Stephenson King

Member of Parliament (MP) for Castries North Stephenson King said he is prepared to re-allocate funding from the Taiwanese Grant to all of the schools within his constituency.

King said these funding will be used towards protecting those schools that were recently robbed, and ensure that the perpetrators of these crime don’t get the opportunity to destroy school property.

“I believe that every school should have a secured zone, a section of the school property that is secured at the highest level with the best and strongest doors you can find. A full security system,” he opined.

The Castries North MP said, that special area, should have cameras and an alarm system, which will be networked into a monitoring station or command centre, enabling security personnel to see what is happening at the secure location within each school on the island.

He said the secure location should be used mainly to store valuable equipment and other items belonging to the school.

But apart from that King said there is need to provide proper fencing for every school, which will make it more difficult for bandits to enter these compounds.

“Our criminals are becoming very sophisticated. They are implementing and introducing new techniques and measures in their operations and we have heard of those incidents,” he explained.

The Castries North MP plans to visit several schools within his constituency on Thursday, which includes, the St. Mary’s College, Castries Comprehensive Secondary, Carmen Rene Memorial, Vide Bouteille Primary and Secondary Schools, and the Morne Du Don Combined School.

“The intention of the visit is to have a even greater appreciation of the challenges that the schools have within my constituency and to discuss ways in which we can improve on security.”

Absence of national pride

Meanwhile, the former prime minister condemned the recent burglary that took place at St. Mary’s College, saying: “There is an absence of national pride and patriotism for anyone to undertake such an an insensitive and barbaric act, on education in general, and what I consider the resources of the state.”

King said he would like to see the full force of the law applied in this case and the perpetrators brought to justice.

“Anyone who is truly a Saint Lucian understands the contribution that the St. Mary’s College has made to education in this country and the development of this country, would not have thought of such an act.”

The Castries North MP described the attack on students at the college as a “war of terror on our children,” explaining that it should never be allowed to happen again.

King, who is also minister for infrastructure, said that his ministry is looking at secured plans for all schools, but said that the government would first have to meet, to determine how they go about this implementing this plan.

“We don’t have the resources to repair schools to the standard that is required, but I believe the time has come for us to make a serious investment in upgrading the schools, protecting the schools and protecting the children.”

The minister is calling on all Saint Lucians to condemn the recent break-ins at schools.

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George F. L. Charles Airport

Ports and Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King has said that although there have been arguments that government should close the George F. L. Charles Airport (GFLCA), he is not in support of such a move.

“Based on most studies done on Saint Lucia’s airports, there were no compelling reasons to close the George F. L. Charles Airport ,” King said during a television programme on Wednesday.

As a matter of fact, the minister said most of these reports, recommend improving the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) and have suggested that consideration be given to privatize GFLCA.

Persons have been questioning whether government should continue to operate two airports, given the fact that plans are in place to possibly redevelop HIA, making it both a regional and international airport.

However, King said, “George F.L.Charles Airport has served this country in many ways.”

The ports minister if of the opinion that if the HIA is developed as the main airport, there are a number of issues that must first be addressed.

One of things he wants to see happen, is to have a road built linking Vieux Fort to the North of the island. This will reduce the time that persons spend travelling from the airport to elsewhere in the country.

King noted that the previous administration had sought the assistance of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Canadian government, to look at re-developing the HIA.

However, he said that the new government will have to study the IFC’s evaluation and recommendations, as well as other development options to determine a way forward.

The minister said the last administration was planning to enter into a Build, Own, Lease, Transfer (BOLT) arrangement or Public Private Partnership (PPP) with a private company, to assist with the redevelopment of HIA.

Under this model, an experienced private company would finance the initiative and operate the airport for a finite period of time under the supervision of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, which would retain regulatory and monitor oversight, share in the revenues and retain ownership of the facility after 30 years.

But while in opposition, the United Workers Party had said it will not support the HIA Redevelopment Project.

Former Works Minister Guy Joseph had described the project as the “worst conceived” by any government of the region, while emphasizing that there are no direct benefits to be derived from this arrangement.

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PRESS RELEASE – The strength, power and capabilities of the youth is irrefutable. In Saint Lucia, the youth continue to make strides in all facets of society and are often an instrumental part of the shaping of national policy. Now more than ever, concerted and coordinated efforts are being made to not only address the needs of the youth population, but similarly to encourage their empowerment and harness their capacity for nation-building.

The NCPC Youth Audio Visual Competition, an initiative of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), formally opened on Wednesday as one of the highlights for the 3rd observance Productivity Awareness Week (PAW). Through this competition, youth in Saint Lucia will have the opportunity to produce a 10-15 minute audio visual piece and win fantastic prizes in the process.

Unveiled during a press conference at the Government Information Service (GIS) Studios earlier today, the competition has among its main objectives, the dissemination and promotion of audiovisual pieces which tackle the issues of productivity and competiveness in Saint Lucia with a focus on increasing awareness of these issues, facilitating dialogue and finding solutions. This activity is also intended to support the discovery of creative expression as an inspiration for the development of the film and audio visual fields.

Communications Specialist at the NCPC, Ms. Taluah says, “These types of initiatives are extremely important. The 21st century youth are not only knowledgeable but they are also very resourceful. Every individual has their own perception of productivity and competitiveness and the challenges which we face as a nation.”

“The Youth Audio Visual Film Festival will not only allow the youth to showcase their creativity and talent, but similarly it will directly engage them by encouraging them to be part of the solution to our productivity and competitiveness challenges. As we seek to raise awareness of these issues and inspire progress, these audiovisual pieces will play a great part in opening minds and changing the way that people view these challenges.”

The Youth Audio Visual Film Festival will be open for submissions through November 6th, 2016, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in November.

Several corporate entities have embraced this competition. Massy Stores (SLU) Ltd., CPR and The Directors Institute of Media and Technology have agreed to offer prizes ranging from stationery hampers, tablets and scholarships to pursue a 2D Animation course. The top (3) winning entries will also have the honour of being screened at the 2017 Piton International Film Festival which is scheduled for next summer.

Interested youth (residing in Saint Lucia) are encouraged to visit the NCPC’s website and blog www.stluciancpc.org, www.ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com; call 468-5571/468-5576 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com for detailed information on the Competition and to download rules of entry and submission forms.

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Police have arrested three male individuals accused of burglarizing St. Mary’s College (SMC).

The police have also recovered one laptop belonging to the school.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) understands that as investigations continue, charges are expected to be laid.

Police Press Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte said that investigations are also leading to possible charges in reference to the incidents at the Castries Comprehensive School (CCSS).

On Monday, October 10, 2016 armed bandits tied up and physically assaulted the security guards that were on duty at SMC, before breaking into the school building.

SNO was told that the police had responded in good time, interrupting the burglary. But while shots were fired, the bandits still managed to escape.

Previously, two bandits scaled the school fence and attacked several form two students at SMC, robbing them of their valuables and cash. The students were on a short break when that incident occurred.

Meanwhile, bandits had also burglarized CCSS during October 1, 2016, making off with several pieces of electronic items and cash. The bandits also ransacked the entire school building.

One week before that, three men armed with cutlasses attacked two security guards at CCSS.

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PRESS RELEASE – Since 1988, Lions World Sight Day has raised awareness about the importance of eye health and the need for quality eye care services for all.

On this special day of service, Lions clubs around the world conduct sight-related projects including: vision screenings, eyeglass donations, restorative surgeries, eye health education programs, and the donation of assistive devices to those with vision impairment.

This year, Lions around the world are encouraged to organize their Lions World Sight Day activities in conjunction with the Lions World Wide Week of Service in Sight. Lions Week of Service for sight is dedicated to ending blindness and visual impairments.

Today the Castries Lions invited Nurse Denise Godden from the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association and guest Louise Percil, an Optometrist to talk to the Kindergarten and Grade one students of the RC Boys Infant School. The talk centered on the right foods to eat to ensure good eye health to caring for the eyes. This was followed by screening. Thirty students were screened out of which five were referred for further consultation.

Thanks to the Principal, staff and students for allowing us to share with them and to Denise and Louise for joining in this activity. In 2016 we are STRONGER TOGETHER in ending blindness and visual impairment.

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PRESS RELEASE – Henriette Geiger, the European Union’s Head of Unit for Development Coordination for Latin America and the Caribbean, accompanied by other official from the EU Delegation visited the Owen King EU Hospital for a status update of the readiness of the hospital for eventual opening.

The EU Officials were received by the Commissioning tea m for the new hospital, Senior Managers of the Victoria Hospital and staff of the National Authorizing Office attached to the Ministry of Economic Development.

Deputy National Authorizing Officer, Aviva St. Clair explained that the NAO’s Office acts as a bridge to facilitate dialog between the Government of St. Lucia and the European Union and to ensure all engagements and transactions follow EU rules and regulations.

“This project has been one of the most substantial projects that the European Union’s ever done in this part of the world and we’re very happy with the progress of it. We’re drawing the close at this point. We’ve installed all the equipment and we are just doing the final activities to ensure that the building is fully equipped and we stand ready to support the Ministry of Health in the process of commissioning the hospital and making it available to patients”

The Owen King EU Hospital is a long standing project of the EU which they hope could be brought to conclusion very soon. The EU delegation had earlier on Wednesday October 12th met with Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet who outlined the government’s vision and direction for healthcare in St. Lucia in relation to the new hospital.

“So for him it is key to find a sustainable solution to run the healthcare in the country. So the hospital in only one part of it. So we were looking at health insurance possibilities for all St. Lucians and for us the European Union it’s key to find a sustainable operating modality for the hospital because a lot of the investment of the European taxpayer has been invested here and I have to say that the hospital I see today is the nicest hospital I have ever seen.”

“So from a design point of view and a technical point of view, infrastructure point of view, not even talking about the view that cannot be paid by anything it’s priceless. I have to say it is a first rate facility and what we want to do is bring it into operation as soon as possible so all of St. Lucia can benefit from this facility.”

Geiger added that though the EU is eager to hand over the facility as early as possible, the EU is also cognizant of the high cost of running and maintaining the facility and prepared to stand by the Government of St. Lucia to bring this project to full realization.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Caribbean Committee Against Sex Crimes (CCASC) would like to take the opportunity to use the recent allegations of sexual assault levied against Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump to highlight issues relating to victims of sex crime.

While Mr. Donald Trump has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty we at the CCASC would like to emphasize the importance of supporting victims when they come forward with allegations of sexual assault.

According to the US. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2010-2014 (2015) Only 344 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police.

Two-thirds of sex crimes in the USA, therefore, go unreported.

Victims of sex crime face incredible barriers to breaking their silence but thankful there are numerous victims support organizations in the United States.

As we are seeing those victims who came forward in the media recently are facing accusations and incredible public scrutiny. Our hearts go out to those women who are undergoing these hardships in an effort to tell their story.

Unfortunately, in the Caribbean the quality of victims support available is not nearly as advanced as it is in the United States.  However, a similar narrative is often heard in the Caribbean:- a powerful man uses his authority to solicit or coerce sexual favors from persons within their control.

Victims of these sexual assaults may be men or women, boys or girls.

We would like to encourage those victims who can break their silence and seek to prosecute their abuser without risking life and limb to do so.

The more sex offenders we put behind bars the safer our societies will become.

We would like to encourage the legislative, political and business leaders of the Caribbean to provide more support for organizations that seek to support victims of sex crimes.

The benefit will be two-fold, victims get assistance in restoring their lives and the number of convictions of sex offenders will rise resulting in a safer society for all.

In conclusion, we would like to extend an invitation to all stakeholders who are willing to partner with us towards achieving the goal of a regional sex offenders registry in the Caribbean and a general reduction in sex crimes.

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PRESS RELEASE – The newly installed members of the Dennery North Constituency Council will be holding a series of community meetings from October 18 to November 16, 2016. The purpose of these meeting is three-fold:

1. To introduce the new Council members to constituents;

2. To share with constituents council’s plans for the two-year term; and

3. To hear from constituents what their needs are.

All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm on the days indicated below:

Community Venue Date

Thomazo Rose Tavern Tuesday,October 18, 2016

Grand Riviere Human Resource Development Centre Wednesday,October 19, 2016

Grand Ravine Rodney’s Dance Hall Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Richfond Open area next to Falco’s Place Wednesday, October 26, 2016

La Perle Glen’s Place Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Ti La Ressource/

Despin Despin Gap Wednesday, November 02, 2016

Oleon Oleon Gap Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Gadette/ Ti Gadette Gadette Day Care Centre Wednesday,November 09, 2016

Derniere Riviere/

Fond Mawee Cete Gap next to bus shelter Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Belmont Area next to playing field Wednesday, November 16, 2016

All residents are asked to make an extra special effort to attend the scheduled meetings.

Councillor Kisa McDonald indicates that in addition to the meetings, the council will complement its needs assessments through questionnaires and research on the ground.

The Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government endorses such activities in the interest of community empowerment, national development.

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Dwight Lay

PRESS RELEASE – The National Executive Council and members of the St.Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) would like to extent heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Dwight Lay who has recently been appointed General Council, Legal Unit of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Mr. Dwight Lay served as the President of the St.Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) between 2001-2003 with honor and distinction and has never ceased from lending assistance to our organization whenever called upon to do so.

We wish him well in this new position and are comforted by the fact, based on his performance as the CSA’s Chief Executive, that he will distinguish himself as an excellent team member of the Organization’s Legal Unit.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) Inc. wishes to inform the general public of its intention to undertake lines extension at Beausejour.

The following details are in accordance to the work schedule:

Date of commencement of work – Sunday 16th October, 2016
Time of commencement of work – 9:00 a.m.

The road will be closed during the execution of all works to facility a safe working environment for the workmen and excavation.

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc (WASCO) apologizes for any inconvenience this may caused.

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Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Honourable Bradly Felix

PRESS RELEASE – This year the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) embraced the local theme of “Media Sensitization” for World Standards Day, which was marked on Friday.

Head of Information with the SLBS Virnet St. Omer Fontenelle appealed to the media fraternity to propel the standards message via media coverage.

She emphasized that in so doing, the public will be kept informed about the work and related issues impacting the quality infrastructure on the island.

“The Bureau has become a one stop shop, the first point of reference, recall or contact when consumers have an issue or just to want make a suggestion,” she explained.

Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Honourable Bradly Felix made the observation that standards should not be a burden as it forms an integral part of daily life, ensuring people are safe and secure in all environments across the globe.

“The use of standards helps solve old and new problems facing humanity. Problems that if not resolved, would lead to chronic poverty and inefficiency in production systems. This year’s theme Standards Build Trust is I believe, very
appropriate and thought-provoking, especially as we seek to widen and deepen the  range of goods and services that St. Lucian enterprises export to the international community.”

Meantime, SLBS Director Mkabi Walcott reminded the gathering at Friday’s “Media Sensitization and Brunch with the SLBS” event of the role of the Bureau of Standards in key areas including Sustainable Development, Consumer
Protection, Quality Assurance, Accreditation Services and Conformity Assessment.

“The Bureau of Standards plays a pivotal role in relation to some of these services in so far as the national quality infrastructure is concerned but in addition, we are the agency that has taken on the responsibility to advocate and promote the development of a strong national quality infrastructure for Saint Lucia.”

Each year on 14 October, the members of the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Telecommunications Union – ITU, the EC and ISO – celebrate World Standards Day.

The international theme “Standards Build Trust” pays tribute to the collaborative efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide that develop the voluntary technical agreements that are published as international standards.

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PRESS RELEASE – Staff members at Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia came decked out in their pink outfits and pink ribbons on Friday the 14th October, as part of the group’s efforts to raise awareness of Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. On a global average a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes, and it claims a life every 13 minutes (American Cancer Society).

The #SandalsPinktober initiative was led by Sandals St. Lucia General Managers; Mr. Michael James, Mr. Winston Anderson and Mr. Christopher Elliott.

General Manager for Sandals Grande Winston Anderson gave details of the Caribbean Resort chain’s awareness activities.

“This is a matter of grave concern to us at Sandals and we are seeking to engage our team talents, the general Saint Lucian public and even our guests in spreading awareness and encouraging early testing.

“At Sandals Grande we are beginning with our pink day and continuing next Thursday with a free screening and mini-seminar in partnership with the Ministry of Health. This will create a platform for our women to come out in groups and take advantage of what is available,” Anderson said.

At Sandals Halcyon, the Human Resource team there enhanced the pink day exercise by creating an engaging platform in their staff area that highlighted the focus on the day with the display of three-foot-long pink cake depicting a woman’s torso. This was coupled with information sessions throughout the day and an active registration program for the upcoming annual CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure set to step off on October 23. Sandals is a Platinum Sponsor of this event.

“With a number of our team members having won the battle with Cancer, we are pleased to stand with them in support and recognition of this global challenge. We salute them for their victory and encourage all women in Saint Lucia to get examined at the earliest possible time,” said General Manager for Sandals Halcyon Christopher Elliott.

The team at Sandals Regency LaToc also supported the day’s activities by wearing pink and promoting both the upcoming free screening and mini-seminar as well as the walk. Focus on this end was also heavy on guest relations with General Manager Michael James leading the charge.

He said, “We are motivated by the many the survival of many and the continued fight of many others. I don’t believe that many of us truly understand the significance of this disease and it is not until it hits us personally that we pay attention. So we are encouraging all our team talents and the rest of Saint Lucia not to wait until it is too late. Get examined today.”

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PRESS RELEASE – The Caribbean Community will rally support for its Member States, Haiti and The Bahamas, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.

This was presented during CARICOM’s high level mission to both countries from October 11 – 13, 2016. The delegation which was led by Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRoque, also included; Mr Ronald Jackson, Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Honourable Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dr David Farrell, Principal of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).

Following meetings with the Governments of Haiti and The Bahamas, CARICOM has identified urgent matters for the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the two Member States.

According to Mr. Jackson, “With over 300 schools damaged throughout the affected areas in Haiti, it is being recommended that the Community focus its intervention on adopting at a minimum, a school in Les Cayes and Jeremie and making a contribution to the rehabilitation to include a feeding programme for a maximum of two (2) weeks catering to the children from those two schools displaced as a result of Matthew.”

Given the devastating impacts to particular areas in the SUD (South) department, CARICOM also agreed that attention should be placed on providing support to the severely affected areas of Les Cayes and Jeremie. To this end, resources are being garnered from Member States to provide the well needed support to the worst affected population in these 2 areas for a maximum period of one month.

Specific support from the Community will also include providing emergency supplies such as water, protein, starch, tarpaulin and support for babies. “The Community has also identified the lack of water supply as a major concern and will further explore among Member States and Community Institutions options for short-term interventions for providing potable water to the affected areas until water supply systems are brought back online”, added Mr. Jackson.

In The Bahamas, where the CDEMA Rapid Needs Assessment Teams (RNATs) were deployed between October 9th and 12th, 2016, several priorities were identified upon completion of their field mission. These range from short, medium to long term.

“The recommendations for the Caribbean Community support in The Bahamas are in the areas of rapid utility restoration, support for small farmers and fisherfolk and in early recovery assistance for lower income households”, said Mr. Jackson.

The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) in Haiti latest damage and injury report as of 14th October 2016 indicates the confirmed fatalities stand at 546, with 128 persons still missing and 439 injured. The number of persons in shelters remains at 175,509 in 4 Departments – Grand Anse (99,400), Nippes (7,866), Ouest (3,877) and Sud (64,366).

Just over a week after the powerful Hurricane Matthew devastated the southern peninsula of Haiti, the extent of losses and damage is still being analysed in order to assess the needs. The NEOC has begun the compilation of figures for the Needs List and the preliminary needs identified throughout all the impacted areas include: water, tarpaulin, hygiene kits, water purification tablets, vector control, bleach and medicines. Priorities for the Government remain the distribution of water, food and drugs to people in temporary shelters and the adversely affected communities. The restoration of roads and communications are also a Government priority.

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Kim St Rose

After months of constant debate across political lines, former magistrate Kim St Rose has vacated the post of attorney general (AG), having spent her last day on the job on Friday, it has been reported.

The circumstances for her departure were not immediately clear, but her absence will not be missed by the Allen Chastanet administration, as they have repeatedly said it was uncomfortable to work with her.

St. Rose, is the claimant in a case against Chastanet, alleging breach of trust and misfeasance in public office, and became part of his cabinet by default, a civil servant appointed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

The prime minister had said, “She finds it difficult to give any advice and has offered no advice on that matter.”

St Rose was appointed under the former Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration and her contract was renewed several months before the June, 2016 election. It was expected to last until 2018.

Economic Development Minister Guy Joseph recently stated that although St Rose sits in regular cabinet meetings, the government was not very confident that she will work in their best interest.

“Do you think she can properly advise the government on how to proceed with legal matters that she brought against current cabinet members in the time of the previous prime minister?” Joseph questioned.

However, Opposition Leader Phillip J. Pierre had called out government for its attack on St. Rose, arguing that the AG does not have to be in a cabinet meeting when political decisions are taken.

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PRESS RELEASE – The locally owned and operated resort chain, Bay Gardens Resorts, has rewarded Saint Lucian Sports Hero, Levern Spencer, with an all-inclusive weekend experience at the award winning Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa.

This reward is to honour her recent achievements at the 2016 Rio Olympics, in which she placed 6th in the High Jump competition, the highest placement for any athlete from the island. Bay Gardens Resorts continues to support Saint Lucian athletes who achieve great heights in their various sporting categories.

“We are proud to be associated with such a talented person like Levern and were thrilled with the recent performances she has displayed. Sport and especially athletics is one of the most important brand builders for Saint Lucia and as such it is in the spirt and fulfillment of our promise, that we have rewarded her achievements.– Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, Sanovnik Destang.

Bay Gardens Resorts promise is an example of the organizations keen interest in supporting and working with young Saint Lucian icons who inspire others to achieve the same.

Leven Spencer recently placed 3rd in the 2016 Zagreb IAAF World Challenge, as well as earned a silver medal at the Van Damme/Brussels Memorial Diamond League, soaring over the bar at 1.93 meters. This marked the 18th time that the star high jumper has jumped 1.90m or higher this past season and her 13th medal overall. She was the first Saint Lucian to qualify for an Olympic Final this past year.

The directors, management and staff of Bay Gardens Resorts would like to wish Levern Spencer good luck in their future endeavors.

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Kieron Pollard and Denesh Ramdin have joined the growing list of West Indies rejects, having been omitted from the 15-man squad for next month’s tri-series in Zimbabwe, which also features Sri Lanka.

They join the likes of former captains Daren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo in being ignored by Courtney Browne and the West Indies Cricket Board’s selection committee.

Pollard and Ramdin have ostensibly been dropped due to their poor returns in the recently concluded limited-overs series against Pakistan, which West Indies lost 0-3. Pollard scored 42 runs at a 14.00 average, and took one wicket in 12 overs. Ramdin, who was recalled to the ODI squad, had 79 runs at 26.33.

Those figures tell but part of the tale. For one thing, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) sacked former head coach Phil Simmons the very day the team left for the United Arab Emirates to face Pakistan, with resultant reports emerging of turmoil and a patent lack of leadership in the camp.

During Simmons’ last ODI series in charge, the home tri-series against Australia and South Africa, Pollard was the West Indies’ second most consistent batsman. He hit 205 runs at an average of 41.00, with two half centuries. Ramdin made 197 runs at 28.14 per innings, with a top score of 91.

Carlos Brathwaite, who was recently handed the West Indies T20 captaincy, made just 86 runs at an average of 17.20, despite batting in all seven matches. Against Pakistan, Brathwaite made just 29 in two matches, averaging 14.50. Brathwaite, aged 28, was retained for the Zimbabwe tour.

Unfortunately, another batsman who struggled against Pakistan was Saint Lucia’s Johnson Charles. He played two of the three fixtures, made 20 in one and two in the other, to average 11 at the top of the innings, after having been one of the top batsmen against Australia and South Africa.

Even Daren Sammy, who spent most of his 12-year international career batting down the order, stands comparison with Brathwaite and players like Evin Lewis, who made 22 runs in his sole innings against Pakistan, or current West Indies ODI captain, Jason Holder, with 58 runs from three innings.

Sammy, the former ODI captain, last played for the regional side in March 2015, against New Zealand. In 126 ODI contests over the course of his career, batting at number eight or lower, the 32-year-old scored 1871 runs, at an average of 24.94, and took 81 wickets at an average of 47.54.

2015 was one of Sammy’s strongest years. He hit 284 runs in 11 matches, including a career-best 89 against Ireland, averaging 35.50 for that relatively brief period. It was his second best year in terms of average production, despite his relatively sedentary run rate of 93.92 runs per 100 balls faced.

In 2015, Tony Cozier (now deceased) wrote that “Cameron and Pybus need to answer for West Indies’ on-field problems,” referring to WICB president Dave Cameron and director of cricket Richard Pybus. Rather than following Mr Cozier’s advice, the Board has since doubled down on the deafening silence.

The Zimbabwe series will begin on 14 November with a match between the hosts and Sri Lanka. West Indies’ first match in the series will be against Sri Lanka on 16 November. The final will be played on 27 November. It will certainly be interesting to see how this demoralised unit fares.

WI ODI squad for Zimbabwe: Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder (capt), Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels

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Whilst Saint Lucia is wrapping up one of its most prominent football competitions, the Blackheart / SLFA Tournament, action is just about to get underway in Grenada. The 8th annual Waggy T Super Knockout Tournament kicks off on Saturday at the National Stadium in St George’s.

There are two games on the slate, but one of the highlights of the evening will be 2015 Blackheart champions, Micoud, going up against Paradise FC International, the champions of Grenada.

Micoud were knocked out of this year’s Blackheart tournament at the quarterfinal stage, losing to Vieux Fort South on penalties after the game was 1-1 in full time, and 2-2 in extra time. It was the second time the defending champs had gone to extra time, having beaten the national under-20 team 1-0 in the last minute of their previous fixture.

Of course, it was a bit of role reversal from the Super League championship match earlier this year, when Micoud won the title 5-4 on spot kicks. The former Saint Lucia champions had also won the Saint Lucia Football Association’s Fantasy League series to become triple champions within the space of a year. They will hope to get back to winning ways in Grenada.

Following the Sunday evening matchup in St George’s, the crowd will be further entertained by Muddy, Squeeze Head, Dash, and – from Trinidad and Tobago – Destra Garcia, billed as The Queen Of Bacchanal.

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Keran John

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was stabbed to death at Mongouge, Choiseul.

The 31-year-old man was brutally stabbed on Saturday morning.

The man identified as Keran John, alias White Boy or Albinos died this morning, police officials have confirmed.

John was reportedly stabbed multiple times with a chisel by a teenager, who has since been arrested.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari made his controversial comments standing alongside one of the most powerful women in the world.

BBC – Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to criticism from his wife by saying she belongs in his kitchen.

On a visit to Germany, he said: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.”

Mr Buhari was standing next to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who seemed to glare at him.

Aisha Buhari had said she might not back her husband at the next election unless he got a grip on his government.

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TRINIDAD EXPRESS – A 15-year-old boy became the country’s latest murder victim af­ter he was shot dead out- side his Morvant apartment on Friday night.

Police said Joel Huggins, a pupil at Success Laventille Secondary School, was not the gunmen’s intended vic­tim but was killed after the shooter’s real target—Huggins’ elder brother —fled the scene and escaped upon spotting the shooters.

Officers said shortly before 10 p.m., Huggins and his brother were li­ming outside their Hou­sing Development Corporation (HDC) Building Four, Almond Court apartment when a group of men approached, but before they could open fire, Huggins’ brother ran from the scene.

It was at that point, police said, one of the men fired several shots which hit Huggins about the upper body.

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