with the RC viewed as a learning tool to our students In light of the Food and Agriculture nation, Saint Lucia unites with FAO and lease of anxieties of the classroom strug- and Advisory Services Division of the Boys Primary School, as they celebrated by which health and wellness is sustained Organization (FAO) of the United Na- other nations in achieving these goals. gles, the growth and harvesting of color- Ministry of Agriculture has instituted the 100 years of educational success. A

4 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 5

SADS Observes Youth Art Month

School of Art and Design Saint Lucia will celebrate its Sec- ond Annual Youth Art Month activities in March this year under the theme: “Art Shapes the World”. The month long celebration is geared towards heightening the awareness of Vis- ual Art and Design and also promoting Art and Visual Arts education in Primary and Secondary Schools. As part of the celebrations the school has planned a number of activities to engage aspiring artists and designers by offering free after school art sessions for infant, primary and second- ary school students from a total of eight schools, as well as a school’s art competition and exhibition. In addition, drawing and painting sessions have been organized to promote visual arts as a method of relaxation and tension relief. The school will also collaborated with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a US art and design university to provide some workshops in Visual Arts to the public. It is the vision of the local institution to engage a number of other foreign creative organizations to form part of the annual event. The majority of the activities will be held during the month of March at the School of Art and Design Saint Lucia with the culminating activity, the Side Walk Chalk Festival, being held on the sidewalk in front the Bay Walk Shopping Mall on Easter Monday to showcase talents and artistic skills from various students and professional artists. Interested persons wishing to be part of these celebrations can contact the school at 451-4ART (278) or 285-6751 or visit its location in the Carilec Annex Building, Desir Ave., Sans Souci, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Thurs- days and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

6 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 7 Climate Change and Our Way of Life Difference between Weather & change, can affect the way we long! When these massive ice Climate live. A change in climate may The difference between weather sheets melt because the earth is affect farmers and the crops getting warmer, the release of & climate is rather simple. they grow. Hurricanes, storms, Weather is measured over a short water into the ocean contributes and droughts may become more to what is commonly known as period of time. For example, severe, causing greater destruc- every day, we get the weather sea level rise. In other words, the tion to the agricultural industry. sea gets higher than normal. report from the Meteorological More powerful floods can result Office. The weather report tells in the destruction of road net- The melting of polar ice caps also us whether it will be rainy, sunny, works. More people may lose cloudy, or windy or whether there contributes to sea level rise. Polar their homes and their belongings. ice caps are sheets of ice found will be a combination of rain and Many people may become poorer sun etc. near the North and South Poles. and health care may be out of the They form because high-latitude reach of most citizens. Climate tells us about how the polar regions receive less heat weather system has been over from the sun than other areas When schools, health centres, on Earth. As a result, average a period of time. Essentially, fire stations, the road networks, climate is “average” weather over temperatures at the poles can be the transportation system and very cold. Unfortunately, average a period of approximately 30- 40In Caseother important of infrastructureEmergency are years. temperatures at the poles have affected as a result of the change begun [to get warmer] in recent Use Mobile, Broadbandin climate, you can well imagineand Socialyears due to [climate Media change]. As So, weather describes conditions the consequences on the nation as in the atmosphere over a short temperatures rise, the polar ice a whole. For all the reasons (and caps start to melt and break apart. period of time, from hour to hour, many more) mentioned above, day to day. Climate,Do on You the Provideother Critical Information in Times ofThe Emergency? changing environment at the scientists believe that it is very, poles affects people, animals and hand, describesThen weather it’s Time over to Throwvery, a Socialimportant Media to study Lifeline climate to Your Mobile Audience several decades. plants. People who live in coastal Brought tochange. you fromBut just the why partnership is the cli- betweenvillages may have to abandon BrightPath Foundationmate changing? and the St. Lucia National Youth Council Climate Change their homes as [the] sea levels For some time now, persons who rise. See more at: http://won- People are increasingly turning to The Why Digital is the Triumvirateclimate changing? even faster than access on your computer make studying the weather their deropolis.org/wonder/what-is-a- social media services on their mobile AccordingSmartphones, to thesuch National as Apple’s Aero iPhone- at home. This, however, comes at a price. business have been discussing polar-ice-cap/#sthash.wtOktwIi. phones and tablets for answers and real- andnautics the army and ofSpace mobile Administration devices powered Thankfully,dpuf fierce competition between timeclimate updates change. on naturalBy studying disasters the and by(NASA), Google’s there Android is one operating simple system, rea- mobile carriers is now providing consum- emergencies.weather consistently, Whether powerand by outages, look- areson—the proving earth their is emergency getting warmer. worthiness ers with a range of pricing options for ingfreak-storms, at long-term flooding, weather landslides, records, traffic by empowering citizens to both discover bothIn this post-paid edition, and we pre-paid learnt: data plans. 1. The difference between theypileups, have earthquakes detected or thatsimilar the situations, global andAs theshare earth what getsis happening warmer, with it meltsan ease Mobile users with broadband data serv- smartphones with mobile broadband and convenience that was not possible a weatherices will generallyand climate have faster access to climate is changing. glaciers. The National Snow and connectivity and social media are emerg- few years ago. Mobile users can now post 2.online content.That the They climate will also is chang typically- ing as a powerful new triumvirate in the Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) de- be to able post their own content, share Why is it important to study the real time updates over the Internet, share ing digital era. photosscribes with glaciers geo-tagging as fallen information snow to text and multimedia information faster. climate? 3. That the earth is getting For those with Internet connectiv- identifythat, over locations, many andyears, of com course,- make Whether you’re creating or consuming Scientists who study the climate warmer ity on their mobile phones and savvy callspresses and sendinto textlarge, messages thickened too. ice 4.content, That high-speed the sea Internet level is access rising on (asknowledge well as of many social other media, people) the days of a mobile device can be a life-saver in an masses.Mobile Due broadband to sheer services mass, aregla - also because the glaciers and polar ice believepassively that awaiting it is news very from important traditional coming of age. In areas with 3G and 4G emergency. ciers flow like very slow rivers. caps are melting tomedia study sources the inclimate the aftermath because of thea local mobile broadband service, surfing the In- Tech devices and broadband infra- Some glaciers are over a hundred 5. That the lives of millions changeemergency in or climate, national disasteror climate are over. ternetkilometers on your long phone or can300,000 be as fast feet as or structure need content to be of value.

8 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 This is where the social media networks, account and assigning the resident tech- Social Media – a Digital Lifeline like Facebook and Twitter, and other con- nophile to “look after it”. The greatest factor in the success of a tent delivery platforms come in. These Social media in the mobile age is about social media plan is not the policy docu- social networking sites, together with being prepared to capture and share in- ment you produce or the technology you crowd-sourcing platforms like the naviga- formation as it happens, whenever it hap- employ; it is the team you choose. Social tion app Waze and the disaster-reporting pens, where ever it happens. media units must be genuinely passion- site Ushahidi, allow mobile phone users It is not sufficient to simply be on so- ate about connecting and building rela- to install software applications on com- cial media, you have to be able to interact tionship with your online followers; and puters, tablets and phones to share where through social media. If your organization should be prepared to do whatever it they are and what they are experiencing is one the public should reasonably expect takes to stay connected and to keep the with the world. These so-called mobile to hear from during a time of emergency information flowing. apps provide easy access to the content or crisis, then you must ensure that your Done right, the reward for initiative and and features and connect individual mo- social media presence is backed up by the diligence in executing your social media bile phone users with a global audience. appropriate systems and human resources. will not only be a growth in online follow- If your organization is not currently ers, but an increase in the bank of good- Feeding the Need for structured or resourced to take advantage will and brand value built up with every Real-Time Info of all modern communications channels, post, tweet, re-tweet, like and +1. More The public’s new expectation of infor- you are making a very public declaration importantly, your investment in social me- mation being readily available should not to your audience – be they citizens, cus- dia can be a digital lifeline for those scram- be lost on the media, emergency agencies, tomers, staff, congregation, or members; bling for information in times of crisis. protective services, public authorities, and your competitors; and the world – that other organizations whose business it is your organization is not yet in tune with Author: Bevil Wooding to keep the public informed. The increas- the realities of serving up information in ing public appetite for information-on- the digital era. Mr. Wooding is the founder and Ex- demand should also not be lost on the The digital gauntlet is now before in- ecutive Director of BrightPath Founda- companies and Internet service providers stitutional content providers to get their tion. He is a Global Director and the whose business it is to keep the public social media act in order. Smart mobile Chief Knowledge Officer of Congress WBN. He is responsible for the technol- connected and up-to-date. devices and reliable mobile voice and ogy-based systems and initiatives across Given the seemingly constant stream broadband data connectivity are now part C-WBN’s global operations. He is also in- of local and international incidents, of a citizen’s disaster preparedness arse- volved in numerous technology outreach and those responsible for implementing cor- nal. This is why well-defined communica- nations development initiatives and regularly porate social media initiatives should tions protocols and a clear social media facilitates regional and international seminars have no doubts about the importance of engagement strategy need to be standard on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship their mandate. Social media is not just across the organisations people turn to in and Internet governance as a catalyst for eco- about setting up a Twitter and Facebook times of emergencies. nomic and social transformation.

WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 9 pled with her own self-belief, then she President of the Senate, who frequently short time that I am here I must always would join the PM’s team. Speaking of sends notes of affirmation of her work. do my best. I must try to get it right the that natural talent, Jadia credits the Hon. Yes, she moves around with the ‘big boys first time, every time,” Jadia explained. Jadia Jn. Pierre in Focus Moses “Musa” Jn. Baptiste for first indi- or girls’ but she does not feel intimidated. Jadia intends pursuing a Master’s Degree. cating that she did possess such a talent She feels welcomed. As she puts it, “If you do not prepare and mind you, Jadia was only seventeen “They treat me like family.” This is yourself to take advantage of certain op- (17) years old at the time. how Jadia describes her relationship with portunities then it is not going to happen She relaxes with a glass of red wine. According to this Jadia views that period in her life, the Like all youth, Jadia is sometimes un- the Cabinet of Ministers. “I have never for you.” She loves football and is a strong sup- period of writing CXC exams and return- young“ mother, it was a sure, she cries, she has fears and she has felt uncomfortable in the presence of the This little girl from Banse, Laborie has porter of the style and flair of Barcelona ing to school as one of the defining mo- doubts. However, she does not allow Cabinet of Ministers. They guide me and certainly come a long way. She moved FC. She enjoys spending time with fam- period which could have ments in her life. According to this young those personal feelings to emerge when are very protective of me.” Jadia notes from the defiant but successful student, ily. She visits her grandfather to hear the mother, it was a period which could have resulted with an end performing her functions as Press Sec- that she takes guidance from members to the community worker, to political stories of what took place on the sugar resulted with an end of the road attitude retary. She has the support of the Prime of Cabinet and they take from her. As activist to Press Secretary. The words of for she had seen or told of several young plantations. Her visits to her grandmoth- of the road attitude for Minister who has virtually overseen her a young person who sits and exchanges caution from Police Officer Samuel who girls who had found themselves in simi- er bring great laughter. She is a young development. She has learnt a lot from views with the Prime Minister on a regu- was stationed in Laborie during her teen- she had seen or told of lar situations and had virtually given up wife and mother. And oh she loves the the PM who has constantly reviewed her lar occurrence she secretly asks herself the age years continue to ring in her ears. on their dreams. However, Jadia refused beach. This seemingly uncomplicated life several young girls who writings and verbal deliveries. Jadia has question, “How did I get here?” Officer Samuel once said to her, “When to concentrate on her circumstances. Her belongs to a 27 year old lady who liter- much praise for Hon. Claudius Francis, Press Secretary is not the end of the people speak to you, you like to say that had found themselves values were her focus. She reflected on ally works and sits at the right hand of line for this outstanding youth. She has you do not care. You must stop that. You the fact that her mother did not have the the most powerful person on the island, in similar situations plans, other plans. “I have already deter- are supposed to care…..” Those words financial resources to assist but gave her the Prime Minister. This lady is Jadia Jn. mined within myself that I do not want have remained with Jadia Jn. Pierre. She and had virtually given all the encouragement. Even now Jadia re- Pierre, Press Secretary to the Prime Min- to be Press Secretary in the next five years is demonstrating this care with her posi- members that her mother made the vari- ister of St. Lucia. up on their dreams. and so when I operate within this office I tive attitude towards her immediate and ous jams and teddy bears to sell to ensure Who would have thought that this am operating with that in mind, I am go- extended family, community and nation. However, Jadia refused that there was food on the table and her lady, born in Banse, Laborie, would later ing to move on. I am going to do some- What’s Next magazine salutes Jadia Jn. to concentrate on her children could go to school. Jadia was emerge as a leading voice in St. Lucia. thing different and it means that for the Pierre as an outstanding St. Lucian Youth. circumstances. mindful that her mother’s efforts should She has mastered the art of public com- not go to waste. Her mother, Sonia Jn. munication though she readily admits Being involved in government or close” to Pierre, also insisted that young Jadia also that there are lots of things she needs to government was never close to her mind. performed her role as a mother. improve on. As the chief spokesperson Her education started at the Banse Soon after her graduation, Jadia would for the Prime Minister, this young lady La Grace Primary School. However she land a job in the office of Leader of the is confident in her abilities. She ascribes was later transferred to the Laborie Girls Opposition, Dr. . Dr. her success thus far to taking personal School from where she wrote the Com- Anthony would later encourage her to responsibility for her duties. She notes mon Entrance Examination. Success at pursue further studies and so she started that where personal responsibility has the Common Entrance saw her entering her bachelor’s degree in St. Lucia and been accepted then the degree of failure the Vieux Fort Comprehensive School. completed it at the St. Augustine Cam- is minimized because no one wants to fail Jadia recalls the comments on her Re- pus, University of the West Indies in themselves. port Book by several of her teachers. The . Jadia graduated Two years on the job as Press Secre- most frequent comment was that she was with her Bachelor’s in Economics, with tary and this youth is living the dream a strong willed student. Jadia was young minors in International Relations and that few could and would only imagine. and defiant like most youth her age. Accounting. Not bad for someone who She has every confidence in her abil- Few would understand or appreci- some thought should have gone to work ity and does not feel intimidated by the ate what young Jn. Pierre went through to feed her child rather than going back power brokers and national policy mak- in her final year of secondary school- to school. She would later return to work ers who are constantly around her. As a ing. Jadia was required to concentrate with Dr. Anthony. youngster growing up in the community on her Caribbean Examination Council In 2012, Dr. Anthony proposed that of Grace, quarter of Laborie, her dream (CXC) exams and believe it or not, she she become the Press Secretary to him was to become a police officer. To her, was also pregnant. Her circumstance did who was now Prime Minister. Her origi- police officers were part and parcel of not stand in her way as she did remark- nal intention then was to pursue further her community. They were well respected ably well in the exam. Jadia later returned studies or to get a job related to her degree. and whenever they showed up things were to the Vieux Fort Comprehensive School However, Jadia recalls the Prime Minister quickly brought to order. She enjoyed to pursue studies in the Post-Secondary saying to her that sometimes your natural seeing them marching through the village programme offered by the school. She talent overshadows your training. And so of Laborie. Therefore, a career in the po- graduated from that programme with a she felt that if the Prime Minister could lice force was being highly contemplated. Diploma in Secretarial Studies. take that giant leap of faith in her, cou-

10 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 11 The Caribbean Youth Environment Network - Saint Lucia Chapter - The Caribbean Youth Environment was officially established in November Clearly the main successes of the CYEN Network (CYEN) - St Lucia Chapter, has 1993 in Plymouth Montserrat and has 17 have been the organization’s capacity to since 2012 been working diligently in sup- Caribbean country chapters. promote increased Caribbean youth engage- porting the development of young people The St. Lucia Chapter has been actively ment and participation in environment and in aspects related to environmental issues managing and mobilising young persons in development issues at both governmental thus allowing for representation of youth numerous local campaigns and activities. and civil society level. Members of this nationally, regionally and internationally. The success of these events continues to organization can be considered as young Such representations promote the involve- show that young people do have an interest ambassadors, representing CYEN and St. ment of youth in sustaining the environ- in the environment. The level of volunteer- Lucia across the globe. Every year members ment. ism among members of this organisation is sit on a number of national committees as For over 20 years, young people in St. also noteworthy. one of the voices for young persons. Lucia and across the Caribbean have been Some annual events on CYEN St. Lu- In 2013, CYEN St. Lucia Chapter advocates for positive change in our region cia’s calendar include the hosting of ‘Earth was awarded the Most Outstanding Youth through CYEN’s dynamic youth develop- Hour’. This has become a staple activity Organisation for 2012. It also won the ment programme. This non-profit organi- for the past three years, where the lights of Esteemed Award in Youth Development zation is dedicated to improving the quality Serenity Park and neighboring Sans Souci at the 2012 National Youth Awards. Ad- of life of Caribbean young people by facili- residents are turned off for one hour to ditionally, two members received a double tating their personal development and pro- raise awareness about the need to take ac- award for their Outstanding Contribution moting their full involvement in all matters tion on climate change. The activity aims to Social Development. pertaining to the environment and sustain- to encourage households and businesses to CYEN welcomes the participation of able development. The organisation has turn off their non-essential lights. Serenity all in its activities. We welcome young per- and continues to promote education and Park has been the hub for this annual event, son’s up to 30 years old. If you would like training, Caribbean integration and com- every year attracting larger crowds to be en- to become a member or participate in any munity empowerment as tools to develop tertained under the moonlight. of CYEN’s activities you can contact the an ethic amongst young people that assists Additional activities engaged in by organization via email at [email protected] in the conservation and protection of CYEN are forest restoration exercises (tree or visit the website: www.cyen.org. If you natural resources within the Carib- planting initiatives), bird watching, forest are on Facebook like their page for updates bean. This in fact is the essence hikes, summer camps, beach and commu- www.facebook.com/CYENSLU or follow of the organisation’s overall nity cleanup activities, school visits and on Twitter @CYENStLucia. mission. The organization public awareness campaigns.

12 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Something Fishy Down There....

While this may be considered as a sensitive topic, especially for The cause of a vaginal odor may include sexually transmitted an adolescent female, our aim here is to raise the awareness of a infections like trichomoniasis, chlamidia, genital herpes, gonorrhea condition that every female should be cognizant of. So I beseech and syphilis, but more frequently it is caused by a disruption in the you, read on, you'll be happy you did. normal balance of bacteria (the vaginal flora). When this balance is So let's first attempt to describe what's normal. Healthy broken, certain bacteria tend to overgrow. This overgrowth defines a female genitalia (the vagina) normally has a scent, which some condition called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). would rather call an aroma. It is normal that after exercise that So what causes BV? While it is often difficult to identify the aroma might become somewhat musky. Sexual intercourse can cause of BV, there are a few well recognized risk factors. These also cause a chlorine/bleach scent because of semen, that too is include: having multiple sex partners or a new sexual partner, anal quite normal. Vaginal bleeding as during menstruation can cause sex, douching, smoking, recent antibiotic use and wearing an IUD a temporary odor as well, which is perfectly normal. If you favor (aka a loop or copper-t). Note, BV is not a sexually transmitted lots of vegetables like broccoli and garlic there might be a not too infection. Most cases of bacterial vaginosis are successfully treated pleasant but mild scent, as compared to a sweet scent if you indulge with antibiotics. in lots of citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit and pineapple. So your take JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 message, while it is normal So now that we have an appreciation for what's normal, let's to have your own individual feminine scent, a change which is fishy clearly define what isn't. If at any point your "aroma" becomes or unpleasant should prompt a visit to the doctor. Stay beautiful!!! fishy or stronger than usual, something is likely to have gone wrong. Wellness Innovators

Cancer: What You Need To Know

Annually, February 4th is recognized Interestingly enough however, these are the worldwide as World Cancer Day, and here very illnesses which are brought about by in St. Lucia was no exception. This year our lifestyle habits. Grapes Mangosteen focus was put on Target 5 of the World Cancer is the number one cause of Cancer Declaration: Reduce stigma and death in St. Lucia today. This is in great dispel myths about cancer, under the part a result of our poor behavioral Blueberries Goji Berries Avocado Noni tagline ‘Debunk the myths’. Globally, there practices including tobacco use, unhealthy are many misconceptions associated with diet, physical inactivity, and the excessive this dreaded illness and priority was given use of alcohol. Quite apart from the Dragon Fruit Acai Berries Soursop Apple this year to clearing up four of them in susceptibility a poor lifestyle creates, particular: genetics may also predispose someone to • We do not need to talk about cancer; developing cancer. When abnormal genes are inherited, malignancy may manifest Citrus Pomegranate Strawberries Kiwi • There are no symptoms of cancer; itself later on in one’s life, particularly if • There is nothing I can do about cancer; there are other existing risk factors such • I do not have the right to cancer care. as the lifestyle habits aforementioned. exercising regularly; protecting yourself So what exactly is this “Cancer” that we Environmental factors of course, such from excessive sunlight; getting regularly hear so much about? Cancer essentially is a as pollution and a toxic environment, in checked by your doctor especially pap class of diseases which occur as a result of addition to developments in technology smears for women, and PSA for the men. rapid, uncontrollable cell growth. There are and the resulting increase in radiation all Cancer treatment may require one or a over 100 different types of cancer and each around us, do contribute significantly to combination of radiation, chemotherapy one is classified by the type of cell that is the increased cancer rates as well. and surgery. At present Saint Lucia does initially affected. The malignant (cancer- Amidst all the morbid statistics, there not offer radiation so patients needing causing) cells often travel from their point is good news. The advantage we have over radiation have to seek this service out of of origin to other parts of the body via the cancer and NCDs on a whole is that they state. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, bloodstream or the lymph vessels. Cancer can be controlled and even prevented Human Services and Gender Relations’, is a non-communicable disease (NCD). by simply practicing healthier lifestyles. Bureau of Health Education is urging you That means it is non-infectious and non- This includes avoiding tobacco smoking to adopt a healthy lifestyle and prevent transmissible amongst people. NCDs and reducing alcohol consumption; and protect yourself against this disease. are the world’s biggest killers, bringing maintaining a healthy diet consisting of Love yourself, love your body, take control hardship to rich and poor nations alike. plenty fruits, vegetables, and little fat; before it’s too late.

WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 13 What to do with your next Tax Refund For many of us, a tax refund is simply an opportunity to STRESS MANAGEMENT splurge on things we have always wanted, for example, a new outfit or a new 42’ Flat screen TV. However, for others a tax It is most important to balance your life with time for: school, refund is an essential component of their financial planning for work, relationships, relaxation and fun. It is also essential to build the year. Here are 4 useful ways to make your next tax refund the resilience to hold up under pressure and to meet challenges head work for you! on. It is easy to overlook your stress inducing thoughts, feelings and 1. Pay down debt behaviours, for example, constant worry about handing in SBAs. Resist the urge to splurge! If you have high interest debt for What are your true sources of stress? example, credit card debt, put your tax refund towards paying it off. This will reduce your interest cost by reducing your overall Look closely at your habits, attitudes and excuses. The more debt. Paying down high interest debt also leads to an improved precisely you plan, the harder destiny will hit you. Not accepting credit position by lowering your total debt relative to your total the responsibility that you play a major role in creating and income. A better credit position allows you to access credit easier maintaining your stress only leads to higher levels of stress which in the future to finance more important goals such as building will be beyond your control. your home or purchasing land. There are many healthy ways to manage and cope with stress. Each of us manages stress differently. Focus on what makes you feel 2. Create or Increase your Emergency Fund/ calm and in control. To decide on the option use the 4As: Avoid, Savings Account Alter, Accept, Adapt. Use your tax refund to create an emergency fund. Should • AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS - Learn to say “NO”, you already have an emergency fund let it grow to increase your avoid people who stress you out, avoid controversial topics, financial safety net. Ideally, your fund should cover 3 to 6 months eliminate time wasters, for example, cell phones, chat rooms, of living expenses. This special savings account will help remove facebook, excessive talking, etc. Set up a time table and stick to the hassle of sourcing funds in case of an emergency, unexpected it. Get control of SBAs and assignments. Find a quiet, well lit medical bills, unemployment etc. place to work, tackle most challenging things first and reduce You could also opt to open a savings account for example; leisure time. the FICS Education and Housing Investment Plan (EHIP) to save for future educational plans or for deposits required for the • ALTER THE SITUATION - Try to change it! Express your purchase of house or land. feelings, don’t bottle them up. Communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. Be willing to compromise (give and 3. Save on insurance take), be more assertive, manage your time better. Many car insurance companies offer a discount if you pay • ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CAN’T CHANGE - your 12-month premium in full. Use your tax refund to pay your Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You cannot prevent or car insurance in full and put the savings towards your emergency change them, e.g. death. It is difficult but accepting it is natural. fund or regular savings, or use it to reduce your level of debt. Do not try to control the uncontrollable. You have no control over the behaviour of another person. Focus instead on the way 4. Get a bigger refund next year you choose to react to the problem. Look for the upside, share There are a few ways you can use your tax refund to get a bigger your feelings, learn to forgive and accept that the world is not a refund next year. Using your tax refund for home improvements, perfect place and we all make mistakes. as a lump sum payment for your retirement plan or a donation to your favorite charity will make it possible for your refund to • Adapt to the stressor - Change yourself, your work double for you! expectations and attitudes! Reframe - (Look at the situation While none of these options is as glamorous as purchasing a from a more positive perspective). Adjust your standards. No flat-screen TV, or a holiday trip to New York, giving yourself the one is perfect. Stop setting yourself up for failure, focus on the gift of financial security is always worth it. positive. Focus on what is good, your talents and qualities.

14 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 I N D E P E N D E N C E 2 0 1 4 I N D E P E N D E N C E 2 0 1 4 Ministry of Education’s activities for Nobel Laureate Week Ministry of Education’s activities for Nobel Laureate Week Launch of the Youth Peace Ambassadors’ Programme Derek Walcott Schools Theatre Festival The Nobel Laureate activities reflect from Prime Minister’s Office. The 2013 The first Youth Peace Ambassodors The festival started with a docudra- lected speeches was also the inspiration poetry piece as well as the students the theme of peace in 2014 which the Carnival Queen, Amy Stephen, was the from the St Joseph’s Convent, Micoud ma film, ‘This Little Light of Mine’ ex- for the dramatic pieces performed by of the Babonneau Secondary School Gorvenor General advocated in her Re- Mistress of Ceremonies and included Secondary, Vieux Fort Comprehensive amining the effects of the violent crime , Ciceron and Corinth and SPAC with dramatic poetry piece membrance Day speech. The schools in- performances by Yannick James, Shan and Comprehensive, were sworn on the youth of St Lucia for the past Secondary, and also dance perform- entitled ‘Peace is the Remedy’. This volvement in the Nobel Laureate Week Lucien the 2013 Schools Solo Singing in. The National Volunteers Programme few years. The Leon Hess Secondary ances by Bocage Secondary and VIDA year’s festival included the first pri- activities began with the launch of the winner and Youth SPAC. There was also will continue adding ambassadors as well School performed ‘Speeches of Peace’ Dance Academy. Swithin Cornielle of mary school performance, of a Derek Youth Peace Ambassador’s Programme an inspirational speech by the 2013 Is- as other related activities through out the based on the selected speeches of past the Castries Comprehensive School Walcott poem by the Ciceron Primary by the National Volunteers’ Programme land Scholar Miss Amanie Mathurin. year. Nobel Laureates for Peace. These se- performed an original performance School. National Schools Choir Festival National Awards of Excellence The Ministry of Education held its Comprehensive got the awards for best Outstanding Contribution to Education annual National Awards of Excellence. overall performance at CXC while the St by an organization and the awards for Schools, and students received awards Joseph’s Convent took home the award Outstanding Contribution to Education for their performances in the Common for best performing school at CXC. There by an individual, going to Rayneau Gajd- Entrance Examination with Des Barres were not only awards given to students as har. The recipient of the CAMBRIDGE Primary receiving the awards for Best Per- the ministry recognised members and or- Outstanding Performance awards and Is- formance and Nysa Pierre from the Dame ganisations which assisted the education land Scholar, Amanie T. Mathurin, gave Pearlette primary for toping the island in system with the Generation Department the feature address. The following are all the exam. Janavic Henry of Vieux Fort of LUCELEC, receiving an award for the awards given this year. Awards Awarded at the National Awards of Excellence 2014

1. Common Entrance 1st place - 6. English Language Outstanding 10. Music Outstanding Performance CSEC/ Nysa Pierre - Dame Pearlette Performance CSEC/CXC - CXC - Kimson Chitolie - VFCCS 2. Common Entrance Top Performing Nelliane St Clair - Choiseul Secondary 11. Information Technology Outstanding The Choir Festival comprised of 5 pri- Primary Schools Secondary Schools School - Des Barras Combined School 7. English B Outstanding Performance Performance CSEC/CXC - Nechelle O 3 Mathematics Outstanding Performance CSEC/CXC - Ronaldo D Degazon - Joseph - St. Joseph’s Convent mary and 5 secondary schools competing 1st Place - Ave Maria Primary 1st Place - Vieux Fort Campus B CSEC/CXC - Sherry K Wilson - St. Mary’s College 12. Social Studies Outstanding Performance for first place in each category. This year the 2nd Place - Laborie Boys Primary 2nd Place - St. Joseph’s Convent the format was adjusted to encourage teach- St. Joseph’s Convent 8. Visual Arts Outstanding Performance CSEC/CXC - Nelliane St. Clair - 3rd Place - Dame Pearlette Louisy 3rd Place - Choiseul Secondary 4. Principles of Accounts, Outstanding CSEC/CXC - Joshua J Georges - Choiseul Secondary School ers to develop their choral directing and ar- Primary 4th Place - Gros Islet Secondary ranging skills, and to foster more creativity. Performance CSEC/CXC - Sherry K St. Mary’s College 13. Geography Outstanding Performance 4th Place - Emmanuel SDA Primary 5th Place - Leon Hess Secondary Each school performed a composition of Wilson - St. Joseph’s Convent 9. Theatre Arts Outstanding Performance CSEC/CXC - Antonio N Deterville - 5th Place - Grace Combined their choice, and another of a Caribbean 5. Principles of Business, Outstanding CSEC/CXC - Jemuel Joseph-Corinth St. Mary’s College Performance CSEC/CXC - Dylan A Secondary School genre. The results were are follows: Paul- St. Mary’s College

16 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 17 I N D E P E N D E N C E 2 0 1 4 I N D E P E N D E N C E 2 0 1 4 Ministry of Education’s activities in Nobel Laureate week Ministry of Derek Education’s Walcott activities Schools in Theatre Nobel Laureatefestival week

th

19 7 9 3 - 20 14 . y An5niversar

Some of the Awardees at the National Awards of Excellence 2014 14. History Outstanding Performance Performance CSEC/CXC- Johnathan 23. French Outstanding Performance CSEC/CXC - Ronaldo D Degazon- Charles - VFCSS double award and Peter CSEC/CXC - Chrislove Joseph - VFCSS 30. CAMBRIDGE Best Overall 37. Top Performer, Division of Technical 44. Outstanding Service by a Teacher St. Mary’s College J Evans - St. Mary’s College Single award 24. Spanish Outstanding Performance Performance - Jarnickae Wilson Education and Management Studies, District Four - Mrs. Waltrude Brown 15. Human and Social Biology Outstanding 20. Outstanding Performance CSEC/ CSEC/CXC - Kylee Charlemagne - Leon 31. CAMBRIDGE Outstanding SALCC - Ms. Emma Edgar 45. Outstanding Service by a Teacher Performance CSEC/CXC - Faith R CXC in Building Technology: Woods Hess Comprehensive Secondary School Performance - Amanie T. Mathurin 38. Top Performer, Division of Health District Five - Mrs. Timothia Joseph Robinson - St. Joseph’s Convent OR Building Technology, Construction - 25. Physical Education & Sports Outstanding 32. CXC Top School Performance - Sciences, SALCC - Ms. Sherline Duncan 46. Outstanding Service by a Teacher 16. Biology Outstanding Performance Henry J Somain - Micoud Secondary, Performance CSEC/CXC - Courtney A. St. Joseph’s Convent 39. Outstanding Contribution to Education District Six - Mrs. Ramona Samuel CSEC/CXC - Sherry K Wilson - 21. Outstanding Performance CSEC/CXC Dyke- Elliott - St. Joseph’s Convent 33. Best Junior Sports Person - by an individual - Rayneau Gajdhar 47. Outstanding Service by a Teacher St. Joseph’s Convent Clothing and Textiles - Erena Q Charles 26. CXC Best Overall Performance - Jean Philippe Murray 40. Outstanding Contribution to Education District Seven - Ms. Vern Charles 17. Physics Outstanding Performance CSEC/ Seventh Day Adventist Academy, Jevanic Henry - VFCSS 34. Best Senior Sports Person - by an organization - Generation 48. Outstanding Service by a Teacher CXC- Ronaldo D Degazon - 22. Outstanding Performance CSEC/CXC 27. Cxc - Outstanding Performance - Marbeq Edgar Department - Lucelec District Eight - Ms. Cecilia Clovis St. Mary’s College Food and Nutrition - Kanisha J Fowell Ravindra Mangar, St. Mary’s College 35. Top Performer, Division of 41. Outstanding Service by a Teacher District 49. Economics, Outstanding Performance 18. Chemistry Outstanding Performance - St. Joseph’s Convent, Outstanding Rawn Henry - St. Mary’s College Teacher Education and Educational One - Mrs. Mary - Anna Antoine CSEC/CXC - Ronaldo Degazon - CSEC/CXC - Sherry K Wilson - Performance CSEC/CXC Technical 28. CAPE Best Overall Performance - Administration, SALCC - 42. Outstanding Service by a Teacher St. Mary’s College St. Joseph’s Convent Drawing-Peter J Prospere - Castries Brandon Dornelly Mr. Tariq Edward District Two - Mrs. Mavis Weekes 50. Advance Mathematics Outstanding 19. Agricultural Science Outstanding Comprehensive Secondary School 29. CAPE Outstanding Performance - 36. Top Performer, Division of Agriculture, 43. Outstanding Service by a Teacher Performance CSEC/CXC- Marisa Smith SALCC - Mr. Jelani St. Clair District Three - Mrs. Erne Larcher Ronaldo Degazon - St. Mary’s College

18 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 19 I N D E P E N D E N C E 2 0 1 4 I N D E P E N D E N C E 2 0 1 4 Leaders of Saint Lucia (1960 - Present) Sir Monument Chief Ministers of Saint Lucia (1960 - 1967) Sir George Charles Unveiled 1 January 1960 - April 1964 On the thirty-fifth anniversary of St. Lucia’s independence What’s Next is Sir John Compton proud to be associated with the unveil- April 1964 -1 March 1967 ing of the Sir John Compton Monument at Constitution Park which took place United Workers Party on Friday 21st February 2014. Widely regarded as the Father of the Nation, Premier of Saint Lucia (1967-1979) Sir John first led St. Lucia to Associated Sir John Compton Statehood in 1967 and then Political 1 March 1967- 22 February 1979 Independence in 1979. Thus, Sir John United Workers Party would have been St. Lucia’s first Premier and first Prime Minister. Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia (1979 - Present) The monument, designed and sculp- Sir John Compton (1st time) tured by St. Lucian Ricky George, is a 22 February 1979 - 2 July 1979 testimony of the leading role Sir John United Workers Party played in the development of St. Lucia. This iconic figure served for over forty Sir unbroken years in the St. Lucia Legisla- 2 July 1979 - 4 May 1981 ture and would therefore be the one to Saint Lucia Labour Party have served the longest thus far. Sir John’s fingerprints can be found on several piec- es of legislation in St. Lucia as well as a 4 May 1981 - 17 January 1982 number of infrastructural developments. Saint Lucia Labour Party Died in 2007, St. Lucians have generally (Interim) felt that the time had long past for us as 17 January 1982 - 3 May 1982 a nation to pay homage to this historic Progressive Labour Party figure. The monument which stands in the middle of Constitution Park is well SIr John Compton (2nd time) located and shows the figure of Sir John 3 May 1982 - 2 April 1996 holding the Constitution of St. Lucia in United Workers Party his upraised right hand. The sculptured figure faces the William Peter Boulevard, a venue where Sir John held many a po- 2 April 1996 - 24 May 1997 litical meeting and also the address of his United Workers Party Law Office. On the figure’s right is the Dr. Kenny Anthony House of Parliament, the House where 24 May 1997 - 11 December 2006 Sir John stood and debated for over forty years. On the left is the Court House Saint Lucia Labour Party where Sir John did his early litigations. Sir John Compton (3rd time) The unveiling of the Sir John Monu- 11 December 2006 - 7 September 2007 ment demonstrates that as a nation we United Workers Party are maturing and we are prepared to give due recognition to those who deserve it. And Sir John George Melvin Compton 7 September 2007 - 30 November 2011 deserves it. After thirty five years we can United Workers Party say, thank you to you Sir John. Dr. Kenny Anthony 30 November 2011 - Incumbent 2020 WHAT’S WHAT’S NEXT NEXT | | ISSUE ISSUE 3 3 | | JANUARY/FEBRUARY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 2014 Saint Lucia Labour WHAT’S Party NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 21 • Book Binding • Tickets • Flyers Services also include: • Letter Heads • Magazines • Posters • • • 22 WHAT’S NEXT | ISSUE 3 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Business Cards Invitations Calendars And much more......