NATIONWIDE Saturday April 12th 2003 A publication of the Department of Information Services EDITORIAL A BUDGET FOR ALL EMPOWERING PEOPLE Government is proposing to invest a direct consequence of a global Life, so the saying goes, is largely what millions of dollars in major recession and the September you make it. Success in whatever form infrastructure projects over the terrorist attacks on America, the basically boils down to making the right coming year to propel the economy economy bounced back last year choices at the right time. further along the current path to with a modest but encouraging 0.1 Through two exciting new initiatives recovery and to support the key per cent growth. being financed by the European Union objective of poverty alleviation. (EU) through its development aid The turn-around was driven programme, Government is giving “We will be concentrating primarily by a recovery in banana ordinary St. Lucians a once-in-a-lifetime primarily on the construction,” production, significant expansion opportunity to make things happen with Prime Minister and Minister of in manufacturing and respect to two basic needs: housing and Finance, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, told communications, and a modest employment. the House of Assembly on Tuesday, recovery in tourist arrivals. April 8. as he presented an Imagine receiving $20,000 with no expansionary $861.3 million budget Against a backdrop of “caution and repayment obligations to help you make the first decisive steps towards putting for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. uncertainty” in the global economy a roof over your head. Or a grant for a which has a profound impact on St similar amount with the same conditions “Our focus will be on housing and Lucia, Dr Anthony said to help you establish a small business road construction as these are Government has a responsibility to to provide for yourself and family. significant employment generating take the lead role in stimulating sectors,” the Prime Minister added. economic activity “in periods of It’s an unprecedented opportunity that “Our goal will be to spread these turbulence and uncertainty”. probably sounds too good to be true. employment opportunities island- But that’s exactly what’s available to wide.” The capital side of the budget – every St. Lucian under the Low Income totalling $348.8 million which is Housing Facility and the Rural Credit Programme. After the steep decline of 2001 primarily going towards developing Minister of Finance Dr. Kenny D. Anthony when output fell by 4.6 per cent as the infrastructure – represents a presenting the budget for 2003 - 2004. The full $30 million EU aid package has another component which seeks to further build the capacity of the local private sector to assume the crucial role of “engine of growth”.

These initiatives, unprecedented in the history of St. Lucia, will help to bring about the empowerment many St. Lucians, especially the poor, have been longing for to make a difference in their lives. EU Ambassador to St. Lucia, John Caloghirou, has praised the Government of St. Lucia for coming up with these bold initiatives.

“The Government of St. Lucia is putting in place mechanisms that will play a major role in providing people with the opportunity and the means to develop their own ideas, develop their businesses, and create prosperity both for themselves and for the people around them,” he says.

In the final analysis, that’s what good, effective government is all about. economic strategy will be one of recurrent Low income housing is receiving cost containment, directing the resources considerable attention. Government is to stimulate capital investment planning over the coming year to launch programmes, maximizing revenue what will be the single largest housing collection, containing inflation and development ever undertaken in St Lucia. significantly reduced borrowing,” Dr Anthony explained. The project at Choc Estate involves the construction of 493 homes on an 89 acre He made it clear: “Our strategy is site by the National Housing Corporation. predicated on the absence of major Fourteen acres will be set aside for public changes to the current regional and officers who are interested in acquiring a international situation. Should there be an home. In addition, the NHC will be adverse change to the prevailing launching a new project at Black Bay, circumstances, it will be necessary for us Vieux Fort. A total of 126 housing lots will to review our strategy to make necessary be developed for sale. adjustments.”

Dr. Anthony said the Labour Government Other highlights of the budget included an also will be embarking on “what is perhaps announcement that no decision has been the most ambitious and comprehensive taken on an Eastern Caribbean Central road development programme ever Bank-linked proposal for the introduction designed and undertaken in St Lucia.” of a Value Added Tax, a 3 1/3 per cent reduction in corporation tax to be achieved Under the $57.9 million Road Development over the next three years, a reduction in Programme, currently underway and to be excise tax on motor vehicles, and a $50 carried out in four phases, repaving of the increase per year in driver’s license fees. Castries to Vieux Fort highway – specifically from Manoel Street to Cul-de- In addition, St Lucians who receive Sac and from Cul-de-Sac to Barre de L’isle pensions from local sources will no longer – will commence this year. have to pay land and house tax. The Tax Arrears Payment Plan has been extended There is also the French-funded Tertiary for another year, and legislation is to be Road Rehabilitation project, under which introduced for a deposit refund on plastic 130 kilometres of road will be rehabilitated bottles which are posing a serious over 21 months at a cost of $33 million. environmental problem. The north, centre and south of the island Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony announced that Government will be embarking on a very ambitious and comprehensive road development programme for St Lucia.

VACANT POSITIONS AT BORDELAIS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN II, I Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the fol- Duties and tasks include. lowing posts at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, Ministry of Home Affairs and General supervision and maintenance of the Bordelais Correctional Facility; Monitoring and maintenance of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems within the building with a view to ensuring its continued operational effectiveness and makes ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT I recommendations for improvement where necessary; Ensuring that there is an Duties and tasks include: Day to day maintenance of the books of accounts and adequate supply of oil and diesel for the generators. related records of the Bordelais Correctional Facility; Ensuring that accurate records and complete accounting records are kept in order to provide timely financial data; Salary ranges are as follows: Reconcile the Facility’s accounts with Treasury and makes necessary adjustments; Maintenance Technician II - $28,515.09 - $30,476.88 per annum (Grade 8) Supervises the day-to-day operations of purchases, payments by controlling pay- Maintenance Technician I - $22,209.60 - $24,661.78 per annum (Grade 6) ment of various orders, contractors bills and utilities. The point of entry will be determined by the officer’s qualifications and experience

Salary is in the range of $25,852.73 - $27,814.57 per annum (Grade 7) INDUSTRIES MANAGER Duties and tasks include ACCOUNTS CLERK Generating contract work for the laundry and workshops with appropriate pricing structures, invoicing etc. Maintains contact with customers to ensure the smooth running of contract agreements; Maintaining Duties and tasks include: Maintain balanced accounts on all items of revenue accounting procedures for each work area, including internal invoicing for items produced in the and expenditure on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis; Processes salaries paid Engineering Shop for use in the Prison. Ensuring appropriate adherence to security procedures pertaining to monthly and/or other paid employees; Maintain the Facility’s imperest and staff to tools and equipment, end of shift building searches, materials control, prisoner searching and goods fund (petty cash) System; Assist in the preparation of Estimates of Revenue and movement both receipt and delivery; Supervision of workforce and application of acceptable disciplinary Expenditure for the Bordelais Correctional Facility. measures where necessary; Prepares compatible work plans to ensure workflow which yields maximum performance during daily activities. Salary is in the range of $14,082.37 - $16,184.32 per annum (Grade 3) The point of entry will be determined by the applicant’s qualifications and experi- Salary is in the range $45,890.49 - $47.782.15 per annum (Grade 14) administration of justice. when Parliament votes during the current session, on legislation to Government believes trained JPs can abolish the British Privy Council as the assist in dispensing justice in certain types island’s final court of appeal. of cases. For example, those related to uncontested traffic charges, use of St. Lucians can also expect speedier obscene language; damage to property, delivery of justice, especially in etc. relation to criminal cases, as Government introduces a series of Dame Pearlette announced that new laws reform initiatives to increase the relating to the Royal St Lucia Police Force efficiency of the court system. will also be enacted during the present parliamentary session as Government And “strong legislation” is coming to continues its far-reaching police reform protect children’s rights as St Lucia initiative. gets ready to observe the year beginning November 20, which is the Among the laws are a draft Police Service International Day of Child, as the Year Bill, expected to be circulated for public of the Child. The aim is to heighten discussion before it is brought to national awareness of children’s issues Parliament, and police regulations related and mobilize public action. to discipline, governance, and promotions.

Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame With regard to children’s rights, Dame , made these Pearlette noted that Government had announcements on Tuesday, April 8, as expressed concern about how children are she delivered an hour-long Throne Speech treated in St Lucia. She pointed out, to a joint sitting of the House of Assembly Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy delivering the throne speech . however, that the care and protection of and Senate, to officially open the Second children is “at once an individual and Session of the Eighth Parliament. Government plans to enact other laws to try criminal cases throughout the year, collective responsibility” of all St. Lucians, supporting the CSME. They relate, among instead of three times a year at the with Government playing a “central role”. CARICOM other things, to consumer protection, fair Assizes as is currently the case. Single Market and Economy trading, aliens licensing, dumping and countervailing duties, and domestic “Naturally, this initiative will require proper “A society cannot consider Legislation giving formal effect to the financial services laws. planning and adjustments on the part of Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the St all parties in the system but my itself civilized or lay claim to Lucia’s highest court, will be brought to Establishment of a Criminal Division of the Government is convinced that the merits decency and humanity if it Parliament for approval early in the present High Court, fundamental reform of the of this approach will be appreciated and a session. The CCJ, to which most magistrates court system, and the use of vigorous effort will be made by all to does not take every measure (CARICOM) states Justices of the Peace (JPs) to resolve implement this valuable initiative,” Dame to ensure proper protection are signatories, is a critical institution for certain types of cases, are among Pearlette said. of the most vulnerable in its the effective functioning of the soon-to-be- proposals for improving the administration established CARICOM Single Market and of justice. St Lucia was hoping to pursue judicial midst. Among the most reform in conjunction with other members vulnerable are our children.” Meantime, work is going on to modernize of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean The CSME, Dame Pearlette pointed out, the island’s civil law. A new Civil Code is States (OECS) with which it shares a “is germane to our ability as small states expected to be drafted next year. common court system. However, lack of Government is using the services of an to continue to survive, and even thrive, action has prompted the Government to experienced legal draughtsman from the within a less accommodating international With the establishment of a Criminal proceed on its own. region to come up with a body of effective Division, the High Court will be in a position laws to enhance the protection of children. Accountable Magistracy Laws related to adoption and foster care will also be examined during the exercise. “Constitutional responsibility for the management of the affairs of the District “A society cannot consider itself civilized Court rests with the Executive and in or lay claim to decency and humanity if it obedience to its duties under our does not take every measure to ensure Constitution, my Government will continue proper protection of the most vulnerable in to redouble its efforts to provide the people its midst. Among the most vulnerable are of St Lucia with a Magistrates Court that our children,” the Governor-General noted. can deliver justice freely, fairly and in an efficient manner,” Dame Pearlette said. The current parliamentary session will also see the introduction of legislation to “My Government believes it is critical at enhance St Lucia’s capability in the fight this juncture that the District Courts against international terrorism. Especially Ordinance be reviewed with a view to its to prevent anyone from using St Lucia to VITAL BANANA INDUSTRY ON NEW PATH A year ago, several banana farmers “Farmers are beginning to expand and to “With lower prices now and the changes which were on the verge of calling it quits. rehabilitate their fields because there is a have taken place in the market, we have to The ups and downs of the past decade, general confidence that they have regained seriously consider being more productive, being and the resulting uncertainty in the industry,” adds La Force, whose unit more efficient if we wish bananas to have a viable surrounding the industry’s future, were is responsible for implementing the EC$11 future,” says LaForce. “The Banana Emergency finally taking their toll. million redevelopment programme, being Recovery Unit has come to the fore to assist in financed jointly by the Caribbean that regard.” Then something happened which Development Bank (CDB) and the offered a ray of hope to the farming Government of St. Lucia. LaForce adds: “Come 2008, there will be full community in general. The St. Lucia liberalization of the export market in Europe. Government, in the latest of a series of The BERP incorporates recommendations BERU is seeking to inculcate in the farmer the banana support initiatives since 1997 of a Banana Industry Strategy Task Force, need to become more commercial, more — announced it was making a strategic which conducted a detailed analysis of independent and to do things in a way that they multi-million-dollar investment to sector for the Government. The programme can be more productive. While we cannot secure a future for the industry. will run for three years in the first instance influence the price of bananas, we have control and has the following among its key in terms of production costs and quality.” The focus of this initiative would be on objectives: repositioning the industry to survive in the Banana Emergency Recovery Unit new liberalized market that was emerging. § Ensuring the long-term survival and To help farmers to adapt to an environment international competitiveness of St. It’s a theme Minister of Agriculture, Senator where success would depend increasingly Lucia’s banana industry, especially Calixte George, also emphasized at the official on fruit quality and the efficiency and after 2008 when current European opening of the BERU office in 2002. “The competitiveness of farms, rather than Union (EU) preferences come to an launching of BERU marks the beginning of a new traditional preferential treatment extended end; era in banana production initiatives aimed at § Restoring farmer confidence and greater productivity and efficiency at all levels in improving their competencies in the sector,” he said. “In the present era of Today, almost a year after the launch of production, including through the use globalisation and market competition, banana the Banana Emergency Recovery of the best available technology to production has to evolve into a system that Programme (BERP), farmers who were achieve consistent fruit quality; emphasizes increasing productivity, efficiency about to call it quits are making a steady § Bringing back up production levels to and greater capture of market share.” trek back to their fields. It’s a remarkable satisfy current export market demonstration of renewed confidence in the requirements; and Latin American ‘dollar’ banana producers are St. industry, which almost single-handedly was § Increasing revenue for farmers and the Lucia’s main competitors in the export market. responsible for the modernization of St. five existing banana companies.

Hilary LaForce: overseeing the While the present challenges are transformation of bananas “Since the advent of our existence, the undoubtedly the toughest in the 40-year as head of BERU. number of farmers has climbed from about history of banana production in St. Lucia, After peaking in the 1960s when there were 1,300 last September to about 2,000 and it’s certainly not the first time that the some 14,000 active farmers, the 1970s saw is climbing all the time,” says Hilary industry has found itself in a bind. A cursory the industry slip into a worrying decline LaForce, programme manager of the Cul- glance through the industry’s history clearly which prompted serious discussion on the de-Sac-based Banana Emergency shows a recurring pattern of highs and lows need to switch to alternative cash crops. Recovery Unit (BERU). down through the years. However, just as the proposal was starting to gain momentum in the early 1980s, a saviour, happenstance, came to the rescue of the industry.

New Entrants in to Industry

The value of the British Pound – the currency in which the Windward Islands are paid for their banana exports – was soaring against other major international currencies. As a result, there was an unexpected cash windfall for farmers and the island as a whole, even though Windwards bananas at the time were not fetching the best prices on the British market.

Driven by the hope of making big money, scores of new entrants got into banana farming, fueling an upswing in production highest yields per acre – an average of 20 tonnes of bananas compared with 6 to 8 tonnes for St. Lucian farms. They also have an advantage which St. Lucian farmers will never have – access to exceptionally cheap farm labour for as low as

“We have to consider increasing our yields from 8 tonnes up to 20 tonnes per acre,” says LaForce. “If we are able to increase our yields and become more efficient, then we can achieve a bigger

BERU is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to achieve its core objectives. Having succeeded to a large extent in rebuilding farmer confidence in a relatively short period, it is pressing ahead with plans to introduce technology, which ensures top quality fruit and highest yields in the quest for

The unit is ensuring that farmers have improved Damming works: An off-field irrigation system in the making to give farmers a ready An On-Farm Connection: BERU is footing access to vital inputs and that there is optimum supply of water for their fields. 50 per cent of the cost of hooking up use of St. Lucia’s so-called agro-ecological zones that farmers can make on-farm footing 50 per cent of the bill and providing farmers to the system – namely the Cul-de-Sac, Mabouya, Canelles, connections. “In effect, farmers will have a loan to cover the remaining 50 per cent. an export market for bananas and the and Roseau valleys which agriculture experts say access to irrigation which will contribute question we face is whether we can produce are the best areas on the island for growing immensely to improving their production To improve the quality of banana plants, efficiently to increase our margins,” he and productivity,” says LaForce. BERU is bringing in tissue culture from adds. Israel. Close to a quarter million plants of If you go right now into the heart of the Cul-de- The EU is contributing more than EC$5 the Williams, Valery and new Jaffa varieties Despite the setbacks of the past decade, Sac Valley at Deglos, you will see a massive off- million towards this project, which involves will be distributed among 100-odd farmers St. Lucia has retained its position as the farm irrigation system under construction. A river the construction of similar systems in the in the coming months at the heavily leading Windwards producer. It’s an is being dammed and the water from this source other top banana producing regions. BERU subsidized price of $1 per plant. important point often overlooked in the will be piped through the banana farmlands so is helping farmers to get hooked-up by general debate about the industry. As the Some farmers are already tilling their lands backbone of the sub-region, whatever – compliments of BERU — in anticipation happens here will naturally have of the arrival of the tissue culture. Tissue consequences for the other producers. culture is a superior planting material, which is developed under strictly controlled BERU believes St. Lucia must seriously conditions to allow banana plants to reach consider diversification of its markets to maturity in a disease-free environment. reduce the heavy dependence on Europe, especially seeing that full liberalization of The Williams and Valery varieties have that market will occur in 2008. And it proven to do very well under local believes the effort should begin right here at home. conditions. Jaffa, which is a newly developed variety, is being introduced on “We have well over 42,000 children in an experimental basis to see the results. school,” LaForce observes. “If every child Just 12,000 Jaffa plants will be brought in. eats one banana a day, we are talking about an average of 2 000 boxes of bananas which BERU’s first big assignment after being is almost 70 tonnes for a week and that in launched was helping with post-Tropical itself is a sizable market for our banana Storm Lilli rehabilitation of banana farms. farmers.” The storm, which struck last September, “There is potential too in the region,” he wiped out about 25 per cent of the crop, adds. “Just recently the Ministry of which has had an adverse impact on this Agriculture asked IICA (Inter American year’s exports. Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture) to do a study of the regional market and the BERU has paid out over EC$400,000 to preliminary report indicates there is farmers – at the rate of $100 per acre – to potential in the region – in Barbados, assist with clearing and replanting of fields Antigua, Trinidad. We have to work on that which were damaged. By the middle of this area and also the tourist trade.” year, these fields should again be producing BERU is planning a Banana Festival for later fruit for the market. this year. It’s a marketing initiative to OF OPPORTUNITY pay interest and reimburse only $20,000. Have you been thinking of setting Dennery. The first three beneficiaries – all loan is approved, it means you have a viable up a small business but have kept women from Laborie – signed their business. putting it off because you have a agreements before a large crowd which feeling somehow that the banks will turned up to learn about the exciting The Rural Credit Facility, seen as another turn down your request for a start-up opportunity. avenue to help displaced banana farmers find a new source of income, came out of Here’s how the facility works. First, you discussions Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. If you happen to be in this position, you have to get a business plan prepared, Anthony held with the EU in St. Vincent don’t have to wait anymore. detailing the relevant particulars about the and the Grenadines last year. Government has opened up the right enterprise you wish to set up. When that opportunity for you, as part of its broad- is done, you go to any participating A low-income housing facility and a plan to based strategy to fight poverty and financial institution, put in an application support the development of the private sector empower ordinary people across St. for a loan, get the business plan evaluated, also form part of a total development and wait for an answer. assistance package of over EC$30 million

The Rural Credit Facility, launched “If the (institution) approves your business Medium size enterprises can also benefit recently with European Union (EU) plan, automatically you are eligible for a under the Rural Credit Facility being development assistance, is making grant up to maximum of $25,000,” says managed by the St. Lucia Credit Union available some $15 million to help Harel. “Let’s take an example. You are a League, credit unions, the National ordinary St. Lucians make their fisherman. You want to purchase a new Research and Development Foundation, business dreams come true. It joins the engine, nets and things like that.... and the Bank of St. Lucia. Other banks have BELFUND and other small business- expressed interest in participating and may support initiatives established by the “If the institution approves your business join the list soon. near-six-year-old Labour government. which is for $40,000, you will have a grant of $20,000 and a loan of $20,000. It means The first three beneficiaries, who belong to “When we say small enterprises, we are you will have to pay interest and reimburse the Laborie Credit Union, are getting talking about farmers, fishermen, the only $20,000,” Harel explains. assistance to launch a pre-school, a Member of Parliament for Dennery South construction sector, ladies who want to bookstore, and an aquaculture (fresh water Hon. Damian Greaves. develop a kindergarten, restaurants, small The purpose of the grant is to pay for the fish and shrimp) project. eco-tourism projects. We are talking in a preparation of the business plan, fees and “This is what governance is all about,” he broad way,” says Christian Harel, technical other expenses related to the business Parliamentary representative for Dennery says. “Not staying in the offices and advisor to the Office of the National loan application. If any funds remain after South, Health Minister Damian Greaves, is expecting people to always listen to you to Accounting Officer, which oversees these expenses have been met, the lauding the Office of the National Accounting do certain things but (with) programmes like implementation of St. Lucia’s EU aid balance goes to pay for, let’s say it’s the Officer – which falls under the Prime these, you need to come out and speak to fisherman, fishing equipment and other Minister’s Office — for going into the people….” things he needs. communities around the island to inform Harel provided a detailed explanation of the residents about the opportunities. “It is a timely exercise,” Greaves adds. “Here facility on Friday, March 21, at a public “We really believe this can be a good help is an opportunity for people who are sensitization meeting at the Greenfields Inn, when you are starting,” says Harel. “If the unemployed, who are self-employed to begin some activity of their own or even to expand their self-employment pursuits.” Under the proposed legislation, a addition to the growing list of areas Consumer Protection Commission will be “Consumers are the largest economic where St. Lucia is leading the way in established as a type of watchdog group anywhere in the world, and they the Caribbean. This time, it’s in the government agency to enforce the legal make an important contribution to social crucial area of consumer rights rights of consumers. The Commission, and economic development,” Pierre points among other things, will carry out out. “Business, trade and commerce investigations on behalf of consumers who cannot be successful if consumers are not It’s the consumer who ultimately believe they were adversely affected in a position to utilize the goods and makes the difference in determining through the sale of goods and provision of services produced.” the success of every business. Indeed, services. there is no company, which can “The views, opinions, concerns and rights succeed without solid consumer Product Safety of consumers must be considered at all support for the goods or services it levels of economic and commercial activity brings to market. Yet, ironically, the The purpose of such investigations will be and at trade negotiations,” he adds. consumer so often is taken for granted. to determine whether the goods or services complained of, were sold or provided in The present heightened level of consumer Against the backdrop of growing public contravention of the Consumer Protection awareness in St. Lucia is largely the result concern about the quality and safety Act. of efforts by Government, led by the of some products on the market, Consumer Affairs Department, to sensitize especially since the advent of global The Director of Consumer Affairs is given the public about their rights in this unfolding trade liberalization, Government is in power by the legislation to publish, with era of globalisation and trade liberalization. the process of bringing to Parliament the approval of the St. Lucia Bureau of a Consumer Protection Bill for passage Standards, warning notices in newspapers A spin-off of these efforts has been the relating to product safety, product establishment, about a year ago, of the

Hon. Philip J. Pierre Minister of Consuner Affairs With the establishment by OECS countries of the East Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), Pierre says its role, as regulator is “to supervise the liberalization of this sector in a transparent and efficient manner so as to allow fairness and justice for all and particularly the consumer”.

The theme for this year’s observance of World Consumer Rights Day was “Corporate Control of the Food Chain – the GM Link”. The choice reflects the raging international debate about genetically modified (GM) foods, in particular their safety for human consumption given the concerns about a possible link to cancer and other serious diseases.

Food imports: Monitoring to ensure quality and safety Telecommunications services: consumers are starting to reap benefits “Recently, the mad cow disease The bill, currently before Cabinet for standards, product information, and the National Consumer Association, which has demonstrated to the world how unsafe consideration, is based on a draft prepared recall of goods. been waging a highly vocal and visible practices could affect consumers, farmers at the level of the Caribbean Community, campaign for a better deal for consumers. and the general public,” notes Minister CARICOM, to guide member states which Another key provision of the Consumer The Consumer Affairs Department Pierre. “Safety practices have to be are required to adopt harmonized Protection Bill is the imposition of facilitated the establishment of this observed throughout production, consumer legislation, in the context of the obligations on the vendors of goods and independent body. processing and distribution of food, to instill soon-to-be-established CARICOM single the providers of services in St. Lucia. . consumer confidence and ensure safety.” market and economy. Telecommunications Services “For example, a vendor or provider is under As the debate on genetically modified foods “The purpose of the Bill,” explains Minister an obligation in reasonable circumstances The determined crusade by OECS continues, the position of the Government for Consumer Affairs, Philip J. Pierre, “is to provide information on the origin, price, countries, spearheaded by Senator Calixte of St. Lucia, as spelt out by the Department to provide for the promotion and protection care and other terms of goods being sold,” George, for telecommunications of Consumer Affairs, is that consumers of consumer interests in relation to the Pierre explains. liberalization to secure a better deal for should exercise caution since alternative supply of goods and services to ensure the consumers, also did a lot to raise products are available. protection of life, health and safety of the “The vendor or provider is also under an awareness here and the rest of the sub- consumer and others.” obligation to provide receipts and region about consumer rights and issues. Meantime, the St. Lucia Bureau of warranties,” he adds. “The Bill also Standards is stepping up efforts to ensure St. Lucians, who have taken a greater prohibits a vendor or provider from Consumers, in fact, are today reaping the the safety of food and other products used A search is on for consultants to come up with a suitable design for the facility, which is to be constructed on a site off the Millennium Highway, not far away from the Victoria

“A lot of people think it is not going to be constructed but it is well on its way,” says Wilfred Pierre, National Accounting Officer for European Union (EU) development assistance.

“It is not a matter that the Government has to go and look for funds for the new general hospital. We have EC$67 million that is available so that a new general, state-of-the-art hospital can be built,” Pierre

Financing for the project is coming from the EU development assistance programme to the island.

Pierre recently provided an update on the project – the centrepiece of the modernisation plan for St Lucia’s health care sector — as he outlined various EU development initiatives that stand to bring great

Government is also constructing a new psychiatric hospital in Marigot to replace Golden Hope, which has outlived its usefulness.

In preparation for the opening of the new general hospital, Pierre says close to 30 St. Lucians are currently attending medical school in . They will work as doctors at the facility on their return The Victoria Hospital has continued to serve as the major health care institution in St. Lucia

decision by the French government to allow CONSUMER RIGHTS Saint Lucians to visit Martinique without visas. Initially Ambassador Vidal played a key Pierre is urging consumers to continue THANK YOU! role in facilitating that initiative and thanks to to educate and re-educate themselves his effort and his support Saint Lucians are on their rights and privileges in all able to travel to Martinique without visas, initially, on an experimental basis. Obviously areas, including the financial sector now we have to make sure that we put it on a where there have been several recent sound and proper footing and I know we are complaints about various charges and finalising certain adjustments.”

Mr. Vidal was also instrumental in getting the “I am pleased that certain local banks, French Embassy to assist the Royal Police Force in sourcing vital on the insistence of our Prime Minister, equipment. Dr. Anthony says the ambassador have reduced interest rates to also contributed to Saint Lucia’s consumers on mortgage loans. infrastructural development. However, the issue of bank charges is still a cause of grave concern, and we “One of the projects that really excitement is await the results of the inquiry to be the Road Rehabilitation Programme to enhance our eco-tourism product. Earlier this undertaken by the Eastern Caribbean year we announced that the Agence Central Bank,” the minister says. Francaise de Development had made available a very generous loan to Saint Lucia, “Meanwhile, consumers must ensure a loan that provides several years of that they acquaint themselves with all moratorium for which we are very, very deeply conditions when entering into contracts grateful but what is most important too is that that loan is going to touch the lives of with banks and other financial Saint Lucians particularly those persons institutions, and remember that they residing in communities where the tourism have the right to ask questions and potential is real and obvious.” shop for alternatives.” Ambassador Henry Vidal says for any country “We live in trying times, and the world to develop there must be partnership, as