Government of Saint Lucia Nationwide Magazine February 7, 2015 Features Launch of Independence Celebrations And Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival

NationWIDE
NationWIDE
THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA
n
W
HAT’S
INSIDE
The Prime Minister has much to celebrate today. Following on a similar outlook outlined
in the Prime Minister’s 2015 New Year Address and the record 6% growth in tourism
figures in 2014 over 2015, First Citizens Investment Services (a regional private finance
and economic institution also operating here) is predicting lower fuel prices and
increasing visitor numbers will help lead to a turnaround to positive economic growth
before the next General Elections. The fiscal pruning of the past three years is finally
taking the country around the curve and policies continue to be put in place to ensure
proper transition to better for all. With investor confidence back on track, the Prime
Minister (with his Cabinet) continues to seek, attract and invite new investors, as with
the visiting Taiwanese business delegation earlier this week (See Page 12). But while
the PM (with his Government) continues to labour to better fix the economy, he can
still occasionally find time to help his people celebrate the nation’s good fortunes over
the past three years (above). Following the best Christmas and New Year celebrations
in a long time and a special Nobel Laureates Week that celebrated a centennial and
started a new national monument, the island is now welcoming neighbouring sister-isle
Martinique into the OECS (See Pages 3 and 4) and bracing for Independence and Jazz
2015 (Story on Page 12). Saint Lucia is a nation of people who work hard and play hard.
But increasingly too, we are behaving better with and to each other, evidenced by the
reduction in all major crimes last year -- and last month being the first homicide-free
January in the past 15 years (See Page 4). This edition of Nationwide celebrates the
Excellence in Education of our students with a special supplement (Pages 8-12), as well
as coverage of the two special Climate Change gatherings recently held here (Page 6).
It’s also been one full year since Nina Compton put Saint Lucia on the global culinary
map and this issue features one of her many recent exploits as the island’s Culinary
Ambassador to the World (Page 7). Sift through the following pages and enjoy this
latest issue of your weekly colourful accounts of what the Government of Saint Lucia
has been saying and doing at home and abroad during the past seven days. Enjoy the
edification. Happy Reading! And catch-up with NationwideTV daily on NTN!
What Caring and Sharing Governments Do! -
Page 2
WASCO Signs MOU for Better Water Works on
Roads - Page 3
Saint Lucia Attended High Level ICAO Conference -
Page 4
Consultancy Commences on Financing Universal
Health - Page 5
World Wetlands Day Observed - Page 6
RC Boys Honoured for
Academic Excellence -
Page 8
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2015 WEEKLY
2015 Independence and
Jazz Festivals launched!

NationWIDEPage 2 Saturday February 7, 2015
Editorial
Caring and Sharing!
P
olitics remains essentially
about people and the abil-
ity of politicians and their
politics to influence individuals
or groups. I assess people who
offer themselves to the electorate
by their past record -- whether
privately, nationally or interna-
tionally -- and in my humblest
estimation, Allen Chastanet, a ho-
telier, continues to represent only
one small group of people here:
the propertied elite who want
to maintain the historic class
boundaries.
His catapult to the UWP leader-
ship has not so far enabled him
to increase his influence over the
majority of the ordinary St Lu-
cian populace… Yes, his family’s
money may be working wonders
for the Party in opposition. But if
it’s just money that UWP required
now, Richard would still be its
golden goose.
I noted with amusement Mr
Chastanet delivering an address
to nation with our national flag
in the background. He’s not even
a Member of Parliament, not a
national representative of any-
thing in any form, yet he takes
these kinds of privileges, stealing
chances to pose with our national
flag, in full violation of the proto-
cols associated with addresses to
the nation by Heads of State and
Where, oh where, did
all that money go?
Those who cannot remember the past
are condemned to repeat it!
By Yolanda O’Brien
Heads of Government. That’s the
arrogance of the man.
But, to his credit, Allen Chasta-
net is happy that he has acquired
a new “submissive” Leader of the
Opposition. While constitution-
ally she’s the only one with legal
and parliamentary authority for
UWP, her only interest now is
how high Mr Chastanet wants her
to jump…. (Sad for female leader-
ship…)
But back to the only memorable
lines from that speech: “The UWP
has always been committed to the
success of our country. As a Party
we have embraced the values we
believe all responsible Saint Lu-
cians share: honesty, discipline,
confidentiality, commitment, mu-
tual respect.” Really, Mr Chas-
tanet! This same Mr Chastanet
was part of a Government that
destroyed the soul of this coun-
try, which started this current
economic avalanche. But today
he wants to come back and try to
convince us that he really cares
about “De poor people!” It’s that
kind of blatant dishonesty that
has caused me to delve into the
past hallmarks of his tenure as
Minister of Tourism.
Let’s start with a quote from
court proceedings related to the
‘Tuxedogate’ scandal: “Mr. Chas-
tanet deposed in his affidavit that
he was not at the meeting because
he was scheduled to travel out of
the state on that date. He said in
cross examination that he was
“one thousand percent” sure he
was off island. Yet the minutes of
the meeting show on Page 1 that
he was present at the meeting,
and on Page 2 that three minis-
ters are listed as being absent. Mr.
Chastanet is not included in the
list of absent ministers…..”
From Secrecy and Evasion to Accountability and Transparency:
The change of government in 2011 resulted in the administration
led by a genuinely accountable leader ensuring every cheque
received from Taiwan for public use over the past three years was
received by the Minister of Finance and immediately handed over
to the Accountant General for depositing in the Consolidated
Fund through the Treasury — all done in full glare of the press and
the public, as in this case (above) and ensuring that (unlike under
the previous administration) Taiwanese funds are disbursed in all
seventeen constituencies, bar none.
That damning judgment in the
Tuxedo Villas Scandal would
never have been, had Allen Chas-
tanet, as Minister of Tourism, not
convinced Cabinet to extend Tux-
edo’s hotel concessions to fellow
Cabinet Minister Keith Monde-
sir’s private residence in Bonne
Terre.
Allen Chastanet has never
once proven to me, as a fellow St
Lucian, that he cares about the
people of this country. I have long
maintained that his actions and
behaviors over the last few years
have proven to be elitist, anti-
local and anti-regional; and there
is an abundance of recorded evi-
dence to substantiate this.
Who can forget that his politi-
cal and ministerial records are
stained by waste, extravagance
and boastful non-performance?
How can St Lucians forget ‘Al-
len Chastanet and Air Jamaica’,
or ‘Allen Chastanet and Boxing
in Paradise’, or ‘Allen Chastanet
and Bachelor’, or ‘Allen Chasta-
net and the $1.2 million James
Hepple fiasco’, or ‘Allen Chasta-
net and the tourism marketing
emblem plagiarized from Latin
America’? Where was Chasta-
net’s concern for St. Lucians when
he was spending about $500,000
on cell phones and traveling all
over the world, without his Prime
Minister’s authority and without
his Ministry’s technical support,
at the expense of the St. Lucian
taxpayer?
My assessment on Allen Chas-
tanet was further sealed by his
sustained attacks on LIAT over
the last few years. We all know
the financial challenges of LIAT
that have been reported over the
many years and we all have had
horrible experiences with LIAT,
but like a faithful guide doo,r
LIAT remains one of the strongest
symbols of our integration. Yet,
this man who wants to be Prime
Minister has remained consistent
on his sustained attacks on this
regional airline, while simulta-
neously cushioning international
airlines during his tenure as Min-
ister.
But let’s go to another of Mr
Chastanet legacies, as was report-
ed in the Review of Local Coun-
cils under UWP administration:
“The review exercise has re-
vealed that during the period un-
der review the Council received
funds from Central Government
and Taiwanese Government for
the execution of various proj-
ects. However, it appeared that
payments were made from these
funds for unauthorised pur-
poses. During the reviewed it
was revealed that Bank cheque
dated 24/11/2011 in the amount
of $24,000 was issued to the Sou-
friere Development Foundation.
The Former Chairman explained
that the payment was made to
the Soufriere Development Foun-
dation as per directive from the
Minister for Tourism and UWP
Candidate for Soufriere – Allen
Chastanet. The intention was to
lease the land for the purpose of
building a basketball court for the
community. The Former Chair-
man did not provide any docu-
mentary evidence to substantiate
that claim. Further investigations
revealed that other payments
were made for the benefit and at
the behest of UWP Candidate for
Soufriere/Fond St Jacques Con-
stituency Allen Chastanet during
the 2011 General Elections and
not part of Council operations.”
Now from my information, we
talking about $50,000 on that oc-
casion for electioneering and no
one can account for that money.
Where did that money go to?
But there is still more readers….
the report continues, “The Sou-
friere/Fond St Jacques Constitu-
ency Council (formerly Soufriere
Town Council) was engaged in a
project by the name, “Computeri-
sation of Educational Institutions
in the Soufriere District”. Accord-
ing to evidence surfaced during
the exercise a supplier was paid
a total amount of $571,340.40 in
advance for supplying computer
equipment and supplies, elec-
tronic items and education sup-
plies and accessories under the
programme. However and ac-
cording to the Customs & Excise
Department the total (CIF) value
of the items that were consigned
to and cleared (duty-free) by the
Soufriere Constituency Coun-
cil under the said programme
was $109,827.01, a difference of
$416,513.40. This suggests that
the supplier made a gross profit
of 380% on the transaction.” Yes
readers, again we must ask Mr
Chastanet where did that money
go?
Knowing all of these facts about
Mr Chastanet, can we honestly
say that we can trust his leader-
ship, integrity or credibility with
representation at any level?
But it’s also time for St Lucians
to demand prosecution against
those in the leadership of UWP
who would have been found to
have wrongfully and knowingly
mishandled funds intended for
poor people.
The public needs to make its
voices heard against the Office of
the Director of Public Prosecution
for appearing to sit on its hands
regarding the legal process. All
the criminal matters that were
highlighted in that Review of
Councils must have by now been
sent to that office. So, why does it
appear that this office is sitting on
the matter of pursuing the crimi-
nal cases against the UWP politi-
cians? When is that office holder
going to start leaving us with no
doubt about the impartiality the
office demands?
Unfortunately, while people
have a natural thirst for justice
after all of the above and more
have been presented to the public,
they tend to direct their demands
for speed in the legal cases to the
wrong persons. They are calling
on the prime Minister and the
government, but they should in-
stead direct their demands to the
judicial and legal services and de-
partments. It is the judges and the
courts who will decide on how
fast those cases move on, but not
until the DPP completes her side
of the preliminary work.
One of the real dangers is that
while the DPP’s office may be
seen as “taking too long” and
while it cannot be “rushed”, the
real fact is that with two years to
go before elections (at the most),
the longer it takes and the nearer
it gets to elections, the quicker it
will be for those who have to an-
swer their names to accuse the
government of “playing politics
before elections”.
However, the quest of justice
ought not to be tempered by
fear of what the accused will say
or what others will feel. Those
named in official reports as hav-
ing played around with and failed
to account for monies entrusted in
their hands for poor people must
be made to face the courts with-
out the accusers facing any fear of
what others will feel or say.
People who dipped their hands
in the people’s money must be at
least made to pay back and those
who behaved like it was their per-
sonal funds should be made to
answer in court. They can even be
given a choice to pay back or face
the courts, I don’t care – once they
are made to pay and the public
gets to know they admitted their
guilt and were ready to pay.
Whether in cash or by doing full
time at Bordelais, it’s just about
time that Saint Lucian politicians
are made to know if they do that
crime, they will also definitely do
the time!
W
hile discussing, debat-
ing or arguing over
seemingly contentious
issues related to the latest fuel
price adjustments at home, we
should also always keep our
eyes and ears wide open on the
rest of the Caribbean and the
world.
We argue over how much
government should take and
how much consumers should
get, who should give and who
should make from the savings
from low gas prices, as if we’ve
been assured world market
prices will continue to plummet
eternally.
We also freely make equal ref-
erences and comparisons with
other countries, as if all prices
and pricing mechanisms are the
same everywhere.
Two sets of developments on
the regional and world scene
need to be considered as we
continue to discuss, debate and
argue over who should benefit
from falling oil prices.
The first is the situation in
Antigua and Barbuda, where
the Labour administration has
rejected the advice of the World
Bank on what to do with the
savings from lower fuel prices.
(See article on Page 3)
Prime Minister Gaston
Browne announced last week
that as of this month (February)
the price of gasoline and diesel
at the pumps in his country will
fall by 10% and 13%, respec-
tively.
PM Brown said the World Bank
had advised that the savings (or
increase in revenue) should be
kept exclusively by the govern-
ment. But despite being advised
not to pass-on the savings, he
said, his Labour administration
decided to pass-it-on.
Secondly, while we were still
trying to decide who should get
what and when from the savings,
the price of oil on the world mar-
ket shot-up this week to US $58
per barrel; and the OPEC Secre-
tary General predicted this week
too that world market prices will
rise again, to as much as US $200
per barrel.
Prime Minister and Finance
Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony,
the architect of this nation’s eco-
nomic and fiscal policies, has
been consistently ringing into
our ears all along that, as sure
as the sun will rise tomorrow, oil
prices will also surely rise again.
The continuing volatility of
the world market price makes
the 90-day review period here a
wiser mechanism -- and a better
option -- than a monthly review,
even though the PM has also in-
dicated that world market if pric-
es continue to fall, local prices
will continue to be lowered.
What’s clear in both the An-
tigua-Barbuda and Saint Lucia
cases is that the Labour admin-
istrations both do care for and
share with their citizens when
possible and necessary.
That’s what caring and sharing
is all about!

NationWIDE Page 3Saturday February 7, 2015
T
he Ministry of Infrastruc-
ture, Port Services and
Transport on Tuesday
signed a Memorandum of Un-
derstanding with the Water and
Sewerage Company (WASCO).
The purpose of the MOU is
to foster greater collaboration
between the two entities, in the
development of Saint Lucia’s in-
frastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Infrastructure, Port
Services and Transport, Hon.
Philip J. Pierre, emphasized the
importance of the MOU.
“WASCO’s job is to provide
water at a reasonable rate and
the Ministry of Infrastructure’s
job is to maintain Saint Lucia’s
roadways. If we collaborate and
work efficiently, then both the
provision of water and the con-
dition of the roads will be up-
kept in a satisfactory manner.
So, this MOU is extremely im-
portant,” Minister Pierre said.
The majority of WASCO’s
pipelines run beneath the road
ways. As a result, roads are of-
ten compromised to facilitate
repairs to these lines.
The island’s busy roads will be spared the setbacks of water
workers digging them up to lay or fix pipes.
WASCO’s Managing Director,
Vincent Hippolyte, said collabo-
ration with the Ministry of Infra-
structure is necessary, since it is
not always possible for WASCO
to reinstate the roadways when
the road work is completed.
“Over the years and up until
now, WASCO finds itself after
having carried out repair work
to its water lines and sewer-
age lines in a situation where
it is not always able to reinstate
the roadway. It was felt by the
ministry and ourselves that we
needed to collaborate to make
sure that we can provide a bet-
ter service to the public, hence
the reason for the MOU.”
Hippolyte added that WASCO
is also in the process of mapping
out its pipelines, which will en-
able the company to address the
issue of non-revenue water and
provide a more efficient service
to its consumers.
Ministry of Infrastructure and WASCO sign
MOU to reduce water works on new roads
N
ow that Martinique has
fully joined the OECS,
a call is being made for
more research into the shared
history between the two neigh-
bouring islands and people.
The call came from Saint Lu-
cia’s Ambassador to the OECS
and CARICOM, Dr June Soomer.
Speaking ahead of the formal
entry of the first French territory
into the OECS on Wednesday,
Dr Soomer said the move now
makes it more necessary to con-
duct the much-needed research
into the shared history between
Saint Lucia and Martinique.
Dr Soomer said she’s written
much about slave women from
Martinique who successfully
criss-crossed the small channel
separating the two islands, to
evade both French and British
troops.
She also supported calls for
more research into the birth of
Empress Josephine, widely said
to have been born in clandes-
tine conditions at Morne Paix
Bouche in Babonneau.
Dr Soomer said Saint Lucia
and Martinique already have
strong and deep ties, but the en-
try of Martinique into the OECS
now opens the way for Guade-
loupe to also enter the OECS
grouping.
The ambassador said Mar-
tinique coming on board now
-- and Guadeloupe later -- will
help forge and deepen closer
unity and integration of the
French and English-speaking
people of the Eastern Caribbean
island chain.
She says the fact that Saint Lu-
cian citizens are also citizens of
all other OECS member-states
opens new horizons and possi-
bilities that even qualified Saint
Lucian citizens resident in Mar-
tinique will also be able to make
use of the new economic space
opened-up by the OECS Eco-
nomic Union.
Meanwhile, Dr Soomer has also
disclosed that French Guiana
(also called Cayenne here) has
indicated to the Georgetown-
based CARICOM Secretariat
that it intends to formally apply
for membership of CARICOM.
Based on the north-east shoul-
der of South America, French
Guiana is home to thousands
of Saint Lucians and their de-
scendants, but observed note
that while Guadeloupe can be
expected to apply for OECS
membership, size and distance
dictate that Cayenne’s interest is
in CARICOM.
Ambassador says French membership
can strengthen OECS island chain
I
n observance of Saint Lucia’s
36th Anniversary of Inde-
pendence, the Consulate
General of Saint Lucia in New
York, in collaboration with the
New York-based Saint Lucia
House Foundation and other
community organizations, has
compiled an inspirational pro-
gram of activities for Saint Lu-
cians in the Diaspora.
This year’s celebrations will
open with the Independence 36
Gospel Fest on February 7 (to-
day) at the Mount Zion Church
of God 7th Day, 203 E 37th
Street, Brooklyn. The event will
feature a host of Saint Lucian
gospel artistes and other inspi-
rational performers.
There will be additional events
and celebrations throughout the
month of February, including
T
he Trade Export Promotion
Agency (TEPA) and the Min-
istry of Agriculture, Food Pro-
duction, Fisheries, Co-operatives and
Rural Development hosted an Agri-
cultural Value Chain Symposium yes-
terday, seeking to establish a shared
vision for sustained growth in agri-
cultural exports by directly address-
ing the challenges that impede such
exports.
The main objectives were to pro-
pose a comprehensive and strategic
vision that will assist the Ministry
of Agriculture and TEPA in pro-
moting, marketing and responding
Saint Lucia NY Consulate releases
Independence 36 Program of Activities
The events include an NBC "Today" Show feature, a film
screening, independence gala, arts and crafts exhibition
and annual independence lecture.
the Annual Independence Lec-
ture, an Independence Ecumen-
ical Service, an NBC "Today"
Show feature, a film screening,
independence gala, arts and
crafts exhibition and a "Night of
Saint Lucian Culture."
The Consulate General of
Saint Lucia invites all Saint Lu-
cians and friends to participate.
to export opportunities for the agri-
cultural sector.
The results of this activity will
benefit all priority markets as iden-
tified by TEPA.
The event was held under the
theme “Developing a shared vision
towards increasing agricultural ex-
ports,” and began with an opening
ceremony addressed by the Minis-
ters for Agriculture and for Com-
merce.
The symposium will be held at
the Golden Palm Events Centre –
Rodney Bay (A.F. Valmont Building
from 8:30 a.m., to p.m
Stakeholders hosted agriculture
symposium yesterday
P
rime Minister Gaston
Browne earlier this week
announced that as of next
month, the price of gasoline and
diesel at the pump will fall by 10
and 13 per cent respectively.
Browne had pledged in his
Budget Speech last week that the
prices would fall (though he did
not specify by how much) in line
with global oil prices which have
plummeted about 60 per cent
since last July.
Last week Friday, as he wrapped
up the Budget Debate in Parlia-
ment he revealed specifics.
From February 2, gas prices will
be reduced from $14.99 to $13.50
per gallon. Diesel will also fall by
$2.00 to $13.20 per gallon.
Browne told the Parliament
that the changes were coming on
February 2, because February 1
is a Sunday.
“Now the advice that we have
had from the World Bank is
that these savings, or increase
in revenue from the lowering of
oil prices, should be kept exclu-
sively by the government,” the
prime minister said.
“I want to make it abundantly
clear that the World Bank has
advised us not to pass on these
savings.
“However we are a very caring
government and what we have
decided to do is to share it with
the people of Antigua and Bar-
buda.”
Antigua and Barbuda shares higher
fuel price savings with consumers,
despite World Bank’s contrary advice!
T
he Taiwan embassy has an-
nounced that a briefing on the
2015 Taiwan Scholarship, ICDF
Scholarship and Medical Scholarship
will be held by the Embassy on Thurs-
day, February 12th at 10:00 am, at the
Orchid Center, Union.
According to the Embassy, “Appli-
cants should deliver forms and docu-
ments to the Embassy by 15th March,
2015, as any delivery beyond that
date, or delivery without all required
documents, will not be accepted.”
Applicants are informed they
should go to the Embassy for inter-
views on 23rd and 24th March.
The embassy warns, however, that
T
he head of the St. Lucia-based
OECS Commission is calling
for St. Lucia and other OECS
governments to ban cell phone
roaming payments between OECS
member-states.
The call is coming from Dr Dida-
cus Jules, who says it just isn’t right
for OECS nationals to have to pay
additional charges for phone calls
between the member-states of the
regional grouping.
Dr Jules says the governments
would be doing consumers well if
they prevented the service provid-
ers from charging more for calls be-
“Only qualified applicants will re-
ceive the notice and any change of
the interview date will also be no-
ticed by phone call.”
As for the Medical Scholarship ap-
plicants, both written exam and in-
terview will be held at the Embassy.
The written exam covers topics
on English, Chemistry and Biology,
the date is tentatively scheduled on
23rd April, 2015.
The interview will be via skype
with the professor of Taiwan and
the date is provisionally scheduled
28th and 29th April, 2015.
The qualified applicant will re-
ceive the notice by phone call.
tween citizens of the member-states
of the OECS.
In that sense, Dr Jules is calling for
a complete ban on all roaming rates
between the OECS member-states. He
also called for a system whereby if a
customer switches service providers,
he or she can keep the original number.
The Director General rejected
calls by the service providers for
government to tax the likes of
Skype, Vyber and other externally-
generated internet-based commu-
nications services available in the
Caribbean that offer the world free
calls and face-to-face exchanges.
Taiwan Medical Scholarship
Briefing on February 12
Ban roaming rates, says OECS chief
H
ome Affairs Minister Sena-
tor Victor La Corbiniere says
his government has deliv-
ered on its promise to investigate al-
leged police killings and the report
is now in the hands of the Chairman
of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Senator La Corbiniere, who is also
leader of government business in the
St. Lucia Senate, says the police force’s
ability to investigate itself in the mat-
ters at hand was always a complicated
matter, which is why government had
to invite a regional agency to under-
take the investigations.
The minister confirmed that the
IMPACS report is with the govern-
ment -- specifically with the Prime
Minister, who has promised to ad-
dress the nation on the issue early
this month.
The contents of the IMPACS re-
port are being looked forward to by
the Police Force, as well as the fami-
lies of the alleged victims.
No date has yet been set for the
Prime Minister’s address to the na-
tion on that report, but it’s also be-
ing looked forward to by Saint Lu-
cians at large, at home and abroad.
IMPACS Report: Home Affairs Minister
says ‘Government has delivered!’

T
he International Civil
Aviation Organization
(ICAO) invited Saint Lu-
cia to participate in the second
High Level Safety Conference
(HLSC2015) held this week at
the ICAO Headquarters in Mon-
tréal, Canada.
Hon. Alva Romanus Baptiste,
Minister for External Affairs,
International Trade and Civil
Aviation led the Saint Lucia
delegation to the talks, which
started Monday and ended yes-
terday (February 2-6).
The participation of strategic
decision-makers provided the
international civil aviation com-
munity the opportunity to build
consensus, obtain commit-
ments, and formulated recom-
mendations deemed necessary
for the effective and efficient
progress of key aviation safety
activities.
Overall, the conference in-
cluded various topics covering
three major themes: a review
of the current situation; the
future approach to manage
aviation safety; and facilitating
increased regional coopera-
tion. In particular, participants
will also be invited to discuss
emerging safety issues includ-
ing the global tracking of air-
crafts, and risks to civil aviation
arising from conflict zones.
Given the tragic and unusual
events that occurred on March 8
and July 17, 2014, which resulted
in the loss of the passengers and
crew aboard Malaysia Airlines
MH370 and MH17, the topic
“Emerging Safety Issues” also
formed part of the program, dur-
ing which the conference will
be invited to discuss and make
recommendations on means to
address the issues that may arise
related to these events.
Saint Lucia’s economy is
heavily dependent on tourism
which itself derives value from
civil aviation and air transport.
Therefore, Saint Lucia’s partici-
pation was considered critical at
this time, as the island endeavor
to boost arrival figures and ex-
pand the tourism market.
Saint Lucia attended ICAO High Level Safety Conference
T
he Royal Saint Lucia
Police Force, RSLPF,
has declared the first
month of the year– January
2015, as having registered
zero homicides. Commis-
sioner of Police Mr. Vernon
Francois describes this feat as
a small victory for the entire
island and credits the victory
to the citizenry.
In contrast, the year 2014
registered six homicides in the
month of January.
Mr. Francois says this achieve-
ment proves to all that it is
possible for citizens to rally
together with the police and
other partners in the society,
to achieve a peaceful and law
abiding nation. “Obviously we
are very happy to register zero
homicides last month. This is in
keeping with declining trends
as we have reported earlier. “I
have always emphasized that
losing one life is one too many.
Generally we are about working
to achieve zero violence.
“As officers of the law we have
done some work to help push
back against crime and to sensi-
tize the public that killings and
hurting each other to settle con-
flict is not the way to go.
“In this vein, we recognize
other agencies, the Church, the
Social Transformation officers
and other youth and commu-
nity workers and importantly
the Education system who part-
ner with us, and strengthen this
message.” Mr. François says
the Police continues to push
back against gang violence and
the scourge of drug trafficking
which are often linked to inci-
dents of homicides.
“If it’s for us to continue to
challenge ourselves to cherish
the value of life. I would like
to particularly challenge our
young men to turn away from
acts of violence and to try to
direct their energies posi-
tively”. The last time that the
records of the RSLPF reflected
nil for January homicides on
an island wide level was in the
year 2000, exactly 15 years ago.
RSLPF registers zero homicides for January 2015
O
n Friday January 30,
a combined team
of officers from
the Royal St Lucia Police
Force, conducted a search
operation at Admiral Quay,
a villa complex situated at
Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet.
During the search of an
apartment, a small quan-
tity of cannabis and a bag
containing a significant
amount of EUROs in vari-
ous denominations were
recovered.
At the time of the
search, the apartment was
occupied by three men, a
Venezuelan, a Haitian and
a national of the Domini-
can Republic. The cash
was subsequently counted
in the presence of the three
men and their attorney, to-
taling 113, 700 EUROs.
All three men were ar-
rested on suspicion of
possession of controlled
drugs and unlawful pos-
session of cash. The mat-
ter has been referred to
the Financial Intelligence
Authority for further in-
vestigations.
Police seize 113,700
Euros from three
foreign nationals at
Rodney Bay
O
n Wednesday, Feb-
ruary 11, the south
western community
of Choiseul will kick off the
Meet the Commissioner se-
ries of Town Hall Meetings
for 2015.
Earlier this year Commis-
sioner of Police Mr. Vernon
Francois, signaled that there
will be a continuation of Com-
munity Policing initiatives
and citizen’s engagement this
year, as the Police continues
to build on the successes al-
ready met in various commu-
nities around the island.
This initiative he noted
has been very well received,
even to the point of becom-
ing a popular and much an-
ticipated event.
“Over the course of last we
held five Town Hall meet-
ings and we registered very
good attendance at these
meetings.
“It is an opportunity for
the community members
to meet the Commissioner
and other senior level offi-
cers, but most importantly,
it is an open forum for us to
discuss with them whatever
concerns they may have as
regards social issues and any
social controls that the police
may be able to either enforce
or implement, or just to have
their input on policing in
general.”
Choisuel is reputed to be
among Saint Lucia’s most
creative, industrious and law
abiding communities.
The Town Hall Meeting
is slated for 5 p.m at the La
Fargue community Centre.
The Choiseul station is the
main organizer of this event.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police
Band will also join in the vis-
it and grace the community
with a musical treat.
Police Commissioner resumes
Town Hall Meetings
P
articipants from
Barbados, RSS
countries and inde-
pendent Commonwealth
Caribbean countries came
together at the Barbados
Coast Guard to attend a
maritime tactical plan-
ning course, delivered by
a visiting training team
of experts from the Royal
Navy (RN).
Certificates of completion
were handed out by Com-
mander Aquinas Clarke,
Commanding Officer of the
Barbados Coast Guard, and
Lt Commander Howard
Clark, leader of the visit-
ing RN Maritime Training
Team at a closing ceremony
at HMBS Pelican.
The participants studied a
number of areas, including
the following topics:
National Strategy for
Maritime Security, Interna-
tional Maritime Law, Rules
of Engagement, Command
and Control, Maritime Se-
curity Operations and Lo-
gistics.
Lt Commander Clark
commended all the stu-
dents stating, “Not only
have you improved your
technical skill sets, but you
have learnt the all impor-
tant skill of working closely
with your colleagues from
other CARICOM countries.
This will have a highly ben-
eficial effect on future secu-
rity cooperation through-
out the region.”
Royal Navy trained
local police in
marine tactics
Hon. Alva Baptiste
T
he history of the OECS has
taken a turn with the French
territory of Martinique sign-
ing on as an associate member-in-
creasing the nine-member grouping
to 10.
The historic signing of Martinique
as an associate member of the OECS
took place at the Hotel La Bateliere
in Fort-de-France, Martinique, dur-
ing the opening ceremony of the
60th meeting of the OECS Authority.
The agenda for the meeting in-
cluded an update on the implemen-
tation of the OECS Economic Union,
the Free Circulation of Goods and
issues on sports and healthy life-
styles.
Martinique’s membership of the
OECS follows a period of negotiations
after the Regional Council of Mar-
tinique submitted a formal applica-
tion for associate membership in the
OECS with the full support/endorse-
ment of the French Government.
In November of 2013, Dr. Jules ad-
dressed the Regional Assembly in
Martinique after which the Assem-
bly unanimously voted in favour
of Martinique’s membership of the
OECS.
Since then, the OECS Commis-
sion has been treating Martinique
effectively as an associate member
P
rime Minister Hon. Dr.
Kenny D. Anthony has wel-
comed Martinique to the
OECS and says there are mutual
benefits to be derived from this
momentous endeavor.
He said, “I am exceedingly
pleased that Martinique will now
be an associate member of the
OECS
“Saint Lucia welcomes Marti-
nique with open arms, as we have
had a history of close relations
with Martinique,” the Prime Min-
ister said.
“Last year, an agreement was
signed between our two islands
to facilitate the exchange of op-
portunities in tourism, renewable
energy, trade, health and other ar-
eas. Martinique is also viewed as a
gateway to Europe and so presents
opportunities for investment.”
He added, “Membership in the
Martinique is first French territory to join OECS
and the French Region has already
been attending regional meetings
on matters such as health.
The OECS Director General de-
scribes the event as a very historical
moment.
“While there are limitations be-
cause of its status in relation to
France, the involvement of Mar-
tinique in the OECS opens up great
potential and certainly widens the
demographics from an economic
perspective," he said.
"We have seen the relationship
grow between Martinique and Saint
Lucia and between Guadeloupe and
Dominica for example. What this
signing does, is widen [these rela-
tionships] to the whole OECS.
“The use of Martinique as a tertia-
ry health facility centre for the OECS
is something under discussion so
there are a lot of opportunities.”
"We are very concerned about not
just ensuring growth in the econo-
mies of the OECS but growth with
equity," he added.
"It’s not enough to just grow the
economy if you are growing it and
only the existing players benefit, it
has to be the type of growth that
leads to a widening of opportunity
for smaller persons, a trickle-down
effect; a spread of the benefits and
community tourism we think will
do particularly well with the en-
gagement of Martinique and Gua-
deloupe.
“So, we are expecting that this
will yield great benefits in terms of
weekend travel, bed and breakfast
arrangements, community sporting
activities, and so on.”
The 60th OECS Authority was also
updated on the Work Program for
the OECS Commission.
Prime Minister welcomes
Martinique into OECS
OECS will serve to strengthen our
bilateral relationship and provide
an avenue for greater cooperation
on the regional level.”
Prime Minister
Dr Kenny D. Anthony

Theme:
2015 NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE ACTIVITIES
DATE EVENT VENUE TIME
Feb. 10-20 School Celebrations Schools Island wide
Feb. 10-28 Community Celebrations Island wide
Feb. 15 – 23 Kia Independence Tennis Tournament National Tennis Centre
Feb. 16 – 17 Independence Invitational
Athletic Championship
Feb. 13 National Sports Awards Sandals Grande 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 20 Ecumenical Service/Day of Prayer Minor Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception 10:00 a.m.
Feb. 20 National Flag Day Constitution Park TBA
Feb. 20 Launch of Leaders of Iyanola National Television Network 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 21 Miss Independence 2015 Cultural Centre 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 21 – 23 Bike Festival 2015 Around the Island
Feb. 21 Independence Challenge Around the Island
Feb. 21 Seafood and Meat Festival Vieux-Fort Promenade 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 21 Cocktail Reception Prime Minister’s Official Residence 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 21 Youth Concert Laborie TBA
Feb. 21 Best of Saint Lucia Concert TBA 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 22 Military Parade Sab Playing field, Vigie 9:00 a.m.
Feb. 22 National Celebratory Rally Phillip Marcellin Grounds, V/Fort 3.00 p.m.
Feb. 22 Independence Food Fair Phillip Marcellin Grounds, V/Fort 11:00 a.m.
Feb. 22 Dance Festival Phillip Marcellin Grounds, V/Fort
Feb. 22 SLAM Concert Phillip Marcellin Grounds, V/Fort
Feb. 23 Independence Classic Cycling and Athletics
Feb. 24 Independence Lecture TBA TBA
Presenter:
Topic:
Feb 26 National Youth Council
Independence Debate House of Parliament
Feb. 28 SANKOFA III
Mar. 1 Investiture Ceremony Government House 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 7 National Business Awards 7.00 p.m.
Cultural Development Foundation
National Arts Festival
Laborie Community Festival - February 13, 2015
Launch of National Arts Exhibition Festival Week - February 19, 2015
C
USO International is an
international develop-
ment organization that
seeks to reduce poverty and in-
equality through the efforts of
skilled volunteers.
To this end, this Canadian-
based organization hosted a
Volunteerism Symposium in
Dominica from February 4-5,
2015.
Mr. Cyril Saltibus, National
Volunteer Coordinator was one
CUSO sponsored 2015 National
Volunteerism Symposium in Dominica
T
he Ministry of Health,
Wellness, Human Servic-
es and Gender Relations
has engaged the services of two
consultants from the European
Union Project to research op-
tions for financing of the health
care system into the future, to
build a sustainable health care
system for St. Lucia.
Xyster Edmund, Chief Health
Planner with Ministry of
Health, noted that a health fi-
nancing initiative has always
been part of the Ministry’s
Strategic Plan for Health.
She said “ Universal Health
Coverage, what we refer to it
as, really means the manner
in which the government of St.
Lucia will protect health risks
for its population to a certain
extent.”
The Chief Health Planner not-
ed that more importantly Uni-
versal Health Coverage is tied
to the whole issue which the
Ministry believes is necessary
in health care that of fairness,
a coming together to provide
health coverage for all as well
as effective and efficient use of
the investments in health.
“Universal Heath Care is and
integrated approach and there
are about seven components to
the establishment of Universal
health care...
It includes the governance
strategies - the actual services -
the financing, the quality man-
agement system, etc and there
will be a monitoring and eval-
uation framework that moni-
tors how well are the services
being provided.
“There is a health information
system that we are also rolling
out that will look at how we col-
lect the data to ensure that we
understand what is happening
and that we can intervene in
areas that need strengthening
and most importantly there is
the infrastructure component
because delivering care in a
suitable environment is also
important.” Edmunds stated.
The consultants engaged by
the Ministry of Health include
an Actuarial Scientist and
Health Policy Consultant for
Universal Health coverage.
Edmunds stated that the
Ministry of Health Has already
defined the process, as well as
the essential package of servic-
es in draft form including the
costing of that package.
“The real work of the Actu-
arial Scientist is to identify the
capacity of the economy to fi-
nance the initiative of Univer-
sal Health Care and to deter-
mine to the government of St.
Lucia the best strategies mov-
ing forward in financing this
care...
“Universal Health Care
needs clear policy direction
and appropriate legislation so
the second consultant will be
working with us on that sec-
ond component.”
John Armstrong is the Con-
sultant Actuarial Scientist to
the Ministry of Health from
European Union Project.
He pointed to his experience
of working with other coun-
tries in the Caribbean area to
look at the actuarial analysis
of health care systems and will
be doing the same for St. Lu-
cia within the next six to nine
months.
Armstrong explained the
processes which will form part
of his analysis. “The key aspect
is obviously the demographic
profile of the country.
“What is the size of the coun-
try, what is the make up in
terms of age profile, male to-
female split and where people
live, the socio-economic wealth
of the country and issues such
as that...
:”The second will be what
are the expectations and the
package of benefits which will
be provided in the health care
system and to look at the cost
and provision of that package.”
The consultant noted that
on completion of the consul-
tancy he envisages that they
will then be able to present a
number of policy options for
consideration to the Ministry
of Health.
Those policy options will
hopefully look into the next
five to ten years in terms of the
profile of the population and
what the cost of provision will
be within the next five to ten
years.
He said, “A key part is obvi-
ously to understand what are
the expectations of the popu-
lation in terms of health care,
what are the plans of govern-
ment and the plans of the min-
istry and to really factor them
T
he Ministry of Physical
Development, Housing,
and Urban Renewal has
undertaken a review of its op-
erations with the intent to en-
hance productivity, boost em-
ployee morale and improve the
services provided to the public
and the ministry’s stakeholders.
Permanent Secretary Joanna
Raynold-Arthurton said the
plan focused on several key out-
comes.
“We hope that the new ap-
proach will result in improve-
ments in our attitudes to our
work, service delivery, and our
approach to our clients,” she
said. “We hope it instils a great-
er commitment to excellence,
leaving mediocrity behind; a
greater commitment and effort
to integration of our work pro-
grams and our procedures, and
Consultancy commences
for UHC financing
of the presenters at this forum.
Also in attendance were two
of Saint Lucia’s youth volun-
teers, Ms. Anya Edwin, Secre-
tary of the National Volunteer
Coordinating Office and Mr.
Timothy Ferdinand, Chair-
man of the Caribbean Regional
Youth Council.
The National Volunteer Co-
ordinating Office applauds
CUSO International’s acknowl-
edgement of the need to re-
spond and support the needs
of their Caribbean partners,
particularly as it relates to fos-
tering positive youth develop-
ment and for financing this
symposium.
This symposium gave part-
ners an opportunity to learn
best practices from already
established national volunteer
platforms such as Saint Lucia’s
and to promote national volun-
teerism across the region.
the establishment of a strong,
clear and appropriate legal plat-
form which is the basis of all
our operations.”
The plan will also implement
measures that will contribute to
staff morale and mobilisation.
Minister for Physical Devel-
opment, Housing and Urban
Renewal Stanley Felix said the
strategic framework is only the
first phase of revitalisation.
“In this approach towards
change and improvement, we
must individually examine our
attitudes towards our personal
development, our approach to
service, and our regard towards
the institution to which we cur-
rently are assigned,” he said.
The ministry unveiled its plan
last Thursday, during a ceremo-
ny at the Public Service Train-
ing Institute in Union
Physical Development Ministry
to boost productivity
into our analysis.”
The Chief Health Planner
noted that in formulating the
Strategic Plan of the Health
Sector meeting were held in ev-
ery community and the com-
mon thread among the com-
munities was that they really
do need a safety net for health
care.
They needed to know that
then their children or family
members are sick that they will
not be out of pocket and unable
to act with respect to a health
issue that they would be expe-
riencing. She said,
“The government has listen
to the voice of the people and
the Universal Health Coverage
initiate really represents our
response to what the people
of St. Lucia really said they
needed.
“They never said that they
didn’t what to pay... they want-
ed to know what they are pay-
ing for, the wanted to know the
quality was improved and they
wanted to ensure that when
they need the care it would be
available to them.”
Ms. Edmunds places on re-
cord the ministry’s apprecia-
tion to European Development
(EDF) under the 10th EDF pro-
gramme.
She says funds have been
made available for strengthen-
ing a wide range of activities
in the ministry most notably
primary health care and un-
der this fund the Ministry of
Health has the opportunity to
finance the Universal Health
Care activities which include
the work of the Actuarial Sci-
entist and the Policy Adviser.
Xyster Edmund, Chief Health Planner with Ministry of Health,
says a health financing initiative has always been part of the
Ministry's Strategic Plan for Health across the island.

P
rime Minister Dr. Kenny
D. Anthony and Energy
Minister Hon. Dr. James
Fletcher recently joined other
Caribbean Heads of Govern-
ment at the Caribbean Energy
Security Summit, in Washing-
ton, D.C.
Speaking at a breakfast meet-
ing on behalf of CARICOM, Dr.
Anthony highlighted the issues
that are most important to Ca-
ribbean Small Island Develop-
ing States in relation to climate
change adaptation.
Prime Minister lobbies for Climate
Finance for CARICOM
“He spoke of Saint Lucia’s ex-
periences,” Dr. Fletcher related,
“so for example, he explained
that we have been in a constant
cycle of repair and recovery.
“He highlighted the fact
that in 2010 we had the worst
drought that we’ve had in a long
time, followed by hurricane To-
mas in that same year; and that
we had not fully recovered from
hurricane Tomas when we had
the Christmas Eve Trough to
deal with in 2013.”
He added that Dr. Anthony
lobbied for greater financial
support for Saint Lucia and oth-
er CARICOM member states to
deal with climate change.
During the afternoon session,
Dr. Fletcher participated in a
panel discussion on “Compre-
hensive Approaches to Energy
Transformation.”
The purpose of the second
phase of the meeting was to
discuss the Caribbean Energy
Security Initiative.
“The second part of the meeting
was with Vice President Joe Biden.
We discussed the Caribbean En-
ergy Security Initiative and ways
in which we could get greater en-
ergy security for the Caribbean.
“We all spoke to the fact that
we are doing a lot of work in the
renewable energy—trying to
transition our economies away
from the dependence on fossil
fuels to renewable energy.”
In March, Government leaders
will, again, convene at another
Energy and Climate Partner-
ship of the America’s meeting in
Mexico.
The St. Lucia Prime Minister
made the case for CARICOM
in Washington.
D
irector General of the
OECS, Dr. Didicus Jules,
has praised the par-
ticipatory approach to environ-
mental issues. He did so at the
Ministerial segment of the cli-
mate change negotiation meet-
ing held last week.
According to Dr. Jules, the re-
gion’s interests can best be pro-
tected if a unified position is
presented.
“A united front provides us
with an umbrella of common
protection, but we also have to
be pragmatic in shaping this,”
he said.
“Common and harmonized
positions do not necessarily
mean absolute uniformity. They
require that we also find subtle
ways of accommodating dif-
ferences and nuancing these
differences to enrich common
posture.”
Dr. Jules expressed pride that
OECS Director General lauds
collaboration on Climate Change
The OECS Director General
made several pertinent
points while addressing the
CARICOM Climate Change
negotiators here last week.
Caribbean Ministers with re-
sponsibilities for the environ-
ment “have so readily come
together to prepare for the 2015
round of climate change negoti-
ations.” He also noted the pres-
ence of the French Ambassador.
“We are also very thankful to
our partners and we are happy
that Ambassador de LA MOUS-
SAYE is here with us today, be-
cause the government of France
has extended a special hand of
support to the OECS countries
and CARICOM in helping to pre-
pare for the Paris negotiations.”
Climate change negotiations
will take place at the 21st Con-
ference of the Parties of the
United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
later this year, in Paris.
The adverse effects of Climate
Change on Small Island Devel-
oping States, Dr. Jules said, is a
unifying force for the region.
T
he Government of Saint
Lucia. in collaboration
with the Organization of
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
Commission, last week hosted
two meetings in Saint Lucia to
discuss Climate Change.
The discussions will lead to
the signing of a new interna-
tional climate change agree-
ment at the United Nations
Framework Convention on Cli-
mate Change (UNFCCC), to be
held in December.
Minister for Sustainable De-
velopment, Energy, Science and
Technology, Senator Dr. James
Fletcher, said funding for cli-
mate change adaptation efforts
continues to be a major issue in
climate change negotiations.
“For us, the main issue is re-
ally the negotiations related to
climate finance and not being
able to get the level of climate
finance that has been pledged,”
he explained.
“There is a pledge of one hun-
dred billion US dollars worth of
climate finance by the year 2020
and one hundred billion dollars
every year thereafter, and we’re
very far short of this.
“The last pledging meeting for
the Green Climate Fund went
just past ten billion dollars. Now
granted, the Green Climate
Fund is not the only source of fi-
nancing for climate finance, but
we’re still very far short of one
hundred billion dollars.
“So we want to see a pathway
that will get us to that one hun-
dred billion dollar mark, be-
cause it is very important to us.”
According to Dr. Fletcher,
there is still much to be done
in the area of climate change
adaptation. Investments in key
sectors, he said, are necessary to
build resilience.
“We have to make sure that
we make investments in sectors
like tourism, infrastructure,
and health, that would give us
some resilience and the ability
to withstand some of the im-
pacts of climate change; and in
the areas where we can’t adapt,
we need to ensure that we are
able to deal with irreversible
loss and damage, like our coral
reefs that are disappearing be-
cause of increased sea tempera-
tures and ocean acidification.”
Dr. Fletcher said mitigation
is another key component of
climate change adaptation. Sci-
entific data shows that despite
the pledges made by the United
States, China and the European
Union last year, we are still very
far from reducing global tem-
peratures, he said.
Lack of funding a major issue in
Climate Change negotiations
S
mall Island Developing
States like Saint Lucia
need to move away from
the use of fossil fuels in an
effort to reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases, Saint Lu-
cia’s Energy Minister, Sena-
tor Dr. James Fletcher said
recently.
According to Dr. Fletcher, sci-
entific data has demonstrated
that we are still very far away
from limiting global tempera-
tures to two degrees Celsius or
1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-
S
aint Lucia joined the rest of
the World in commemorat-
ing World Wetland day on
February 2nd.
The theme for world wetlands
day 2015 was Wetlands for Our
Future. This theme was de-
signed to emphasize the impor-
tance of wetlands for:
• Purifying and replenishing
the worlds’ precious fresh
water resources,
• Providing fish nursery sites
• Providing protection for our
vulnerable coastlines,
• Performing as a natural
sponge against floods and
droughts,
• The storage of Carbon,
• Sustaining a biodiversity rich
ecosystem
According to the RAMSAR
convention on wetlands, to
which St. Lucia is signatory, 64%
of the worlds’ wetlands have
disappeared and the remaining
36% are in jeopardy of succumb-
ing to the same fate.
With the world now focused
on Climate Change, our wet-
lands should be foremost in our
minds as a means of mitigating
its impact.
Wetlands, especially man-
groves, bind the shoreline to-
gether, which prevents erosion,
and slows storm surges thereby
increasing our resilience to Cli-
mate Change.
In Saint Lucia, our wetlands
and mangroves are also under
threat with inter alia the in-
crease in the demand for coastal
lands for development.
The value of our wetlands as a
natural protector of coastal ero-
sion and a nursery site for fish
which sustains our fishing in-
dustry falls a distant second to
the perceived value of allowing
development which decimates
these very fragile ecosystems.
Deforestation and the indis-
criminate disposal of garbage
within the wetlands also threat-
en the health of the wetlands.
Moreover, garbage is a prob-
lem in approximately 90% of our
wetlands, this problem is further
compounded because this gar-
bage comprises mainly plastic.
Another worrying issue is the
Increasing deforestation in bio-
diversity rich wetlands such
as Grand Anse and Mankote
which contain more than 100
species of flora and 30 species of
fauna that are mainly birds.
These ecosystems need our
intervention if they are going
to survive. Small personal de-
cisions would go a long way in
getting our wetlands back to a
condition that would allow all
of us to reap the benefits of its
natural protective functions.
Some of the measures that we
can personally commit to are
educating ourselves and others
on the benefits that wetlands
provide and avoid harmful
practices such as garbage dis-
posal in the wetlands.
Remember: collective action
provides collective rewards.
(For further information con-
tact Mrs. Rebecca Rock at 468-
5656)
Ministry of Sustainable
Development and
Forestry observed World
Wetlands Day 2015
industrial levels.
“The data [revealed in a
World Bank report last year]
suggests that with the level of
emissions we have right now
and even with the pledges that
have been made, we are proba-
bly on track with almost a four
degree Celsius warming.”
However, Dr. Fletcher said
levels of four degrees Celsius
will have a devastating effect
on the Caribbean, which can
cause many of our eco systems
to be threatened.
Energy Minister urges
Greenhouse Gas reduction

‘Hey, you look like Nina Comp-
ton!” My traveling companion and
I had just set foot in the flamboy-
ant covered market of Castries, the
capital of St. Lucia, and instantly,
shrieks, followed by winks and
wide smiles erupted around us.
“Aren’t you Nina?”
That is not merely because she
is the daughter of the late Sir John
Compton, “Father of the Nation”
who, in 1979, spearheaded the
independence of the island and
served as its first prime minister.
It’s because in 2013, Nina Compton
was invited to compete on Bravo’s
“Top Chef: New Orleans.”
“It was life-changing,” she said.
When the show aired, Nina,
then 35, was chef de cuisine at
Scott Conant’s lauded Scarpetta in
South Beach. Using the impressive
technique she learned while work-
ing in 2000 for iconic French chef
Daniel Boulud in New York to cook
special dishes using the Caribbean
ingredients and flavors of her past,
Nina seemed poised to win the
finale. An upset left her the run-
ner-up, but she was awarded the
show’s “fan favorite” designation
and became an overnight celebrity,
especially on St. Lucia.
“The entire island was rooting for
her,” said Taribba do Nascimento,
a local handbag designer. “It was
all over the news and people went
crazy. Her food was unapologeti-
cally St. Lucian.”
She may not have won “Top
Chef,” but that December day at the
market, while Nina, a slender sil-
houette in denim shorts and prim
white shirt, inspected the produce,
I felt I was walking through town
with Kate Middleton.
“Green figs, anyone?” she asks
the stand mamas hovering around
her.
“Figs?” I wondered to myself.
“This isn’t Tuscany!”
But I had a lot to learn about St.
Lucian cuisine. A few months ear-
lier, hearing that Nina and I would
be on the island at the same time
— she researching an upcoming
cookbook (after “Top Chef,” the
government named Nina the is-
land’s “culinary ambassador”),
and I attending a wedding — I
asked whether she would take me
on a gastronomic tour. I had eaten
my way through jerk chicken and
stuffed crabs aplenty in the Carib-
O
nce again, ‘U.S. News’ has
ranked the best hotels in the
Caribbean using a compre-
hensive methodology that aggre-
gates the opinions of travel experts
and guests. Some 288 hotels in the
region were evaluated to identify
the top hotels and resorts, with
review-based websites, guidebooks
and magazines analysed to compile
a list of properties that consistently
receive approval from critics and
travellers.
Each hotel on the resulting list of
the top 10 properties in the Caribbe-
an for 2015 is said to stand out from
its peers “thanks to its memorable
ambiance, upscale amenities and
exemplary service.”
Here’s what U.S. News had to say
about Saint Lucia’s two hotels – and
the top winner from the Dominican
Republic:
# 10 Jade Mountain, Soufrière,
St Lucia - Jade Mountain may have
slipped from the No. 9 position it
held in 2014 (to No. 9 this year), but
this St Lucia standout remains a
favourite among critics and guests,
winning accolades such as the Con-
dé Nast Readers’ Choice Award and
coveted AAA Five Diamond Award.
Lauded for their innovative design,
Jade Mountain’s “sanctuaries” boast
an open wall (think a patio without
the door), offering an unparalleled
view of the Piton Mountains. The
hotel is not directly located on the
beach (reserve a room at the re-
sort’s sister property, Anse Chasta-
net, if you want to be closer to the
T
he Saint Lucia Tourist
Board (SLTB) teamed up
with the Ministry of Tour-
ism and the SLHTA is hosting a
Presentation to the Small Prop-
erties located in the north of the
island, which focused on the re-
branding of the sector.
The session was held at the
Bay Gardens Inn on Wednes-
day, with presentations by the
Ministry of Tourism on the
Standards guiding the industry,
followed by the SLTB team on
Marketing.
The final presentation was
delivered by the Executive Vice
President of the SLHTA on the
benefits of becoming a member
of the Association.
Another session was also held
in the south of the island for
the hoteliers from Soufriere to
Micoud on Thursday at the Na-
tional Skills Development Cen-
tre (NSDC) in Vieux Fort.
SLTB met small
properties
The stunning view from Jade Mountain, Soufriere saint Lucia.
shoreline), but guests don’t seem to
mind. Visitors cite Jade Mountain’s
unbeatable views, attentive service
and ample wellness amenities (like
the Kai en Ciel spa and private yoga
sessions) as reasons for a repeat
visit.
#9 East Winds Inn, Gros Islet, St
Lucia - Giving Jade Mountain a run
for its money, East Winds Inn trad-
ed in the silver badge it earned last
year for gold in 2015. Claiming the
title of Best Hotel in St. Lucia, East
Winds Inn appeals to travelers look-
ing for a boutique hotel experience.
Thanks to its limited capacity (just
30 rooms sprawled across 12 acres),
previous guests say the hotel staff
provides personalized service not
often seen at larger resorts. Aside
from the staff’s attention to detail,
travelers also praise the resort’s
eatery, the Flamboyant Restaurant.
Reviewers compliment the fresh,
local cuisine and variety of dishes
— a factor many visitors consider
paramount if staying in St. Lucia for
more than a few days.
#1 Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Pun-
ta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Climbing up the ranks from No.
18 in 2014, Eden Roc at Cap Cana
managed to usurp Tortuga Bay (a
two-time winner) to capture this
year’s No. 1 spot. So what makes
this Relais & Châteaux outpost
so special? To start, every suite
boasts a private pool, gazebo and
personal golf cart, not to mention
an exterior rain shower. But if that
doesn’t pique your interest, per-
haps Eden Roc’s location will: The
resort is situated in Punta Cana’s
exclusive Cap Cana community on
the eastern edge of the Dominican
Republic. Cap Cana sits on 30,000
acres and is home to beaches,
cliffs and forests, in addition to
three Jack Nicklaus-designed golf
courses and a marina. Plus, Eden
Roc guests are granted access to
the members-only Caletón Beach
Club, which boasts a pool, bar and
restaurant within a palm-fringed
cove. We’re not the only ones
who’ve taken notice of Eden Roc’s
ample offerings: The hotel is a hit
with guests who say its AAA Four
Diamond and Travel + Leisure “It
List” awards are well-deserved.
Two Saint Lucia properties named among Top 10 Caribbean Hotels for 2015
Touring St. Lucia with its Top Chef
Nina Compton in St. Lucia. (Sylvia Bigar)
bean, but I was intrigued by St.
Lucia’s turbulent history and eager
to seek its culinary legacy in local
kitchens.
Before the British finally took
possession of the island, in 1814,
the flag went back and forth be-
tween England and France 14
times in 150 years. Today, most of
the island’s population is of Af-
rican descent, with a significant
East Indian contingent descending
from workers brought in to save
the sugar industry toward the end
of the 19th century.
Back at the market, Nina ex-
plains: “We call unripe bananas
‘green figs.’ And salt fish and green
figs is our national dish.”
“Salt” and “unripe” didn’t exact-
ly conjure gastronomic pleasure,
but at Sylvia’s Place, a cluttered
blue-and-yellow kitchen Sylvia
Jn Baptiste has run for the past 16
years in the back alley of the mar-
ket, delicious cod flakes sprinkled
with garlic and peppers balance
the sweet, smooth banana logs
perfectly.
“I was born on Barbados, where
nothing grows,” Jn Baptiste says.
“Here, everything is local.” She
gets to her kitchen at 4 a.m. except
on Fridays and Saturdays, when
she opens at 1 a.m. so revelers can
restore themselves with her bouil-
lon, a pigtail broth rich with lentils,
spinach, green plantain and pota-
toes or her flying-fish fry, as fresh
as it gets, straight from the fisher-
men’s stall around the corner.
A brief nod from Nina to the “co-
conut man” a few steps away, one
decisive machete strike, and off
comes the greenish top, revealing
flesh as white as a cotton cloud.
In goes the straw, and I melt in re-
freshing coconut water paradise.
Soon it’s lunchtime, and we step
out into the sun. Downtown Cas-
tries, cradling its bustling harbor,
teems with local office workers in
shirt and ties and dazzled tour-
ists trickling from colossal cruise
ships. But we leave the town be-
hind and drive a few miles to the
busy intersection where a sheet-
metal roof encircles two towering
almond trees that watch over the
eatery known as the Hardest Hard.
Plastic chairs and rickety tables
make up this landmark where Eve-
lyn and Julian Lagon cook up some
of the best food on the island.
“People also call us ‘Under the
almond trees,’ ” said Evelyn Lagon,
the compact, spirited owner, as she
scurries her smile around. Spiny
lobsters stuffed with dasheen,
a root vegetable similar to taro;
braised conch with onions, pep-
pers and garlic; and my personal
favorite, stuffed trunkfish. The
flesh is meaty and almost candied
with tangy creole sauce redolent of
lime and chives.
Later that night, Nina takes me
to Laurel’s in Bois d’Orange. “I
don’t like rules, man,” said chef-
owner Laurel Butt, straddling a
chair in her chef whites and yel-
low pirate head scarf. And she cer-
tainly makes her own: The fritters
are made with breadfruit; curry
chicken could have been prepared
in Mumbai; and bread rolls (tété
pain in creole) are baked and sold
throughout the day.
Early the next morning, we drive
to Prudee’s House of Roti, by the
side of the road in Gros Islet. “Do
you believe in God?” asks owner
Prudentia Raymond, her eyes spar-
kling at the sight of Nina wolfing
down a plump chicken roti. “I had
a vision for this place.”
Nina says that the roti, a stuffed
flatbread with chicken or fish origi-
nally from India, has become a
St. Lucian staple. “We eat French
boudin, we stuff our local fish with
root vegetables from Africa, and
we jazz up our lives with Indian
spices.”
After the roti, I can’t resist Ray-
mond’s fragrant “cocoa tea,” the
St. Lucian version of hot chocolate
made with local cocoa, nutmeg,
cinnamon, bay leaf and lime peel.
“My recipe was passed down from
Grandma,” says Raymond, smil-
ing.
On Friday night, while Nina vis-
its family, I head down to the “Jump
Up” in Gros Islet, the weekly street
party that draws locals and foreign
beatniks for an all-night dance
marathon under the stars. But first
I eat at nearby Flavours of the Grill,
the pastel restaurant where chef-
owner O’Nell Daly cooks dreamy
christophine (chayote squash) gra-
tin and moist banana bread I wash
down with local Piton beer. The
line snakes around the corner. “I’d
rather only feed 20 people at a time
and make them happy,” Daly says.
The next day, Nina and I leave the
busy and nicely groomed resorts of
the north and happily head south
for the two-hour drive toward Sou-
friere, the former French-colonial
capital, and the rain forest. Soon, I
feel we’ve crossed onto a different
island. The winding road takes us
along dark volcanic beaches where
the clear water reflects the emer-
ald green of the trees, and then,
further up, ripples of hills dotted
with banana plantations. Another
bend and suddenly the two Pitons,
forest-covered lava spires, emerge
more than 2,300 breathtaking feet
high from the sea. When we finally
pull into Fond Doux Plantation, it
seems a magical curtain of foliage
has lifted just enough to allow us
in.
The French estate-turned-resort,
still a working plantation, is the
brainchild of Eroline and Lyton
Lamontagne, who cultivate cinna-
mon, tamarind, mangoes, dasheen,
grapefruit, guava and most of what
is served at their table.
“On St. Lucia, the spices and fla-
vors make me feel I’m home,” said
Riya Sengupta, a guest who was
born in India.
Frolicking in the kitchen, Nina
shows the staff her own take on
green figs and salt fish. In just a
few minutes, she rolls plantain
dough and presses it into gnocchi
she pairs with stewed cod sprin-
kled with chives. I watch her mix
local tradition with experience and
a dose of inspiration as she invents
her own delicious dish.
In the evening, as the sun disap-
pears behind the tree canopy, cue-
ing a chorus of birdsong, we dine
with new friends in the cool forest
breeze. On my plate, I taste Africa,
India and traces of French creole
specialties, all with a British accent.
In fact, I taste St. Lucia. Think I’ll
have seconds.
By Sylvie Bigar - The Washington Post

T
his year we commemo-
rate the achievement
of excellence with the
Theme: “Celebrating Excel-
lence: National Initiatives,
Global Perspectives”. Our
celebrations are couched in
recognition of the work of
two Saint Lucian intellectual
giants - Sir William Arthur
Lewis and Hon Derek Alton
Walcott – both of whom ex-
celled in their chosen fields of
endeavour and were awarded
the Nobel Prize. Moreover,
this year’s celebration and
commemoration of Nobel
Laureate Week take on ad-
ditional significance because
it also marks the Centenary
of Sir William Arthur Lewis.
I am pleased and elated to
observe and note the many
international institutions
which have heralded this spe-
cial event. The most visible of
these institutions celebrating
the Centenary of Sir William
Arthur Lewis are:
The London School of
Economics (LSE): an institu-
tion where William Arthur
Lewis studied. In fact LSE
has immortalised him and
has named him as one of the
institution’s most significant
alumni.
UNESCO: This organ of the
United Nations recognises the
measure of the man called
Sir William Arthur Lewis by
Following is the full text of an address delivered by the Minister for Education,
Human Resource Development and Labour, Honourable Dr Robert K. Lewis on
the occasion National Awards of Excellence on Tuesday, January 20, 2015
‘Ignore triviality and focus on excellence!’
including him on its list of interna-
tional figures remembered during
2015.
The University of Manchester:
This prestigious university has
launched its lecture series on the
work of its former Professor with
the inaugural lecture by the econo-
mist Professor Jim Oneill of BRIC/
MINT fame. It was at Manchester
in 1948 that Sir Arthur became Brit-
ain’s first Black Professor;
The University of the West In-
dies: an institution where he served
as Vice Chancellor.
The Caribbean Development
Bank (CDB): an institution that Sir
Arthur was a founding member and
first president; The current Presi-
dent of the CDB Dr Warren Smith ,
puts the significant and obligating
recognition of Arthur Lewis’ con-
tribution to humanity in a very suc-
cinct yet profound way during the
bank’s launch of the Sir William Ar-
thur Lewis Centenary Celebrations:
“At CDB, we feel compelled to mark Sir
Arthur’s 100th birthday in a big way.
Sir Arthur transcends the globe; and his
name is recognised and revered in every
corner of the world. We at the CDB and
the wider Caribbean will forever em-
brace this great St. Lucian.”
I trust you have observed that this
year’s theme: “Celebrating Excel-
lence: National Initiatives, Global
Perspectives” captures the fact that
while, locally, we celebrate the ex-
cellence of our Nobel Laureates by
the “National Initiatives” that we
have taken, the international com-
munity reminds us that the life and
work of our Nobel Laureates do in-
deed take on “Global Perspectives”.
The genius, imagination and
unrelenting spirit of Sir William
Arthur Lewis and Hon Derek Al-
ton Walcott continue to define and
inspire our pursuit for excellence.
They truly represent “our twin
peaks of excellence”.
Nonetheless, we, as a nation,
recognise the countless Saint Lu-
cians who, on a daily basis, con-
tinue to emulate our models of ex-
cellence by their scholarship, work
and achievements. Hence, today,
we recognise a few of our citizens
who pursued and excelled in vari-
ous endeavours. Therefore, it is a
great honour and privilege for me,
as Minister for Education, Human
Resource Development and Labour,
to congratulate all recipients of Na-
tional Awards of Excellence during
Nobel Laureate Week 2015. Your ef-
forts serve as reminders to us of the
spirit and potential of the people of
this nation.
Additionally, at today’s auspi-
cious event, we celebrate with the
recipients of the National Awards
of Excellence believing that they
will continue to make invaluable
contributions towards our develop-
ment as a nation. Saint Lucia’s most
abundant and invaluable resource
is its people. Therefore, we must
continue to harness that resource
because our fortunes and future are
tied to the quality of its output.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: There is a
time for everything and a season
for every activity under the heav-
ens:
Last week and this week, Saint
Lucia and the rest of the Caribbean
in particular have paid attention
to the work of genius in our midst.
Therefore, I should like to remind
all of us in here, especially the stu-
dents, those watching and listening
via television and those reading
this script to spend some time this
week and beyond to contemplate
the quest and pursuit of excellence
of our people. Let us remember
that God through our parents and
our nation has invested heavily and
abundantly in us and expects noth-
ing less than the best. Let us ignore
all the trivial talk and distrac-
tions around us and focus our
sights on excellence!
In closing, I wish to com-
mend and say thank you to
the Nobel Laureate Week
Committee, under the dis-
tinguished leadership of her
Excellency Dame Pearlette
Louisy, for their efforts in
putting together this year’s
programme of activities for
Nobel Laureate Week. I say
a special thank to the Per-
manent Secretary, Deputy
Permanent Secretary and
the staff of the Ministry of
Education, Human Resource
Development and Labour for
their continued contributions
to the Nobel Laureate Week
activities. I want to thank
specifically Ms Kentilla Louis
and the other members of
her team for fashioning this
programme for the National
Awards of Excellence 2015. I
express the nation’s gratitude
to the many institutions that
provided support whether
financial and or otherwise
in making this function the
success it already is. I thank
my colleagues in Cabinet for
being here. Moreover, I wish
all Saint Lucians an imagina-
tive, thought-provoking and
contemplative Nobel Laureate
Week 2015.
We continue “Celebrating
Excellence!” I thank you.
Dr. Robert Lewis
National Awards for Excellence in Education
RC Boys honored for academic excellence
T
he Saint Aloysius RC Boys
Primary School marked
the noteworthy perfor-
mances of its students last
Thursday, with an awards cer-
emony at the Minor Basilica of
the Immaculate Conception.
Principals, teachers, parents,
and past and current students,
gathered at the cathedral to honor
the school’s outstanding achievers
with certificates and trophies.
Principal Julian Monrose said
the school will continue to play
its part in the development of
Saint Lucia.
“This school has produced
men of great fame and we con-
tinue to produce men of great
fame,” Mr. Monrose said. “This
school continues to pledge that
we will do all in our power as
an institution of learning to en-
sure that the progress and the
development of this country is
assured well into the future.”
Guest speaker and former RC
Boys student, Keith Isaac Jr.,
spoke to the theme of the cele-
brations: “The seeds of academ-
ic excellence and success sprout
when watered with hard work
and perseverance.”
“You may not realize it now,
but each and every day at this
institution shall shape the rest
of your lives. Each and every
one of you here today has the
potential to succeed.”
Vice Principal, Paul Desir en-
couraged parents to give con-
tinued support to the staff and
students for the success of the
school.
The students also put on per-
formances in music and drama
in honor of Saint Lucia’s Nobel
Laureates
T
he Ministry of Health,
Wellness, Human Ser-
vices and Gender Re-
lations in collaboration with
the Ministry of Education
and the Ministry of Agricul-
ture has launched an Inter
Secondary School Nutrition
Ad Competition.
The theme for the competition
is, “Less Sugar for You and Me
Will Make a Healthier Society.”
The competition is aimed at
having secondary school stu-
dents develop ads geared to-
wards young persons in Saint
Lucia with healthy messages
focusing on the negative effects
of excess sugar.
Another aim is to create be-
havior change among young
people, so that they eat healthier
and reduce their intake of foods
high in sugar which contributes
to obesity and other health con-
ditions.
The ad competition organiz-
ers hope to improve nutrition in
schools whilst educating young
people on the harmful effects of
junk food on the body.
The formal press launch was
held on January 30 at the con-
ference room of the Ministry
of Health, Sir Stanislaus James
Building, Castries
Nutrition Ad
Competition launched

13.Outstanding Performance
CSEC/CXC
Caribbean History
2013/2014

Claythia Q. Nicholas

Mrs. Ruffina Charles
Deputy Chief Education
Officer ‐ Instructions
14. Outstanding Performance
CSEC/CXC
Social Studies
2013/2014

Tricia Cheong
CSEC/CXC
Geography
2013/2014

Bailey Spiegelberg

Physical Education &Sports
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014

Skye D. Faucher‐Mondesir
CSEC/CXC
Visual Arts
2013/2014

Courtney Greene

Mr. Marcus Edward
Chief Education Officer
CSEC/CXC
Theatre Arts
2013/2014

Kyvon C. Edwin

7. Best Junior Sports Person
2013/2014

Ryi Maryat

Mrs. Nathalie Elliot
Officer ‐ Planning

8. Best Senior Sports Person
2013/2014

Shermalyn Albert
CSEC/CXC
Additional Mathematics
2013/2014

Tjimon M. Louisy

Mathematics
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014

Dion J. Recai
CSEC/CXC
English A
2013/2014

Princess I.D. Joseph
CSEC/CXC
English B
2013/2014

Rocyn J. Vitalis
standing Performance
C/CXC
bbean History
3/2014
Claythia Q. Nicholas

C/CXC
al Studies
3/2014
Tricia Cheong
C/CXC
graphy
3/2014
Bailey Spiegelberg
sical Education &Sports
C/CXC
3/2014
Skye D. Faucher‐Mondesir
C/CXC
al Arts
3/2014
Courtney Greene

Mr. Marcus Edward
tstanding Performance
C/CXC
eatre Arts
3/2014
Kyvon C. Edwin
Name of Award Name of Awardee Representer

1. Top Achiever
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Gabrielle A Flavien

Carmelita Matthew
Registrar of Examinations 2. Top Performing School
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Forestiere Methodist
Combined
Top Performing School (Private)
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Tapion School
4. In recognition of your Outstanding Contribution
to Special Education
2013/2014
Donated by Digicel
Lance George


2013/2014
Donated by Digicel
Marie Charles

6. In recognition of Outstanding Contribution to
Special Education
2013/2014
Donated by Digicel

Jean‐Luke Monrose

7. Best Junior Sports Person
2013/2014

Ryi Maryat


8. Best Senior Sports Person
2013/2014

Shermalyn Albert
CSEC/CXC
Additional Mathematics
2013/2014

Tjimon M. Louisy

Mathematics
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014

Dion J. Recai
CSEC/CXC
English A
2013/2014

Princess I.D. Joseph
CSEC/CXC
English B
2013/2014

Rocyn J. Vitalis

CSEC/CXC
Information Technology
2013/2014
Nikki F.S. Serieux

Mr. Marcus Edward
26 Outstanding Performance
CSEC/CXC
Office Administration
2013/2014
Tricia Cheong

CSEC/CXC
Electronic Document Preparation and
Management
2013/2014
Pinky Joseph
CSEC/CXC
Human and Social Biology
2013/2014
Ornella Z. Flavien

Ms. Marietta Edward
Deputy Permanent Secretary

CSEC/CXC
Biology
2013/2014
Nikki F. S. Serieux
Amber E. St. Rose
Kirmani Jean
CSEC/CXC
Physics
2013/2014
Tjimon M. Louisy
CSEC/CXC
Chemistry
2013/2014

Ronald C. Lewis

CSEC/CXC
Integrated Science
2013/2014

Kirmani Jean

Ms. Marietta Edward
Agricultural Science (DA)
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014

Arlina F. Hunte

CSEC/CXC
Agricultural Science (SA)
2013/2014

Chance D.M. Jean
CSEC/CXC
Building Technology (Woods)
2013/2014

Donated by the Embassy of the Republic of
China (Taiwan)
Miguel George

CSEC/CXC
Building Technology (Construction)
2013/2014

China (Taiwan)

Lynvia James

1. Top Achiever
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Gabrielle A Flavien

Carmelita Matthew
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Combined
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Tapion School
2013/2014
Donated by Digicel
Lance George


2013/2014
Donated by Digicel
Marie Charles

Special Education
2013/2014
Donated by Digicel

Jean‐Luke Monrose
CSEC/CXC
Music
2013/2014

Samuel Francis

Mr. Marcus Edward

CSEC/CXC
French
2013/2014

Rocyn J. Vitalis

CSEC/CXC
Spanish
2013/2014

Rocyn J. Vitalis
Principles of Accounts
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014
Daniella L. Henry‐Phillip
Rocyn J. Vitalis
Tricia Cheong

Principles of Business
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014

Rocyn J. Vitalis
CSEC/CXC
Economics
2013/2014

Qilee Simeon
CSEC/CXC
Information Technology
2013/2014
Nikki F.S. Serieux

Mr. Marcus Edward
26 Outstanding Performance
CSEC/CXC
Office Administration
2013/2014
Tricia Cheong

CSEC/CXC
Electronic Document Preparation and
Management
2013/2014
Pinky Joseph
CSEC/CXC
Human and Social Biology
2013/2014
Ornella Z. Flavien

Ms. Marietta Edward

CSEC/CXC
Biology
2013/2014
Nikki F. S. Serieux
Amber E. St. Rose
Kirmani Jean
CSEC/CXC
Physics
2013/2014
Tjimon M. Louisy
CSEC/CXC
Chemistry
2013/2014

Ronald C. Lewis


CSEC/CXC
Electrical and Electronic Technology
2013/2014

China (Taiwan)
Jessie C. Paul

Ms. Marietta Edward
CSEC/CXC
TVET
Mechanical Engineering Technology
2013/2014

China (Taiwan)
Dyllon P. Layne

CSEC/CXC
Technical Drawing
2013/2014

China (Taiwan)

Silas Nicholas
CSEC/CXC
Clothing and Textiles
2013/2014

China (Taiwan)

Shanise J. James
CSEC/CXC
Food and Nutrition
2013/2014

Donated by Consolidated Foods Limited

Marva A. Wellington
41.Top Performer
Division of Teacher Education and Educational
Administration
SALCC
2013/2014

Kasha John

Mrs. Beverley Francis
Director ‐ HRD

42.Top Performer
Division of Technical Education and
Management Studies
SALCC
2013/2014

Shaquill Felicien

43.Top Performer
Division of Health Sciences
SALCC
2013‐2014
Carlene Wilfred
Cyiana Dormant

44.In appreciation of your outstanding service
Donated by National Workers Union

Theresa Charles

Ms. Esther Brathwaite
Permanent Secretary
45. In appreciation of your outstanding service
Terrance Thomas
CSEC/CXC
Food and Nutrition
2013/2014

Donated by Consolidated Foods Limited

Marva A. Wellington
41.Top Performer
Division of Teacher Education and Educational
Administration
SALCC
2013/2014

Kasha John

Mrs. Beverley Francis
Director ‐ HRD

42.Top Performer
Division of Technical Education and
Management Studies
SALCC
2013/2014

Shaquill Felicien

43.Top Performer
Division of Health Sciences
SALCC
2013‐2014
Carlene Wilfred
Cyiana Dormant


Theresa Charles

Permanent Secretary
Terrance Thomas
Monica Reynold

Permanent Secretary


Delphinus Pelage
Norville Butcher
Cecilia Poleon‐Flavius
Martha D. Mitchel

Laura Felix
52. Best Overall Performance
CXC
2013/2014

Donated by St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited
Amber E. St Rose

53. Top School Performance
CSEC/CXC
2013/2014
St. Joseph’s Convent
Secondary School

54.Special Award
CAPE
2013/2014
Crispian Jn. Baptiste

1. Top Achiever
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Gabrielle A Flavien

Carmelita Matthew
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Combined
Common Entrance
2013/2014

Tapion School
2013/2014
Donated by Digicel
Lance George


2013/2014
Donated by Digicel
Marie Charles

Special Education
2013/2014
Donated by Digicel

Jean‐Luke Monrose

55. In recognition of your outstanding contribution
to the Education Sector

Donated by RBC/RBTT Bank Caribbean Limited
Erenius Charles

Dr. Robert K. Lewis
Minister
56.In recognition of your outstanding contribution


Soriah John


Maryann Montoute

Shari Girard

Hilda Leon

Cherilyn G. Anderson

Dr. Robert K. Lewis
Minister

Jacinta Vaudroque‐James

Bernadette Osfiajiaku

63.In recognition of Outstanding Contribution to
Education by an individual
Mr. Conrad Wagner

Dr. Robert K. Lewis
Minister
64.Outstanding Contribution to Education by an
organisation
‐ Saint Lucia Hotel and
Tourism Association
‐ University of the West
Indies – Open Campus

65. Best Overall Performance
CAMBRIDGE
Island Scholar Award
2014

Donated by St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited
Jeannine Bertin
Rachel Cheong

Dame Pearlette Louisy
Governor General
T
he National Indepen-
dence Coordinating Com-
mittee has launched an
official schedule of activities to
celebrate Saint Lucia's 36th An-
niversary of Independence.
The activities will seek to de-
velop the island’s tourism prod-
uct, by promoting Saint Lucia’s
culture and authenticity to the
international market.
The celebrations will show-
case the talents of several local
musicians such as Boo Hinkson,
Teddyson John, Barbara Cadet,
The Tropics Band, Cold Sweat
and Mongstar.
Cabinet Secretary Darrel
Montrope, who chairs the com-
mittee, said the celebrations will
also be used as an opportunity
to market Saint Lucia’s local
products.
Independence activities have
also been planned by Saint Lu-
cians in the UK, the USA and
Canada, as well as in other
Caribbean islands where Saint
Lucians reside, including Bar-
bados, Martinique and French
Guiana (Cayenne).
Meanwhile, plans have also
been launched for this year’s
Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
The annual Saint Lucia Jazz
and Arts Festival -- now in its
24th year -- will start on April
30, with a line-up of performers
blending island culture, famed
musical talent and diverse mu-
sic genres.
Internationally renowned per-
formers taking center stage this
year include Jamaican reggae
musician and actor Jimmy Cliff,
along with a host of other Carib-
bean, Latin American and Inter-
national singers and musicians.
Completing the line-up is a
string of other local entertain-
ers, together with more than
100 local artisans, who will per-
form at jazz venues island wide
throughout the festival.
The 11-day festival continues
until May 10, featuring hun-
dreds of musical performances
and art showcases throughout
the island.
Locations range from Pigeon Is-
land National Park, where main
stage events will kick-off on Fri-
day, May 8 to Castries, Dennery,
Vieux Fort and Soufriere.
Presented by the Saint Lucia
Tourist Board, the festival con-
tinues to attract some of the
most recognizable and sought-
after names in the music busi-
ness and has become a magnet
for visitors from the USA and
the Caribbean.
2015 Independence and Jazz Festivals launched!
Cabinet Secretary
Darrel Montrope
S
aint Lucia is trying hard
to attract Taiwanese
investors. That much
became clear when the Min-
istry of Commerce and the
Taiwanese Embassy hosted a
Business Networking Forum
earlier this week.
The forum on Wednesday
provided a venue for local
business owners to forge re-
lationships with members of
a visiting Taiwanese busi-
ness delegation.
Taiwan’s Ambassador
James Chang explained that
the delegation -- The New
Jersey Taiwanese Chamber
of Commerce -- is a US-based
non-profit, non-political organi-
zation.
It was founded in 1996, he said,
to encourage fraternity and
friendship among businessmen
and professionals from Taiwan
who operate in the New Jersey
area in the USA.
The ambassador said all the
original founders of the asso-
ciation came from Taiwan and
they represented diverse occu-
pations.
The Ambassador also said he
believes the project would cre-
ate stronger economic ties be-
tween Saint Lucia and Taiwan.
Commerce Minister Emma
Hippolyte said she look forward
to the Taiwanese investors con-
tribution to building St. Lucia.
She said St. Lucia has great
support from the government
and people of Taiwan, but it
also now needs the contribution
of the Taiwanese private sector,
in collaboration with the local
private sector.
The visiting Taiwanese busi-
ness delegation represented
investors in restaurants, recy-
cling, hotels, banking, insur-
ance, real estate, fishing, as well
as the manufacturing of plastic,
film, chemical and fibre prod-
ucts.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister
Hippolyte says Saint Lucia is more
than just a tourist destination.
The minister encouraged a
visiting Taiwanese business del-
egation to ‘look beyond tourism
for investment, to sectors such
as manufacturing and infra-
structure, which can also pro-
duce returns on investments.’
Describing St. Lucia as ‘a
land where free enterprise and
dedication produce generous
rewards’ the minister empha-
sized that the island’s geo-
graphic location can also facili-
tate trade throughout the OECS
sub-region.
She pointed to St. Lucia’s natu-
ral deep water harbours and the
island being located three hours
from the southern United
States, with year-round trop-
ical weather.
As a result, she told the
visiting investors, they will
not suffer the type of loss of
productivity associated with
harsh winters.
The Minister also boasted
of Saint Lucia’s extensive and
well-connected road infra-
structure, its two airports,
modern telecommunications
systems and reliable water
supplies.
‘But more than anything
else,’ the minister said, ‘St.
Lucians are intelligent and
hard working.’
Commerce Ministry hosts visiting Taiwanese investors

Government of Saint Lucia Nationwide Magazine February 7, 2015 Features Launch of Independence Celebrations And Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival

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Government of Saint Lucia Nationwide Magazine February 7, 2015 Features Launch of Independence Celebrations And Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival