The post Motor vehicle accident near Castries appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
At least three persons were injured following a traffic accident at the Morne Road, Castries this afternoon.
The accident involved a minibus and a car.
Details surrounding the accident are not immediately clear.
The post Motor vehicle accident near Castries appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
The post CARIBBEAN: Jamaica to introduce paint that bounces urine back on persons peeing appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
JAMAICA GLEANER – The national disgrace of persons, mainly men, urinating on public walls could be addressed if Jamaica copies a campaign introduced in Germany to wet persons who pee in public spaces.
And it could be more economical than the thousands of dollars which agencies such as the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) spend to clean the areas left ‘renk’ by persons with no pride.
Julia Staron and other members of the St Pauli Interest Community in Hamburg, Germany, poured their frustration into action, introducing to the district a hydrophobic paint which bounces water droplets off.
This means that a person runs the risk of wetting his pants and shoes if he tries to pee on a wall covered with this paint.
“The idea arose with a joint brainstorming of the district management and advertising agency and other representatives of the district,” Staron told The Sunday Gleaner from Hamburg last Tuesday.
“We have the most problems with male guests at St Pauli because it is an amusement and party district with about 24 million guests a year. We painted the walls and corners with this repellent lacquer,” said Staron.
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The post Mayor and Castries Constituency Council offices to be renovated appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – As part of efforts to rebrand the Castries Constituency Council and improve the working conditions of staff members and its services to the public, the Offices of the Mayor and the Castries Constituency Council will be undertaking works to its administrative building located on Peynier Street in Castries.
As a result of the scope of works to be undertaken, the front entrance of the building has been blocked off. Anyone wishing to access the Offices of the Mayor and Castries Constituency Council can do so through the back gate situated on High Street.
The Offices have been plagued with a termite infestation issue for several years now and by this rehabilitation the problem will finally be addressed to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for staffers and members of the public.
The Offices of the Mayor and the Castries Constituency Council would like to apologize for any inconvenience that is likely to arise as a result of the works and wants to reassure the public that all works will be executed with utmost efficiency and in the quickest possible time to allow for a smooth operational transition.
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The post Independence 38 activities continue in New York appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – The Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York is pleased to announce that last weekend’s Gospel Festival celebrating Saint Lucia’s thirty-eighth anniversary of independence was a resounding success.
The event, which was attended by scores of our fellow citizens, featured a number of Saint Lucian gospel entertainers, church groups, praise dancers, and cultural organizations. The consulate extends sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the Gospel Festival’s tremendous success.
The next activity on the Independence 38 Calendar is the Saint Lucian marketplace, to be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, from 6:00 PM. It will take place at the Saint Lucia House, 438 East 49th Street, in Brooklyn. Admission to this event is free.
The Saint Lucian marketplace, the first-ever event of its type, is designed to give Saint Lucian entrepreneurs of the Diaspora an opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services. The Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York encourages all Saint Lucians in the tri-state area to participate, and help strengthen bonds within our community.
For more details regarding upcoming Independence 38 activities, please contact the consulate, at 212.697.9360, ext. 203, or via e-mail, at sluconsulateny@govt.lc.
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The post Review of Vieux-Fort Comprehensive School’s performance at the National Awards appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – A newspaper caption in February of 2011 read “VFCSS has Done it Again!” This was because the school was celebrating excellence in style when Nicola Surage, Amanie Mathurin, Lianne Philbert, Gabriella Fontenelle, Yun Quan Li, Vercil Mathurin, Tresha Lionel and Marla Edward excelled in eight subject areas.
In that year, Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) walked away with twelve first place CSEC awards. This was after Javed Samuel, Jevanic Henry, Joel Charles, Indira Deonandan, Karen Badal and Nadia O’Riley had already blazed the trail for others like Stacey John and Dalsha Lafeuille to follow.
This year, VFCSS etched itself in our nation’s archives once again by capturing fifteen awards at the National Awards of Excellence ceremony held on January 17th, 2017 at the National Cultural Center. These achievements show the school to be a stellar learning institution where students are driven by a spirit of excellence that encompasses both academics and sports. To add, their performances are not limited to the national level as the students ranked among the top ten regionally.
In the area of Humanities, the following awards went to VFCSS: French (Soivensky Joseph), Biology (Soivensky Joseph), Agricultural Science (Tracey Moyston) and Integrated Science (Jemima Jn. Baptiste). Under the Outstanding Technical Vocational Awards, Amanda Adlain topped the island in the area of EDPM, as did Soivensky Joseph in Electrical and Electronic Technology. The award for Outstanding Social Sciences and Physical Education went to the Male Sports Personality of the period, Jn. Pierre Federick, who has also represented St. Lucia at the regional level in football.
VFCSS proved too that it has an Outstanding CAPE program. Of the ten 1st Year CAPE Awards recognized at this ceremony, VFCSS claimed five. The awardees included Dania Martelly, Mario Lulu, Shanley Robert, Pashann Alexander and Olivia Jn. Pierre. Though not awarded at this event, the school also captured the best performance in Digital Media.
The most coveted award – Most outstanding CSEC Performance – was also captured by an exceptional student, Tracey Moyston, of VFCSS. She topped the island with a total of 12 ones.
The committed educators at VFCSS who play a pivotal role in the outstanding performances of these students do not always feature at these ceremonies. However, this year, Miss Lydia Charlemagne was recognized as the Most Outstanding Teacher in District Six. The criteria for this award focused on outstanding commitment to the development of school, community and the island of St. Lucia.
The Principal and Staff of Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School are especially proud of the exemplary performances of all the awardees for the 2016 period and we wish them every success moving forward.
In keeping with the theme of excellence, we profit the opportunity to invite the general public to our Open Day exercise slated for Friday 24th February 2017 to see firsthand the skills, talents and abilities of the students of VFCSS on display. We urge you to come and witness what makes this school the Premiere Comprehensive School of choice and certainly the best school on the island of St. Lucia.
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The post CARIBBEAN: Partygoer performs sex act on cop’s gun in Jamaica appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
JAMAICA STAR – Acting Police Commissioner Novelette Grant has reacted with contempt to a video of a policeman allowing a woman to perform ‘oral sex’ on his M16 rifle.
The video, which has been making the rounds on social media, shows a woman using the tip of her tongue to caress the rifle.
Head of the Jamaica Constabulary (JCF) Corporate Communications Unit, Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, said the acting commissioner sent out an internal message to members of the force telling them that, that kind of behaviour was outrageous.
“The difficulty with the video is that we are not able to identify the individual,” she said. “If the person is identified, then severe actions will be taken, including dismissal.”
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The post Young St. Lucian couple launches EasyClickBooks.com to help students find textbooks appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed and providing them with these opportunities can be difficult, especially ensuring they have all the required textbooks.
Unfortunately, over 60% of our children don’t obtain all their textbooks. This in turn makes it difficult for them to participate in class and study.
www.EasyClickBooks.com would like to solve this problem. Here is how:
We are also offering you a book covering service where we cover label your books. No more will you have go through this task of covering books. On average, only $12.50 can cover all textbooks for 1 child. It gets better as we offer high picture quality labeling as well.
Just imagine your beautiful child’s face on his labeled textbook. Also, when you register on our website, you gain immediate access to past papers for Minimum Standards, Common Entrance and CXC all for FREE!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeMemNaT0_M
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The post Courts launches Valentines Day promotion appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
Valentines day background with champagne and roses
PRESS RELEASE – Customers of local furniture and electrical superstore, Courts St. Lucia will benefit from amazing deals and offers in celebration of the international day of love on February 14th 2017.
The company launched their annual Valentine’s promotion on Monday February 6th 2017 across all Courts stores in Saint Lucia, dubbed “Love is in the Air”.
Known and appreciated for offering the world’s best in appliances, furniture, electronics, eyewear and now tires, Courts St Lucia has truly diversified the way business is being done, not only in Saint Lucia but across the Caribbean where they operate. This promotion, which is characterized by amazing deals and offers will see customers who qualify paying absolutely “Nothing Down and Nothing Further for 30 Days.”
The highlight for this promotion however, is not just the fact that customers have a variety of options to choose from when selecting that gift for their special someone this Valentine’s Day… One lucky Courts customer, making a purchase during the promotion period will get a chance to win an “All-Expense Paid Romantic Getaway for two to the Spice Isle of Grenada”.
“Love is definitely in the Air” for customers of Courts…. All customers have to do to qualify for this grand prize, is to shop at Courts and purchase any item valued at $499 and over. You could be the winner! Shop Online with us at www.shopcourts.com or visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/courtsstlucia.
Courts Bringing Value Home
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The post BREAKING NEWS: Teen who attempted suicide disappears appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
A handwritten note was found at the home of the teen who attempted to take his own life.
The family of the 16-year-old-student of the Choiseul Secondary School who ingested the herbicide, Gramoxone a month ago, say they are trying to locate his whereabouts.
According to family members, the last time they saw him was about two weeks ago when he came at his grandmother’s home to collect his school bag, accompanied by a female social worker, who promised to get back in touch with them a few days later, but never did. They say she did not tell them under whose care he will be placed.
Donald Clery of Banse, Laborie, ingested the substance at his grandmother’s home with whom he was living at the time. As it relates to his health, his family said the doctor told them that his kidneys are affected.
“I don’t know where my grandson is…. I want to see him,” Donald’s grandmother, Anna Clery grieved.
Jennifer Clery, Donald’s sister said: “No member of the family knows the whereabouts of my brother. He has abandoned us…”
His uncle added that he has tried many times to reach him via his cellphone but to no avail.
Upon being discharged from the hospital, Donald did not returned to his grandmother’s home, but instead went to live with, Shermain Joseph, a family friend.
According to Joseph, she took him in because she was very concerned about his well-being.
She said after spending a few weeks with her, Donald went to Micoud at some friends and promised to return the same day but he never did.
She said the Department of Human Services has failed the young man, adding that it was aware of certain problems Donald was experiencing but did not take immediate and decisive action.
“The system has failed him,” she said.
Some of his close relatives and friends who know about his social life also felt that the system failed him. According to them, he was failed by his school, his family and the Department of Human services who were in a position to help him before he had attempted to commit suicide.
When contacted the Department of Human Services for comments on the matter, St. Lucia News Online was told that the matter is confidential.
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The post IMF predicts slow economic growth for St. Lucia in 2017 appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
The International Monetary Fund has predicted slow growth for St. Lucia in 2017 as reductions in various revenue generation means take hold.
The IMF expects the country to grow at a rate of 0.5% this year, 0.3 percentile points below last year’s recorded figure and more than 1.3 percentile points less than in 2015.
The IMF release came after a January 16-27 visit to St. Lucia for the annual Article IV consultation discussions on economic developments and macroeconomic policies.
“Despite weak tourism activity, unemployment continued to fall in 2016 and the economy is expected to experience positive albeit moderate growth in 2017. The authorities are designing a bold program of economic reforms which they intend to outline in the forthcoming budget . A credible medium-term fiscal consolidation plan and a rapid implementation of the reform agenda are needed to reduce policy uncertainty and ensure the success of the authorities’ economic program,” the IMF quoted on their website in their assessment of the country’s finances.
The IMF blamed the weak performance of the tourism sector for the growth issue being experienced and stated that the fall in unemployment in 2016 alone could not solely improve the economic position of St. Lucia.
The IMF however expects that strong performance in construction and agriculture will help the country to experience mildly positive results in 2017.
These two sectors were the primary reason for the fall in unemployment in 2016.
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The post Three-title author in Laureate’s Chair appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – As part of the 2017 Nobel Laureate Festival the Saint Lucia Writers Forum Features Mrs Margo Thomas in the Laureate’s Chair.
Mrs. Thomas Saint Lucia’s National Archivist is the author of three title.
Mrs. Thomas considers herself a closet writer who enjoys writing both prose and poetry. In 2000, she published Twin Peaks of Excellence in honour of Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureates, Sir Arthur Lewis and the Honourable Derek Walcott, in 2006, From Slavery to Freedom: Some Aspects of the Impact of Slavery on Saint Lucians and in 2013, Pioneers and Forerunners: Saint Lucia’s First Ladies and Paintings and Portraits: The National Portrait Gallery of Saint Lucia
She will present extract from her work and an exhibition of her artwork on the night of Tuesday February 7 at the Castries Central Library at 7pm.
The reading activity is free and open to the general public. All attendees are asked to be on time.
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The post Snap and Sell, a mobile marketplace for St. Lucians appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – Snap & Sell is a online marketplace that allows anyone to post goods they’re selling or find what others have to offer in St. Lucia.
Snap & Sell is a FREE to download and FREE to use mobile app for buyers and sellers alike. Selling an item is easy, simply snap a photo, add the price and description and post.
Sellers can be any person or business that wants to sell their used or new items in the marketplace. Sellers can post as many items as they like, there is no limit. A buyer can browse various categories of products posted by sellers. Find anything from used electronics like (phones, tablets, computers), to the latest products and deals offered by local businesses near you.
Businesses today have many ways of marketing and selling their products online, and with all that variety comes extra cost and complexity. Snap & Sell makes this easier with a simple process of getting your products to potential buyers for free and with a snap. Snap & Sell is a platform that allows businesses to catalog and manage their entire inventory and make it available to all in the marketplace. Businesses can also post their discounts alongside their products instantly making it a sure way of getting customers through the door.
In this economic climate many locals are looking for ways of bringing in more income. With Snap & Sell users can set up virtual shops in minutes and at no cost. Never before has there been a single service that allows St. Lucians to quickly sell their used items and make some extra money using their mobile phones. With a mobile marketplace locals can buy and sell like never before.
Snap & Sell was created by Glace Web to help locals make some money on unwanted items and increase commerce in businesses that need a new medium to reach potential customers. St. Lucia is the first step in a Caribbean wide initiative that will help people and businesses alike make money in a whole new way. Users can download the app in the Google Play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glaceweb.snap_sell&hl=en or visit the website at www.snap-sell.com .
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The post Unite for safer internet, says Flow appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – As the world observes Safer Internet Day today, leading telecommunications provider Flow is urging all stakeholders to join together to make the internet a better place for all, especially young children and teenagers.
“From cyberbullying to social networking, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and chooses a topic reflecting current concerns,” said Jeanelle William, acting Country Manager, Flow.
This year’s theme is ‘Be the Change: Unite for a Better Internet’.
“Safer Internet Day is celebrated by hundreds of countries around the world and at Flow, we are concentrating our efforts this year on promoting the healthy use of the internet and connectivity among our young people,” said Mrs William.
In some of its markets across the region, Flow will today deliver an interactive presentation about Safer Internet Day to Teachers, students and various Parent-Teacher Associations.
“The internet provides excellent learning and communication opportunities but it also opens the door to some unwanted elements,” said Mrs. William.
She added, “As the region’s leading telecommunications provider it is our responsibility to share our knowledge and provide relevant information as it relates to the effective and safe use of the internet. Our children are spending more and more time online, and with this trend, we are seeing a diversification in the dangers they face. Parents must make it a priority to familiarize themselves with the devices and media that their children are using.”
As part of Safer Internet Day activities, Flow is providing parents and children with safety tips on how to use the internet more safely. Here are just a few:
According to research conducted by internet security company ESET to mark Safer Internet Day, millions of children around the world are being exposed to a wide range of online threats at an increasingly young age, with less than half of parents using parental controls to block unsuitable material.
The research also noted that over the last eighteen months, almost eighty percent of parents bought their children an internet-enabled device. However, parental controls available within anti-virus software, online or the device itself are only being used by half of all parents.
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The post Man charged for killing father in Pavee appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
Ezra Smith being taken to court today.
A 26-year-old man charged with killing his father, appeared in the Gros Islet Magistrate’s Court today.
Ezra Smith is accused of stabbing his father, 51-year-old Charles Augustin, at their Pavee, Castries residence on Friday, Feb. 3.
A post mortem revealed that Augustin died as a result of hemorrhagic shock secondary to stab wound to the left chest, according to a police press release.
Charles Augustin (inset) died after being stabbed allegedly by one of his sons.
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The post BREAKING NEWS: Man charged with La Clery double homicide appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
Police have formally charged a man they had held for questioning in connection with killing of a couple in Active Hill, La Clery on February 1, 2017.
Police said Don Pierre Louis, who is in his 30s, was charged today.
Jeffery Cashim Abella, 26, and Sandrina Joseph, 29, were found dead in a bedroom. Joseph’s children reportedly found the couple after 6 a.m. on February 1.
A post mortem examination revealed that Joseph died as a result of brain injury secondary to traumatic head injury, and that Abella died as a result of traumatic brain injury secondary to multiple chop wounds to the head.
Louis is reportedly Joseph’s ex-boyfriend and father of her two children.
It is alleged that Louis had threatened Joseph’s life after he was released from prison.
The post BREAKING NEWS: Man charged with La Clery double homicide appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
The post BREAKING NEWS: Double homicide accused expresses displeasure with media appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
Don Pierre Louis, who has been charged with the double homicide in La Clery, was not pleased to see the media when he made his first appearance at court today.
Louis reportedly hissed his teeth and frowned when he saw reporters.
The 37-year-old La Pansee, Castries resident has been charged with two counts of capital murder. Bail was denied and he was remanded until his next court date on March 2.
Jeffery Cashim Abella, 26, and Sandrina Joseph, 29, were found dead in a bedroom. Joseph’s children reportedly found the couple after 6 a.m. on February 1.
A post mortem examination revealed that Joseph died as a result of brain injury secondary to traumatic head injury, and that Abella died as a result of traumatic brain injury secondary to multiple chop wounds to the head.
Louis is reportedly Joseph’s ex-boyfriend and father of her two children.
It is alleged that Louis had threatened Joseph’s life after he was released from prison.
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The post Documentary by St. Lucian Filmmaker Kendal John to be featured in New York appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – In observance of Saint Lucia’s thirty-eighth year of independence, the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in New York invites all nationals and friends of Saint Lucia in the tri-state area to a screening ofWho are You?, a documentary by Saint Lucian filmmaker Kendal John exploring the island’s rich history and culture.
This groundbreaking film will have two showings, on Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12, 2017, starting at4:00 PM. Both will take place at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center, One East 42nd Street in Manhattan.
“The consulate takes great pride in having Who Are You? included in this year’s festivities. It is a wonderful and loving tribute to our nation and its people,” says Jeremiah Hyacinth, Vice Consul at the Saint Lucia Consulate in New York.
Who Are You? recounts the fascinating history of our enchanted country, discusses the origins of its longstanding customs and traditions, and explores the magnificent architecture and abundant natural beauty that has made Saint Lucia one of the Caribbean’s most beloved tourist destinations. By drawing attention to the rich cultural tapestry that makes our homeland so unique, it becomes much more than a travelogue. Featured are interviews with local historians and scholars, providing intriguing and little-known insights about virtually every facet of Saint Lucian life.
Adds Mr. Hyacinth, “I am certain that every Saint Lucian will find this film every bit as entertaining and educational, eye-opening and compelling as I did. You, your family and friends, and anyone seeking to learn more about our lovely and fascinating country are encouraged to attend.”
For tickets and more information about attending the screening of Who are You?, please contact the Consulate General of Saint Lucia, via e-mail, at sluconsulateny@govt.lc, or by phone, at 212.697.9360, ext. 203.
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The post “Where is the comparison, Prime Minister?” – SLP appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PM Allen Chastanet
PRESS RELEASE – Yesterday, during his rebuttal to the debate on amendments to the Elections Act, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet read into the records of the House of Assembly, a letter from former Prime Minister, Dr Kenny D. Anthony, to a Mr. Robert Ainsworth, a developer who had proposed to purchase Le Paradis Hotel and acquire some 1000 acres of land by lease or purchase in the “south” of the island to establish a pharmaceutical industry.
The Prime Minister did so to justify his actions in signing an agreement with DSH without adequate discussion.
The Saint Lucia Labour Party knows that the letter was made available to the Press several weeks ago and has been prominently featured on social media by United Pac, the UWP Women’s Arm .
The Saint Lucia Labour Party is satisfied that the Speaker of the House was wrong to allow the Prime Minister to do so in a closing speech in a debate on a completely unrelated matter but it understands the Speaker’s is reluctance to overrule the Leader of the UWP.
However, it really boggles the mind that the Prime Minister should construe such a letter as an “agreement”. This letter, described as a “Comfort Letter,” is normally provided to developers who wish to explore investments. Nowhere in this letter would any sane individual, see any suggestion that the letter constitutes an “agreement” between Mr. Ainsworth and the Government of Saint Lucia. Indeed, the letter notes the intention of the developer to “also acquire by lease or purchase primarily to the south of the island.” How then does that equate to giving away 850 acres of land in Vieux Fort to DSH at a lease of US$1.00 per acre for ninety nine years like the government has done.
Furthermore, where in this “Letter of Comfort” to Mr. Ainsworth is there any undertaking that Mr. Ainsworth could take money from the sale of Saint Lucian passports and put it in an Escrow Account in a bank outside of Saint Lucia as the government has guaranteed the developer of DSH?
The Saint Lucia Labour Party will not stand by and allow the government to give away the lands of the people of Saint Lucia for a pittance and will use every means provided by law to ensure that the DSH Agreement is RENEGOTIATED to remove its offensive provisions.
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The post Government rolls out extensive calendar of activities for 38th Independence Anniversary appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
PRESS RELEASE – The programme of activities marking the Celebration of Saint Lucia’s 38th Independence Anniversary covers the length and breadth of the country, catering to families, communities and local organisations.
At the Monday February 6th launch of the activities and the unveiling of the logo and theme, Minister in the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation Honourable Fortuna Belrose called on persons to engage in reflection on what this significant occasion means. Speaking from NTN Studios, the Minister also called on all Saint Lucians to embrace the activities and show their support for their homeland.
“As citizens of fair Helen, we must all be concerned about where our country is, where it is headed, and most importantly the role that we each must and can play in keeping it on track,” stated Minister Belrose.
Minister Belrose told the gathering that Independence is a time “when we put our differences aside, and focus, on the things that make us unique and hard core Lucian.”
“This year we have created an abundance of opportunities for you to engage, to learn and get the right orientation about us Lucians, about our history and our heritage as a people, so that you can truly evaluate where you are and rethink how you can become meaningfully involved in the development of your country.”
The Minister also noted two other important milestones for our country for 2017 which is the 50th anniversary of the flag which was designed by Dunstan St. Omer on the attainment of statehood in 1967 and the 50th anniversary of the elevation of Castries to a city.
Following the Minister’s opening remarks, Permanent Secretary in the department of Culture and Local Government Mr. Donovan Williams had the honour of unveiling the activities.
He announced that the theme chosen is “I Am Saint Lucia” and gave a justification.
“It should be one that engages people,” PS Williams said of the theme. “We also felt for the theme to be truly relevant it had to be a statement of intent and an opportunity to reflect and allow our people to give different perspectives on it . . . The point that it makes to all of us is one we should keep with us beyond this celebration but throughout the year. Ultimately Saint Lucia is what we, individually and collectively, make of it. So when we say ‘I Am Saint Lucia’ if we contribute to the positives, we will have a positive Saint Lucia, if we contribute to the negatives, we will have a negative Saint Lucia. The time is right for us to have a serious discussion and dialogue about what we want Saint Lucia to be.”
Mr. Williams explained that the Calendar of Activities distributed to the press was but a snapshot of the activities.
“We have been inundated with initiatives for inclusion,” said the Permanent Secretary. “The diversity of the activities is impressive, not just by the type of activities but because of where they are coming from. In an era where we have often spoken about being Castries and north-centric to ensuring that we span all of the regions in our country . . . this set of activities is very much representative of that.”
Like the Minister, PS Williams called for a high level of participation from citizens.
“We are what Saint Lucia is to be and so the theme ‘I am Saint Lucia’ must be part of how we look at Independence and how we engage more and more persons so that in the end it is the positive spirit that we bring to bear that will re-down to the benefit of our country Saint Lucia.”
The Permanent Secretary also thanked members of the Standing National Independence Advisory Committee (S.N.I.A.C.) for their hard work over the last few months.
Enthusiastic organizers of activities throughout the island then had the opportunity to present their exciting line-up. Among them were the several sporting activities which were highlighted by Tennyson Glasgow which includes a Table Tennis Championship, Independence Netball Tournament, National Sports Awards, Rugby Sevens Tournament, Invitational Football Tournament and more!
Members of the Drag Race fraternity were also on hand to speak of their activities as well as the Trail Finders Off Road Club and the Saint Lucia Moto X Club. The Northern Long Distance Walking Group invited persons to join them for the Independence Walk-a-thon which is a round the island walk which starts February 21st.
A special feature of this year’s activities will be “Prayer, Praise and Worship” Celebration which is hoping to bring together persons from all denominations on February 19th.
February 21st has officially been designated as National Colours Day and is also the day of the Independence Youth Exposé which is set for William Peter Boulevard. Other major activities include the Prime Minister’s Grand Independence Ball and an exciting new addition, “The Best of Saint Lucia”. The activities also stretch to end of February with the Beach Bash on February 26th and the Order of Saint Lucia Investiture Ceremony.
By the end of the launch it was clear that the activity calendar is jam-packed with so many other activities happening to mark the Nation’s 38th.
To find out more about Independence activities and see the full schedule please visit: www.govt.lc
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The post Student who ingested Gramoxone is in safe hands, say sources appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
The Choiseul Secondary School student who ingested the weed killer, Gramoxone, is now in a safer environment.
That’s according to several sources, some of whom claim to be close to the situation.
Donald Clery, no longer lives with his grandmother in Laborie. He was taken to another home by the Department of Human Services, where many believed may be “better” than where he lived in Laborie.
The 16-year-old was reported missing by close relatives. They claimed the last time they saw him was about two weeks ago when he came at his grandmother’s home to collect his school bag, accompanied by a female social worker, who promised to get back in touch with them a few days later, but never did. And calls to Donald’s phone went unanswered.
However, since the news broke about his disappearance, sources, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, said he is safe but declined to say in which community the student is living. According to them, such information will do more harm to the student who is unable to cope with any more publicity.
“Donald is safe where he is. He has attended school and has not disappeared. There are people out there who are willing to help him…” a source said.
Another source said it may be better for his whereabouts be kept away from certain members of his family for the benefit of his general well-being.
“I don’t think where he was living in Laborie was the right place for him…” the source added.
According to the source, the boy needed help which he could not obtain in that particular environment.
In an interview with his grandmother, Anna Clery, a few days after the incident, it was quite obvious that Donald needed help which was not available in the environment he was living.
“Now is the time for us to help the young man. Forget about the negative comments you read on social media and elsewhere…,” the source added.
According to the various sources, once the Department of Social Services keeps a keen eye on the boy, his general well-being will be improved.
They all wished him well and called on everyone to be sensitive to his plight.
Saint Lucia News Online has confirmed that the student has continued his schooling.
The post Student who ingested Gramoxone is in safe hands, say sources appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.
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