Mathurin.

Garey Mathurin is enjoying a strong season in Trinidad and Tobago, even though his team has not had a great deal of success.

The 31-year-old Saint Lucia, Zouks and West Indies all-rounder plays with Jailal Enterprise Victoria in the Shanghai Construction Group National League three-day competition.

In spite of Garey’s wicket-taking prowess, the team has struggled.

Last week, the slow left-arm orthodox bowling Saint Lucian took four wickets in an innings, only for his team to fall well short of the necessary total.

This weekend, on the opening day of a sixth-round three-day match against  Esmerelda at Enterprise, Garey took five wickets for 54 runs, holding the opposition to just 140 runs.

But at the end of the first day, Victoria were already 100/7, despite Lincoln Roberts’ unbeaten 55.

The two teams will continue their match with days 2 and 3 next weekend.

Troy Greendige.

The best game of the tournament turned out to be a one-sided affair, as Super League football resumed on the weekend.

Gros Islet, Canaries and Vieux Fort South confirmed their spots in the semifinals of the Saint Lucia Football Association / Vizions Entertainment Michel’s Electrical competition, all three with clinical wins.

David Henry and Fitus Shepard scored in the 43rd and 75th minutes to send Canaries past Roseau 2-0.

Vieux Fort South, who got a bye into the second round, made light work of Mon Repos, Antonio Joseph, Shem Savery and Thruston Joseph netting for VF, whilst Leslie James pulled a late goal for Mon Repos.

Gros Islet had won 7-0 in the first round, but appeared to be in for a bit of a challenge against Mabouya Valley. After a goalmouth scramble, though, Troy Greenidge poked home to see his team ahead. Minutes later, Gros Islet had doubled the lead.

By the full-time whistle, Greenidge and Elijah Louis had scored two goals apiece to give Gros Islet victory. Greenidge, with six goals from open play, has more goals than any other team so far in the competition.

On Sunday, Micoud beat Central Castries 2-1. Soufriere and Anse la Raye went to penlaties, where Soufriere prevailed 4-3. Micoud and Soufriere will now meet in a playoff game to determine the fourth semifinalist. The playoff is set for the Anse La Raye Grounds on Wednesday from 6pm.

In other Super League News, organisers are indicating that they are already working on plans for the next years’ tournament.  Super League next year will see an increase in prize money to EC$60,000.

Fresh Frozen vegetable packaging.

PRESS RELEASE - Inventure Foods Inc. out of the USA has issued a voluntary recall of its “Fresh Frozen” line of frozen vegetables and some varieties of its Jamba “At Home” line of smoothie kits.

The recall was issued after listeria was found in one of the company’s facilities, following a routine FDA inspection.

While Inventure Foods has not received any consumer claims related to illness from these products,they are being recalled out of an abundance of caution and part of a commitment to the absolute quality of its products.

Some items which form part of the “Fresh Frozen”recall are currently sold at CFL stores.

The company has already activated its internal food recall procedures and has removed all existing inventory of the said products from its supermarket shelves and warehouse.

Anyone who purchased the “Fresh Frozen” product lines from CFLcan return them to the CFL store where the purchase was made for a full refund.

The products include Fresh Frozen blackberries, blueberries, peaches, strawberries, peaches, topical berry blend, brussel sprouts, California blend, chopped spinach, corn on the cob, cut broccoli, cut corn, green beans, okra, green peas, mixed vegetables, zen green beans, vegetable stir fry and vegetable combo.

CFL has already informed the Ministry of Health’s Environmental Department and the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards of steps taken to date, in relation to how the recall has been handled by the company.

Further information on the recall can be obtained via the FDA website at link below.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm444311.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.

TELESUR - US President Barack Obama conceded that CARICOM nations had benefited over the years from their relations with Venezuela

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony spoke of Venezuela’s continued contribution to his country when he addressed his Saint Lucia Labour Party’s first national public meeting of 2015.

The country leader told his citizens that in his meeting with CARICOM heads of government ahead of the Summit of the Americas, US President Barack Obama conceded that CARICOM nations had benefited over the years from their relations with Venezuela.

“Obama said to us that the United States issued an order against Venezuela, but as far as the US is concerned, Venezuela is no security threat to the United States,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “we discussed all kinds of things. From energy to marijuana. The whole works. And you know what he said? He looked at us and he said to us if I were in your shoes, I would take all the support and assistance that you are getting from Venezuela. The support and assistance you’re getting from Venezuela is benefiting your people. Helping your people”

For citizens of Saint Lucia, the ALBA and Petrocaribe bodies, based on regional integration including the Caribbean, connote development at the grassroots level, through initiatives that help build communities.

“Through the assistance of the Venezuelan government, through the ALBA programme and petrocaribe, any further assistance which can be provided in that regard would certainly be welcomed and it would do wonderful things for the people of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean,” says Shannon Lebourne, a young Saint Lucian.

The Prime Minister has applauded Venezuela for its contribution to Saint Lucia. He reminded the crowd gathered in the Capital Castries that Venezuela is providing $10 million to the National Initiative to Create Employment (NICE). This will help Saint Lucia tackle its worrying unemployment situation.

To date, Saint Lucia has received over US$37 million in development aid. Saint Lucia and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in 1979.

Lambirds Academy occupied the top floor of this building in Gros Islet. * Photo credit: The Voice Newspaper (St. Lucia).

PRESS RELEASE - The Ministry of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs has overall responsibility, amongst other things, for private sector development and investment in St. Lucia.

The responsibility to attract, facilitate and monitor investments (both foreign and local) rest with Invest St. Lucia who reports to the Minister for Commerce, Business, Investment and Consumer Affairs.

One of the processes used to regulate trade in the Private Sector is the issuance of a trade licence.  This is administered by the Ministry through a Trade Licence Board.  The legal authority is derived from The Trade Licence Act Chapter 13.04 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.

Section 4 of the said Act makes provision for an Advisory Board who makes recommendations on Trade Licence Applications to the Minister.

The Chairman of the Trade Licence Board is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs; while the secretary to the Board is also a staff member of the Ministry.  The Board also has representation from various private and public sector agencies including the Police.

Pursuant to Section 6 of the Trade Licence Act, Cap.13.04, a Trade Licence shall be issued by the Secretary to the Advisory Board, with the approval of the Minister.

In addition, pursuant to Section 7 (1) (b) of the Invest Saint Lucia Act No.14 of 2014, the Minister responsible for Invest St. Lucia, is conferred the same powers, as that of the Minister of Trade under the Trade Licence Act. Consequently, Invest Saint Lucia (ISL) may make recommendations to the Minister for Investment on a Trade Licence Application without going through Trade Licence Advisory Board, that is, in cases of foreign investment.

The Trade Licence is an annual licence which expires on 31 December every year.

A Trade Licence is required by foreign companies or foreign individuals in order to conduct business in St. Lucia.

A foreign company is one in which more than 50% of its shares are owned by non-CARICOM nationals.

A foreign individual is someone who is not a CARICOM national.

Section 3 (1) (a) of the revised Trade Licence Act states:

Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person shall not, without having first obtained a trade licence—

(a) sell any wares, merchandise, wines, spirits, tobacco or goods of any sort in any building or place; or

(b) engage in trade.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply—

(a) to a citizen of Saint Lucia; and

(b) to a company in Saint Lucia, that is not an alien company within the meaning of the Aliens Licensing Act; and

(c) to a national of a member State.

In St. Lucia, like any other developing country, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is critical for economic growth and investment. This means that St. Lucia is competing with the world in trying to attract investors and investments.

One means of attracting investors/investments is for the country to have an efficient and enabling environment for doing business.

The World Bank’s 10 business related regulations which measure how easy it is to do business in a country, requires that the processes, procedures, time, cost and documents required for a given business transaction must be transparent and non-discriminatory. Predictability, transparency, and fairness are among the key principles which underpin and characterize the local business/investment environment. This is what we have sought to establish and build in Saint Lucia.

Consequently, the Trade Licence Process is a transparent one, which is prominently displayed on the websites of Invest Saint Lucia and the Ministry of Commerce. Moreover, the Ministry periodically issues public announcements on Trade Licence matters. The Ministry has carefully addressed through its published ‘Frequently Asked Question’ format: What is a Trade Licence; Why a Trade Licence is required and the process for obtaining a Trade Licence.

Lambirds Academy Case

Having set the legislative authority, structure and conditions for the issuance of a Trade Licence, I will now outline, seriatim, the facts surrounding the issuance and renewal of a Trade Licence to Lambirds Academy to conduct trade in Saint Lucia.

I want to make it clear that this statement is intended only to bring clarity and not to prejudice or compromise the ongoing police investigations and Court cases.

On May 4 – 6, 2014, Invest St. Lucia held a first Investment Forum in St. Lucia. Dr. Shams of Lambird’s Academy attended the Investment Forum in response to an open invitation which was posted on the internet to any potential investor interested in doing business in Saint Lucia. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first interface between Dr. Shams of Lambirds Academy and Invest St. Lucia.

On June 2, 2014 an application for a Trade Licence was lodged at the Ministry of Commerce on behalf of Lambird’s Academy Inc. The Application number is 62/14.

On June 2, 2014 as Minister for Investment, I also received a copy of that same application with a cover letter from Invest Saint Lucia, recommending that I approve the Trade Licence pursuant to Section 7 (1), (b) of the Invest Saint Lucia Act, No. 14 of 2014. The investor was apparently in urgent need to transact business and the Trade Licence was needed in order for this to occur.

On June 3, 2014, I instructed the Chairman of the Trade Licence Advisory Board to call an urgent meeting of the Board to review the application. The urgent meeting was necessary to enable the investor to proceed with facilitating the other requirements for setting up a business in Saint Lucia, such as setting up of a bank account and commencement of processing for approval by the Ministry of Education. The meeting was not convened.

On June 6th, pursuant to Section 7 (1), (b) of the Invest Saint Lucia Act, No. 14 of 2014 I reviewed the Trade Licence application with its relevant supporting information, and approved the application for Lambird’s Academy Inc.

Subsequently, prior to instructing the Secretary of the Trade Licence Advisory Board to issue the Trade Licence, the Chairman of the Board and I had further discussions on the application. A decision was taken to have the application undergo a further review by the Trade Licence Advisory Board at its next meeting scheduled for June 10th, 2014.

On June 10, 2014, at a duly convened meeting of the Trade Licence Advisory Board, the application was considered. The Board requested further information on the area of “consultancy services”, as well as verification of accreditation by the Ministry of Education. In addition, the Board requested all the relevant supporting information regarding the due diligence on the company.

On June 12, 2104, Invest Saint Lucia submitted correspondence addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Leo Titus Preville indicating that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education supported, in principle, the establishment of Lambirds Academy Inc., and that Invest Saint Lucia is working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that Lambirds Academy Inc. meets the requirements outlined in the Education Act, No. 41 of 1999.

On June 12, The Permanent Secretary, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Trade Licence Advisory Board recommended the approval of the Trade Licence application to the Minister.

On June 12, in my capacity as Minister for Trade, I approved the application for the Trade Licence for Lambirds Academy based on the recommendation of the Trade Licence Advisory Board. The area of business consultancy was not approved.

On June 16, 2014 Lambirds Academy was granted a Trade Licence, No. 48/14 to trade only in Education and Training. The Trade Licence was issued and duly signed by Nancy Francis-Charles, Secretary of the Trade Licence Board pursuant to Section 6 of The Trade Licence Act, Chapter. 13.04 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.

On December 19, 2014, Lambirds Academy applied for a renewal of its Trade Licence.

On January 13, 2015, the Trade Licence Advisory Board recommended the application for approval.

On 23 January 2015, a Trade Licence #3 of 2015 was issued to Lambirds Academy.

On 8th October, 2014 Lambirds Academy made an application for incentives to the Ministry of Commerce.  The application was processed and a draft memorandum was prepared for submission to Cabinet when we heard of the arrest of Dr. Shams and others.

On 9th March, 2015 the Cabinet of Ministers appointed a sub-committee, comprising Ministers of Education, National Security and Commerce to review the matter and report to cabinet.

On March 12, 2015 the sub-committee met with ACP Frances Henry and Officer Mason who were responsible for the Lambirds Academy investigation.  The Police gave information on the reasons why the four individuals were arrested and charged and that the case was presented to the DPP whose office had provided legal advice and sanctioned the laying of charges.  I then questioned why the Ministry of Commerce was not informed.  The Officers informed that they had been trying to contact one Nancy Charles, but had been unsuccessful.  I informed the police that Ms Charles was the Secretary to the Trade Licence Board and an employee of the Ministry of Commerce.

About a week later, I was concerned that no one had contacted the Ministry and called the Minister of National Security expressing that concern.

On the evening of 23rd March, after Cabinet, my secretary informed me that the police visited the Ministry with a search warrant.

On Tuesday, 24th March, which was the date of the last sitting of Parliament, while I was in Parliament, the police again visited the Ministry and on that occasion requested the Lambirds Academy file that was in my office.

I was informed that the police threatened to break down the door of my office to retrieve the said file.  My secretary handed the Lambird’s Academy file to the police and they copied whatever documents they needed.

I was informed by Ms. Charles, that the police also got copies of e-mails from her computer.

On Wednesday 25th March, and on at least two other occasions, I called the Acting Commissioner of Police and objected to the Ministry being treated as a hostile witness as the Ministry was always willing to cooperate on this matter.  The acting Commissioner informed me that he had informed the officer leading the investigation.  To date, no one has spoken to me on this matter.

On 30 March, 2015 the Cabinet of Ministers took a decision to conduct an independent enquiry on the matter in due course.  I welcome this decision.

On 26th March, Mr. Mandille Alcee –Investment Services Officer of Invest St. Lucia issued a sworn statement to the police on the matter.

On 30th March, Ms. Nancy Charles, Director of Investment coordination and Secretary to the Trade Licence Advisory Board, issued a sworn statement to the police on the matter.

Mr. Speaker, to the best of my knowledge, these are the facts concerning Lambirds Academy as I know it.

As Minister for Commerce, I acted within the authority of the law, and at all times, I acted on the advice of the technical staff/public officials.

Equally, officials from Invest St. Lucia and the various Ministries could only make recommendations based on the information at hand, none of which, at the time, gave any valid and compelling legal reason for denying  Lambirds Academy the licences which it required to operate in Saint. Lucia.

Phot credit: Jerry George.

PRESS RELEASE - A memorial concert organized by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) and the Folk Research Centre (FRC) for Cultural icon the late Frank Norville who passed away on April 8th 2015 was held on Tuesday April 28th at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) grounds at Barnard Hill.

The NCC ground was transformed into an artiste’s village with a stage and a large tent which was filled to capacity.

In excess of fifteen (15) cultural groups and individuals comprising dancers such as Helen Folk Dancers, Les Danseurs Traditionelle De Ste Lucie, singing groups including Ave Maria Marguerite singers, Gros Islet Primary  Choir, Just Us Choir, Calypsonian Nintus, “The Lucians” a singing group formed by Frank Norville, Drummers Ras Isley , Niger Nestor, Hensley “Afwéshi” Paul and his mother Ms. Ettiene,  Poets  Alcess Ismael who is the Lawenn Kwéyòl for 2014,

George “Fish” Alphonse, Glenn Charlery, George Goddard, Musicians Gene Lawrence, Gravity Band and Manmay Lakay.  All these artistes provided entertainment free of charge to the audience.   The Master of ceremonies was the Executive Director of the FRC and renowned storyteller Hilary La Force.

Phot credit: Jerry George.

Among the many persons who attended the memorial were the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Lieff Escalona and her entourage, three of Frank’s children, close families  and friends and a large contingent from the cultural fraternity.

Kudos must go to the many business houses and individuals who contributed towards the memorial thereby making it a success.  These include, Bay Gardens Hotel, Sandals Grande Hotel, Auberge Seraphine Hotel, Paradise Springs, Duboulay’s Bottling Company, Cosmopolitan Bar, Dilly’s Supermarket, DAX Wholesale and Retail, Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd. St. Lucia Distillers, Ms. King Catering enterprise, Staff of the CDF and the FRC.

PRESS RELEASE – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) in a joint press conference with Cruise Agents Cox & Company Ltd and Foster & Ince Cruise Services (St. Lucia) Ltd., representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries in addition to representatives from National Taxi Union applauded the positive performance of the cruise industry in 2014.

Port Castries welcomed over 640,000 cruise passengers and 387 cruise ship visits in 2014 realizing a year-on-year growth of 13% and 8% respectively.

Speaking at the press conference Mr. Keigan Cox, General Manager and CEO of SLASPA indicated, “This performance is no accident as it is due to the continuous efforts of our industry partners to enhance the product offering.

SLASPA recognizes the crucial importance of the cruise industry and the many economic benefits it presents. Therefore, the Authority works closely with the cruise lines and stakeholders to sustain and increase cruise traffic to Saint Lucia by promoting Port Castries and by extension Saint Lucia as the ideal cruise destination.”

The increase in traffic can be attributed to a greater number of calls by Costa Cruises, Pullmantar Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line as well as larger class vessels visiting the island during the year. The Authority also highlighted the return of Disney Cruise Line to the island in 2014 with 4 calls and with approximately 9,000 passengers.

Mrs. Anne-Margaret Adams, Director of Product Development at the Ministry of Tourism said, “This performance is great news for the country but we cannot be complacent. We must work together to develop a high quality tourism product which meets international standards”.

Mr. Matthew Beaubrun, CEO of Cox and Company Limited also highlighted the point that industry stakeholders must take a strategic and cohesive approach which includes having a clear vision and realistic objectives to move the industry forward.

SLASPA anticipates that cruise traffic will continue to grow in 2015. Already, during the first quarter of 2015, Port Castries welcomed 197 cruise ship calls carrying 292,218 passengers realizing 3% and 6% increase respectively when compared to the same period in 2014. Preliminary forecasts for 2015 indicate cruise calls will grow by 3% while passenger traffic is expected to increase by 11%.

Port Castries is a natural harbour offering dedicated cruise passenger services and is considered amongst the best in the world. In 2013, Port Castries was ranked number 25 in the “World’s Top 50 Cruise Ports of Call” by Cruise Insight, the Global Cruise Market Magazine.

Left to right: Dennery South MP Edmund Estephane, UWP Leader Allen Chastanet, Opposition Leader Dr Gale Rigobert, Micoud South MP Arsene James and Castries South-East MP Guy Joseph.

The parliamentary opposition has denied walking out on the debate of estimates of revenue and expenditure in parliament today and defended its position not to start the budget debates.

Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Allen Chastanet told a media conference today that opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) were all ready to take on the government.

Chastanet, who was joined by Opposition Leader Dr Gale Rigobert and three other UWP MPs, argued that there was no proper protocol with regards to which side of the House should speak first.

The opposition contends that the government side should have been the first to speak, followed by the opposition, claiming the Social and Economic Report and other supporting documents were never given to opposition MPs, so as to allow them to prepare fully for the debates.

Guy Joseph said, “I believe the opposition made a powerful statement…The standing orders are very clear anybody who puts on their mic and catches the eye of the speaker first would be the person designated to speak. There is no order of speakers we have to agree to.”

Meanwhile, Dr Gale Rigobert said the 11 MPs that were in Parliament today failed the people of Saint Lucia, also stating that the government side of House should have been the first to start the debates.

“There was nothing barring the MPs in government from making their respective presentations for the ministries that they oversee and the prime minister’s presentation to my mind, should not amount to the sum total of the presentation by the government on this year’s estimates and expenditure.”

The Micoud North MP said the opposition is only in possession of the estimates of expenditure and in the absence of “supporting policy statements” and “a scientific and reliable account” of the government’s performance in the past fiscal year, it is difficult for anyone to undertake any comparative analysis as to what transpired in the last year and what can be expected this year.

PRESS RELEASE - In light of incessant complaints about the quality of health care in Saint Lucia, Government has decided to establish an independent Quality Care Commission (QCC), to regulate, inspect and rate the quality of service offered by all hospitals in Saint Lucia.

This announcement was made in the 2015 Throne Speech, delivered by Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Governor General of Saint Lucia, at the House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 29, 2015.

According to the Governor General,

“Madam Deputy  President, Mr Speaker, my Government is fully aware that from time to time, members of the public, whether individually or collectively, complain about the quality of health care at our medical institutions. Sometimes, the complaints are about the quality of treatment received by patients.

On other occasions, the complaints are about shortages of medical supplies. In some instances, patients have been required to purchase their own drugs from pharmacies. These complaints are loudest and most frequent in the case of Saint Jude Hospital.”

The QCC which has been successfully tried in the United Kingdom will be established to oversee both public and private hospitals. According to the Governor General, hospitals will be assessed for safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and in the case of public hospitals, a determination will be made on whether subventions are being put to best use. Her Excellency explained,

“This model is not new and has in fact been successfully tried in the United Kingdom. We hope to adapt that model to our circumstances. The Commission will undertake periodic reviews of our hospitals and health institutions and will assess the delivery of health care services by answering the following seven key questions, the first five of which are identical to that asked in the United Kingdom:

1.            Are they safe?

2.            Are they effective?

3.            Are they caring?

4.            Are they responsive to people’s needs?

5.            Are they well-led?

6.            Are they making the best use of the subventions made available to them by the State?

7.            Are they faithful to the Acts that authorised their existence?

The last two questions, will, of course, apply only to our public hospitals.

In the past, Government has stressed the need to reform the delivery of health care in Saint Lucia to improve quality and increase accessibility, in preparation for the commissioning of the New National Hospital and the St. Jude Hospital, currently under construction in Vieux-Fort.

PRESS RELEASE – Since 2007, Education for Advancement (EFA) has provided wide access to flexible, affordable study options from leading international universities.

To date, we have successfully placed thousands of students across the Caribbean region onto a range of accredited online programs.

We are delighted to announce the launch of a partnership with Celestial Self Development Centre, a training and consultancy services provider to help support our business activities in Saint Lucia.

Since 2009, the organization has worked with over 2,500 individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors to provide quality training solutions.

John Evans from EFA commented “This partnership will provide us with much needed local access to Saint Lucia and enable us to better serve our customer needs. Celestial SDC will help build our community of online learners and also provide critical local support services to ensure our students can be successful in their studies.”

EFA currently works with multiple universities including University of Derby from the UK and Florida National University, University of the Potomac, US University, Ashworth College and James Madison High School from the USA to provide a portfolio of over 200 online learning programs ranging from high school up to postgraduate level.

Persons who are interested in pursuing online studies should contact celestial@candw.lc or telephone 453-1924.

Personal consultations can also be held at Celestial CDC offices upstairs 99 Chaussee Road, Castries, Corner of La Pansee & Chaussee Roads, opposite the Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School.

Feel free to visit our website at www.celestialsdc.com for further details.

PRESS RELEASE - LIME has once again stepped up as a sponsor of the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival by continuing its support of various community events and initiatives.

Fond d’Or Jazz, Jazz on the Square, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Jazz and Jazz at Blue Coral Mall are some of the events receiving sponsorship support from St. Lucia’s leading telecommunications provider.

LIME is contributing cash and telecommunications assistance to all four events, including wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet access at venues, tents and ISDN lines to facilitate live radio broadcast of the musical performances, along with other forms of technical support.

LIME is also assisting with advertising by way of free promotional airtime on the company’s radio programs, and will be rewarding patrons with free LIME-branded giveaways. LIME’s overall contribution to the festival this year is valued at over $60,000.

LIME’s superfast 4G network will enable its mobile customers to capture the shows’ memorable moments with their mobile videos and cameras, and surf the web at blazing speeds.

“We are proud of the relationships we have forged with the producers of these many Jazz events over the years,” said LIME Marketing & Communications Executive, Sharlene Jn. Baptiste. “As the original sponsor of St. Lucia Jazz Festival, we decided that for the festival to truly achieve its goal of bringing Jazz to St. Lucia, we needed to shift our investment to events that brought Jazz to St. Lucians not just at Pigeon Island or the north of the island, but to our communities.”

“We welcome the opportunity to invest further in an event that we’ve had the pleasure of supporting for the past two decades. This year’s fringe events offer an eclectic mix of local, regional, and international performers all of whom are sure to provide the patrons with a memorable experience in a fantastic atmosphere.”

Fond d’Dor Jazz is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at the Fond D’Or Nature & Heritage Park in the Dennery Valley. Creole sensations, Zouk Machine of Guadeloupe and Carimi of Haiti will be headlining the show.

St. Lucian star performers Eva Lucian Band, Avot Servis and Miste En Local will also be performing. Early bird tickets cost EC$80 and they cost EC100 at the door. Admission for children under 12 is free. Ths show starts at 7:00 pm.

Jazz on the Square, scheduled for Wednesday May 6 – Friday, May 8 at the Derek Walcott Square will feature, among others, Monty Maxwell, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and Sonde of Cayenn, the local band Kenson Hyppolyte & Soul 2 Soul, Trinidadian steel-pan virtuoso Ken “Professor” Philmore, Zouk & the Gang from Guadeloupe and many more. All the shows are free and open to the public.

Sir Arthur Community College was held on Friday, April 24 at the college grounds from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. The show featured performances by SALCC students and a host of other talented student performers from Educational District Four. Admission was free.

Jazz at Blue Coral Mall is scheduled for May 4 and features Emerson Nurse and Friends. The show is free and starts at 7:00 pm.

LIME 4G boys with coach.

PRESS RELEASE - The LIME 4G Boys have secured a third-place win in the 2015 Inter-Commercial Futsal Football Competition!

In a thrilling encounter that had the Beausejour Indoor Facility ablaze with excitement, the LIME 4G Boys came up against FLOW on Sunday (April 26) in a hard-fought semi-final match that had their fans screaming with delight and avidly cheering them on.

The prospect of the two telecoms teams facing off in the semi-final would no doubt have fired them up and heightened their supporters’ anticipation ahead of the match. This certainly added to the drama.

Soon after the kickoff, FLOW came out strong and managed to net three goals by the end of the first half. While they came out in the second half determined to hold their ground and press ahead to secure victory, the LIME team returned reenergized and with a new strategy. Within minutes, the 4G Boys managed to penetrate the defence and netted their first goal. Two more goals followed thereafter and the score was tied at 3-3.

With just ten minutes to go for the end of play, the 4G Boys upgraded their play some more and went for the kill, scoring a fourth goal and sealing a win of 4-3. Players and fans alike were ecstatic.

Among the scores of spectators who attended the match, it was generally agreed that both teams played great football, and whichever of the two teams had won, it would have been well deserved.

In addition to commending his teammates, the 4G Boys captain, Kissinger Anthony complimented the FLOW team for their valiant effort.

“We feel very proud to be the first ever Inter-Commercial Futsal Football Competition bronze winners, especially knowing how hard the boys worked and applied themselves throughout the tournament. Three cheers to all of them for a job well done! We came up against some strong teams and it took great effort and a lot of determination to pull off all the wins we had. FLOW put on a remarkable performance and they definitely brought out the best in us. Hats off to them! On behalf of the 4G Boys, I wish to offer our deepest thanks to the fans and members of the LIME Family for all their support,” said Mr Anthony.

PRESS RELEASE - The much anticipated launch of Piton Soca Starz 2015 took place on Friday 24^th April during the popular Gros Islet Friday Street Party with the second leg of competition following immediately on Saturday 25^th April in Micoud. Now in its 6^th year, the competition scouts talent island-wide for the future soca star and is a staple on the Saint Lucian Carnival calendar.

Unlike in previous years, after 6 preliminary rounds and 2 semi-finals, the final winner will take home a grand prize of $10,000.During Friday’s launch at Gros Islet, participants in the competition sang a cover song while there was the option to sing either a cover or original song in the second round in Micoud. This year’s judges are Toni Nicholas (Head Judge) and Francis ‘Leebo’ Delima and Courtney ‘Curty’ Louis for all stages of the competition.

In an interview with Piton Beer Brand Manager, Rohan Lovence, he said that, “We have raised the quality of the event as we intend to make Piton Soca Starz a competition with a difference.Inappropriate lyrics and performances are not allowed and all songs are evaluated before they are performed.  We have a large number of participants in this year’s competition and their excitement is at an all-time high.”

As is customary, the competition is held through various locations island-wide with the next venue set for Aux Lyons Bar on Saturday, April 16^th

Following are the details on the remaining legs of the competition:

Piton Soca Starz was created by the Windward and Leeward Brewery, through its flagship brand, Piton, and gives aspiring soca artistes the platform to develop their career.

Dr Kenny Anthony.

Below is a summary of the Prime Minister’s presentation to introduce the Estimates:

FISCAL OVERVIEW

The 2014-2015 has been developed within the context of continuing challenges faced in raising financing necessary to undertake the work programme of the government during the last fiscal year.

The challenges faced during the preceding year have made us more cognizant of the need to consolidate government’s fiscal position and strengthen public finances.  It is for this reason that the 2014-2015 budget proposes a $75.4 million reduction from the 2013/14 approved estimates to $1,252,021,500.

However, the proposed budget represents an increase of $60.6 million over the preliminary outturn for the last fiscal year.  While the budget estimates project a 5% expansion in total expenditure, central government revenue is projected to fall by 0.7% in 2014/2015.

Based on these developments, an overall deficit of $213.5 million is projected for the fiscal year 2014-2015.  At $213.5 million, the overall deficit represents a 3% increase over the preliminary outturn for last year but as a percentage of GDP, the deficit remained in line with last year’s fiscal balance.

EXPENDITURE

With respect to recurrent expenditure, the government is proposing a 0.8% reduction from $947.9 million approved in 2013/14 to $925.8 million for the new fiscal year. It is important to note, however, that the recurrent expenditure budget for 2014/15 represents a reduction of just $7.7 million when compared with the provisional outturn for 2013/14.

The most significant reductions were made to Wages and Salaries and Transfer Payments categories while the allocation for debt service payments was increased by$17.1 million on account of higher interest payments and amortization of principal amounts projected for the fiscal year.

The provision for principal was increased by $14.9 million from a preliminary outturn of $57 million while interest was increased by$ 2.2 million, an indication that only a small fraction of the financing for the 2013/14 budget was actual raised.

With respect to development expenditures, the government is proposing to allocate some $326.3 million to its capital program in the new fiscal year. The proposed capital budget represents a $54 million reduction from last year’s approved estimates.

However, the proposed amount exceeds the 2013/2/14 out-turn by $68.3 million or 26.4%.  The lower than expected performance reflects to some extent the challenges encountered in mobilizing resources to undertake the capital programme.

Going Places Travel Gros-Islet branch was robbed by gunmen this morning, police officials have confirmed.

The incident occurred at about 9:30.a.m.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) understands that two gunmen entered the business premises and demanded cash from the employees.

No one from the business nor the Gros-Islet Police Station were available to comment.

It is unclear whether anyone was hurt or the bandits were able to retrieve any cash.

Bernard Black.

PRESS RELEASE - Customs officials, legal experts and CARICOM representatives closed their final meeting in Guyana in agreement on the way forward for the finalisation of the regulations to support harmonised customs legislation for the region.

Over the period, April 27-30, 2015 the group met for the second time in two months to continue its review of the draft regulations presented in Antigua & Barbuda in February, 2015.

The substantial progress made on these deliberations is the product of a 12-year long process supported heavily by the ACP Business Climate Facility (BizClim) and signals a commitment to unlocking the region’s collective trading potential.

Closure on this process will see finalised regulations submitted first to the relevant CARICOM meeting bodies for their approval, then to national governments for consideration alongside the Draft Bill to harmonise customs.

With the successful implementation of proposed modern systems and procedures, stakeholders can look forward todirect, tangible benefits such as increased operational efficiency and the application of consistent standards throughout the region.

“A number of major advantages of the harmonised reform package includea strengthened, standardised complaints system for aggrieved traders that will engender greater accountability;a single, identical electronic form for the region’s customs brokers to improve accuracy and facilitate the generation of reliable data; and the simplification of bureaucratic processes resulting in reduced waiting periods for traders”, states Bernard Black, CARICOM Secretariat.

The effective development and application of a harmonised customs policy and legislation for the region remains an important step in achieving the goals of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

At the end of the meeting, Mr Black commended the ACP Business Facility for its “monumental assistance towards the deepening of the region’s economic integration process.”

Asher Emmanuel.

PRESS RELEASE - On Thursday, April 30, 2015 the police proffered murder charges against  23 year old Danny Charlemagne also known as “Danny Cat” of Leslie Land, Castries and 19 year old, Mikeave Scotland also known as “Peterson” of Barnard Hill, Castries.

The men have been charged in connection with the homicide of 48 year old, Asher “BJ” Emmanuel who was shot multiple times on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 about 10:30a.m in Leslie Land, Castries.

The men made an appearance before the First District Court where they were remanded in custody at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.

One of the roads.

A resident of Soufriere (New Development) is calling on the relevant authorities, to look into addressing the dust situation caused by the roads in the village.

Urius Andrew told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that he is disappointed with the condition of some of the streets in the area, which has caused him and others to become ill.

“I don’t understand why one-eighth of the road was paved after the construction of the Soufriere mini-stadium. The main entrance to the Soufriere mini-stadium is also located on that street,” he said.

Andrew said he has had many complications due to the dust situation from the roads.

“I am asthmatic and I visit the hospital three to four times a year for oxygen and medication and I have been breathing difficulty as a result of all the dust. I also get regular chest pains,” he explained.

The young man said he is not the only one who has been affected by this situation, but other persons have come forward with similar complaints and he fears that more persons might get ill too.

The matter was reported to the Soufriere Constituency Office on more than one occasion, but nothing has been done to date.

It has been rumoured that the street may not be fixed anytime soon, because of the residents party affiliation. “I am in no way involved in politics, but I have been suffering,” he told SNO.

Andrew is calling on the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Infrastructure to look into this matter.

Seven Napalese nationals who were recently detained by law enforcement officials in Grenada have returned to Saint Lucia.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has launched an investigation into the matter.

The students were staying at Happy Days Guest House in Gros Islet and Coral Reef Guest House near the Marina in Rodney Bay, Gros-Islet.

Reports are that suspicion was raised when the foreigners did not show up for the Friday night street party in Gros-Islet town, on April 17.

“The students arrived in Grenada via boat on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 from St Lucia,” the Grenada Police Force said in a brief statement.

Grenadian police said they were sent back to St. Lucia because that was their last port of legal entry “and then we have a situation where all their travel documents are with law enforcement there”.

A Ghanaian national, who resides in Trinidad, was also arrested and charged for trafficking the students.

The students are among a group of Asians who have been left virtually stranded here as a result of what has become known as the “Lambirds Academy affair”.‎ The students are foreign nationals of: Nepal, The Philippines and India.

A small batch was returned to their home country, with the assistance of the United Nations International Organization of Migration.

Four men, including the chief executive officer of Lambirds, have been arrested and charged with human trafficking in connection with the alleged internet scam at the Academy. The CEO was also charged with money laundering.