Saint Lucia No. 57. Saturday, September 25, 2004

A publication of the Department of Information Services Government’s Youth Programmes making a difference See progess - page 2

Julian Hunte receiving Papal Knighthoot - page 8 TAKES ST. LUCIA US$3.6M Aggreement signed - page 5 SERIOUSLY or a country whose size and popu- Heritage Sites; Nations; and Flation is unimaginably minute St. Lucia’s support for China as St. Lucia and China’s support for compared to China’s, St. Lucia has an observer at the Organization of each other at the International Civ- defi nitely made a great and lasting American States (OAS) conference il Aviation Organization, where St. impression on the ancient, giant Peo- held this year; Lucia seeks Category 3 and China, ple’s Republic. St. Lucia’s support for China’s bid Category 1. St. Lucia’s gigantic stature was to host the World Exposition in quite evident at a meeting between Shanghi in 2010; Vice President Zeng Qinghong Vice President Zeng Qinghong, the St. Lucia’s already-expressed sup- pledged his Government’s continued number two man in China and Gov- Business Sector updated on port for China to become a mem- friendship and support for the Gov- ernor-General, Her Excellency Dame CWC 2007 - page 8 ber of the Council of the Universal ernment and people of St. Lucia. , who is heading the Postal Union, coming in October In an interview with Ambassador delegation at the invita- this year; Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of tion of the Government of the Peo- ple’s Republic of China. St. Lucia’s support of China’s can- the People’s Republic of China to St. They discussed several issues relat- didature on the Committee for the Lucia, His Excellency Mr. Gu Hua- ing to mutual cooperation and respect Elimination of all forms of Discrim- ming, he said, “The Chinese Govern- for each other’s sovereignty. The Vice ination against Women in August ment took the Governor-General’s President thanked the Government of this year; visit very seriously, because St. Lu- St. Lucia for its support in a number St. Lucia’s support of China’s can- cia is a great friend and supporter of of areas, including: didacy for the Executive Council of China … we would like to continue St. Lucia’s support for China to the World Meteorological Council this spirit of friendship and mutual host the 28th Conference of the elections in May 2003; respect for each other’s sovereignty”. Former Prime Minister Winston World Heritage Committee this St. Lucia’s support each year for Ambassador Gu took time off to be Cenac is dead. May his soul year on June 30 – July 5, at which China’s opposition to Taiwan’s at- with the Governor-General at every rest in peace - page 8 the Pitons made the list of World tempt to squeeze into the United event in every city. “Take 2 ” - A fi fteen minute news review of the week. Government Notebook A fresh news package daily Every Friday at 6.15 p.m. on NTN, Cablevision Channel 2. on all local radio stations 2 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 25, 2004 Government’s Youth Initia- tives making a difference

Human Resource Development Credit Facility Up to last week, over 100 students had already made use of the Govern- ment’s Human Resource Development Credit Facility announced in this year’s budget. This facility was established with the specific intention of making credit available for persons wishing to pursue educational studies abroad. For this purpose, Government, through the office of the National Authorising Officer, allocated one million dollars ($1,000,000) to two leading local fi- nancial institutions for onward lend- ing to persons wishing to make use of the facility. Among those already using it are students and teachers, most of whom are young St. Lucians preparing for the future by pursuing studies and enhancing their skills at educational in- stitutions abroad. Cuban Scholarships There are over 240 St. Lucians who are beneficiaries of scholarships by the Cuban government. Study Leave with Pay Last week, Government granted study leave with pay to 46 Public Of- ficers, taking the total number of Pub- lic Officers on Study Leave with Pay to 126, all at the expense of taxpayers. Here again, a great number of these persons are young St. Lucians prepar- ing for the future. Students at the National Skills Development Centre in Bisee, Modern Sporting Facilities “ t. Lucia has one of the highest vate sector business or company will YAP, that number will increase to “For years, the youth have been Srates of unemployment among meet the other half. 1,000 in 2005 and by a further 1,000 crying out for improvement and mod- young people in the Eastern Carib- in 2006. ernization of sporting facilities. This National Skills Development Centre bean. It is a real problem and we can- Advertisements have already been Government has been paying atten- The National Skills Development not pretend otherwise”, said Prime published inviting applicants for po- tion to improvement of existing facili- Centre (NSDC), which was established ties at the community level. But at the Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony in a sitions as Job Placement Officers. in 2000 has since been training youth national level, we have provided two recent Conversation with the Nation, The NSDC and the Chamber of Com- in new skills. On August 30, 2004, the major modern facilities that stand ma- noting that the search for investment merce are conducting a training needs NSDC hosted yet another graduation jestically in the north and south of the must continue, as it is new invest- assessment of the Private Sector and exercise for 501 persons. Between island, namely the National Stadium in ments that will create new jobs and responses have already been received opportunities. March 2001 and August 30, 2004 the Vieux Fort and the Beausejour Cricket NSDC has trained a total of 1,474 per- from over 100 local firms. The Cham- Ground at Gros Islet”, the Prime Min- National Youth Council sons. Presently, 500 persons are being ber and the NSDC are also collaborat- ister recalled, adding that millions of A major initiative by the Govern- counselled for training commencing ing on the methods for the screening of dollars have been spent on creating ment was the passing of legislation to October 2004. Of the graduands, 468 applicants, which should begin by the these facilities, which now provide ac- recognize the National Youth Council persons have completed job attach- end of September. And, very impor- cess for young people to improve their (NYC), giving it an annual subvention ments to date and 19 have started their tantly, based on the fact that St. Lucia sporting talents in such areas as foot- and offering its members opportunities own businesses. Preliminary indica- will be a host venue for Cricket World ball, cricket and athletics. Cup 2007, two-thirds of the students to serve on decision-making bodies. tions are that approximately 30% to To these must be added the modern 40% of persons completing training under the Youth Apprenticeship Pro- gramme will be trained in the hospital- pavilion in Vieux Fort. Next year, con- Youth Apprenticeship Programme gained employment after graduation. struction will commence on a new pa- ity sector. The Youth Apprenticeship Pro- Interestingly, of the 197 persons re- vilion at Soufriere. gramme (YAP) is aimed at young, cently completing Job Attachments, 53 If all goes according to plan, YAP Making a Difference… unemployed persons interested in have already received fulltime employ- will be launched on September 30, “Were all these initiatives and pro- acquiring the skills and work experi- ment and three have started their own 2004. grammes in existence prior to this businesses. ence necessary to increase their value Youth Enterprise Development government taking office?”, the Prime to their potential employers. It is de- Age ranges of those persons who Fund Minister asked, begging the question: signed to stimulate youth participation graduated in August 2004. “What was there before?”. Another recent initiative taken by in the economy and provide on-the-job Age Range Numbers of Persons: Dr. Anthony said further, “I know training experience. this Government specifically geared and understand what it means to have 16-25 274 at assisting the youth is the Youth En- young people leaving school every Some 2,500 young persons will ben- 26-35 124 terprise Development Fund, which year and being unable to land a job. efit over the next three years. Hopeful- 36-45 73 was announced in the Budget Address No previous government has been able ly, the economy would have expanded 46 and Over 28 sufficiently by then to absorb those earlier this year. Just over a month to create jobs as fast as young people young people who have been trained “The NSCD has truly done a great ago, the Deputy Secretary General of become employable. But this govern- under this programme. job. The General Manager, Mr Noorani the Commonwealth came here to sign ment, cognizant of that fact, has been Through this programme, the ap- Azeez and his staff deserve our com- the necessary agreements to establish putting policies and mechanisms in prentices will participate in a series of mendation. Nuff respect to you and the fund and to make the first alloca- place to absorb as many of the unem- Productivity Enhancement Workshops. your staff, Sah!”, said Dr. Anthony. tion of $100,000. This fund is geared ployed as possible. As new investments Upon completion, they will receive a While for this year, the National to provide young people with the seed materialise in the Information Technol- monthly stipend of $800 during the at- Skills Development Centre (NSDC) money to assist them to become self- ogy Sector and the Tourism Sector in tachment period. The Government will aims to assist over 500 young people employed. Government will, in time, the next few months, I expect our un- meet 50% of the stipend and the pri- to get on-the-job training through the increase the funds for this programme. employment figures to decline”. Saturday, September 25, 2004 Saint Lucia 3 Reaching out to Grenada and Jamaica! Fellow St. Lucians, As I speak with you, the people of Ja- maica and Grenada are trying to come terms with the incalculable destruction unleashed on their islands by “Ivan the Terrible”. This was a hurricane of “shock and awe”, of death and destruc- tion. Our hearts and prayers must go out to every family, every man, woman and child who suffered losses from the wrath of this vengeful hurricane. It is a season of death, destruction and woe. These are difficult and perilous times for our region and our community. Here at home Here at home, I want to compliment our people for the orderly and patient manner in which they conducted them- selves during the passage of Hurri- cane Ivan. Five days after its passage, we continue to thank God for having been spared the full effects of that powerful Category 4 hurricane. Our National Emergency response mecha- nisms performed well. The National Management Emergency Organisation (NEMO), the Disaster Preparedness Committees, the Emergency Organis- ing Committees, the various volun- teers, all did their part in this massive exercise. People responded positively to instructions as the nation followed the weather system on radio and TV. The press too played a positive part in disseminating information and ensur- ing we tracked Ivan at every twist and Supplies arrive in Grenada turn. We did well, but there are still things we can do better. More of that on another occasion… Many lessons to be learned… old enough to remember hurricanes like ever little way, to help. We often de- There are many lessons we can Janet, David, Allen or Hugo must share scribe the Caribbean as “family”. This Destruction in Grenada learn from the passage of Hurricane those memories with our children and is an occasion to express and live our As we speak, Grenada has been de- Ivan. Yes, we were spared yet again. the young. And those old enough to re- values as a regional family. clared a disaster area. Over 90% of the However, what we are seeing in Gre- member the effects of Tropical Storms The Government is already doing its country was affected. Thousands of nada and Jamaica is a reminder of what Debbie and Lilly must not forget. part. On Wednesday, I announced that homes were destroyed, leaving thou- could have happened to us. It is also a The fact that our emergency response NEMO will establish an appeal fund sands of families homeless. There’s stark reminder of what can still happen mechanisms worked well throughout to which you are asked to contribute. no water or electricity. Land lines are to us if and when our luck runs out. the period of alert is a good sign that The Police Force has also established down and cell phones are out. Food Despite all the evidence around us our investment in disaster prepared- its own assistance fund in which mem- supplies are running out. Scenes of in Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados, ness over the years is paying off. The bers are being asked to contribute to utter devastation have been shown on Florida, and yes, Jamaica, some of us response mechanisms that we activated the welfare of their colleagues in Gre- TV. Communities are cut off. Peo- still take hurricane and storm warnings during the passage of Hurricane Ivan nada, many of whom have also lost ple are disconnected. Relatives can- lightly. Some among us say that we were really part of a successful dry run, their homes. On Wednesday evening, a not find out about each other. Some wasted money buying hurricane sup- a practise, a drill for what would be the contingent of local police officers was twenty persons are known to have died plies, and there was no need to have case if we were hit. But there could be also dispatched to join the regional re- so far. The number is expected to rise. closed down schools, business places an occasion when no amount of prepa- sponse to assist in the restoration of law The cost of the damage has been esti- and government offices. I guess that ration could prevent the destruction and order. A crew from LUCELEC is mated at EC $ 2 billion. The deteriora- with hindsight it is easy to offer such unleashed by a hurricane as powerful on standby to travel to Grenada to as- tion in security has been arrested and opinions, misguided as they are. as “Ivan the Terrible.” sist in the restoration of electricity. The calm is being restored. Without calm If, like Jamaica or Grenada, we had government is also working with the or security, Grenadians will not be able We must not drop our guard been hit by the hurricane, our story regional disaster agency, CEDERA, to rebuild their shattered country and We must never be lulled into a false would have been much different. As to address the immediate needs of the economy. The damage in Jamaica is sense of security just because we have was the case after Hurricane Allen in Grenadian people. also enormous, but the details are only been spared. That temptation must be 1980, instead of counting galvanized But even more is happening. On now emerging. stoutly resisted. Those of us who are sheets or banana trees, today we would Friday, the coast guard vessel, the Al- Athletic Stadium in Grenada after Ivan be counting lost lives, destroyed homes phonse Reynolds, left St. Lucia with and displaced people. Our emergency relief supplies for Grenada. Some of shelters would still be full. Our roads those supplies were made available by would have been blocked. There members of the Grenadian community would have been no electricity, tele- in St. Lucia. The St. Lucia coast guard phone or cell phone services. Hos- vessel was accompanied by another pitals would be damaged. Schools from Dominica, and they led a convoy would be destroyed. Then – and only of power boats from St. Lucia in a joint then – would we have seen the true test initiative taken by local boat owners of our emergency services. committed to helping our neighbours in Grenada. The flotilla carried supplies Let’s reach out to Grenada and from local private sector agencies, re- Jamaica lief agencies and service organisations While we count our blessings and as well as from individuals with rela- thank God for being spared it is now tives and friends in Grenada. time for us to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Grenada and Jamaica. We must all do whatever we can, in what- Continued on page 4 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 25, 2004 Reaching out to Grenada and Jamaica! (continued from page 3)

Help arrives in Grenada from St. Lucia

Private citizens are also chipping in. need food and water. They need to re- Hurricane warnings are all we have to deed, do not forget or ignore the fact I know of a local car dealer and air- build their homes and their lives. They help us be prepared. that the official hurricane season ends line pilot with Grenadian connections need to restore their services, their Thanks to continuing improvements on October 30, 2004. And even then, who chartered aircraft to fly supplies hospitals, their institutions. They need in met technology, we can track the the next season begins in less than one in to Grenada as early as Wednesday. help to rebuild. hurricanes better now than ever before. year’s time. He also made arrangements to assist Not the first or last But we are yet to invent the means of So, we need to ensure that we al- stranded American students from the guiding them or of escaping them. ways take heed. It is our duty, to our- St. George’s University to get to St. Ivan was not the first nor will it be This is why we must always take each selves and to our families, to be pre- Lucia so they could make their way the last hurricane for the season. There pared. The alternative is too costly to and every hurricane or storm warn- home from here. Several members of are others behind. We know they will contemplate. the local business community have come, but we do not know when or ing seriously. Each one could be “The Until next Monday do take care mobilised food, water and other relief from where. Nor do we know if they Big One”. We may escape today, but and remember, spare a thought for the supplies for Grenada. Much has al- will hit us. we may not tomorrow. It is Grenada’s people of Grenada and Jamaica and do ready been shipped and much more is That is the nature of hurricanes. and Jamaica’s turn today, but it could whatever you can to help, no matter also on the way. They are unpredictable. They come in be ours tomorrow, or the day after. It’s how small. This past week, NEMO established broad daylight and in the dark of night. never over until the season is over. In- May God continue to bless us. disaster relief accounts at six local commercial banks, where each of us can make cash contributions to the re- habilitation and assistance effort for Grenada. On Wednesday, I also called on the education authorities to consider be- ginning an appeal fund at the various schools, asking each student to donate at least 50 cents to help a fellow student in Grenada. That too will be of much help. Incidentally, we may have to ac- commodate Grenadian students in St. Lucia until such time that their schools become operational. Every business place should arrange for cash donations from employees, no matter how small, to help our Grena- dian brothers and sisters. In times like these it is important for us to show that we care. I clearly re- call that when it was our turn to request Grenada’s help to house our prisoners after the problems at the Royal Gaol, it was a hard decision to take, but the Grenada Government agreed. Now it is our turn to help Grenada. In the same way that we are prepared to accommo- date Grenadian students and citizens (such as the elderly and children) in distress, if Grenada needs our help to accommodate prisoners, we will not hesitate to agree to such a request. Damage homes in Grenada However, Grenada needs much more than our prayers and other expressions of sorrow. Our brothers and sisters Saturday, September 25, 2004 Saint Lucia 5 pointed out that the Chinese people knew of Her Excellency’s visit, as it was announced by the Chinese For- China welcomes Governor-General eign Ministry and was in the media. The visit by her Excellency takes added significance in that her seventh with open arms, tight security year in office coincides with seven years of diplomatic relations with Chi- overnor General of St. Lucia, ment’s pleasure for the visit. Heritage list. na, upon the establishment of which, GHer Excellency Dame Pear- Following a short reception at the The museum buildings, all named with four main projects were agreed to. lette Louisy on September 5th, airport and a much deserved rest from harmony as a theme, set the tone for The first three projects comprised the 2004, arrived in Beijing to a warm the over-10-hour flight from London, the Governor General’s message in the Goods Distribution Free Trade Zone welcome by the Government of the Her Excellency toured the famous visitors’ book. She wrote: “It is good to in Vieux Fort, the National Stadium, People’s Republic of China amid Tian’anmen Square Rostrum and be able to sit here today and remember and the Psychiatric Hospital, all total- tight security. Vice Foreign Minis- the Palace Museum, which has three Chinese Emperors and their obvious ling approximately EC$100 million. ter, Mr. Zhou Wenzhong expressed buildings, all major heritage sites and administrative skills. Supreme Harmo- This makes the Chinese Government to Her Excellency his Govern- among 30 of China’s tally on the World ny, Medium Harmony and Preserving the largest aid donor in such a short Harmony, these are indeed the princi- period of time. Governor-General looking down on ples by which the world today should Beijing, which is slated to host the Tian’anmen Square live. Best wishes”. Later, the Governor General visited the Liyuan Theatre to next Olympics in 2008, is China’s watch the Peking Opera. capital, which along with its suburbs measure 16,800 sq km. By compari- Her Excellency and her six-mem- son, China covers an area of 10 mil- ber delegation were accompanied by lion sq km and a population of over a motorcade of nine vehicles, which 1.3 billion people, easily the most included security and medical contin- populated country in the world. gents. Some roads were blocked and patrolled by hundreds of policemen, China became independent in 221 and venues barricaded to accommo- BC (unification under the Qin or date the visit, as onlookers wave at the Ch’in Dynasty) and was replaced by St. Lucia Flag-led motorcade. the Republic on February 12, 1912. The visit of Her Excellency complied And on October 1, 1949, became the with the request by the Chinese Gov- People’s Republic. China has a one ernment to continue and intensify the party system and elections were last high level delegations’ visit from the held on March 17-17, 2003, with the Caribbean to the People’s Republic of next to be held in 2008. Persons 18 China. More so, the visit allowed St. years and over are allowed to vote. Lucia the opportunity to impress upon China’s legal system comprises the Chinese authorities the gratitude a complex amalgam of custom and Tian’anmen Square with which Saint Lucia has received statute, largely criminal law; a rudi- the assistance given. mentary civil code, which has been in In an interview with Ambassador effect since January 1, 1987; and new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of legal codes in effect since January 1, the People’s Republic of China to St. 1980. There are continuing efforts be- Lucia, His Excellency Mr. Gu Hua- ing made to improve civil, adminis- ming said, “The Chinese Government trative, criminal, and commercial law. attaches great importance to Her Excel- The currency is the Renminbi (yuan), lency’s visit as Dame Pearlette Louisy 8.21 of which equal US$1.00. is the Head of St. Lucia so the Chinese Her Excellency was accompanied side accord Her Excellency the Head on the 14-day visit by representatives of State visit. It also expresses the of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Chinese people’s friendship to the St. Education, External Affairs and Gov- Lucian people and Government”. He ernment Information Service. Chinese business eyeing Saint Lucia

henzhen High-Tech Industrial in the computer industry colony; optic es, genetic engineering products, new of industry, humanity and environment SPark (SHIP) is contemplating fibre, optical cable, optical devices and materials, gene anti-cancer medicines, existing in harmony; and a business entering the St. Lucian market with IC design in the photo-communication biotechnology’s SARS and Asian in- platform serving overseas business or- its mobile service. This intention was industry colony; embedded software fluenza virus detecting agent. ganizations of science and technology conveyed to Governor-General, Her and systemized integrated software in The remaining features comprise re- and technique-transfer agencies, and Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy the software industry colony; and bio- search and development in a number acting as a go-between for trans-corpo- during her visit to the facility. engineering and new material indus- of product areas; a colony of multi- rations to invest or establish agencies Her Excellency has been on a tour tries. element, specialized and interactive of the main Chinese cities at the invita- The second feature involves the incubators with over 400 small firms; in Shenzhen. tion of the government of the People’s holding on intellectual property in a a virtual university park consisting of The Governor-General also met with Republic of China, promoting coop- wide range of products, including mo- 43 renowned colleges and universities Executive Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, eration between the two countries in bile communication, medical applianc- of China and abroad; three ecosystems Mr. Xu Zongheng. several areas, especially education and culture. Covering an area of 11.5 sq km, SHIP was constructed in September, 1996. It is one of five major industrial parks supported by the central govern- ment of China. By 2003, SHIP had achieved gross output valued at ap- proximately US$11 billion, nine times that of 1996. Of that figure, high-tech products amounted to US$10.6 billion. The facility exported US$637 mil- lion, while the provincial government earned US$380 million in tax revenue. SHIP has seven features, of which electronic information products ac- count for 92 per cent of gross output value. These products include mobile Damage homes in Grenada communication, program-controlled switching and network fixing in the communication industry colony; com- ponents and parts to complete machines ZTE Corporation at the Shenzhen High-Tech Industrial Park 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 25, 2004 St. Lucia and China sign US$3.65M Agreement he Government of St. Lucia and on the implementation of the Psychiat- Tthe People’s Republic of China ric Hospital project, while the remain- on September 6th, 2004, signed an ing US$0.24 million will go towards Agreement on Economic and Tech- the provision of general goods, details nical Cooperation. This was done of which are to be agreed upon subse- with a view to further developing quently, by the two Governments. friendly relations and economic and The funds will be channelled through technical cooperation between the the Bank of St. Lucia, with detailed two countries. banking arrangements on accounting The Agreement, which in accor- procedures to be agreed upon between dance with the need of the Government the Bank of St. Lucia and the Bank of Signing of Economic and Technical Cooporation Agreement of St. Lucia involves the provision of China. Lucia delegation at the invitation of the Government and people of St. Lucia. approximately US$3.65 million in aid Since establishing diplomatic rela- Government of the People’s Republic The Governor-General also met with by the People’s Republic of China, was tions with China seven years ago, St. of China. They discussed several is- the Chinese Minister for Culture, Mr. signed by Vice Minster for Commerce, Lucia has received some EC$100 mil- sues relating to mutual cooperation and Sun Jiazheng where she got a briefing Mr. Yu Guangzhou and Permanent lion in aid by the People’s Republic. respect for each other’s sovereignty. on China’s cultural development while Secretary Jacintha St. Helene on behalf Earlier, Vice President Zeng Qing- The Vice President thanked the Gov- receiving the commitment for future of St. Lucia. hong met with Saint Lucia’s Governor- ernment of St. Lucia for its support in closer cooperation and development Of the total aid package, approxi- General, Her Excellency Dame Pear- a number of areas and pledged its con- noting that the fourth major project is mately US$3.41 million is to be spent lette Louisy, who is heading the Saint tinued friendship and support for the a cultural facility. Chinese officials praise Governor-General for punctuality fficials, city after city have the worriers would protect him in his Xi’an, a famous tourist city covers In 2003, Shaanxi province, which Opraised Governor-General, Her next life. Famed as the eighth wonder 9,983 sq km and has a population of houses Xi’an and 10 other cities, had Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy of the world, some 100 Heads of State 7.1 million. It is the largest centre for an annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately US$30 bil- for her punctuality, in meeting the and over 3 million foreign visitors have logistics in the northern region and a busy schedule of visits to various lion, representing an 11 per cent in- meetings and site seeing tours, as the visited the Museum of Terracotta War- base for national defence, scientific crease over 2002. The GDP per capita scheduled road closures and reopen- riors since opening in 1978. The site is research, higher education, aerospace, was US$789, which was up 11 per cent ing to facilitate her entourage were on the world heritage list. and electronics industry. on 2002. met with great precision. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Repub- Governor-General climbs Great lic of China to St. Lucia, His Excellency Mr. Gu Huaming, who has been travel- ling with Her Excellency revealed that officials of the cities of Beijing, Xi’an, Wall of China Shenzhen and Shanghai were very im- overnor-General of St. Lucia, and Foreign Minister China, linked the separate walls. From pressed with the Governor-General’s GHer Excellency Dame Pearlette in July, 2002. then, the Great Wall was continuously punctuality for the schedule of meet- Louisy on September 8th, 2004, be- The over-3,000 mile long wall was extended and repaired by subsequent ings and visits. came the 400th Head of State to visit the greatest manmade military defence dynasties. Most of the wall has dete- “When a Head of State visits a city, the Great Wall of China and climbed structure in ancient China. Its construc- riorated badly, with the best preserved we try to get to the venues and return on further than President George Bush. tion started during ancient spring and wall at present being the one built in time. This means that the routes have Her Excellency is also the fourth summer period and the warring stated the Ming Dynasty between 1368 and to be closed and traffic stopped at all Government of St. Lucia official to period 770-211 B.C. At that time walls 1644. This section of the wall is over the appropriate intersections, much to visit the Great Wall, behind Prime were built by some warring states to 6,000 kilometres long. the inconvenience of motorists. So, it is Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony and protect their own territories. the late former Foreign Minister, In 221 B.C., Qin Shihuang, who At over seven meters high and five great when we can reopen the roads on meters wide, the Great Wall has drawn time, which cannot be possible if there George Odlum in February, 1999; became the first Emperor of a unified much attention from the Chinese Gov- are delays brought about by late depar- ernment since becoming the People’s tures. In the case of the Governor-Gen- eral, we have been able to do so with Republic of China in 1949. It was des- great precision, because she is always ignated a major historical site under on time for departure. And there has state protection in 1961. And in 1987, been nothing but praise for her punctu- the Great Wall was listed as a World ality”, said Ambassador Huaming. Cultural Heritage by the United Nation At every stop, there has been a tight Economic, Social, and Cultural Organ- schedule of meetings with Provincial isation (UNESCO). Government officials and visits to his- The Great Wall at Badaling is pre- torical and cultural sites, starting from served as a historical monument and 8:30 a.m. and ending at 9:30 p.m. The has become one of the most popular programme involves much walking tourist attractions in the world. and signing of visitors’ books. On the visit to the Great Wall, Her In Xi’an, the Governor-General, Excellency was accompanied by the among other landmark venues, vis- Chinese Ministry of External Affairs, ited the famous museum of Terracotta along with several security and medi- Warriors and horse pits, which appears cal personnel. Viewing the Great Wall regularly on the well-known Discovery channel. The museum comprises over with awe, the Governor-General wrote 400 life-size statues of warriors and in the visitors’ book, “ …inspiring and horses discovered buried with Qin Shi- breathtaking. I will always cherish huang, who became the first Emperor this visit to the Great Wall, a symbol of a unified Chin over 2000 years ago. of peace, harmony and international It is thought that Emperor Qin believed Governor-General climbs Great Wall of China goodwill”. Saturday, September 25, 2004 Saint Lucia 7 EU Officials pleased with on going funded projects in Saint Lucia

aint Lucia’s meeting with a del- on holding a second round of consul- Segation from the European Com- tations with senior experts of the re- mission has concluded on a very gion, to discuss the implications of positive note. At the two-day meet- the Economic Partnership Agreement ing with the Office of the European Negotiations. This, he explained is the Development Fund (EDF), Head of Free Trade Area Concept between the the Delegation, Ambassador Amos European Union and the Caribbean. Tincani confirmed his satisfaction The meeting is scheduled to be held in with the EU projects that are pres- Barbados. ently ongoing in St. Lucia. “I think this is important for the Ca- ribbean in general and for St. Lucia in Mr. Tincani said he was particularly particular, because it provides wider pleased to see that the projects were de- markets, supporting and strengthen- signed to drive the country’s economic ing the Caribbean Single Market and and social development forward: “We Amos Tincani (L) and Wilfred Pierre, EDF National Authorising Officer Economy. Providing more free trade have a very important and construc- between CARICOM countries and the tive cooperation between the European for Assistance (SFA) for the Banana to bananas and the low income hous- European Union can provide a wider Union and St. Lucia. We are present in and Agricultural sectors to assist both ing scheme is very important.” market space within which St. Lucian several sectors and we are particularly banana issues and also diversification. The EU official also disclosed that Enterprises can be effective,” Mr. Tin- pleased with the Special Framework Assistance in the social sector linked the European Commission was intent cani said. at providing tap water for depressed fit from the EU-funded programmes, as communities and looking at sensitiza- the Union was focussing on the imple- More EU Assistance tion to basically, sanitation problems.”, mentation of the new hospital project, he said. a major priority of the organisation. This announcement was made after ”We are also present in the health a press conference on Monday Sep- to Saint Lucia sector to a very large extent through tember 21st, 2004. he European Union has given Office of the European Development the new hospital. The country is in fact The EU officials are presently on the Tthe green light for the funding of Fund, Wilfred Pierre. defining its new health policy. It’s a a pipe borne water and water sani- island, conducting a Portfolio Review “As you know, we have serious prob- very major new development and by tation project, which will help ad- of EU funded projects. lems as it relates to water, especially in next year, we will be able to formally dress the problem of water shortage The delegation is headed by Mr. and water sanitation in depressed the Dennery area, and the EU is about Amos Tincani, the representative for approve the funds for the new hospi- communities. This was revealed by to implement a close to 250 million Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. tal and for the implementation of the National Authorising Officer in the euros fund for water, which will look He said that Saint Lucia stood to bene- health strategy. General Assembly ends 2004 session with more ‘positive outlook’ - President principle of his litical will.” presidency and the Before Mr. Hunte’s closing state- basis on which de- ment, the Assembly concluded con- cisions were made sideration of 35 items on its agenda, on the issues on the including follow-up to the outcome of Assembly’s wide- the Millennium Summit, environment ranging agenda. and sustainable development, informa- The “negotiating ta- tion and communication technologies ble” had been given for development, and the situation in a central role. Afghanistan and its implications for “This is how it international peace and security, and ought to be” when deferred 29 of them to the fifty-ninth addressing global session. The Assembly decided that it challenges such would consider the report of the Eco- as terrorism, HIV/ nomic and Social Council at its sixtieth AIDS, poverty and session. nuclear prolifera- Also this afternoon, the Assembly tion, he said, recap- adopted a resolution by which it ap- ping the Assembly’s proved the draft Relationship Agree- actions in those ar- ment between the International Crimi- eas and highlight- nal Court - the world’s first permanent ing related events war crimes tribunal - and the United that had taken place Nations, and decided to apply the during the session, Agreement provisionally pending its such as the High- formal entry into force. Level Dialogue In addition, the Assembly decided on Financing for that the question of equitable represen- Development and tation on and increase in the member- commemoration of ship of the Security Council and relat- the 1994 Genocide ed matters should be considered during in Rwanda. the Assembly’s fifty-ninth session. Assembly President Julian R. Hunte receiving his Papal Knighthood “My presidency At the meeting’s start, Mr. Hunte ex- he General As- Assembly had proceeded to make real was one that ensured that the General pressed the Organization’s sympathy Tsembly concluded the work of headway on such issues as sustainable Assembly broke free of convention in and strong solidarity with the govern- its fifty-eighth session today, with development, revitalizing the body’s challenging times that demand new ments and peoples of the Caribbean the outgoing President praising the work and reform of the Security Coun- ideas, vision and innovation,” he said. suffering the after-effects of a series of body’s genuine drive to overcome the cil, which had languished on its agen- “I am heartened to leave the Assembly recent devastating hurricanes and tropi- crisis of confidence that had gripped da without comprehensive resolution with a more positive outlook - our ac- cal storms that have struck that region. the United Nations in the wake of the for ten years. Reviewing the strides complishments over the session prove The opening of the Assembly’s fifty- war in Iraq. the UN’s main deliberative organ had what we can achieve when we work ninth session - under the Presidency of Julian R. Hunte of St. Lucia noted made during the past year, he said that together, cooperatively, with a clear Jean Ping, Foreign Minister of Gabon that during the 2003-2004 session, the multilateralism had been the guiding sense of purpose underpinned by po- - will take place tomorrow afternoon. 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, September 25, 2004 PM Expresses Condolences on Death of Former PM rime Minister Dr Kenny D. An- Winston Cenac tion of then Prime Minister Allan Lou- Pthony has expressed the collec- isy. tive sympathy of the Government A long-standing member of the St. and people of St. Lucia to the fam- Lucia Bar Association, the late Mr ily of the late former Prime Minister, Cenac participated in the Constitution- Mr Winston Cenac, QC who died al Talks in Britain prior to the island’s yesterday. attainment of Independence. A prominent local attorney for sev- Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony eral decades, Mr Cenac served as At- has confi rmed that, as a former Prime torney General and Minister of Legal Minister and Head of Government, Mr Affairs in the Labour Party administra- Cenac is entitled to a State Funeral, tion following the 1979 General Elec- which he will be accorded with full tions. honours. Mr Cenac, who died at age 79, also The Prime Minister is expected to served as Prime Minister in the same make a formal statement later on be- administration following the resigna- half of his Cabinet colleagues. commodate them. In several interviews here and Grenadian Prisoners For abroad following the destruction caused in Grenada by Hurricane Ivan, Prime Minister Anthony had indicat- ed that St. Lucia would be prepared to house Grenada’s prisoners, if re- Bordelais quested. he Offi ce of the Prime Minis- two governments consequent on the al facility, where arrangements were Such a request was made and St. ter has announced the arrival destruction caused throughout Grenada T made prior to their arrival. Lucia has reciprocated as part of the here of 20 prisoners from Grena- by Hurricane Ivan. The Grenadian prisoners will be general regional response to appeals da. Their arrival is in keeping with The other 20 prisoners from Grenada house in one unit, which will be segre- are expected here shortly. St. Lucia’s agreement to house 40 gated from the rest of the prison popu- prisoners in light of the destruction lation. Following a fi re that destroyed ac- of the Richmond Hill Maximum commodation facilities at Her Majes- Julian Hunte’s com- Security Prison in Grenada. The temporary arrangement, which ty’s Prison in St. Lucia some two years ments on receipt of The fi rst batch of prisoners, who will last until conditions for incarcera- ago, local prisoners were temporarily arrived on Thursday morning, will be tion have been normalised in Grenada, housed in Grenada until the Borderlais Papal Knighthood housed at the Bordelais Correction- is part of an agreement between the Correctional facility was ready to ac- Your Eminence Cardinal Angelo So- dano, Archbishop Migliore, Excellen- Dr. James Fletcher Travor Brathwaite cies, Ladies and Gentlemen: Cabinet Permanent Secretary I am, today, deeply honoured to ac- Business Finance cept the award of Knight of the Grand Secretary Cross Pian Order, which his Holiness the Pope John Paul II has so graciously Sector gets conferred on me. I offer my grateful thanks to His Holiness for this honour, a most treasured tribute not only to me, update on but also to the collective efforts and ac- complishments of the Fifty-eighth Ses- sion of the United Nations General As- preparations sembly, for which I was privileged to serve as President. My tenure as President of the General for Cricket Assembly confi rmed my conviction that the people of the world, in whose inter- est the United Nations was established, World Cup want reliable and confi dent action from the organization. My Presidency also provided invaluable insights about the 2007 kind of international cooperation essen- tial for the most effective functioning of the General Assembly, so that it may play its critical role in United Nations initiatives to provide leadership in a very turbulent and troubled world. It is cooperation of the kind that permits all participants in the Assembly to bring their perspectives to the table, in the in- terest of accomplishing the goals and objectives set out in the United Nations Charter. We know of the Holy See’s deep commitment to addressing the myriad challenges facing the United Nations and the people of the world. I do believe that the deliberations of the United Na- tions General Assembly on the critical issues of our times will gain from the experience and expertise of the Holy See’s more active participation. Now, as the General Assembly assesses where it stands, and looks ahead to where it must go, the Holy See will be better enabled to play its essential part. I am pleased that the Fifty-eighth Session of the Gen- eral Assembly would have made a mod- est contribution towards this end. I thank you. 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