Saint Lucia No. 79. Saturday, February 19, 2005

A publication of the Department of Information Services

26th Independence Anniversary kicks off this weekend - page 2

Fund for new hospital mounts - page 2

Governor General presents Charter for the Pitons to UNESCO Director General

t. Lucia now has access to the many privileges that world heritage sites enjoy. Direc- tor General of UNESCO Mr. Tourism is key sector, keeps SKoichio Matsuura, who earlier this improving - pages 3 & 8 week led a UNESCO delegation to St. Lucia for the inscription ceremo- ny of the Piton Management Area as a World Heritage Site, said that designating an area as a world heri- tage site was an occasion for boost- ing national pride and increasing a society’s commitment to protecting and developing that area in a sus- tainable manner. He said the status of world heritage also brought inter- national attention to the site and its surrounding area, attracting inter- national funding and potential in- creases in tourism. Intangible cultural heritage encom- UNESCO has established a pro- $100,000 for Guyana fl ood victims “It may be noted that the world heri- cess for promoting an interest in and - page 7 passes among others, world traditions tage centre has established programs and expressions including language, respect for intangible cultural heri- for small island developing state to performing arts, social practices, ritu- tage called the masterpieces of the provide enhanced assistance in the als and festive events and traditional oral and intangible heritage of hu- preparation of nominations to UNES- manity. Given the fact that 12 coun- CO’s world heritage list. Our collec- craftsmanship. tries have already ratifi ed the 2003 tive work to conserve the diversity of “I believe that intangible cultural convention on intangible cultural the world’s heritage also requires new heritage is very important for St. Lucia heritage it is likely that it will come instruments to give greater protective and the wider Caribbean and therefore, into force in 2006. coverage to al types of heritage. As a I truly hope that your country and its According to the UNESCO Direc- complimentary instrument to the 1972 neighbours will soon be parties to the tor General, once the 2003 conven- world convention, which focuses on tion on intangible cultural heritage 2003 convention which opens up other the protection of cultural and natural comes into operation, the convention properties, we now have a new conven- avenues for the safeguarding of cultur- will have its own mechanism for in- tion for the safeguarding of intangible al and natural diversity in all its forms. scribing outstanding examples of in- One Day Internationals coming, cultural heritage, which was adopted in This is a duty we owe to future genera- tangible cultural heritage around the CWC 2007 in spotlight - pages 3 & 8 October 2003”, Mr. Matsuura said. tions”, he said. world.

“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, February 19, 2005 Aid funds for new hospital accumulates he European Union (EU) has St. Lucia, for its part continues to provided over EC $40 million receive high praise and rewards for its Tin new and additional funding ability to effi ciently utilize funds pro- to St. Lucia, following its recent mid- vided by the EU. term review of the country’s various St. Lucia received some EC$20 mil- funding instruments. The fi nancial lion, which will go towards the con- support is among the provision of struction of the new hospital complex funds by the EU to OECS Countries for the island, bringing the total EU and Barbados to the tune of EC $130 funding for the facility to over EC$60 million dollars. million. An additional amount of EC Two documents were signed Tues- $25 million will go towards Human day this week between the Govern- Resource Development and training ment, represented by Prime Minister under the SFA. and Minister of Finance, Dr. Kenny D. Grenada, which was devastated by Anthony and EU Ambassador to the Hurricane Ivan in early September OECS and Barbados, Amos Tincani 2004, has been provided with EC$27 for the provision of funds, following million in emergency aid. The Eastern the review of the National Indicative Caribbean States are among the high- Programme and funds earmarked un- est aid benefi ciaries of European Union der the 2004 Special Framework of assistance on a per capita basis. New Hospital Design being presented Assistance (SFA). cia Police Force has been in training over the last couple of days for the Call made for wide public participation staging of the keenly anticipated, In- dependence Day Parade on Tuesday in Independence Celebrations 22nd February at the Mindoo Philip Park from 9: 00 a.m. he Saint Lucian public is February, said all was in place to mark The National Ecumenical Service to Other activities include the Na- being encouraged to par- this great occasion in the development be held at the Minor Basilca of the Im- tional Sports Awards on Saturday ticipate actively, in the ac- of the nation. maculate Conception on Friday 18th at 19th from 7:30 p.m. at the Nation- T al Cultural Centre, the Concert of tivities to mark Saint Lucia’s 26th 3:00pm is open to the public and Saint A mix of celebratory activities will Praise and Inspiration on Sunday Anniversary of Independence. Lucians are being urged to turn out call attention to the strides made in 20th at 5.00 p.m. at the National Cul- The Standing National Indepen- the development of the nation, as well in large numbers to give thanks, and tural Centre and the Order of Saint dence Anniversary Committee at its as activities which will give thanks to to pray for the continued success of a Lucia Investiture Ceremony on Tues- last meeting ahead of the Indepen- God for sparing the island the ravages young democracy. day 22nd at Government House from dence celebrations on Tuesday 22nd of natural disasters. A group from the Royal Saint Lu- 3:00 p.m. Romulus cautions against mismanagement of Pitons Management Area

iles Romulus, who spear- eas was being developed for the island. headed St. Lucia’s mission, He was at that time engaged in research Gwhich brought world rec- and saw the World Heritage recogni- ognition to the Pitons Management tion as an important designation for St. Area has thrown a word of caution Lucia and the majestic Pitons. to those who will manage the site. Mr. Romulus said the long road to Speaking to the GIS, following the Monday’s inscription ceremony of the offi cial Inscription Ceremony of the Pitons Management Area brought with Pitons Management Area on Monday, it immense challenges, but the success February 14, he said the nation must he said, would endure. ensure that this honour was never ham- The Piton Management area is some pered through bad management of the 11 square miles of land on the South area. Giles Romulus (C) recognised by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny West of St. Lucia, and includes the Pi- The dream for Mr. Romulus started D. Anthony (L) and Hon. Mario Mitchel (R) tons, Sulphur Springs and the Soufriere in 1989, when a system of protected ar- Marine Area.

he Government of St. Lucia February 11, 2005) published an earli- has taken issue with a claim er statement issued by the Government in an editorial in the Voice Fact vs Fiction: T on Monday (the same day it published newspaper that claims that a Consti- the inaccuracy). However, it attached tutional Motion fi led on behalf of a below the Government’s statement an lawyer accused of rape was heard or Editor’s Note denying the paper said ruled upon by a Judge of the High Govt Again Disputes exactly what is stated in its article, and Court. which it was correctly quoted, word for The Tuesday, February 8, 2005 issue word, in the published statement. of the Voice newspaper, in a Guest Edi- The irreducible and incontrovertible torial, stated in part that: “It was argued Voice and Star claims fact is that neither of the two newspa- and upheld, that at least one section of pers can prove that the Constitutional the criminal Code is unconstitutional Motion was heard or that a ruling was and the paying client was allowed his made by Justice Redhead, because freedom based on that judgment.” that Constitutional it simply did not happen. The fact is This statement is as false as that in that the hearing is set for February 24, the Star newspaper of February 7, 2005 2005. which falsely stated as fact that: “Short- Accordingly, the Government of St. ly before two-o-clock in the afternoon, Motion was heard Lucia calls on both local publications it was confi rmed that that the accused was set free on $10,000, a related con- and Justice Redhead never pronounced The Government notes, with equal to do the right and decent thing – to acknowledge the inaccuracy of the re- stitutional motion by the lawyers of the on the constitutionality of Section 593 concern, that despite the passage of spective claims and apologize to their accused having been decided by Jus- of the new Criminal Code. enough time to verify and ascertain the respective readers for having misled tice Redhead in his favour.” The Government of St. Lucia notes facts, and despite the availability of the with concern that in both cases, neither them. The Government of St. Lucia again Court’s Order, neither the Voice nor the wishes to make it absolutely clear, that newspaper bothered to ascertain or Such an acknowledgement and apol- Star has acknowledged or corrected the contrary to what is claimed by both clarify the facts before going to press. ogy is due, in the least, to Justice Al- the Voice and the Star, the High Court Both stated as fact what is an obvious error. bert Redhead, who has been attributed never heard the Constitutional Motion fi ction. The Star, in today’s issue (Friday, a ruling he did not make. Saturday, February 19, 2005 Saint Lucia 3 UNESCO Director General congratulates Saint Lucia irector General of the United inscription of the Pitons Management Nations Educational, Sci- Area was a cause of much celebration, Dentific, and Cultural Orga- the real work had only just begun: “An nization (UNESCO), Mr. Koichiro important element of the global strate- Matsuura has congratulated the gy of the World Heritage Committee is Government and people of St. Lu- to draw to the attention of countries, the cia, on the designation of the Pitons post inscription processes, particularly Management Area as a World Heri- the proper management and monitor- tage Site. ing of the site, as well as the provision Soufriere Waterfront comes of the information and education on the Mr. Matsuura expressed his con- alive as Ptions become site’s significance and values,” adding, gratulatory message at the official in- inscribed into UNESCO’s “this is an ongoing process and we re- World Heritage Sites scription ceremony of the Pitons Man- quire critical commitment, strategic agement Area in Soufriere on Monday, planning and stamina. Looking around “This applies to all sectors, includ- will be essential for the establishment February 14, 2005. me today I fell that St. Lucia is really ing hotels, restaurants, craft produc- and effective management of the Piton The UNESCO Director General equipped to undertake this task”, tion, the provision of services and so Management area. (39sec)”, Mr. Fran- added that the inscription gave in- Member of Parliament for Soufri- on. Government is prepared to facilitate cois said. creased exposure not only to St. Lucia, The Pitons represent another signifi- ere and Fond St. Jacques Hon. Walter this process by providing the necessary but the wider Eastern Caribbean. He Francios, noted that the people of Sou- cant achievement in St. Lucia, as St. infrastructure especially good roads informed that to date, there had been friere needed to prepare themselves to Lucians are preparing to celebrate 26 15 world heritage sites in the Carib- take advantage of the opportunities for and the establishment of institutional years of independence. Prime Minister bean compared with only three in the investment and employment, which arrangement required for encouraging Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony says the hon- early 1990’s. would arise as a result of St. Lucia’s this process. Therefore the cooperation our bestowed on St. Lucia is reflective The Director General said while the world heritage site. and support of the people of Soufriere of the island’s stunning beauty. World Cup St. Lucia, National Cricket Association and St. Lucia Tourist Board to collaborate on hosting of One Day Internationals orld Cup Saint Lucia and the games. The Saint Lucia National the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, on the other hand, WCricket Association have will benefit from the human resource of agreed to collaborate on the hosting Beausejour Cricket Ground World Cup Saint Lucia and the transfer of the two back-to-back One Day In- of the knowledge and experience of the ternationals between Pakistan and experts contracted by the ICC Cricket the West Indies, to be held in Saint World Cup WI 2007 Inc., to prepare Lucia in May of this year. and plan for the hosting of the 2007 This partnership was born out of the Cricket World Cup. need to use the international cricket As has become customary over the matches to be staged in Saint Lucia past three years, the Saint Lucia Tourist over the next two years, as dress re- Board will also join this collaborative hearsals for Saint Lucia’s participation effort, through the provision of market- in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. ing and logistical support. This joint effort is expected to allow Saint Lucia’s Local Organizing Com- World Cup Saint Lucia Inc. is the mittee (LOC) for the 2007 ICC Cricket company formed to coordinate and ex- World Cup to initiate the implementa- ecute the plans for Saint Lucia’s partic- tion of new measures for, among other ipation in the 2007 ICC Cricket World things, security, media management, Cup. Its two shareholders are the Gov- protocol, traffic management, VIP ernment of Saint Lucia and the Saint management, and event operations at Lucia National Cricket Association. CHA president calls for more private sector support for the media and tourism Governor of the Eastern Caribbean concerted way into the arena of sports parted, to know that tourism is the life- Central Bank (ECCB) recently under- tourism ... they would need to under- blood of the economies of the region, score tourism’s key contribution to the stand what this means and the other lo- and they understand what it means to region’s economic growth. gistics of tourism,” she noted. communicate that information to other She hoped that more private sector “This is a complex industry and institutions and peoples of the region,” entities, especially those which ben- some people understand that while oth- she said. efited greatly from the industry, would ers don’t. It is a fragile industry but also She called on utility, accountancy, repay that boost from tourism, by in- a very resilient one – the recent Hurri- banking and insurance companies, vesting some of their profits in events canes proved that, as we were down for which are reaping the bulk of the ben- like the Caribbean Media Exchange, all of two to three days, but we main- efits from the industry to be honest and which is geared to educate journalists tained our resilience and were soon up admit that tourism was by far the ma- Berthia Parle about the true value of the industry. and running again,” Parle explained. jor contributor to their bottom line. She urged their board members and execu- erthia Parle, President of the Parle contended that if more regional Parle said that CHA, and the pro- tives to give something back. Caribbean Hotel Associa- journalists recognized the importance ducers of CMEx – Counterpart Inter- tion (CHA), said that Carib- of tourism to the economies of the Ca- national and Counterpart Caribbean The CHA President was speaking as B preparations continue for the February bean media houses and the regional ribbean, they could then be in a posi- – were playing their part in bringing private sector needed to recognize tion to convince many more people, more information to Caribbean jour- 25th CMExPress, the second one day more, the important role that tour- through their reporting, that this was nalists through CMEx and CHA’s three version of the successful Caribbean ism played in the development of Ca- the key industry for the region’s eco- annual conferences.. Media Exchange on Sustainable Tour- ribbean economies. nomic survival. ism, which has been held across the re- “We now have a group, whom we gion for the past three years. However, she added that she was “The Caribbean is right for invest- think are now sufficiently educated, heartened to hear Sir Dwight Venner, ment and we are now moving in a more based on information that has been im- Continued on page 8 4 Saint Lucia Saturday, February 19, 2005 Celebrating our World Heritage Status

OECS Monach Mantius Cazaubon presents copy of Pitons Inscription Song to Prime Minister Dr. Kenny D. Anthony PM converses with St. Lucians

ood Day St. Lucia, It’s The signifi cance of World Heritage The historical signifi cance of the Pi- for important scenes in everything Valentines Day and I’m Site Status tons also looms large. While their ex- from movies like “Superman” to our sure many of you woke Let me address Dawn’s question istence may go back millions of years, tourism promotion brochures and bill- up this morning greeting about the signifi cance of the designa- their place in our history goes back boards around the world. They are Gyour loved ones on this day claimed tion of The Pitons as a World Heritage hundreds of years ago, when they were celebrated in poetry, song, dance and by lovers. It is that one day of the Site. This is very signifi cant for many worshipped by Amerindians as Gods. art. The Pitons also currently serve as a year, every year, when vows are re- reasons. First of all, a World Heritage newed, pledges are made and part- Site is a unique place in the world like ners celebrate a bond that’s usually no other – neither replicated, nor dupli- much stronger than friendship. I cated. As I said in my special Statement have no doubt that by the end of to- to mark the occasion, with the Pitons day, couples all over St. Lucia – in- chosen as a World Heritage Site, it now deed, all over the world – will have ranks with the Grand Canyon of the celebrated yet another Valentines United States, the Pyramids of Egypt Day in various ways; to each his own, and the Taj Mahal of India. There are to each her own. 788 World Heritage Sites in the entire But what I want to talk about today is world and The Pitons, our Pitons, is now one of them. It is also important to another signifi cant celebration which, note that out of the 788 World Heritage unlike the universality of Valentines Sites only 22 -- throughout the world Day, is of unique signifi cance to us in -- are volcanic. And after Dominica’s St. Lucia. I speak of the ceremony, lat- Morne Trois Piton, the Pitons is only er today, to mark the inscription of the the second volcanic site in the Carib- Pitons as a World Heritage Site. bean to be designated a World Heritage As far back as August last year, Site. Dawn French, NEMO’s Director, sent The area in which the Pitons are lo- me an e-mail. It read in part: cated – The Pitons Management Area – is geologically unique. It represents Dear PM, and contains evidence of volcanic Grateful if you could explain the movements and deposits in this part signifi cance of the Pitons fi nally being of the world that have yet to be tapped made a World Heritage Site. What does and which have to be protected for their this mean for St. Lucia? What does it immense value to science. mean for St. Lucians? Why should it be Yet another signifi cance is in the fact important to us? Is there money to be that this is a biologically diverse area. made from this, not just in the tourism The Pitons are home to many rare plant Koichiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director General fl anked by Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy; Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony sector but for us as a nation? We have and animal species. I guess their sheer and Mrs. Anthony, and his Cabinet colleagues at the Pitons Inscription Ceremony not heard much about the new status height, steepness and exposure, both of The Pitons, but much about Cricket above and below sea level, offers not One was called Yokahu (pronounced natural backdrop for a highly success- World Cup 2007. So, is there an op- only a unique environment but also, Yo-ka-hoo) the Provider of Food, and ful and popular touring British TV mu- portunity to link The Pitons to Cricket better protection for these plant spe- the other was called Attabera, the God- sical theatre for kids called “Tropical World Cup? cies. dess of Fertility. Island” that was shot on location right here, in the shadow of the Pitons. Psychological Comfort for our Nation A whole new world Dawn asked me to explain what the It means that a whole new world has designation of the Pitons Management opened up for St. Lucia as a result of Area as a World Heritage means to us the designation of the Pitons as a World as St. Lucians and why it is important Heritage Site. to the nation. The Pitons are designated under The Pitons have stood majestically World Heritage Convention as “a mon- for centuries. They provide psychologi- ument considered to be of such excep- cal comfort to our nation. Equally, they tional interest and such universal value inspire us to excellence. They symbol- that their protection is the responsibili- ize the soul and spirit of St. Lucians, ty of all mankind.” The designation we our hopes and dreams. They stand be- celebrate later today, therefore, means fore us, immortalized as national sym- that the nations of the world have put bols. their offi cial stamp and seal of approv- They were the fi rst things we drew al on the Pitons Management Area as a at home and at school. They adorn place to be preserved by St. Lucia for our exercise books. They inspired the the benefi t of all mankind. shape of our national fl ag. They are on Through UNESCO, the United Na- our calendars and magazines. Com- tions body responsible for this desig- Drama group from the Dugard Combined School perform skit panies and groups have adopted the nation, the rest of the world has placed symbolising traditional beliefs surrounding the Pitions name and symbol of the Pitons. They on our shoulders the important task of have also been chosen as a backdrop preserving and protecting the Pitons Saturday, February 19, 2005 Saint Lucia 5 Celebrating our World Heritage Status

Koichiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director General PM converses with St. Lucians at the ceremony

for present and future generations. designation. In turn, it will inspire the keeping with our obligations under the “catapault St. Lucia into the 21st cen- development of businesses in the Pi- World Heritage Convention. No vye- Opportunities for development tury” and bring “development” to the tons Management Area to provide new ki-vye approach can be allowed within Soufriere area. There were, however, The new world-class designation for services. the Management Area, as that would several St. Lucians who felt the Pitons the Pitons also opens up a whole new In considering the economic possi- endanger the maintenance of the status epitomized a type of natural resource set of opportunities for development, bilities, we must remember that this is of a World Heritage Site. so unique, so special, so bound-up in An honour that could have been lost the psyche of the people themselves, The honour which we are celebrat- so symbolic of their national pride ing today could have been easily lost. that they defi ed quantifi cation in eco- The story of this day is very much one nomic and monetary terms. Thus began which speaks to a period in the history a process of serious debate within this of St. Lucia in the very late 1980s, in society regarding the meaning of de- which the Pitons and their role in the velopment which at the end of the day development of St. Lucia took centre resulted in the cancellation of that proj- stage. ect. Thankfully so. Without the courage At stake, you will recall, was the and vision of a handful of citizens who “Gros Piton Resort and Aerial Tram- raised their voices in comment and way Project” – a proposal by a de- protest, this designation which we will veloper who wished to build on 11 assemble to witness later today in Sou- acres on the summit and 77 acres on friere, with such pride, would not have the slopes of Gros Piton. The project, been possible. a resort complex, would have necessi- tated the carving of a platform at the Conclusion: a special presence summit of Gros Piton that would be Some special persons will be in at- wide enough to construct a “theatre in tendance at the ceremony this after- the sky” from where visitors could get noon. No less a person than the Direc- married with entertainment provided; tor General of UNESCO has come to luxury villas were to be constructed on St. Lucia to offi ciate at this afternoon’s the acreage spilling down the sides of ceremony. And, no less a person than the Piton, and tram cars were to be built our own Nobel Laureate, Derek Wal- which would ferry 1,500 visitors daily cott, will be on hand to read a poem. from the bottom to the top of the Piton. Indeed, the developer gave his assur- I urge all St. Lucians who can, to ance that every primary school child make their way to Soufriere this after- Koichiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director General fl anked by Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy; Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony in St. Lucia would have been given a noon to be part of this historic, once-in- a-lifetime event. and Mrs. Anthony, and his Cabinet colleagues at the Pitons Inscription Ceremony free tram car ride from the top of Gros Piton, within two years of the resort be- Fellow St. Lucians, let us celebrate our World Heritage. Truly, what a day particularly in tourism. Even before not just about the twin peaks alone, but ing built. to celebrate it – on Valentines Day. their World Heritage Status, the Pitons about an area that covers eleven square The Government of the day was fully have been our most majestic and awe- miles (or approximately fi ve percent of supportive of this “theatre in the sky”. Until next week, take care and God inspiring national monument. For as the total land mass of St. Lucia). This They claimed that the project would Bless! long as we have had a tourism indus- area includes the Sulphur Springs, the try, for just as long we have known the Gros Piton Trail and the Soufriere Ma- Pitons to be our major attraction. Their rine Management Area. This is a rather presence here is one of the main rea- large area and all the fl ora and fauna sons why tens of thousands of visitors within that geographic area are within choose St. Lucia as a vacation destina- the area designated as a World Heritage tion. The world-renowned hospitality Site. services offered by local resorts and The town of Soufriere, while not restaurants such as the Jalousie Hilton directly within the Management Area, and Anse Chastanet, Dasheene, Lade- is nonetheless in the closest shadow of ra, the Hummingbird and the Still, is the Pitons. Its people and businesses greatly enhanced and infl uenced by stand to benefi t too. But to them, must their proximity to the Pitons. be given the greater opportunity to share in whatever benefi ts which fl ow. The value of the product After all, the people of Soufriere have Dawn asked me in her e-mail wheth- long looked after the Pitons on our col- er there is income to be made by the lective behalf. nation as a result of the designation of So yes, there is money to be made. the Pitons as a World Heritage Site. But I must warn that this is not just The answer is “yes”. Since the Pitons about making money – and it cannot enjoy “World Heritage Status”, then it and shall not be treated or regarded as a becomes a “must see” site for the visi- free-for-all. Commercial developments Symbolic sustainability of Pitons Management Area tor. An increase in the numbers of visi- within the area will have to be guided passed on from older to younger generation tors is expected to result from the new by a strict set of guidelines that are in 6 Saint Lucia Saturday, February 19, 2005 ‘No time for panic’ says Jamaican Justice Minister ARICOM member states at He also stressed that the LAC-meet- Justice Minister. have decided that talks will go on, he this moment should push for- ing will have to consider the implica- The opening of the LAC meeting said Cward to establish the Carib- tion of the CCJ ruling made by the that was planned for Thursday at 9.00 He also stressed that the ruling of bean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its Privy Council last week in regard with am was postponed until 4.00 pm be- the Privy Council affects every CARI- original jurisdiction. All the options Jamaica’s implementation of the CCJ. cause a delay of the BWIA flight from COM member because all of these to come to a solution on this matter Even more urgently he says, the com- Port of Spain to Suriname which was states have to be part of the original should be explored exhaustively. mittee has to consider how to move carrying most of the delegates to attend jurisdiction. “So if one is affected all “Now is not the time for panic,” said to cement all of the operations of the the conference. are affected”. The ruling has driven the Jamaican justice minister A.J. Nichol- single market and economy. The single He further noted that CARICOM CARICOM, Nicholson says, to rise to son in an interview with Surinamese market and economy cannot operate has some very experienced national the challenge as to how the Commu- journalists in Paramaribo, Suriname, without the mechanism that will be where he was attending the 8th Meet- lawyers, some very good common nity will solve the problem. “And we, provided by the Caribbean Court of lawyers and equity lawyers, “who will as attorneys general, intend to solve the ing of the Legal Affairs Committee Justice. (LAC). help us along in coming to the kind of problems”. According to the Jamaican minister “In my view panic is a very bad decisions and advise we should give to CCJ Project Co-ordinator Sheldon word. What we have to do as attorneys at this point the Community should the Heads of Governments”. McDonald told reporters that inaugu- concentrate on the original jurisdic- and advisers to the Heads of Govern- Talks between the Patterson admin- ration plans for the CCJ are still on ments, is to keep level heads and make tion, because that is most urgent. “The istration and the Opposition Jamaica track for the coming April. The prepa- sure that we sit down and consider all single market is slated to come in to rations are well advanced McDonald Labour Party are according to Nichol- the options, because we are all deter- being very soon. Next week Jamaica, said. A proposed action plan will be mined that the Caribbean Court of Jus- Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago will son “merely preliminary efforts at this approved by the CARICOM Heads of tice must come in to being. We think sign the Declaration of Intent. So we point in time”. These are not talks to States when they meet in Paramaribo that we can come up with good opin- have our work cut out and the time is come to any conclusion and the gov- next week for the 16th Inter-sessional ions and advise”, Nicholson noted. already cut short,” said the Jamaican ernment and the opposition in Jamaica Heads of States Meeting.

tional and non-traditional ACP banana for Development Louis Michel and suppliers, even as they brace for the Brazil’s President Luis Ignacio Lula Single Market, full impact of adjustments to the sugar Da Silva. Regional Heads will also de- protocol. liberate over issues such as crime and At the Meeting the CARICOM security, HIV/AIDS and preparations Disaster Plan on Heads of Government will exchange for the staging of the 2007 Cricket view with the new EU Commissioner World Cup. CARICOM Agenda Hon. Derek Walcott reads in Suriname one of his poems about the here is need for the urgent Noting that the recent ruling of the formulation of a Regional United Kingdom Privy Council, which Pitons at the Inscription Taction plan to counter natu- nullified Jamaica’s enabling legislation ral disasters in light of the recent for accession to the CCJ as its final ap- events that have adversely affected pellate court had made the issue more Ceremony the infrastructure and economies of urgent, the CARICOM Secretary-Gen- several Member States. This is the eral affirmed that plans for the inaugu- conviction of Secretary-General of ration of the court remain on course. the Caribbean Community (CARI- On the issue of a common pass- COM), Mr. Edwin Carrington who port for the Region, Mr. Carrington hopes that the recent flooding in expressed satisfaction that Member Guyana, and Hurricane Ivan’s dev- States have agreed on certain specifi- astation of Grenada would propel cations for the travel document. While CARICOM leaders into action when commending Suriname’s lead in being they assemble in Paramaribo, Suri- the first to issue a CARICOM passport name from 16-17 February for their Sixteenth Inter - Sessional Meeting. bearing the name and logo of the Com- munity, he encouraged others to follow Briefing the Surinamese media corps suit. on Friday, 11 February 2005, on the key In terms of CARICOM’s external issues on the agenda of the Regional negotiations, the Sixteenth Inter-Ses- high-level meeting, Mr. Carrington sional Meeting will discuss the per- stressed that the Caribbean is vulner- petual challenges facing the Region in able to natural disasters, hence the high its ongoing negotiations with the Euro- importance attached to the issue. pean Union (EU), the World Trade Or- With 2005 designated The Year of ganisation (WTO) and the Free Trade the Single Market, the preparedness of Area of the Americas (FTAA). CARI- Member States for the full implemen- COM leaders are poised to examine tation of the CARICOM Single Market possible solutions to the hurdles faced by December 2005, will be assessed. by Community Members with respect “We have reached a stage where the emphasis is now on the creation of a to the banana and sugar sectors. As ba- single economy,” Mr. Carrington said. nana producers continue to reel from Equally important and related to these the effects of the European Union (EU) discussions, he noted that the Heads modification of the regime that existed of Government will give attention to in favour of Regional suppliers, Mr. plans for the inauguration of the Carib- Carrington said leaders have the dual bean Court of Justice (CCJ) considered challenge of negotiating with the EU the backbone of the CSME. and settling differences among tradi- External Affairs Minister Heads St. Lucia Delegation to Caricom Summit rime Minister Dr Kenny D. The Prime Minister has been un- Lucia’s Independence. Anthony was unable to attend able to join his regional colleagues at The Prime Minister indicated that Pthis week’s Caricom Summit the February 14-18 Summit, since it the St. Lucia delegation to the Sum- in Suriname due to pressing engage- coincided with several local engage- mit was being led by External Affairs ments at home. But, he said the Gov- ments relating to the inscription of the Minister Senator Petrus Compton and Senator ernment and people of St. Lucia were Pitons as a World Heritage Site and ob- also included St. Lucia’s Ambassador Petrus Compton being adequately represented. servance of the 26th anniversary of St. to Caricom, Mr Anthony Severin. Saturday, February 19, 2005 Saint Lucia 7 for workers who will bear the cost of declining market prices and of the fight Banana Saga VI among the multinationals for market share in what the NGO platform EU- ROBAN dubbed “the race to the bot- tom”. But if the ‘Costa Rica plan’ is to The current threat get anywhere, the main suppliers must advocate it. Even if their circumstances and con- aging the relatively higher cost ACP For over a decade and against all ditions of production are not identical, and Latin American suppliers. odds, we have successfully campaigned the ACP agree that the tariff should be Whilst a “solution” that leaves all for import quotas to preserve market no less than €275 and oppose any limit parties dissatisfied might cynically be stability and remunerative returns. on their exports under a single tariff. portrayed as a compromise, would it Now that the system has been working The more vulnerable and higher cost really be sensible in this case? ‘Squar- well, many of its earlier critics realise producers like the Windward Islands ing the circle’ just ain’t easy! that it is not so bad after all! Hence the and Jamaica, where the banana indus- This is a real headache facing the sensible thing for the EU to do would try plays a vital role in their economic Banana field Commission, what can it possibly do? be seize this opportunity to retain the and social development, are keen to To set the tariff at the level requested by his week’s article addresses system if the Latins request it to do so. ensure market stability and fear that the ACP would launch Banana wars II, the current threat to our ba- In recent months, the Windward Is- further decreases in price could make but to accommodate the Latins would nana trade posed by the im- lands have been among the most ac- T their trade uneconomic. This concern in effect “liberalise” the EU market pending changes to the EU’s import tive in seeking to influence the course system. I have already explained though is not as paramount for those with the result that prices will decline of events. Since Prime Minister Gon- that the system is highly complex that are more competitive. to un-remunerative world market lev- salves was designated lead-CARICOM and made no easier by the intricate Last November, the Commission els. For us that would be the end, which decision-making procedures and began negotiations in the WTO with supermarket contracts might possibly Head on bananas, he has been trying to make a constructive contribution to structure of the EU itself. As a result, the ‘principal suppliers’, Colombia, delay but ultimately cannot avert. analysis is anything but straightfor- Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama. The only realistic chance of avoid- the search for a solution. He has cor- ward. But that is the reality we face They, along with the major marketing ing a new dispute and providing an responded with EU Commission Presi- dent Manuel Barrosso and his prede- and must deal with. companies, are opposed to the Com- outcome that would be satisfactory to cessor, Romano Prodi. In addition he Maybe we should begin with the mission’s proposal; their declared ob- most parties (including the Windwards) has been seeking to forge a common ‘conductor of the orchestra’. Last jective is for a low tariff at a maximum is the ‘Costa Rica plan’. It would post- Caribbean/Latin American front, and month, EU Trade Commissioner Peter level of €75. They perceive as being pone the introduction of the single Mandelson reminded Caribbean Min- only a mixed blessing, the lifting of the tariff and maintain the current regime is working with Governments, not only isters that the EU decided since April quotas permitting their unlimited ex- until a satisfactory and fair system can in the Caribbean but also Latin Amer- 2001 to replace the import quota sys- port of bananas. Expanded exports and be worked out and agreed upon. This ica. To further possible collaboration tem with a single tariff, but interests the resultant oversupply will have the approach has been advocated by the a meeting of Ministers of Caribbean within and without the EU want either perverse effect of forcing down prices Latin American Coordination of Ba- and Latin American banana supplying a high or low rate. How can the Com- Europe. They also argue that the cost nana Workers’ Unions (COLSIBA) and States will be held on 22nd February. mission devise a solution that will not of the increased tariff would be borne many others in Latin America. Their At least if we are ‘sold down the river’ alienate either or indeed both groups? principally by the producers who will reason is simple; the single tariff will by Europe it will not be due to lack of This seems mathematically impossi- suffer a ‘double whammy’ from the result in lower wages and less security effort at our end. higher tariff and the reduced prices. ble; it is like attempting to “square the circle!” If there is to be a solution, then Not surprisingly the WTO talks got it is not obvious, but rather one that nowhere, the Latins insisted on €75 Governor General presents gift might come from ‘thinking outside of and the Commission on €230 so the the box’… SOS, King Solomon? former are set to seek WTO arbitration to Koichiro Matsuura, UNESCO Using the so-called ‘price-gap’ in the next three weeks. If the Arbitra- method that compares the current in- tor upholds their objection, but the EU Director General ternal price of bananas in the EU with does not comply, there can be a second the external price, the Commission round of arbitration and if the EU none- arrived at a figure of €230 per tonne theless imposes a rejected tariff, the as the tariff equivalent to the existing WTO waiver for ACP bananas will end quota system. as of 1 January 2006 and our bananas could be required to pay the duty. The ACP does not pay duty, so the tariff in fact provides protection. The Most experts and officials would Group opposed €230 as inadequate and suggest that in such a situation the fears that it will permit a substantial in- Commission should avert confronta- crease in imports that will cause a col- tion and seek a compromise somewhere lapse in prices, thus making it impossi- between the conflicting demands. But ble for their more vulnerable suppliers they would be wrong since the rate to compete. Studies have been under- would most probably be rejected by the taken by various independent bodies Latins who do not see why they should such as the FAO and others, indicating pay more duty than they currently do. that the Windward Islands need a tariff Also the rate might still cause market closer to €300. prices to fall drastically, severely dam- St. Lucia Govt Contributes $100,000 to Guyana Flood Relief

he Government of St. Lucia Guyana in St. Lucia and the St. Lucia tims of Hurricane Ivan in Grenada and the damage and destruction of Grenada will contribute EC$100,000 to Guyana Association. the tsunami victims in Asia, he nonethe- or the flooding effects of Guyana, we Tthe Flood Relief Effort in Guy- St. Lucians and Guyanese in St. Lu- less felt St. Lucians would contribute as may never know when it will be our ana. That’s the word from the Office cia were invited after the meeting to they could to help the Guyanese flood turn.” of the Prime Minister. send packages or cash, whichever was victims. The Prime Minister, who is also the Prime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony convenient. The services of the Gen- He recalled that only days before on Chairman of NEMO, concluded: “It is met with representatives of the Guyana eral Post Office were also mobilized to Friday, January 21, he had travelled to in the nature of emergencies and disas- Government and the local Guyanese receive packages for the relief effort, Grenada to attend a World Bank donors ters to strike unexpectedly, and when community at the Office of the Prime which would be delivered to NEMO meeting, during which he handed over a that happens, victims’ lives change Minister on February 2, 2005. and the Red Cross free of charge. cheque worth EC $148,000 to the Gre- overnight as we saw in both Grenada During that meeting, the Government The meeting also agreed that efforts nada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell. and the countries of Asia affected by of St. Lucia invited the Guyanese rep- would be accelerated to ensure the fill- The money had been collected from the the tsunami. resentatives to discuss and identify the ing of a 40-foot container made avail- six bank accounts established locally “That is why we are pleased to support most effective ways in which the Gov- able by CAGEMA shipping lines and for the Grenada Appeal. victims of disasters when and where we ernment and People of St. Lucia could coordinated by Baron’s Shipping. Announcing the $100,000 contribu- can. We did it for Grenada and Asia and extend support to the Guyanese af- At the meeting, the Guyanese repre- tion today, Prime Minister Anthony said: we are pleased to do it too for our Cari- fected by the worst floods in the capital sentatives expressed the hope that the “These are tough times for the Guya- com neighbours in Guyana.” Georgetown and the country’s coastal St. Lucia public and the private sector nese victims of the flood, which have The St. Lucia Government’s $100,000 region in a century. in particular, would assist in the efforts resulted from the constantly changing contribution to the Guyana flood victims The meeting agreed that there would to help the flood victims. climatic conditions worldwide.” was welcomed by the Honorary Consul be collaboration between the Govern- The Prime Minister noted during the He continued: “These adverse weath- of Guyana to St. Lucia, Mr Lokesh Sing ment of St. Lucia, the Red Cross, the meeting, that although there was “a mea- er conditions are causing unexpected and by the President of the St. Lucia- National Emergency Management Of- sure of aid fatigue” being expressed by havoc at the least expected times. And Guyana Association, Mr Edward Har- fice (NEMO), with the Consulate of some in the wake of having to help vic- while we in St. Lucia have been spared ris. 8 Saint Lucia Saturday, February 19, 2005 Major increase in tourist arrivals for 2005 fter ending 2004 with a 7.8% gains in the first month of the year. The increase in tourist arrivals, UK leads the way with 33.4% increase, Aand recording for the first the USA 14.3% and Canada 15.4% in- time, over 100,000 arrivals from the crease. USA, stay-over arrivals for the new Director of Tourism, Peter Hilary year is off to a promising start, re- Modeste said, “We expect 2005 to per- cording a 20.5% increase for the form ever better than 2004. The new month of January 2005, with 26,000 hotel rooms expected to become op- arrivals as compared to 21,000 in erational this year, together with addi- January last year. tional airlift from the US and the UK, St. Lucia’s main tourism source will help to make 2005 a bumper year markets have all recorded significant for tourism arrivals. Coco Palm in Rodney Bay nearing completion World Cricket Cup could make or break Caribbean, says Aussie ex-Minister said major sporting events such as lems which locals complain about and Roper notes the 2000 Sydney Olym- World Cups – football, cricket and rug- speed up infrastructure improvement pics gave Australia multi-billion dollar by – are huge opportunities for coun- such as roads, hotels and the environ- boosts to infrastructure development, tries or groups of countries to show- ment ... the community must see itself tourism and convention business, in- case themselves on the international getting a benefit,” he cautioned. ternational media exposure, and new scene to a world wide audience. Roper, who during his ten years as a business. More than 16,000 interna- tional business people took part in New But he warns, “they must be well senior Government Minister held port- South Wales Government’s investment run,” noting that Montreal (1976) and folios in Treasury, Planning and Envi- program. Atlanta (1996) Olympics both entered ronment, Health, Transport, Aboriginal Since his retirement from the Victo- into huge debts and finished with tar- Affairs, and Employment and Higher rian Parliament (Australia), Tom Roper nished reputations. The Olympics in Education, said the event must also be has been an active Board Member of Barcelona, Spain (1992) and Syd- integrated into the region’s economic the Washington D.C.-based Climate Tom Roper ney, Australia (2000), and World Cup strategy. “Seoul used the 2002 Football Institute, an advisor to government, Football in Seoul, South Korea (2002) Cup to highlight its information tech- business and NGOs on sustainability he 2007 World Cricket Cup on the other hand are three recent ex- nology capacity – holding conferences, issues. He is the Project Director of could make the Caribbean’s amples of successful hosting of major arranging business and investment the Global Islands Energy Initiative Treputation or it could break it, events, boosting cities’ international visits. What is the Caribbean showcas- which provides assistance to Small if it is not managed sensibly, warns reputations. ing?” he asked. Island States seeking to introduce re- former Australian Cabinet Minister, Roper notes that the 2007 World He lamented the fact that huge num- newable energy and energy efficiency The Honorable Tom Roper. Cricket Cup is a crucial opportunity for bers of Australians visited the West measures. Speaking from New York where he Caribbean countries to promote them- Indies during the 2003 Cricket Tour, is preparing to address next week’s selves, their energy, creativity and inter- including senior business and govern- THIS WEEK ON NTN Trinidad session of the Caribbean Me- national competitiveness. “This event ment people, “yet, there was no pro- dia Exchange on Sustainable Tourism must be seen as a spur to economic in- gramme for them apart from the crick- (CMExPress), former Minister Roper vestment, a chance to ‘clean up’ prob- et.” Sat. Feb. 19th - Fri. Feb. 25th , 2005 Special Programming for the Commemo- ration of 26 years of Indepedence from Monday 21st February – 6:00 p.m. to CHA president calls for more private Wednesday February 23rd – 6:00 p.m. · Integrate or Perish Volume 2: A profound look at issues dealing with regional unity sector support for the media and tourism - Sat. Feb. 19th, 8:00 p.m. · Reflecting on 2004: Government’s Year Continued from page 3 Ministry of Tourism, Black Entertain- Jamaica Tourist Board, The East Proj- ment Television, Caribbean Alliance ect, Ruder Finn, Tourism and Industrial in Review 2004 – Sat. Feb. 19th, 9:00 This time, journalists from Trinidad, p.m. the Caribbean and North America will for Sustainable Tourism, Caribbean Development Company of Trinidad · How to Fill in Your Income Tax Returns meet in Port of Spain to discuss Sports Broadcasting Union, Caribbean Hotel and Tobago Limited (TIDCO), United - Sun. Feb. 20th, 8:30 p.m. Tourism and the region’s hosting of the Association, Caribbean Star Airlines, Nations Development Programme, and · From the Archives of the GIS: “King & 2007 World Cup Cricket competition. Caribbean Sun, Coca-Cola, Coco Kre- the United States Agency for Interna- Queen of the Bands 2002” - Sun. Feb. CMExPress sponsors and supporters ole, Continental Airlines, Courtyard tional Development. 20th , 9:00 p.m. include American Express, Association by Marriott Hotel Port of Spain, Half For further information visit www. · Flavouring St. Lucia (Latest Edition) of Caribbean Media Workers, Bahamas Moon Montego Bay, Jamaica Pegasus, caribbeanmediaexchange.com. “Fresh Water Fish” - Wed. Feb. 23rd, 6:30 p.m. · Haiti: Land of Development & Prom- ise– Wed. Feb. 23rd, 7:30 p.m. Vacancy: Principal Information Officer · The Commonwealth in Action: “Paths to Prosperity”: – Thurs. Feb. 24th, 7:30 pplications are invited from casting of news and current events, Public Administration plus three years p.m. suitably qualified persons to production and editing of Government working experience in audio-visual, · Forces of Nature – Fri. Feb. 25th , 9:00 Afill the post of Principal In- Documentary material, preparation of print or electronic media production, p.m. formation Officer at the Department public service announcements and any or; (3) Other professional qualifica- Remember to tune in for: of Information Services in the Office other related activities; (5) Overseeing, tions plus a minimum of ten years of · GIS News Breaks and Kweyol News of the Prime Minister. planning and producing programmes experience may be considered in lieu daily from 6:30 p.m. Duties and Responsibilities in- to be aired on the Cable channel as- of other qualifications. · Issues & Answers/Mondays at 8:00pm: clude: (1) Managing the Government signed to Government. These include · Interview/Tuesdays at 6:15pm : Remuneration and Conditions : Information Service and implementing pre-recorded and live programmes; (6) · Konsit Kweyol/Tuesdays at 8:00pm The position is at grade 18 in the Public (Kweyol Discussion): policy decisions regarding dissemina- Chair the Information Committee of service and may be offered to the suc- · Your Right to Know/Thursdays at 6:15 tion of information through all local the National Emergency Management and regional media on government and cessful applicant on contract. p.m. (Min. of Ed. Prog). Organization. Take 2/Fridays at 6:15pm national programmes; (2) Overseeing Method of Application: Appli- Qualifications and Experience (1) (Week in Review) the Government’s Web site and ensur- cations must be submitted using the · Weflechi/Fridays at 6:40pm - (Week in Master’s Degree in Communication, ing that the highest quality of Informa- prescribed public service application Review—Kweyol) Media Studies Journalism, Public Re- tion is regularly available on the site; form available from the Ministry of the lations, Management or Public Admin- (3) Responsible for the publication of Public Service and addressed to: The For the complete programme guide, istration plus three years experience log on to our website at www.stlucia. the weekly news magazine Nationwide; Secretary, Public Service Commission, (4) Supervising the staff of the Govern- in related field of print and electronic gov.lc and then click on the NTN icon. Government Buildings, Castries. ment Information Services. Such su- television production, or; (2) Bache- pervision shall relate to the scheduling lor’s Degree in Communication, Media Application must be submitted of assignments, programming, broad- Studies Journalism, Management or not later that March 31, 2005. 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