Legend Robertin’s parents are from St. Lucia

Clemson received a 2015 basketball commitment on Tuesday with international prospect Legend Robertin of Chipola Community College in Florida.

He is a 7-foot, 220 lb center prospect that will have three years of eligibility left at Clemson.

Robertin competed shortly at Believe Prep in Rock Hill, S.C. before enrolling at Chipola Community College.

He chose the Tigers over Alabama, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, Florida State, Texas Tech, Ole Miss, South Carolina and West Virginia. Richie Riley was one of the Clemson coaches that was instrumental in getting the big-man commitment.

In the NexUpRecruit Top 50 JUCO rankings, Robertin is listed as the #11 overall JUCO player in the nation. He played and got experience for the Great Britain U-18 National team in the summer of 2013.

His ESPN scouting report: “Robertin is a long athletic post that is mobile. He has a good motor and runs the floor well. He has good hands and feet as well. Robertin is an above the rim finisher on the break and when he receives drop off passes created by dribble penetration.”

One other note – his parents are from St. Lucia and he actually just started playing basketball at the age of 16. Until then, he was more of a track guy.

Clemson continues to do a good job finding big men to fill holes in the JUCO ranks in the last few years.

PRESS RELEASE - A delegation from LIAT’s Commercial Department will be in the Guyana capital, Georgetown, this week for two road shows to promote the launch of three additional flights per week between Barbados and Ogle, taking the airline’s weekly services to 10 per week.

The team will be at the intersection of Church and Quamina Streets on Friday October 24 and at the intersection of Quamina and Middle Streets on Saturday October 25 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm both days.

LIAT will be offering special fares to current and prospective customers who attend the road shows and everyone will be able to book flights right there on location.

In addition to the many giveaways those in attendance will be able to win free flights on LIAT by posting pictures of themselves from the road shows on the company’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

LIAT currently operates a daily service between Guyana’s Ogle Airport and Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.

The three additional flights per week will be added from December 1, 2014.

Dr. Preville

Aspiring political leader Dr. Claudius Preville will visit his former Infant and Primary Schools at Babonneau on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 10:30.a.m.

During his visit Dr. Preville will make a donation towards the School Feeding Programme and a quantity of school supplies.

The economist has expressed confidence in becoming the next leader of the United Workers Party (UWP).

Speaking at a recent press conference, Dr. Preville said he has no doubt that the people of St. Lucia has heard his message and the “appropriate decision” to elect him as the new UWP leader.

Dr. Preville has ambitions of running for the Babonneau Constituency during the next elections.

Alberton

THE SEARCHLIGHT (Originally published Oct. 17) - Following the discovery that $21,925 could not be accounted for from the Mediation Programme at the High Court, co-workers of former High Court registrar Tamara Gibson-Marks held fund-raising activities to replace the missing funds.

This was disclosed at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday by Gibson-Marks’ lawyer, Alberton Richelieu.

“The money in the fund had its own peculiar history, where proper accounting was not kept by the defendant (Gibson-Marks). The facts mentioned that there was a series of unreported thefts …,” he said.

“In fact, fellow co-workers, realizing the dilemma, set out to hold fund-raising activities to have those monies replaced. What this in effect shows, is that the figure that should have been appropriated, should have been a lesser sum than is reflected in the charge sheet… In any event, the defendant recognizes her culpability in appropriating the balance and realizing that she was in fact responsible for proper accounting,” Richelieu submitted.

Gibson Marks was charged with theft of $21, 925 from the Mediation Fund and abuse of office. Magistrate Carla James fined her $4,500, to be paid in one month, for this offence. Defaulting on this will earn her three months in prison. – See more at: http://searchlight.vc/coworkers-held-fundraising-activities-to-replace-monies-p52335-83.htm#sthash.o53zFDOY.dpuf

Police are investigating the discovery of the body of a man near the Gros Islet fisheries around 3:00 this morning.

Well-placed sources told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the police have no information on the individual at this moment, and they’re hoping some family will report a loved one missing.

Sources say the fully-clothed body, which was discovered in an open area, showed no marks of violence.

The ‘John Doe’ – a term usually given to unidentified bodies by police – appears to be in the 50s age group.

PRESS RELEASE - The Wave Radio Station (94.5 & 93.7fm) is continuing their pledge in support of Cancer awareness.

As the official radio sponsor of the successful annual Yoplait Walk for Cancer for the past 3 years, The Wave this year is adding a new element, by focusing on a specific type of Cancer, Cancer in Men.

October is recognized worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and to help raise awareness of the deadly disease in men, the radio station has planned an event for the first time ever in St. Lucia, dubbed Men In Heels (Dash for Cash). The event will take the form of an ‘obstacle course race’. Participating men will race for the cash at the finish line, by completing the entire obstacle course in a pair of heels (minimum of 3 inches).

The event is endorsed by the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and is scheduled to take place on Sunday 2nd November 2014 at the Pigeon Island Causeway, right after the Yoplait Walk for Cancer. Registration for the event is $10 and can be done at the Wave office in Rodney Bay and Super J IGA Supermarkets. Women who are interested in donating a pair of heels for the cause, can do so by dropping them off at Shoe Rehab at The JQ Rodney Bay Mall.

Part proceeds of the event go to the Saint Lucia Cancer Society. The Wave 94.5 & 93.7fm would like to sincerely thank their corporate sponsors CFL and Super J Supermarket, St Lucia Bandag, Shoe Rehab, GTM, Choice TV and Digicel.

An appeal is made to all corporate entities to make a donation to the SLCS through this event. For further information please contact The Wave’s head office at 451-6400 or visit www.thewavestlucia.com.

PRESS RELEASE - The Government of Saint Lucia through the Forests and Lands Resources Development Department is supporting the sustainable production of Charcoal, which continues to be extremely popular locally as a source of energy for food preparation.

In fact the new production method is already presenting numerous benefits for youth in the community of Errard on the east coast.

This new method involves the use of a kiln made of concrete rather than the traditional sand pits which are an inefficient, unhealthy and a dirtier process.

Acting Chief Forestry Officer Mr Adams Toussiant says the Sustainable Charcoal Production Project is in keeping with the Ministry’s strategic objectives of :

-The provision of reliable and affordable energy

-Demonstration of the value of the green economy and other related concepts to sustainable development,

-Enhanced application of science, technology and innovation

“We recognise that Charcoal production is one form of livelihood for many people around the island and we also recognise that the production of Charcoal is one of the drivers of deforestation.

The traditional production method is contributing a lot to the loss of Carbon making it inefficient, it is also a health hazard and generally an unclean process, so we have assessed the traditional method and we are now seeking to promote a more sustainable method of Charcoal production”.

The Sustainable Charcoal Production Project is designed to increase benefits to the many citizens who depend on the production of Charcoal to support the livelihoods, while reducing Saint Lucia’s very small carbon footprint.

The Acting Chief Forestry Officer says the new method has been proven to increase charcoal production by at-least thirty percent.

“Although the process is not complete in terms of having the capacity to harvest the smoke and fumes from the coals to produce other bi-products like wood vinegar and Charcoal paint but it is extremely efficient and you do not require water to extinguish the blaze.”

“We have compared the two methods and realised that prom this new sustainable process the production of Charcoal can increase by thirty percent when compared to the traditional method, so this is a pilot project that we are hoping to promote and encourage people around the island to utilise, it can be sustainable in many ways and environmentally clean”.

The new method is being piloted by the Saint Lucia Agriculture Forum for Youth which is seeking to make charcoal production more attractive to the youth as a sustainable and viable source of income.

In addition to the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology the Sustainable Charcoal Production Project is supported by the Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

The Piaye Bridge washed away during the trough.  Photo Credit* Global Voice Online.

The official hurricane season comes to an end on November 30, but the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) is advising citizens to remain alert for any further possible bad weather events, beyond that period.

NEMO Director Velda Joseph told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that NEMO have seen events impacting St. Lucia outside of the season and as such persons should remain alert.

“We do really want to encourage persons to prepare throughout, for weather related events, as well any other disasters that might impact us at any time,” Joseph explained.

Joseph said persons should not get tricked into believing that there is no need to be alert, after the official hurricane season ends.

The NEMO director pointed to the situation where St. Lucia was affected by the Christmas Eve trough.

The island recorded 17.1 millimeters of rainfall within a 24 hour period, during this disaster.

Widespread and severe flooding occurred in Central Castries, Bexon, Anse-La-Raye, Micoud, Vieux Fort, Dennery, Soufriere and other communities.

Joseph also pointed out that the island has in the past been affected by hurricanes, occurring outside of the official hurricane season.

“So we want persons to remain on guard and be cognizant of the fact that things are shifting…we really do not see a designed season for impacts anymore, so it’s almost like the events happen anytime,” she said.

St. Lucia was advised that the present hurricane season will be a below average season. As a result of this, not a lot of the events have impacted St. Lucia.

“We have had minimal damage during the earlier part of the hurricane season,” Joseph told SNO.

Students loitering in Castries.

PRESS RELEASE - Insistent that the problem should not be allowed to go quiet until it is satisfactorily addressed, the Soca – Lpyso Revue calypso tent says as an organization with a social conscience, they stand in solidarity with calls for young persons, particularly students, to channel their energies more positively.

The Revue tent which has drawn a healthy membership of young artists, says the tent members see themselves as having a social responsibility, to support the ongoing call for student loitering in the city to be curbed, via input from all stakeholders.

Soca – Lypso Revue Tent Leader Gene ‘Chacom” Leon says his tent   promotes the idea of students getting involved in the arts, especially the calypso artform.

“As a tent the Soca – Lypso Revue is very concerned about any societal threat that could compromise the status of young people in the country. As regards student loitering concerns, we will not simply standby and wait for calypso season 2015 to sing about the issues.”

“We believe there is an avenue in the artform that can be tapped; particularly as we look at possible solutions such as after–school programmes for students. We believe it is timely to put the artform of calypso on the table, for consideration as an option. We are optimistic that such a programme can be developed, that will definitely attract the interests of young persons”.

The tent leader says the Soca– Lypso Revue is open to engaging young persons and relevant officials in regard to this recommendation.

Meanwhile, the tent is gearing for the “Annou manje, danse, chante en kweyol” calypso extravaganza, which is slated for Friday, 24 October, from 8 p.m. at the National Cultural Centre.

The tent is urging the public to come out in large numbers to support the celebration of the island’s Kweyol culture, and to visit the Revue’s Facebook page for more information.

PRESS RELEASE - Once again, the Digicel KickStart Academy will be hosting the best under 16 football talents the Caribbean and Central America has to offer, at the Digicel’s Regional KickStart Academy in Jamaica.

Three budding talented young St Lucian footballers Avian Girard, Julian Celise and Mycus Tommy Pierre St.Lucian wild card will represent St.Lucia in Jamaica at the 2014 Digicel KickStart Academy.

This year marks the eighth year of the Digicel Kick Start Academy programme in the Caribbean and Central America. The 2014 programme was launched in Jamaica earlier this year and will be host to scores of aspiring young footballers from across 14 Digicel countries.

The Sab Playing field at Vigie was the home of thirty under 16 St Lucian footballers who displayed their top game in the hope of being selected by the three Chelsea Football Club Coaches for the Digicel Kick Start Academy programme.

It was an exciting process for the young footballers and was filled with great anticipation and enjoyment as they played for the coveted final three spots.

After the intense two day session with the international Chelsea coaches, the level of talent showcased by all thirty players made the selection of the three players challenging.

In the end Avian Girard, Julian Celise and Nyrone Winter were chosen to attend the Digicel Kick Start Academy programme in the reggae isle of Jamaica.   Nyrone Winter is unable to attend this leg of the academy and so chosen wild card Mycus Pierre will replace him in Jamaica.

Avian, Julian and Mycus will depart St Lucia this Sunday October 26th to November 2nd 2014; to engage in the week-long training session at the Academy in Jamaica, where they will converge with football peers from around the Caribbean and Central America to learn from one of the best franchise football Clubs in the world, Chelsea.

Digicel’s Marketing Executive, Fiona Smith commented, “The Digicel Kick Start Academy is a clear indication of Digicel’s commitment to the development of the youth in St Lucia and across the region.

The Academy has given these St Lucian footballers a once in a lifetime experience and opportunity to develop their skills and learn the correct techniques of football and hopefully will lead them to realize their dreams”.

Join us in congratulating and wishing our St Lucian football representatives Avian, Julian and Mycus all the best at the Regional Kick Start Academy in Jamaica.

SF Holy Family Home MTP cleanup.

PRESS RELEASE - Five Sandals Foundation Volunteers partnered with various departments of the Sandals Resorts properties in the island to execute a much needed and heart-touching “Challenge Project” at the Holy Family Children’s Home in Ciceron.

The Orphanage is home to over a dozen children who have been abandoned, orphaned, neglected or abused and provides a loving and secure temporary environment. The home however had fallen into disrepair for some time and was in dire need of refurbishment and renovation.

The Challenge Project was selected by persons in the Management Trainee Programme (MTP) – Jamaica born Torshie Brown and Danielle Daley, Christopher Boyce from Barbados and Rochelle Casimir and Kevin Albert from St. Lucia. Valued at almost EC $13,000, the project took two days to complete, running from October 16-17.

The aim of the initiative was to enhance the physical space of the dorms at the home. Day one of the project was dedicated to a detailed cleaning by Sandals Halcyon Beach’s Housekeeping team members while day two saw to the repainting of the boys’ area of the home from the properties’ Maintenance Departments.

In addition, Danielle Daley – whose passion for gardening and promoting the importance of growing one’s own food – undertook the challenge of building and installing three garden boxes to assist with the kitchen’s produce needs. Seeds ranging from carrots, tomatoes and an assortment of beans were planted and a variety of seedlings were donated for the caretakers to sustain the garden.

Martina Daniel, Assistant Administrator at Holy Family noted “our young residents are honoured to be in the thoughts of the Sandals Foundation volunteers. When they arrived at the home on Friday from school, the excitement about the refurbishment was palpable as the children could not stop talking about it. They are happy and grateful for the assistance. We all are.”

Main sponsors of the project came from the family of Sandals Halcyon Beach with the Maintenance department donating 12 gallons of paint, 5 full sheets of plywood and their time. The property’s Housekeeping department took care of cleaning apparatus, solvents & skilled personnel. Other departments such as Training and Development, Emergency Health & Safety and the Office of the General Manager also provided assistance.

Sandals Grande St. Lucian’s Maintenance team built the garden boxes while the Housekeeping team at Sandals Regency La Toc sourced and donated fresh linens for the youngsters.

“The project was a huge success. The support we received from the properties was tremendous. The most amazing element of putting the project together was being able to see firsthand how committed Sandals Resorts team members are to the Sandals Foundation” said MTP Torshie Brown.

She added, “It is clear that when we speak of “Making A Difference” it is a real tangible element of the Sandals Culture and as MTPs in St. Lucia this year we are happy to have been given the opportunity to lead such an initiative. This experience has made a difference in the lives of the children at the Ciceron Home as well as ours.”

Sancha Raggie, Marketing Manager of CFL presents fans to Victoria Hopsital’s Executive Director.

PRESS RELEASE - Junior Doctors on call at Victoria Hospital (VH) can rest a little easier in their sleeping quarters, thanks to a gift of fans from Consolidated Foods Ltd.

The gift was provided to the unit in response to a request from hospital management citing concerns about heat and mosquitoes given the age of the building where the doctors are located.

Executive Director of VH Jeanette Hughes says “Junior doctors provide an invaluable service by staying in house to see to patients needs overnight.

The junior doctors’ sleeping quarters are situated in one of the older buildings of the hospital facility with limited possibility of renovation or installation of air condition units.

Within recent months the threat of Chikungunya has been a real concern and some additional fans will go a long way to make the quarters more comfortable for the team.”

Working with one of its Mega J fan suppliers out of the USA, CFL was able to respond very quickly to the request, donating a quantity of twelve fans.

The company understands the gravity of the situation especially given the impact that Chikungunya has been having on the population and the work place.

The Hospital Executive Director was full of praise for the generosity and extremely quick response of CFL to the request.

Dear Willie: I have been married for seven years. In the beginning of the marriage, it was a bliss of heaven, but I realised after four years in my marriage that I am not in love with my husband.

I am in love with someone else. We have been friends for a long time, even before I met my husband. I have never cheated on my husband, but sometimes we mistake somebody’s kindness for love.

Dear Miss: Being friends and living with someone every day are two different scenarios. I have seen people in relationships for 10 years and when they finally get married and move in with each other, things go sour.

If you and your husband could stay in love for four years, then I do not see why you cannot last another four years or more. There must be a reason why you no longer feel the way you did many years ago. You haven’t indicated that in your letter. So it is difficult for me to address “a problem” when there is no specific problem, other than your concern that you no longer love him.

Marriage is a very serious thing. Females in particular love getting married. But they soon learn later it is not a bed of rose. It is something you have to be mentally, physically, emotionally and financially prepared for. Being in love is not enough reason to get married. Marriage is a lifetime commitment.

I urge you to try and fix your marriage. If it’s not working out, do what’s best for you. However, always bear in mind that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It may look green from a distance, but walking through the grass might reveal little things that you may not be able to deal with it.

Willie

Email letters to dearwilliesno@gmail.com. Letters are strictly confidential and total privacy maintained. Also see disclaimer below.

Dear Willie is published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday exclusively on this site. The responses by this column are the opinion of the author of Dear Willie and are not to be thought of as counseling or advice. The opinion is based on limited information provided by the user. By requesting a response, the user agrees that both Dr. Willie and Andrews Media Services Corp/St. Lucia News Online are not to be held liable for any damages to the user or any third party associated with the user.

UWP Chairman Ezechiel Joseph

As members of the United Workers Party (UWP) prepare to elect its new leader, Chairman Ezechiel Joseph has expressed confidence that the UWP will be further strengthened after the general convention.

“I am optimistic that the right decisions will be made and that the party will be more united and people will see the UWP as a party of their choice in the next general elections,” Joseph told the media.

Asked about the feeling on the ground, Joseph said delegates are prepared to cast their votes and both nominees for leader of the UWP, Allen Chastanet and Dr. Claudius Preville, have been campaigning. However, Joseph said in his discussion with delegates from various constituencies, they have hinted that they don’t believe that there is a need for any changes to the party structure at this point.

“They are satisfied with what the executive has done in restructuring the party and there is need for the team to continue the work we have started,” he added.

Both Dr. Preville and Chastanet, who is the current party leader, were nominated by party members during the UWP delegate’s conference last month to run for the leadership of the party.

A decision will be taken on November 2 – the date set for the UWP’s General Convention – where delegates will vote to elect their leader.

Meanwhile, Joseph, who was nominated to run again for chairmanship of the party, said he plans to retain that post.

“I am confident that the delegates will give me the opportunity, to continue serving in the capacity of chairman and I will continue to structure the party with the support of every constituency,” he said.

Joseph and party member Eldridge Stephens were nominated for the post of chairman.

Opposition Leader and Micoud North MP Dr. Gale Rigobert and former Public Service Minister Lenard “Spider” Montute will be battling for the post of deputy leader of the UWP.

NOTICE - A grey Nissan Tiida hatchback, (like the one shown in the photo) registration number PJ144, was stolen in Corinth, Gros Islet on October 21, 2014 at around 11:25 p.m.

The owner urges the general public to assist in retrieving the vehicle and asks that persons knowing of its whereabouts to call the nearest police station or contact 487-1708.

Dr. Didacus Jules

As the Ebola virus rages through several countries in Africa, Director of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr. Didacus Jules has said that all OECS members must continue planning and take protective measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and the continuity of commerce.

“All we need is one case of Ebola anywhere in the Caribbean and we will realise that our tourism would be dead, because if it is in the international news that Ebola is in the Caribbean, tourists will stop coming,” Dr. Jules opined.

He said this is very critical, especially since tourism is important to all OECS countries.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jules stated that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has proposed that countries should not impose a ban on travel from the Ebola-affected countries, he said OECS countries have to modify those arrangements.

“While it is easy for the bigger countries to say no travel restrictions, we are not in the position to do that. We have to protect our borders and our borders are very porous,” he explained.

According to him, other OECS countries are now implementing the same measures taken by St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to restrict travel from Ebola-affected countries.

Further, Dr. Jules believes that Ebola is not as major a threat as US media makes it appear. However, the OECS director asserted that it is a situation that countries cannot afford to ignore.

Dr. Jules said a number of issues relating to a possible threat of the Ebola virus reaching the Caribbean were discussed in the recent OECS Ministers of Health meeting. Some of these same discussions continued at the recently concluded ALBA meeting in Havana, Cuba.

As a result of the ALBA meeting, Cuba has decided to assist the OECS and the rest of the Caribbean by providing a rapid response team, with highly specialised medical personnel. These Cuban medical experts have already experienced the crisis situation in Africa and will help the OECS to guide and assist other countries in its planning.

“Over 400 doctors and medical specialists are currently in the heart of the Ebola crisis in Africa. So the Cubans have tremendous expertise in dealing with that and they have offered all the assistance,” he added.

The OECS Drug Procurement Unit will now be expanded to source the best suits and protective material and gears, at the best prices.

“The OECS is in an ideal position to do this because we supply medicine to countries at 30 per cent cheaper than they would have sourced on the open market,” Dr. Jules told the local media.

The OECS director said other development partners, including the British High Commission, have been alerted on the organisation’s plans and preparations for the Ebola virus. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has also been advised on these plans and have already signaled its readiness to receive requests from Caribbean countries that may need financing to assist in its national plan against the Ebola virus.

While each country is preparing their own national plan, the OECS will converge those plans into a region-wide plan. The reason for this, he said is, “because if it happens in one country we all are at threat.”

One major priority of the OECS plan is also to train health personnel to ensure their own safety. The OECS also plans to engage stakeholders on the Ebola virus. Nurses associations, hoteliers, employers’ schools and other groupings are included.

The OECS director said the plan is to promote greater awareness of the Ebola virus through these groupings and try to address the “major battle against fear”.

Philomen Eldica “D” Nicholas of Piat, Grrand Riviere, Gros-Islet is the island’s newest centenarian.

She welcomed family, friends and well-wishers in high spirits this morning.

Nicholas was born on October 22, 1914 in Dauphin, Monchy and later married and took up residency in Grand Riviere. Her husband died 12 years ago.

She told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that she does not consume processed foods. She likes eating crabs, bread fruit, smoked fish, green fig, plantains and everything natural and healthy. She said this has contributed to her longevity.

Nicholas said she still goes to town to pay her bills and buy her groceries, and she feels very strong.

She thanks God for her milestone and looks forward to more years of life.

When SNO visited her residence, members of the Mount Olive Seventh-Day Adventist Church were present. The church members visit Nicholas, who lives alone, every Thursday and brings her breakfast every last Sunday of each month.

This vehicle ran off the road into a yard in La Croix, Laborie last night. No one was injured and there was minimal damage. The vehicle was removed this morning.

An emergency meeting was called today between law enforcement and health officials, to discuss the national plan for Ebola with the aim of strengthening St. Lucia’s response to a possible threat.

Police Commissioner Vernon Francois said he is pleased that the meeting was called, as more needs to be done to strengthen areas that are weak and to educate officials on the plans being taken.

Francois said the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and its branches are ready to have its members trained to respond to a possible threat of Ebola and making persons comfortable doing it.

The police commissioner said he is satisfied with the work already being done with immigration.

“I can say I am satisfied that a lot of work has been done with the Immigration Department, as it relates to their role and the issue of advanced passenger information on how to deal with these cases,” he said.

However, Francois admitted that more needs to be done to prepare the Marine Unit.

“It is important that the officers are comfortable and are aware of their role and they know what they are supposed to do,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health Dr. Marlene Frederick said the ministry is ready to assist all branches of law enforcement to prepare for any possible case of Ebola entering these shores.

Dr. Frederick also stated that the ministry has been working closely with the Immigration Department.

The CMO also believes that there is still work to be done with the Marine Unit and other branches of law enforcement.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Cointha Thomas said the meeting was a unique and rear occasion where law enforcement and health discussed the national Ebola plan.

Thomas said the meeting sought to get St. Lucia’s law enforcement agencies on board as they seek to develop and strengthen the island national response towards a possible threat of Ebola.

The meeting saw representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, NEMO, Bordelais Correctional Facility, the St. Lucia Fire Service, SLASPA and executive level officers of the RSLPF.

On October 15, St. Lucia implemented travel restrictions for Ebola-affected countries. All visitors from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone will be denied entry into Saint Lucia until further notice.

Minister La Corbiniere * File photo

National Security Minister Victor La Corbiniere has brushed aside reports that suggests that there are large numbers of bench warrants for the arrest of suspected criminals, who remain at large.

La Corbiniere told the local media today that he does not have any confirmation from his officers that proves this true and said that people should not be led to believe that it is true either.

“I think it would be unfair of you to convey to the country that there are tons of people on bench warrants and the Police are doing absolutely nothing,” La Corbiniere said.

According to him, in many cases the people who bench warrants are issued for, go overseas.

“They have ways and means of leaving the country without the police being able to detect them, and on some occasions they leave and come back when they think that the heat is off,” La Corbiniere stated.

La Corbiniere said these matters are very complex and stressed that the police are often engaged in following up. However, this does not stop people from leaving the country.

The minister also made reference to the recent matter which led the police to intercept a wanted criminal- Clint Mathurin from leaving the island by means of a vessel.

La Corbiniere referred to the situation as a “cat and mouse game”, between law enforcement and criminals. He said while police are trying to stay ahead, criminals are becoming even smarter.

“Criminals are now taking a more informed view of their own criminality and how they avoid capture and how they deal with their own criminal world,” he stated.