Saint Lucia No. 169. Saturday, December 23, 2006

A publication of the Department of Information Services

“Take 2 ” - A fi fteen minute news review of the week. Government Notebook A fresh news package daily Every Friday at 6.15 p.m. on NTN, Cablevision Channel 2. on all local radio stations 2 Saturday, December 23, 2006

the Constitution, I have been invited by Her Excellency, the Governor Gen- eral to form a Government and by this simple ceremony I have been sworn in as Prime Minister. In the coming days I will appoint persons to hold the office of Minister in the various Ministries and departments of Government and will make appointments to the many Boards of statutory corporations that form part of the machinery of gover- nance of our country. In order to do this I expect the co- operation of members of these Boards and ask them to put their positions at the disposal of the Prime Minister. As we move to address the develop- ment agenda that is before us, we have an obligation to put behind us the years of political tribalism that have been so glaringly demonstrated in the events of recent weeks. We must renew our coun- try, based on the recognition that the national interest takes precedence over Governor General Dame welcomes PM to Government House individual or party political positions. I pledge that this Government will be the Government of all the people of St. Lucia. We must now harness our scarce human and material resources behind the common national cause and en- gage the energies of all Saint Lucians in the process of national development, Prime Minister Sir allowing each person to make the con- delivering address tribution of which he or she is capable. y People of Saint Lucia, As a nation, we must pursue this course Ladies and Gentlemen. or face the consequence of increasing Thank you for your sup- marginalization and decline in a world M where the priorities are being deter- port at Monday’s General Election. When I addressed you on the eve of mined more and more, by the dictates the Election I asked you to make an of globalization and where the needs of important choice. small countries such as our own may be overlooked. You have made that choice. You have chosen the United Workers Party. By The Promises of our Manifesto that choice you have placed a tremen- In our Manifesto we promised to dous responsibility on my shoulders structure the economy to achieve the and it is a responsibility that I accept high rates of economic growth that with humility and with a determination are necessary to reduce unemploy- to justify your confidence and that trust ment, to improve standards of living that you have placed in me and my throughout the society and to generate Party. the income required to finance the so- As I joined our jubilant support- cial and development programmes that ers in the William Peter Boulevard on will distribute the nation’s wealth equi- Monday night I could feel the joy of tably among all its citizens…. We will the thousands of persons who had been keep this promise. We have promised holding their breath waiting to exhale, to put an end to financial mismanage- and who could now do so with the con- ment and wastage of public funds that firmation of the victory of the United so outraged us all….We will keep this Workers Party at the polls. There is a promise. We have promised to target general feeling that a weight has been the creation of at least 7,000 new jobs in the growth sectors of tourism and in- lifted from the very soul of the people formation technology and this promise of St. Lucia. But, this is not the time too, we will keep. All of our efforts to to dwell on our triumph. It is a time to create new jobs will depend heavily on focus on the road that lies ahead and having a trained workforce and in this on the many challenges that confront regard, we will invest heavily in the Prime Minister Compton being sworn in and signing register our nation. training and re-training of our people to The Priorities enable them to meet the requirements Code that is acceptable to all parties, financial year 2007/2008 and our main You have made it clear, that the main for employment in this era of globaliza- so that labour relations are removed priority will be to find savings that will issues of concern to you are crime, un- tion and of the CSME. As we promised from a basis of conflict and confronta- enable the reduction of Government’s employment, and the restoration of in our Manifesto we will revisit the La- tion and placed on a firm foundation of annual recurrent expenditure from sound management of the finances of bour Code and will give adequate time conciliation and consensus. present levels and use such savings for the country and we therefore have no to the trades union and employers, as The 2007/2008 Budget the development of our country. These doubt as to what our priorities should well as the general public, to consult, Very soon, we will begin the process savings must be found, as it is not the be. In keeping with the provisions of with the view to introducing a Labour required to prepare the Budget for the intention of this new UWP Administra- Saturday, December 23, 2006 Saint Lucia 3

The Campaign Against Crime intention to make , Vieux-Fort One immediate priority will be to and Soufriere duty-free shopping areas. start the campaign against crime, that We also intend to construct new cruise will be based on a zero-tolerance ap- ship berths in Castries, Soufriere and proach to crime at all levels in the so- Vieux-Fort and, by relocating all com- ciety, and we will give the Police a free mercial cargo to a new port to be built hand to do their duty within the law. at Cul-de-Sac, we intend to convert We will also establish an independent Castries into a dedicated cruise ship Police Complaints Commission to port and regional duty-free shopping safeguard the rights of the public. The destination. Planning for these initia- establishment of a safe and secure soci- tives will commence without delay. ety through the control of crime is nec- These, and the other initiatives that we essary not only for the growth of our propose, will create numerous new jobs economy but also for the development and investment opportunities for Saint of our society. We will put an end to the Lucians, and build the economic and day-to-day political interference in the infrastructural capacity of the country, Police Force, and make the Police and for long term growth and development the Courts fully responsible for deal- in a globalized world. ing with crime and criminals. A series On Returning To Public Life of consultations will be held with the As I have stated previously, my re- churches and all social partners to ad- turn to public life has only one purpose, dress the subject of the restoration of and that is to restore our country’s for- discipline in schools and the need to tunes and to ensure a bright and secure turn the tide of decline in the moral and future for our people and especially social fabric of the country. for our children. I thank you again for Supporting Local Businesses your vote of confidence that you have We will, without delay, initiate the so clearly demonstrated, by electing arrangements leading to the re-estab- the United Workers Party to office, and lishment of a National Development I ask you for your continued support. I Bank that will provide support for lo- also wish to thank my colleagues who cally owned businesses and for nation- have walked the long, rugged road als seeking to invest in new areas of with me. economic activity. Similarly, we will The road ahead is not one that can move to establish a Unit Trust com- be traveled by an elected Government pany to encourage investment b Saint alone… that Government must have Lucians. We will also move quickly to the ongoing support of the entire nation consolidate the various banana com- if its efforts are to be successful. panies into one strong entity that will My pledge to you, is that this Gov- be in a position to benefit from econo- ernment of the United Workers Party mies of scale and to take full advan- is committed to the cause of bring- tage of the opportunities for earning ing a meaningful improvement to the foreign exchange that still exist in that standard of living in St. Lucia and will industry. do everything in its power to justify Education And Health the confidence that you have resposed Work will start immediately on the in us. implementation of the Universal Sec- I thank God for giving me the health ondary Education System started by and the strength to carry out the task the UWP that provides comprehensive ahead. I am encouraged by the words academic, vocational and technical ed- of Isaiah the Prophet: “He gives ucation and we will initiate discussions strength to the wearied, The young with the University of the West Indies may grow tired and weary, Youth may aimed at transforming Sir Arthur Com- stumble and fall but those who hope in munity College into a full-fledged Uni- the Lord shall renew their strength, He versity within three years. The success shall raise them on eagle’s wings, And of our strategy for education depends bear them on the breath of the dawn He on the teachers and we will under- will make them shine like the sun And take a full assessment of the working hold them in the palm of his hand They conditions for teachers with a view to will run and not grow weary, They will improving them so that we can retain walk and not tire.” our teachers in whose training we in- This is my prayer as I assume this tend to invest a great deal. As part of awesome responsibility. As we enter this process we will re-introduce study the festive season and wish each other leave with pay for teachers as well as peace and a bright and prosperous new (top) Dame Pearlette affixes her signature and (bottom) shakes hands with for other public servants. We will also year, let us work together to make this Sir John at the end of the ceremony pay salaries to teachers during their ba- wish come true. Let us wish each other sic training. In the area of Health we Peace, but let us say that this begins tion to introduce new taxes or to place realized at the expense of the jobs of intend to fully implement a National with me. I assume this responsibility the country further in debt. We are con- career public servants. The 2007/2008 Health Service that is comprehensive with malice towards none, but Peace to fident that we can realize this objective Budget will be the platform from which in scope and will also train nurses and all persons of goodwill. I again thank by the elimination of the unnecessary, we will launch our efforts to implement other personnel to support this service. you for your support and ask of you wasteful and extravagant expenditure the pledges and promises contained in We will pay salaries to nurses during nothing but your goodwill and your that was the hallmark of the former our Manifesto as it will establish the fi- their basic training. prayers. Thank you, and may this sea- Administration. I take the opportunity nancial provisions for the programmes Tourism son of Peace usher in a new year of to repeat that these savings will not be and projects that we wish to introduce. In our Manifesto we have stated our Progress for our country. 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, December 23, 2006 Saturday, December 23, 2006 Saint Lucia 5

Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture – Marcus Nicholas

Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal Minister for Home Affairs and Internal and Local Government Minister for Education and Culture – Minister for Social Transformation, Youth Minister for Health and Labour – Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries Security – Dr. – Mr. Richard Frederick Mr. Arsene James and Sports – Mr. Lennard Montoute Mr. and Forestry – Mr. Ezekiel Joseph

Minister in the Ministry of Education and Culture – Senator Gaspard Charlemagne

Minister for Communications, Works, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Minister for Economic Planning, Minister in the Ministry of Social Minister Trade, Industry and Transport and Public Utilities – Investment, Information and Minister for Tourism and Development and The Public Services – Transformation – Minister in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce Commerce – Mr. Guy Mayers Mr. Guy Joseph Broadcasting – Mr. Rufus Bousquet Civil Aviation – Senator Senator Ausbert D’auvergne Senator Tessa Mangal – Edmund Estephane

REMARKS BY HONOURABLE SIR JOHN G M COMPTON ON THE OCCASION OF THE FORMAL SWEARING OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS, PRIME MINISTER’S RESIDENCE, DECEMBER 19, 2006 our Excellency the Governor A few days ago, on the 15th of Home Affairs And Internal Security Housing And Urban Redevelopment For this purpose, I have created a General, Members of the Dip- December, many of you were pres- – Dr. Keith Mondesir – Mr. Richard Frederick new Ministry of Housing and Urban Ylomatic Corps, Your Lordship ent when Her Excellency charged me All surveys of public opinion in St Closely linked with crime and crim- Renewal, coupled with Local Govern- Mr. Michael Gordon, acting Chief Jus- with the duty of selecting members of Lucia have shown that crime and pub- inal activity is the problem of poor ment and offered the challenge to the a Government which will preside over tice, Ladies and Gentlemen, people of lic safety, and employment and educa- housing and the ‘ghettorisation’ of our Honourable Richard Frederick, the the affairs of St Lucia during this elec- Saint Lucia. tion, to be of prime concerns. city, our towns and villages, where the member for Central Castries. I wish to thank Her Excellency for toral term. blight of urban decay spread through- To deal with the problems of crime, Mr. Frederick is not only the mem- graciously consenting to preside over the It was a hard but honourable charge out our land. I have invited Dr. Keith Mondesir, the ber for the city of Castries and the ceremony and for forgiving the breach of which she laid upon me, and I have As our economy shifts from rural now come to report and to present to elected member for Anse-la-Raye/Ca- surrounding urban areas, where the protocol in the choice of venue. based agriculture to an urban based one you the result of my efforts, and to ex- naries, to accept this portfolio. Dr. problem is most urgent, but the af- I extend a special welcome to my of tourism and services, as we see the plain briefl y to the people of St Lucia, Mondesir has wide experience both fection in which he is held, and the very good friend, Sir James Mitchell, the reason for my choice. relentless drift of our young population here in St Lucia, in and other into our city and urban areas, all our ef- respect which he commands in the the former Prime Minister of St Vin- We are now entering very challeng- Caribbean Islands, in medicine, in forts at diversifying our economy will affected areas are well known. His cent and the Grenadines, who for much ing times in which the tide of global- management and community relations. be sorely affected unless we pay seri- experience as a former Police Offi - of my public life walked the road with ization is washing our shores. If we are me, and whose career was almost the This experience will serve him in good ous and urgent attention to the blight of cer, his profession of Law and his as- not only to survive but to prosper, we sociation with the Tourism Industry exact replica of my own. Sir James has must adjust our thinking and our ac- stead as we face the problem that is of urban decay and poor housing. will be experiences, and will serve only recently returned from London tions to these times. major public concern. I invite the sup- The girdle of slums which surrounds him in good stead as he embarks on where he launched the chronicle of In my choice of the persons to help port of the public to ensure success in our city is a veritable incubator for his experience in a book entitled “Be- us to chart our course through the trou- this task – a problem which affects us crime that threatens our daily lives. this very challenging adventure. yond the Islands”. I hope soon to do the bled times, I have sought to choose all and which is the fi rst responsibility This problem must be tackled with Prime Minister Sir John Compton announcing his Cabinet same. Sir James Mitchell “Horses for Courses”. of any Government. determination and with imagination. Continued on page 6 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, December 23, 2006 REMARKS BY HONOURABLE SIR JOHN G M COMPTON CONTINUED Education And Culture – not a “twelve week wonder”, but that the cal experience in this field. and St Lucians is paramount. Mr. Arsene James benefits of this would render exposure The challenges of this Ministry is not The subject of International Financial The principal challenge of the Govern- and continue well beyond this event and only in production, but in marketing our Services is not new to him because it is ment must be the removal of the scourge well into the future. This calls for mar- own produces and providing grading and Rufus who first introduced this when he of poverty from the bulk of our popula- keting of our country and its facilities, to packaging, to meet the demands and stan- served as Minster responsible for the tion. A recent survey by the Caribbean provide the linkage between sports and dards both for the supermarkets, the ho- NDC in 1995. Bank revealed the frightening problem tourism which can be of immense benefit tels and the export market. This calls for He will keep the public informed created by the shift of our economy. It to our people in general and to our young the experience and organisational skills of the activities of the Govern- showed that while there is growth in the sports men and women in particular. which Mr. Marcus Nicholas, the member ment as Minister for Information and economy – that is growth in the money On the social side of this Ministry for Dennery North has displayed in his Broadcasting. supply – the gap between rich and poor – the area of Social Transformation, own line of business. Minister For Tourism And has widened and the percentage of per- I have invited Miss Tessa Mangal to Trade, Industry And Commerce – Civil Aviation – Mr. Allen Chastanet sons and households which fell below the serve. This is to ensure that the needs Mr. Guy Mayers In our drive to diversify and to mod- poverty line has increased in the past ten of the women, and underprivileged are Electoral fortunes did not smile on ernize our economy we have invested years. As we seek to address this problem not neglected and be a breeding ground Mr. Guy Mayers but the demands of this heavily in tourism – both by the private we are guided by the words of Sir Arthur for problems in our society as we country in the field of International Trade, and public sector. This area will, in the Lewis that “the fundamental cure for make our drive for modernization and Commerce and Industry, the need of our foreseeable future, be the lead sector, poverty is not money, but knowledge”. reform. people to meet the challenges of this rap- providing not only the jobs but the essen- With this in mind we shall be embark- Health And Labour – idly changing world, demands that the tial linkages to all other sectors of social ing on fundamental reform of our edu- Mr. Stephenson King knowledge, experience and dedication and economic life. It is important there- cation system to offer to investors and It is an accepted truth that “the health of Mr. Mayers should be harmonised for fore, that we have at our disposal persons developers an educated workforce and our development to provide the employ- who have the vision, the knowledge and converting our economy into a “knowl- of a nation is the wealth of a nation” and ment which we will need to absorb the the experience to guide this important edge based” society. so it is – St Lucia the challenges relating growing number of educated youth who area of our economy. We are now given an opportunity to to this portfolio are many. will enter the workforce each year. revisit the universal secondary educa- The hundreds of millions being in- I have therefore invited Mr. Allen The changes brought about by the tion and transform it from being one of vested in this area will be wasted without Chastanet to serve. Mr. Chastanet has Free Trade of the Americas have caused placement into a secondary school, into proper management and training of per- the vision to see the road ahead and to us many casualties in the manufactur- an education system based on the ability sonnel. A new hospital does not neces- prepare us for the challenges we will in- ing sector. Few communities have suf- and aptitude of each child. sarily guarantee a proper health service. evitably meet in this fiercely competitive fered more than the Dennery community world. St Lucia may be beautiful but we To carry out this task, I have invited We are fortunate to have available to us with the loss of Belle Fashion. It is for must realize that we are not the “only the Honourable Arsene James, the mem- through the wise selection of the people this reason that I have invited Mr. Ed- pebble on the beach” and to meet the ber for Micoud South, whose career in of the Castries North Constituency, the mund Estephane the elected member for competition we must mobilize our best education spans many years, culminating proven experience and ability of Mr. Ste- Dennery South to serve with Mr. Guy brains and our resources. Mr. Chastanet with the distinction of being the Presi- phenson King whose previous service in Mayers, to attract industry to the com- will be backed by a team of men and dent of the School Principals Associa- the Ministry of Health, has earned him munities to provide employment and women who have excellent track records tion. With him, and specifically charged the praise not only of the medical fra- prevent the urban drift which is the root in this field. with the task of Education Reform and ternity, but of the people of St Lucia in cause of overcrowding and crime in our His own interest in this field is no con- Development will be Mr. Gaspard Char- general. city and major towns. flict, but an incentive from which the en- lemagne whose qualification is not only While there is much talk of the Uni- Communications, Works, Transport tire industry will benefit. education, but music and culture. In their versal Health Care, the complexity of And Public Utilities – posts they must address both education this effort demands not only a Minister Economic Planning, Development Mr. Guy Joseph And The Public Services – and culture. of Mr. King’s experience but a team of A modern economy depends upon an Mr. Ausbert D’auvergne Youth Sports And Community men and women dedicated to deliver to efficient supply of transport and public Development – Mr. Lennard Montoute the people of St Lucia the quality and Without vision the people perish, so utilities. It is for this reason that I have too without proper planning. It is because Closely associated with education is range of health services that our people invited Mr. Guy Joseph the member for of this and my own knowledge and expe- the portfolio of youth, sports and com- deserve. I am convinced that Mr. Ste- Castries South to serve in this Ministry. rience with him that I have invited Mr. munity development, now glamourised phenson King is up to this task. He has already had experience in the field with Social Transformation. Ausbert d’Auvergne to serve in the Min- His personality and his experience also before he came into elective politics and istry of Economic Planning and Devel- The interest and experience of Mr. equip him for the conciliation, mediation his management skills have been amply opment. Even his fiercest critics do not Lennard “Spider” Montoute in the area and compromise necessary for the chal- demonstrated in the modernisation of the deny his ability which has been proven is well known and I am therefore spared lenges which the Ministry of Labour will internal transport. over the years in the Ministry in which repetition, but his vista of sports extend inevitably bring. He will be provided Demands will be made upon these he has been invited to serve. beyond the mundane of organising youth with a loyal professional and dedicated skills by every sector of the economy. As this stage of its development St Lu- clubs and tournaments, important though team which the challenge demands. Be it health (for water), agriculture for cia needs the talent, the experience and these may be. It is one of general educa- internal transportation, Tourism for air the drive of Mr. d’Auvergne. St Lucia tion in sports, to give our young people Agriculture And Marketing – also needs a reformed, re-organised and a an opportunity of earning a living in this Mr. Ezekiel Joseph and sea ports. I am confident that he will dedicated public service, if this Govern- form of activity, even beyond the bound- For many generations, Agriculture was meet the challenges as he has met others ment is to deliver on its promises made aries of St Lucia, also to attract sports the leading sector of our economy. But in the past. in the electorate and lead St Lucia into people from outside St Lucia to utilize as agriculture faces the challenges of a Foreign Affairs, International that bright and secure future to which it the facilities in which so much has been globalised world, it has become the Cin- Investment, Information And has committed itself. invested. In other words, to link to sports, derella of our economy and the “golden Broadcasting – Mr. Rufus Bousquet Now that the tumult and the shouting has not only the education of our youth into carriage” has once again turned into a No man is an island – no man stands died, now that the war drums of political clubs where they shoot goals – their per- “pumpkin”. Perhaps Cinderella will once alone. So to with countries, especially rhetoric beat no longer, now that the battle sonal goals and ambitions – and not shoot again emerge as she may have met her small countries. We must therefore keep flags have been furled, let us now proceed each other, but to connect this Ministry Prince Charming in the person of Mr. those friends we have and grapple them in the words of own Anthem – “where strife to health, wellness and tourism. Ezekiel Joseph, the member for Babon- to our hearts with hoops of steel. This is and discord will no longer dim our chil- The first major challenge of this Minis- neau. He brings to this task of reform- the task given to Mr. Rufus Bousquet, dren’s toil and rest”. Let us work to deliver try will be the organisation of the Cricket ing and transforming this Ministry – the the member for Choiseul/Saltibus. His what we promised “a Bright and secure World Cup, into which so much has been Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries task is not only to keep those friends we Future”. invested by both the private and the pub- and Forestry, not only academic qualifi- have but to expand the circle bearing in I have done this part of my duty. Now lic sector, to ensure that this investment is cation, but an enormous wealth of practi- mind always that the interest of St Lucia proceed to do yours. Thanks. Saturday, December 23, 2006 Saint Lucia 7 Press Statement by Caricom Observer Mission to Saint Lucia (CARICOM Secretariat, Tur- Observer Team spread throughout 17 CARICOM congratulates the Elec- Observer group acknowledges, with keyen, Greater Georgetown, Guy- constituencies of Saint Lucia. The del- toral Commission for its preparation satisfaction, the efforts of everyone ana, 13th December, 2006) The egation visited hundreds of polling sta- and execution of the elections and es- involved in this electoral campaign, elections in Saint Lucia are over tions and observed the process from the pecially would like to recognise the from political parties to the media. opening of the poll to the counting of hard work of the Chief Elections Offi- and the CARICOM Observer The CARICOM Observer Group ballots. CARICOM is pleased with the cer and his staff. In addition, the CAR- Mission congratulates the people way in which the process of voting was ICOM Observer Group would like to would like to congratulate the peo- of Saint Lucia in their conduct conducted and expresses its satisfaction acknowledge the work of other stake- ple on the peaceful conduct of the on Election Day. The people have with the logistical arrangements for the holders in the process. process; we thank the Saint Lucian spoken and soon the results of the conducing of the poll. We are satisfied Throughout this campaign, the peo- People for their hospitality and wish poll will be made official. that on Election Day the poll was con- ple of Saint Lucia conducted themselves you all a Happy Independence and On Election Day, the CARICOM ducted in a free and fair manner. in a dignified manner. The CARICOM Happy Holidays.

Statement by H.E. Edwin W. Carrington, Secretary-General, , at the end-of-year Press Briefing, 8th December 2006, Georgetown,

embers of the Media in George- Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and To- OECS ECONOMIC UNION town and across the Region, bago, with an impressive formal ceremony In the same economic vein, the member MMembers of Executive Man- at Mona, Jamaica on 30 January. countries of the Organisation of Eastern agement and Staff of the CARICOM Sec- Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grena- Caribbean States signed a Declaration of retariat, People of the Region. It seems as da, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Intent to deepen their integration by form- though it was just yesterday that I was in Vincent and the Grenadines followed suit ing an economic union. This was during a similar position doing this very activity at the Twenty-Seventh Regular Session of their celebrations in June marking the 25th that is meeting with the press at the end the Conference of Heads on 3 July. The net Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of the calendar year. It is clear not only expected result is that as Prime Minister of Basseterre which created the OECS. does “time and tide not wait for no man” Manning, then Chairman, said in January, This will bring greater bargaining power so also do developments in the Region “our economies will become more resil- to them and, in addition, can have positive and across the globe for that matter. ient, with greater capacity for self-genera- spin-off effects for the strengthening of the As I said earlier in this year in terms of tion and more attractive for inflow of new wider Caribbean Community. Community activity, it has been a virtual capital”. HAITI annus mirabilis for the Community. The DEVELOPMENT FUND Region has, indeed, moved closer to being One of the major highlights of the past As the Community moved towards es- the integrated body that we all hope it will year was the re-admittance of Haiti into tablishing the framework for the Single become. the Community’s Councils. Let me reiter- Economy by 2008, the Heads of Govern- ate that CARICOM stands ready to sup- Let me refer to some significant devel- ment agreed in February to capitalise the port Haiti as it returns to democracy, and opments CARICOM Development Fund at US $250 to lend assistance in determined areas. This SUMMITS million. The Fund is a major element of the message was delivered by Chairman of CARICOM Heads of Government, as is CSME. The CSME was also boosted by the Community, the Prime Minister of St customary, met twice for the year - at the the bringing together of representatives of Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr Den- Inter-sessional in Port of Spain, Trinidad Member States, captains of industry, lead zil Douglas, to the Government and people and Tobago in February, under the chair- representatives of labour, members of aca- of Haiti during a visit last October at the manship of Prime Minister the Hon. Pat- demia and civil society in a three day sym- head of a Prime Ministerial Mission which H.E. Edwin W. Carrington rick Manning, and in July for their regular posium in pursuit of the Single Economy, included the Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia Caribbean Connect, in Barbados. annual Summit in St Kitts and Nevis, under and Dominica, Dr the Honourable Kenny ribbean affairs more firmly on the agenda Please let me remind that we can only the Chairmanship of The Honourable Dr Anthony and the Honourable Roosevelt of the US government and other influen- achieve a Single Market and Economy Denzil Douglas. Skerrit, respectively, as well as yours truly. tial elements in that society. Most notably, through the joint efforts of Governments three months after that meeting, President These meeting were supplemented by We welcomed the release of Mr. Yvon two meetings of the Bureau, one in St Kitts and their social partners. It is not easy to Bush declared June as Caribbean Ameri- achieve the status of CSME, hence the Neptune, Prime Minister in the Aristide can Heritage Month which highlights the and Nevis in October and one on Barbados government, following an order by the in November. reason that CARICOM so far is the only contributions of Caribbean Americans to grouping of developing countries to have Appeals Court of Haiti. CARICOM had that nation. We, at the Secretariat, were delighted repeatedly condemned “the abuse of due to have Chairman Manning visit us dur- committed to this depth of integration. But Bilaterals we are not yet there – we have a significant process and of the rule of law” associated ing his term and share his thoughts on the with the detention of Mr. Neptune, without Apart from the US, the Community way forward for the Community. We were way to go yet. Moreover, commitment is one thing, implementation, the true test, is trial. You will hear more on Haiti in a short strengthened bilateral relations, through also deeply appreciative to the Honourable while from the Deputy Secretary-General. various meetings with Japan, the Republic Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of another. FURTHER AFIELD of Korea, Mexico, Spain and the United Dominica, for having done the same. COMMUNITY PRODUCTION AND Kingdom. CARICOM’s relations with the Rio Heads of Government also participated TRADE A major on-going bilateral negotiations in a number of other major international While the Community has been en- Group, quite an important one in the face of globalisation, were enhanced with the occupied a significant part of the year meetings, including the CARICOM-Spain grossed in the building of the Single Mar- assumption of the Chairmanship of the Rio between Europe and the CARIFORUM Summit in Madrid, and the European ket and Economy, it has likewise been Group by Guyana on behalf of the Com- countries – CARICOM plus Dominican Union/Latin America and the Caribbean engaged in the bread and butter, or should Republic. Those negotiations, the most we say rice and beans, issues of regional munity in January. Summit in Vienna, Austria, both in May. recent of which was held in Brussels two production and trade. It has even been Moving further out, the Ministers of CSME weeks ago, will continue into the New Year concerned with the issue of cement. More Foreign Affairs of CARICOM met with with a scheduled completion at the end of The year started on a very positive note anon, including developments relating to the US Secretary of State and agreed to the 2007. with the launching of the Single Market on our key agricultural production and exports convening of a Conference on the Carib- January 1 by Barbados, Belize, Guyana, especially sugar, banana and rice. bean in 2007, with a view to placing Ca- Continued on page 8 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, December 23, 2006 Caricom Countries on Track To Achieve CWC 2007 Security Goals he nine Caribbean Community With regard to garnering internation- (CARICOM) countries that will al assistance to achieve security goals, Thost matches for Cricket World Colonel Anderson said that letters have Cup (CWC) 2007 are on track to achieve been exchanged between CARICOM and security goals in time for the March 2007 Brazil and there have been meetings with start of the world’s third largest sport- Regional Diplomats and at the Resource ing event. Mobilisation Committee level. There is a “Most countries are into the stage where CARICOM Resource Mobilisation Com- they’re starting to look at how they are go- mittee on Cricket headed by Minister of ing to do simulations and table top exercis- National Security in Jamaica, Dr. Peter es and actually work those plans that they Phillips. That Committee is coordinating have come up with in the past year or so, with a UK-based team which has experi- and how they are actually going to work out ence from the Athens Olympics. Together, in real time. So that’s the general state of Colonel Anderson said, they will consider the Region… at the moment,” said Colo- approaching the international community nel Antony Anderson, Regional Operations for assets and/or assistance for foreign en- Commander, the CARICOM Operational gagements in the Region. Planning and Coordinating Staff (COPACS) “Once that sort of asset is donated or in Georgetown on 15 December. available to us, then it’s our job to see how Colonel Anderson and his team were we coordinate that and fit that in with the in Guyana for a series of meetings with a overall security architecture that we are try- national team of security planners, com- Security forces at a simulation excercise at the Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia ing to develop,” Colonel Anderson said. mand staff and logistic elements headed by Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs, assist deficient countries which are hosting persons with criminal intent”. the Honourable Clement Rohee. Colo- the matches, and to ensure common stan- “It is of course the balance of these two THIS WEEK ON NTN nel Anderson was among officials who dards across the Region. With the Single things that will make for a successful re- briefed the media on Friday 15. The oth- Domestic Space created for CWC 2007, gional and national approach to this tour- ers were Home Affairs Minister, Com- one country is dependent on the other to nament,” Colonel Anderson said. Sat. Dec. 23rd to Fri. Dec. 29th 2006 missioner of Police Mr. Henry Greene, secure its borders. Though work varies from state to state, NTN – PROVIDING and Assistant Commissioner of Police, “Everyone in the process would like to countries are well advanced in their security INFORMATION YOU NEED Mr. Paul Slowe, who is spearheading se- know that what is happening in another coun- preparations. Mr. Slowe pointed out that ev- Careless use of pesticides can pose curity arrangements for Guyana’s leg of try will sufficiently protect them from any of ery aspect of the tournament had a security several problems to our health. Need the tournament. the things that they would normally protect component and indicated that Guyana was more information, then join us on: Established by the CARICOM Heads of themselves from,” said Colonel Anderson. at the point where it was conducting training Sat. Dec. 23rd, 9:30 a.m. Government at their meeting in July 2006 in He added that one of the first things his exercises for security personnel of both the The GIS discusses latest St. Kitts and Nevis, COPACS’ function is to team looks for in its visits to the host coun- private and public sectors, seeking special- secure the Region for CWC 2007. In this re- developments in the banana industry tries is whether there is an understanding of ist assistance and preparing for two cricket - Sun. Dec. 24th , 11:00 a.m. gard Colonel Anderson and his team by the the magnitude and scale of the event. In ad- matches to test its preparedness. Commis- Relive Star Quest Christmas end of January 2007, will complete visit to dition to creating an environment that will sioner Greene said discussions with Colonel Spectacular – Mon. Dec. 25th, 8:00 all the hosting matches for the tournament. encourage visitors to enjoy what the Carib- Anderson included forms of assistance with Among COPACS’ mandates are to pro- bean has to offer, those countries must also regard to a bomb disposal unit, as well as p.m. vide and coordinate the Region’s assets to put measures in place to deal with “hostile help to deal with hazardous material. Helen Folk Quadrille Festival – Part 1 - Tues. Dec. 26th, 7:30 p.m. Festival of Carols - Wed. Dec. 27th, 8:00 p.m. Continued Ministry of Planning Officials discuss Statement by H.E. Edwin W. Carrington global warming and several other The relationship between CARICOM dors being accredited to the Community As far as the Cricket World Cup is issues pertaining to environmental and the United Nations Population Fund by Germany, , Barbados, Brazil, the concerned all of us must play our best sustainability - Thurs. Dec. 28th, 8:00 was further strengthened by the launch United States and Canada. strokes as we welcome the world to p.m. of the South-South Initiative which is Community Relations. our shores and ensure that a good time Violinists throughout the country intended to institutionalise joint plan- The Community received for the first is had by all beyond the boundary! The display their talents at a unique ning and implementation of activities in time ever a national award, and it was event has already had a positive effect gathering – Fri. Dec. 29th , 8:00 p.m. critical areas of human development in the highest that Dominica could bestow, on the integration movement in a num- Remember to tune in for: the Community. I have also just returned the Dominican Award of Honour. It was ber of ways, in particular in the field of GIS News Breaks and Kweyol News from delivering the feature address at my privilege to receive it on behalf of the security. Its legacy should therefore be daily from 6:30 p.m. one that would leave the integration ar- the Population Fund’s Caribbean Me- Community in the presence of the Chair- Issues & Answers/Mondays at rangements stronger. Of course we will dia Awards held in Jamaica where I also man Dr Douglas. 8:00pm: held discussions with the representative also win the trophy! I hope. As the year comes to a close, I will be Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm : for Latin America and the Caribbean, Next year, the Region will also be part paying an official visit to the Cayman Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 8:00pm Ms Marisela Padron, with a view to of the commemoration of the 200th An- Islands as the Community continues to (Kweyol Discussion): strengthening the relationship between niversary of the Abolition of the Atlantic seek greater involvement by its Associate Your Right to Know/Thursdays at our two organisations. Slave Trade, as well as joining Haiti in Members. 6:15 p.m. (Min. of Ed. Prog). During my recent travels from which celebrating the 200th anniversary of its Next year seems set to rank as a very aus- Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm I returned only last night, I had the hon- Parliament. Finally, 2007 will also see picious one with the major event being the (Week in Review) our of addressing the opening dinner of the staging of the first ever Conference staging of the ICC Cricket World Cup. The Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm - (Week the 30th Annual Miami Conference on on the Caribbean in Washington D.C. preparatory process for that tournament is in Review—Kweyol) the Caribbean, and I also paid a visit to Historic times indeed! in high gear. In that regard, it is critical that Guadeloupe in furtherance of our rela- I cannot close without paying tribute this very weekend at least three Member For the complete programme guide, tions with the wider Caribbean. to one of the stalwarts of regional inte- States sign the final text of the CARICOM gration who departed the formal politi- log on to our website at www.stlucia. DIPLOMATIC ENHANCEMENT Special Visa Agreement, bearing in mind cal stage during 2006. His contribution gov.lc and then click on the NTN icon. The Community saw an enhanced that December 15, that is next Friday, is the has been without equal. I speak of none diplomatic status with new Ambassa- opening for applications for the visas. other than the Most Honourable P.J. Pat- www.stlucia .gov.lc Saint Lucia NATIONWIDE is published every week by the Department of Information Services. Contact us at: The Department of Information Services, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building, The Waterfront, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies Tel: (758) 468 2116; Fax (758) 453 1614; E-mail: [email protected]; http://stlucia.gov.lc