Nationwide September 25, 2004
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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 CHINA 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. Pearlette Louisy, who is heading the Postal Union, coming in October In an interview with Ambassador Saint Lucia 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, Castries 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.