NationWIDE THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF

NationTUESDAY JUNEWIDE 2, 2016 Elections 2016 Advance Poll Tomorrow!

An Advance Poll will take place around the island tomorrow, ahead of the General Election Day on Monday. Voting on June 3 will be police officers, electoral staff and others whose n duties will be need for all of Monday. They will head to designated polling stations to cast their votes at the various polling divisions from 6.30am and the stations will remain open until 6.00pm. Thereafter, those who vote tomorrow will be deployed throughout Election Day on CDB Approves $25M Street Lighting Project - June 6 and their votes cast will be finally counted on June 7 at the said polling stations, in Page 2 the said Electoral District. Lists of Candidates for each constituency have been published, as well as Notices of Advance Poll and Grant of Poll. There will be a four-cornered fight in New Telephone System Will Save Taxpayers $2M - Micoud North and three-corner fights will take place in Gros Islet, Castries Central, Dennery Page 2 South and Soufriere, featuring mainly independents. There are six women contesting the poll this time around. But all in all, Monday will still be another big battle for the ballots between the two biggest parties, SLP and UWP. Each is claiming victory and both are hitting the hus- Jeannine Compton-Antoine Drops a Bombshell! - tings hard in this final home stretch to Polling Day. Saint Lucians are being called upon to Page 4 recognize that this is an important election for more reasons than one, including that the two parties are equally tied (at 8-8) in the number of elections each has won since Independence in 1979. But this is also an election about a choice between continuity and returning to the Over 700 Lucians Employed at Royalton - Page 9 starting point and a comparison of leadership based on record. On Monday, Saint Lucian voters will all have an equal chance to make that decision for family and country, putting na- More Local Hotels Win World Acclaim - Page 9 tion before self. So far, while platform offerings have been hot, the campaign has been quite peaceful – and the Police Commissioner urges it be kept that way (See Page 3). Likewise, Nationwide encourages all Saint Lucians to go out and vote on Monday and be part of the Saint Lucia Still Paying democratic process – and to make the right choice! In this special issue, Nationwide again Heavily for Operation features several pages of voting and other election related articles, including opinions and Restore Confidence! press releases supportive of both major parties (See Pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12). As always, - Pages 4 and 10 take time off to read and enjoy the information and images contained in the following pages -- then remember you can also watch NationwideTV on NTN and browse the Nationwide Website at stlucianationwide.com Happy Reading! Happy Viewing! Happy Browsing! WHAT’S INSIDE

Page 2 NationWIDE Thursday June 2, 2016 CDB approves $25 Million street lighting project GOD IS EVERYWHERE AND FOR EVERYONE!

leagues “murderers and baby killers” in the process. She could have taken a dif- ferent route and requested a conscience view and vote on the matter, as SLP Sena- tor Agatha Jn. Panel did in the Senate. She would then have been able to voice her disagreement with abortion and even vote against the criminal code on that basis, but without vilifying and insulting her colleagues. In- stead, she ganged-up with By Stephen Lester some of her religious friends and other opportunistic per- Prescott sons in opposition to her own government. n 2003, in the lead-up to After Sarah’s grossly in- The project will replace 21,587 street lights throughout the island with high efficiency LED lights. laying in Parliament of sulting characterization of Ithe Revised Criminal her Cabinet colleagues, her he project will replace total annual expenditure on approached the CDB for finan- Code – the most compre- position became untenable 21,587 street lights electricity. cial support. hensive law revision in St. and her continuation in the throughout the island It is anticipated that after re- He said the project is a key Lucia’s history – a member Cabinet had to be curtailed. T of the then Cabinet latched Somehow, in her mind with high efficiency LED lights. placement, government's an- component of government’s Saint Lucia has received ap- nual savings will be approxi- sustainable energy program; onto one section of the over though, Sarah thought she proval for a $25 Million (US$9.5 mately 60 percent or a little over and indicated that in addition to 1,000 sections of the code, could publicly “curse up” million) LED Street Lighting EC$6 million. making more revenue available breached Cabinet confiden- and insult her Cabinet col- Project that will replace all Therefore, government would for other purposes, the reduc- tiality and parliamentary leagues, and then return to street lights on the island with have fulfilled its promise to re- tion in energy demand will help protocol, and launched one Cabinet the following week energy-efficient ones. duce government expenditure Saint Lucia meet its obligation of the most indecent and vit- as if nothing had happened. The project, the first of its kind on electricity by 20 percent in under the Paris Climate Change riolic attacks ever witnessed However, her Cabinet col- in the Caribbean, will involve the Public Service well before Agreement, to reduce the pro- against her Cabinet and Par- leagues thought differently the replacement of 21,587 high- the 2020 target, via the LED duction of greenhouse gases. liamentary colleagues. and persuaded the Prime pressure-sodium and mercury- Street Lighting Project alone. He added that the Government That member chose to go Minister that such erratic, vapour street lights with high In addition to significant - fi of Saint Lucia has shown itself to to war on the so-called abor- insulting, intolerant and efficiency light-emitting diode nancial savings, the LED Street be a pioneer in sustainable en- tion clause which sought to untrustworthy behavior (LED) street lights. Lighting Project will reduce the ergy initiatives in the Caribbean clarify and enhance what had no place in a Cabinet of Currently, the Government of total quantity of oil imported and that his ministry is pleased was already law, by prescrib- St. Lucia. Saint Lucia spends over EC$11 into Saint Lucia and reduce to be associated with the project. ing the cases in which abor- So, Sarah was fired from million annually to illuminate overall national energy con- The Board of Directors of the tion was permissible. These the Cabinet because of a the island's roadways. sumption. Saint Lucia’s Energy Caribbean Development Bank were when the mother’s life/ breach of trust and a loss of This expenditure represents Minister Dr. James Fletcher con- (CDB) approved the project at a health was at risk, the un- confidence in her as a team over one third of government’s ceptualized the initiative and May 16 meeting. born child’s life/health at player. Later, she resigned CDB Funding approved to complete Dennery water project

he Government of Saint Lucia has received ap- Tproval for funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the Dennery North Water Supply Improve- ment Project. The water improvement proj- ect aims to resolve the issues of poor water quality and an unre- The writer wants the former government minister to stop liable supply plaguing the east playing more Godly than all, as if she is the biggest Poto coast village. Legliz in Saint Lucia and wishes to see voters reject her at The Ministry of External Af- the polls to avoid repetition of past problems… fairs initially secured grant funding of $12.5 million (US$5 million) from the Government risk and when conception her seat in Parliament, caus- of Mexico. But the funding due to rape or incest. ing the ensuing bye-election fell short of the total amount The law revision also and the SLP to lose to Rich- required for a new water sup- The additional funding will allow for the completion of both stipulated that two doctors ard Frederick, who ran then ply and distribution system phases of the Dennery Water Supply Improvement Project. (instead of one under the as an Independent candi- that would meet the needs of previous law), had to inde- date, but with the support Dennery residents for the next pendently certify that any of the UWP Constituency 17 years. residents of Dennery North Thomazo water storage tank, of these conditions existed group (the UWP did not As a result, the Ministry of have had to suffer with poor a new transmission pipeline, before an abortion was law- contest the poll). During Sustainable Development re- water quality and one of the pipe connections to the exist- fully permissible. the bye election campaign quested the CDB's assistance most unreliable water supplies ing Morne Panache pumping It should be noted that and subsequently, she has and on May 16, the Board of on the island. station, and pipe connections to whether any of us agreed made pronouncements on Directors approved a project "To have played a part in fi- the Derniere Riviere distribu- with it or not, abortion was the godliness of Kenny An- request from the Government nally solving one of the most tion network. already legal before the re- thony and the Labour Party of Saint Lucia for the Dennery vexing water problems on the Like the Vieux Fort Water Sup- vised criminal code, but Government. Water Supply Improvement island is certainly something ply Improvement Project, the without these new safe- The crux of Sarah Flood Project. that is worth celebrating," the Dennery Water Supply Proj- guards. Beaubrun’s claim is a false al- The funds will provide the ad- minister said. ect is expected to meet the de- Sarah Flood-Beaubrun legation that ditional amount needed for the The Dennery North Water mands of the residents of the nonetheless chose this occa- is ungodly, because accord- completion of both phases of the Supply Improvement Project Dennery Valley until 2033, with sion to renew her religious ing to her, “he kicked God project. involves the construction of a the capacity to produce 1.4 mil- opposition to all forms of out of Cabinet.” Minister with responsibility new water intake on the Tour- lion gallons of water per day. abortion, whether legally And exactly how did Sarah for water, Dr. James Fletcher, nesse River, a raw water trans- In 2011, government promised and humanely justifiable or come to this patently false said that of all the projects his mission line, a new water treat- to resolve the water problems of not. And she did so in the conclusion? ministry has been involved in, ment plant, the installation of a Vieux Fort and Dennery. most vile and vulgar man- this one is among those that water storage tank next to the The Vieux Fort Water Supply ner, calling her Cabinet col- Continued on Page 12 give him the greatest satisfac- treatment plant, a pump station Development Project has al- tion, because for too long the and a force main to the existing ready been initiated. Thursday June 2, 2016 NationWIDE Page 3 Police Commissioner urges Unity for the Good of Saint Lucia on Election Day!

ike Her Excellency the the 2016 Jazz and Arts festival, right to choose whatever party Governor General did Commissioner Moncherry said or candidate he/she wishes to Lduring her 2016 Throne As we continue into the Elec- support. However, in exerting Speech, Commissioner of Po- tioneering Period I wish to this right, you need to respect lice Severin Moncherry has also thank members of the public for the right of others. called on Saint Lucians to show their conduct thus far. Let us, during this period and the world how we can unite for You have shown maturity and beyond, be more tolerant, man- the sake of our country on Mon- respect for the rights of others. age our anger and use amicable day. This was the main message I implore you members of the ways to resolve conflict. in the message from the Com- public in the coming days, and I call on every Saint Lucian missioner to the general pub- particularly on Election Day, to show the rest of the world lic, issued yesterday, ahead of that you continue to act respon- that we can agree or disagree Election Day on Monday. After sibly and respect the rights of -- and when it matters most, congratulating his police offi- others. we can unite for the good of cers for a job well done during Everyone in Saint Lucia has a Saint Lucia.” Commissioner Moncherry New telephone system to save taxpayers $2M annually

he Government of Saint citizen engagement and other ture on overseas calls, in addi- Lucia has launched a operational efficiencies. tion to enhancing desktop and Tstate-of-the-art Unified The system connects all ma- video conferencing capabilities Communications System (UCS). jor government departments that will enable government The Unified Communications (from Gros Islet in the North officials to engage actively at System replaces government's to Vieux Fort in the south) to a meetings held in Saint Lucia present archaic telephone sys- high capacity fiber optic back- while being present at their tem (which has been in opera- bone which allows informa- overseas posts. tion for almost two decades) tion transfers at the speed of The interactive video collabo- and is expected to result in an- light. ration capability is anticipated nual savings of close to $2 mil- With this system, government to significantly reduce overseas The Unified Communications System will save government close lion in recurrent expenditure. foreign offices will also connect travel costs and improve acces- to EC$2 million annually. The system will facilitate im- to the telephone system as if sibility and teamwork between proved collaboration between they were present locally. foreign missions and the gov- Unified Communications Sys- public service that translates to ministries and departments, This feature is expected to sig- ernment. tem will redound to greater ef- not only improved productivity and also enhance government- nificantly reduce the expendi- The implementation of the fectiveness and efficiency in the but greater economic gains. SLASPA has new crew certification training program

he Saint Lucia Air and Sea tion (IMO). It is expected that by Ports Authority (SLAS- 2017, this certification, will be- TPA), through the Division come a mandatory requirement of Maritime Affairs, will be for crew employed on commer- commencing the certification of cial vessels (Plying for Hire). crew onboard commercial ves- The objective of the crew sels, operating within Saint Lu- training program is to allow cian waters. crew members to acquire the The program started yester- knowledge and skills required day (Wednesday, 1st June 2016) to perform safely and manage and will be targeting an esti- emergency situations on ves- mated four hundred (400) crew sels. members working on board na- This manual prescribes policy, tionally registered vessels. standards, instructions, pro- The Director of Maritime cedures, and guidance for the Affairs, Mr. Christopher Al- purpose of training, qualifying exander indicated that, “This and certifying crew members initiative is another step by working on commercial vessels the Authority in the holistic operating within the waters of approach of increasing over- Saint Lucia. all boating safety on Saint Lu- The course covers theoreti- cian flagged vessels. The crew cal and practical “hands on” invariably needs to interface training on equipment with with other craft or equipment classroom and mock up ses- The new certification mechanism will be monitored and piloted by the Marine Unit of the Police Force. and therefore requires technical sions delivered by qualified skills for the safety of the vessel, instructors. crew and passengers alike.” The syllabus includes: Rules man resource capacity building The training is expected to collection of forms, contact the The manual “Basic Seaman- of the Road, Communications, will mitigate against risk and take place over a four-week pe- Division of Maritime Affairs ship Crew Training” has been Basic Navigation, Marlinspike optimize the use of all available riod where in the end partici- at 457-6151, email at communi- developed by the Division of Seamanship, Anchoring, Tow- resources – equipment, proce- pants are expected to receive a [email protected] or go our Maritime Affairs and follows ing, Man Overboard and Fire- dures and people – to promote certificate of completion as well website at www.slaspa.com and the standards set by the Inter- fighting. safety and enhance the efficien- as a crew identification card. visit the Media Room under national Maritime Organiza- It is anticipated that this hu- cy of boating operations. For further information and Press Releases

PROUD addressing unplanned developments with Piaye residents

he Ministry of Physical Development, Housing and Urban Renewal (through the PROUD) is continuing interventions Taimed at regularizing the occupation of Crown Lands, this time in the community of Piaye. All beneficiaries of PROUD in this community were invited to a meeting yesterday Wednesday, 1 June 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Piaye Secondary, to discuss matters pertain- ing to the PROUD. The meeting follows several similar ones held in various unplanned communities around the island where residents occupy Crown Lands, with a view to regularizing their unplanned The program enables those squatting on Government lands to become legitimate land owners, and developments. improves infrastructure in those communities. Page 4 NationWIDE Thursday June 2, 2016 Saint Lucian Elections 2016 Jeannine drops SOS for Jeannine! n light of accusations of absolutely no fear or reservation sexual assault made by the by victims to tell their stories. IIndependent Candidate for According to SOS, it must be Micoud North, Jeannine Comp- noted that currently we have ton-Antoine against former an unprecedented number of a bomb! Agriculture Minister Ezechiel seven women vying for political Joseph on Sunday May 29, 2016, office who have not seized the the local rights group entitles opportunity to champion the Speak Out St. Lucia (SOS) says cause for women. it is every victim’s right to speak SOS noted that throughout out in their own time, regard- this political campaign there less of the persons involved. has been little to no attempt, In a statement following the save for innuendoes and accu- disclosure of the allegations, sations, to put women’s issues SOS said this incident high- at the top of the development lights the need for issues affect- agenda. ing women to be placed at the It said it is unfortunate that top of the agenda of the can- neither the Five-Point Plan nor didates now vying to form the the Fifteen Pledges address next government. women’s and children’s issues The group said the public which are extremely critical at must be assured that govern- this time. ments will have zero tolerance SOS appealed to all Saint Lu- for crimes against women, and cians to put an end to victim there should be no hesitation to bashing and demanded that advance the cause for women’s women’s issues form part of the issues. continuous debate and discus- Additionally, there should be sion by our representatives

Former Agriculture Minister Ezekiel Joseph (left) says he knows nothing about the allegations Women Rights campaigner by former cabinet colleague Jeannine Compton-Antoine.

ormer Micoud North MP, Compton-Antoine said she he kept returning to the same supports Jeannine Compton Jeannine Compton-An- had gone to see the then Ag- topic. Ftoine has whipped-up a riculture Minister about proj- “When I saw that nothing was — by Catherine Sealys — storm here ahead of polling day, ects in the Micoud North con- happening, I said I would leave accusing former Agriculture stituency, which is a farming now,” the former Micoud North Statistics obtained from the Minister, Ezechiel Joseph of sex- community, and which she MP recounted. Royal Saint Lucia Police Force ually assaulting her in his office. represented in parliament at She told supporters that as she indicates that out of 161 cases Compton-Antoine, who is con- the time. got up to leave, Joseph grabbed of rape and attempted rape, re- testing the election as an Inde- She also disclosed that she her. ported from 2013-2015 only 15 pendent candidate for Micoud knew Joseph long before, as Compton-Antoine said: “He proved false. North for the second time, made they had both attended the tried to take off my shirt and “Services for Survivors of the accusation last Sunday night same university. kiss me, and you are telling me Sexual Assault in St. Lucia”, a while outlining reasons why Compton-Antoine said she that I must stay with people like research paper by Professor she left the United Workers Par- also thought the former Babon- that?” Lori K. Sudderth, Ph.D. Quin- ty (UWP). neau MP was her friend. She said the alleged sexual as- nipiac University, October 3, “Let me tell you about some “I am talking to the man and sault happened in the Ministry 2013 speaks on the ingrained of the reasons why I resigned -- the man is chatting me, so I am of Agriculture at the govern- culture of victim blaming and and I have never spoken about it wondering what is going on,” ment buildings on the Castries recommended public education except to my husband and a few she said. Waterfront. by social services agencies and other people -- and I am telling Compton-Antoine said she Contacted by the local media women rights groups to educate you this here tonight because I kept telling Joseph to let them for comment, Joseph denied s an individual who has the public on this very danger- am tired of people saying that I talk about Micoud North, the that the incident ever occurred. supported a number of ous trend. left and abandoned the people,” farmers and the problems they He also said he was seeking victims of sexual vio- We call on both political par- the former MP told supporters. were having. But she stated that legal advice on the matter. A lence, I see how traumatic it can ties to strongly condemn this be for them to be confronted, extremely dangerous and de- victimized, bullied and vilified meaning practice of re-victim- by victim blaming trolls on so- izing and bullying of victims Relatives of victims of Operation Restore cial media, particularly women of sexual violence by their sup- and those who are offended by porters and further that the Confidence (ORC) can seek compensation the timing of her allegation. women of the UWP and the SLP Victims struggle to find the stand with Jeannine Compton he Saint Lucia Govern- dence can be presented in deal- hands of the police force, as space they need to rebuild their at this time. ment could end-up be- ing with the police killings dur- well as a boycott of provision lives if they are constantly sub- I offer Jeannine Compton ev- Ting sued sooner than ing ORC. of parts for the US-supplied jected to abuse or intimidation ery support in this very trau- later for compensation by The Attorney-at-Law who is coast guard vessels belong- by their peers. matic situation. families of victims of alleged representing the Louisy family ing to the Police Force Marine extra-judicial police killings. said the criminal aspect of the Unit. Family members of three matter has to be pursued and The UWP has said that if men killed in Vieux Fort dur- vowed to continue working to it wins the election, it will – ing the ill-fated Operation ensure justice is served in the within 100 days – scrap the Sarah says Ezekiel innocent Restore Confidence (ORC) matter. current IMPACS Report and now stand a chance of ob- Between 2010 and 2011, 12 per- appoint a new commission to taining compensation, if the sons died during encounters re-start the entire process. until proven guilty! case proceeds to the High with officers of the Royal Saint The Labour Government in- Court. Lucia Police Force. The alleged sisted that due process must pposition UWP can- Beaubrun said. Human Rights Activist, extra-judicial killings occurred be allowed to take its course didate for Castries However, she asserted that Mary Francis, said there are during ORC. through the courts and has OCentral, former gov- just because an allegation now sufficient grounds to The police operation was un- expressed hope that the next ernment minister Sarah of sexual assault has been proceed, following a Coro- dertaken under the UWP ad- Director of Public Prosecu- Flood-Beaubrun, says the made, guilt should not be au- ner’s inquest which found ministration with then Sena- tions (DPP) here, when ap- allegation of sexual assault tomatically assumed. that three of the so-called tor Guy Mayers as Minister of pointed, will take steps to against former Agriculture “The other party is inno- “Vieux Fort Five” were un- Home Affairs and National Se- allow for the judicial aspects Minister, Ezechiel Joseph, cent until proven guilty,” she lawfully killed. curity. of the IMPACS Report to be must not be taken lightly. said. They include: Jn Baptiste However, the shootings re- handled in a court of law. The accusation against Flood Beaubrun said she Mc Farlene, Mitchel Cadette sulted in a backlash for St. Lu- The UWP, however, insists Joseph, who is the UWP was sorry that the matter had and Allan Lenny Louisy. cia with the United States (US), on another approach that candidate for Babonneau to come up at this point. But The inquest ruled death by citing human rights concerns, can result in families of the in the upcoming elec- she stated that an allegation misadventure and returned taking punitive action against victims having to wait much tions, was made Sunday has been made and it needs an open verdict in the case of the island, including sanctions longer for justice and the ac- night at a public meeting to be taken seriously. the other two men, and the against the Police Force. cused police officers never by former Micoud North Ezechiel Joseph has flatly verdict was delivered on Fri- The sanctions have included a having their day in court to MP, Jeannine Compton- denied the sexual assault day, May 27, 2016. boycott on provision of ammu- prove their innocence or face Antoine.“This is a very claim and says he is seeking This means further evi- nition for US-made arms in the punishment if found guilty. serious allegation,” Flood- legal advice. Thursday June 2, 2016 Page 5 Saint Lucian Elections 2016 38 candidates PM takes issue with CADRES claim contesting! that election is too close to call Six women included

he nomination process for Lucia Labour Party, the Lucian the 2016 is complete and Greens Party and the Lucian Tthe Electoral Department Peoples Movement. has finalized the list of candi- The party symbols include a dates for the June 6th 2016 poll. Saw, Scale, Hand, Head, Cow, The list represents a range Shoe and the traditional Star of professions from auditor to and Torch. probation officer, mini-bus op- The Party leaders are Therold erator, sports therapist, banker, Prudent for the Lucian Peoples lawyer, retiree and educator. Movement, Andre Decaires of Four have listed Farmer as the Lucian Greens Party, Allen their profession and five say Chastanet of the United Work- they are Educators. ers Party and Dr. Kenny D. An- There is one legislator, a quan- thony of the St. Lucia Labour tity surveyor and a self-em- Party. ployed artist. Four candidates Andre Decaires is not contest- are running as Independents, ing this time around. The LPM two of them in Micoud North. is contesting one seat -- that of Four parties are contesting Gros Islet -- and the Green Par- the June 6th Poll – they are the ty has one candidate contesting The SLP has a serious problem with the disproportionate manner in which the CADRES poll sliced United Workers Party, the St. in Soufriere. the election cake ahead of the party.

rime Minister Dr Kenny enough to understand how the dead-heat between the gov- Independent candidate D. Anthony says he has a polling business works. erning SLP and the opposition Pserious problem with the The Barbados-based Caribbe- UWP with the SLP recording results of a poll that gives en- an Development Research Ser- 34% and the UWP securing 33% couragement to the opposition vices INC (CADRES) on Mon- of the committed vote share”. for Soufriere and claims the ruling party has day predicted a “statistical dead It said that “some 3% of re- been losing ground. heat” between the two major spondents promised to sup- Besides, Dr Anthony, whom is political parties contesting the port independent candidates; also Political leader of the rul- June 6 general elections here. however, it should be noted ing SLP, says he has misgivings CADRES said that an opinion that this survey was conducted about the political intent of the poll conducted between May 20 one-week ago when there was pollster, bearing in mind that and 23 in all 17 constituencies, an anticipation of greater in- he has refused to indicate who showed a close race between the dependent participation than paid for the poll. ruling St. Lucia Labour Party that which materialized on Dr Anthony in fact told a pub- (SLP) and the main opposition nomination day. lic meeting in Gros Islet that he United Workers Party (UWP). The remaining 30 per cent of has reason to believe the oppo- It said that the poll with a mar- respondents were categorized sition UWP is behind the poll, gin of plus or minus 5%, found as “Uncertain Voters”. (See SLP as he had been around long that “at this time a statistical Response on Page 9)

Simon “Zaka” Gajadhar Observer Missions coming usinessman, Simon He is a family man with his “Zaka” Gajadhar has been wife Lea and two children they from UK, EU USA Bnominated to contest for reside in the village of Belfond, the Soufriere District standing Soufriere. as an independent candidate in Gajadhar is encouraging all bserver missions and the EU have all requested expected to accommodate the 2016 election. Saint Lucians to make an effort from the United observer status and have been them. Simon has been a resident of Sou- to get to their local polling sta- OStates, the United granted approval. It is also expected the friere for the past 14 years and is tion on the June 6 and exercise Kingdom and the European The Cabinet Secretary said he CARICOM and the Orga- the owner of The Zaka Art Cafe on their right to say “Go” to these Union will be here for the did not yet know when the del- nization of American States Bay Street on Soufriere Waterfront. other parties! June 6, 2016 general elections, egations will arrive here. (OAS) will send missions as Cabinet Secretary, Darrel However, he disclosed that the they habitually do for elec- Montrope has said. Electoral Department and the tions in every CARICOM LPM wants He says the US, the UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs are member-state. election WASCO announces spending curbs Election Day closing hours ucian Peoples Movement of dollars are being poured into (LPM) Leader, Therold the current election campaign. Prudent, has called for Prudent noted that there is a ustomers are advised L that Cashiers and curbs on election spending. great level of poverty in Saint Prudent says Saint Lucia Lucia. CCustomer Services would be well served if half He suggested that money used Department of the Water of the money that is spent on to fund election campaign could and Sewerage Company election paraphernalia by both be used to better the lot of poor Inc. Castries branch will be main political parties, is used Saint Lucians. closed from 2pm on Monday to help the poor people of this The LPM candidate called for June 6th, 2016 and regular country. a cap on campaign spending business hours resume the The LPM leader said that elec- and the introduction of cam- following day Tuesday June tion spending is a source of con- paign finance laws, to allow po- 7th, 2016. The company sin- cern for him. litical organizations to declare cerely apologizes for any in- He asserted that it should not where they are getting money convenience which this may only worry him but the entire from and who are contributors cause and thanks customers population of Saint Lucia as to their campaign. in advance for their usual co- well. He also said there should be a operation. By Prudent’s estimate, millions limit for election spending. Page 6 NationWIDE Thursday June 2, 2016 Saint Lucian Elections 2016 Did You Know? First Elections here were in 1925 by Anselma Aimable bership of the Legislature tion and no campaigning, but notions of race and color were by an increase of racial animos- and Universal Suffrage was the 1931 election saw more ac- brought into play. ity, which was being stirred by id you know the first still three decades away. But tion when Belmar and DuBou- British Secretary of State for various causes and which was elections were held it was a start. lay conducted a heated cam- the Colonies, Malcolm Mac- likely to become really dan- Din St. Lucia on March Thomas Hull was elected in paign in district West. Donald, realized this very well gerous over the next few years 9, 1925? Little campaigning district West, Thomas Westall It was when the modest mid- when he wrote that “Mod- unless something was done to took place, two of the candi- in district North and George dle class political aspirations of ern ideas had been spread- remove the other causes of dis- dates were unopposed, there Palmer in district East. the 1920s joined forces with the ing amongst the colored content.” (Source: A History of was high income and prop- All three were re-elected more radical working class agi- people -- with great rapidity. St. Lucia by Harmsen, Ellis & erty qualifications for mem- again in 1928, with no opposi- tation of the 1930s that the new Discontent was being fanned Devaux – 2012) Monday is Judgement Day!

by Christopher Jones

ur fair Helen is at its Crossroads. On June 6th O2016, WE shall exercise our RIGHT (which our forefa- thers fought so valiantly for) and we as a people shall decide In addition to this if this 5 come up with 3 main reasons our economy , which is already children and grandchildren a our future. point plan is their main focus, why anyone would vote UWP becoming a model in the Ca- chance to survive We are faced with two op- then it begs one to question this election: ribbean, hence the reason why 1) the impacts of climate tions, either we continue to whether are youth are a prior- • You’ve been promised some other regional leaders praise change on SIDS such as us; and drive forward on a familiar ity since to my knowledge we high end position if the this government for their is well on their way to meeting path, or we take a risk and jour- weren’t included in this 5 TO UWP were to win the next management of the economy that objective of complete ener- ney via an alternative route for STAY ALIVE fantasy. general election or have #FACT gy independence by 2035. Sad- which we have no idea what IT would simply to be a waste some connection or relation 2) VOTE LABOUR for gov- ly I can’t say anything about lies ahead. of time to dwell on or analyze with one of the candidates ernment which foreign inves- the other guys on that point It is our responsibility as citi- the 4 other points brought for- and would therefore be for- tors have confidence in and not since that was never a priority zens of this country l to exer- ward, because frankly they’re tunate enough to receive a one who seeks their personal of theirs #Fact cise our franchise; but we must not worthy for a discussion, few personal contracts. By gain from every potential FDI, I could go on and on, but do it RIGHTLY! Now some hence ONE reason why we the way I’m still trying to which restricted investment I Believe my point has been may argue that neither Po- simply CANNOT afford to al- contact this A&M Company, during 2006-2011. #Fact brought across clear and con- litical party is the right choice, low this Flambeau administra- because apparently since af- 1) VOTE LABOUR for a gov- cisely. however with every decision tion led by Pope Allen the II to ter the last election they’ve ernment who despite the pro- Certainly the Labour gov- there is always a better choice! run our country. disappeared. paganda DO care about the ernment has its fl