The post Flow salutes record-setting Levern Spencer appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – Flow has lavished praised on its Brand Ambassador and Saint Lucia’s most victorious athlete, Levern Spencer, following her success in capturing the Sportswoman of the Year award for the record 14^th time at last weekend’s National Sports Awards ceremony.

Levern’s achievement sparked a flurry of tributes to an athlete who, with a plethora of medals, regional, international, and world titles to her name, has a claim to being the Caribbean and the Commonwealth’s greatest female high-jumper.

On receiving her award at last week’s presentation, Levern expressed her gratitude for the support she has received from Flow throughout her athletic career and said the company had played a big part in helping her achieve her dreams. She thanked her family and management team, and all who have supported and followed her career over the years, for their faith and encouragement. Following her historic success in 2016, Levern said she is looking forward to qualifying for the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, England.

Johnson Charles was presented with the Sportsman of the Year award for 2016. Johnel Eugene was declared Junior Sportsman of the Year for the second consecutive year, whilst swimmer, Katie Kyle was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

Terry Finisterre, Flow Saint Lucia acting Marketing & Communications Executive, said the company was absolutely thrilled at the announcement of Levern’s latest title.

“We are extremely proud of Levern and feel humbled to have played a part in her amazing career. Over the years, Levern has carried the expectations of an entire nation on her shoulders and did so with grace and humility. Certainly at this point there can be no doubt that Levern Spencer is one of the finest athletes Saint Lucia and the Caribbean have ever seen. She can be incredibly proud of what she has achieved thus far,” said Finisterre.

Flow has been Levern Spencer’s sponsor for many years, providing her with financial and telecommunications support to assist with her athletic development and education.

Last year, Flow signed regional endorsement deals with Levern and several other Caribbean athletes who competed in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Just before the Games, Flow launched a documentary featuring Levern’s athletic development and her rise to stardom. Videos of other Flow Ambassadors’ Olympic journey were also released.

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The post Taiwan gift of computers helps students in St. Lucia appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – Students at a hospitality training school in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia are learning with the help of 35 new computer work stations, a gift made possible by Ambassador Ray Mou of the Republic of China (Taiwan), a diplomatic representative in St. Lucia.

The workstations from California-based Ncomputing can turn one PC into a multi-user host with up to seven work stations. Each workstation has a monitor, keyboard and a mouse to provide computer access to students.

The workstations were delivered by Food For The Poor to the Caribbean Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute in January.

“The people and the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) are a tremendous people with a generous spirit. Food For The Poor is extremely grateful for the support they have provided over the years,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor. “We also are extremely thankful to Ambassador Ray Mou for what he has done for us, and for so many.”

The Caribbean Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute is a private educational institution in the southern part of St. Lucia, providing a range of customized training, academic programs and professional certifications.

The new computers will give the students access to the Internet and an essential platform for job-hunting and furthering their education.

D’Anthony Charles, the institute’s Executive Director, thanked the embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in St. Lucia, Caritas, and Food For The Poor for making the gift possible.

“Unfortunately, in these dire economic times, the ability of school systems such as ours to get the tools necessary to help our students is imperiled,” Charles said. “This generous donation by your organization will always be treasured.”

Food For The Poor has been working to serve the people of St. Lucia for more than three decades. Thanks to the charity’s in-country partnership with Caritas, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and donors of Food For The Poor, students will have the computer tools and access to the Internet they need to succeed.

In addition to the 30 workstations donated to the institute, Food For The Poor also has provided 30 solar and 30 electric-powered Ncomputing systems to 60 primary and secondary schools in St. Lucia.

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. Over the last 10 years, fundraising and other administrative costs averaged less than 5% of our expenses; more than 95% of all donations went directly to programs that help the poor. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

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The post Boys Training Centre (BTC) celebrated 57th anniversary appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – The Boys Training Centre (BTC) celebrated their 57th Anniversary on Monday February 20th, 2017. The Celebrations commenced with a church service at the Gros – Islet Roman Catholic Church followed by a small exhibition at the Centre.

BTC Manager:

“Today as part of our 57th Anniversary of the Centre we held a church service for the wards, staff and invited guest. For and Institution to get to that Age we must give thanks to GOD”

The BTC falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports Culture and Local Government. The Permanent Secretary in The Ministry, Mr. Donavan Williams noted that some of the boys coming out of BTC had turned out to be productive citizens in society. He then emphasised the need for the Ministry to create a better learning environment for those boys.

“A number of boys who have gone through this Centre have turned out to be productive Citizens of this country and so for me, part of that celebration is to reflect as part of our job to create the Environment to become productive. It is not just about the boys physical environment in terms of the types of programmes we want to institute, and I thinks if we can do that we will ensure that when these boys leave BTC they are productive members of our society .”

The Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports Culture and Local Government and Parliamentary Representative for Gros – Islet Hon. Leonard Montoute stated that there should be more integration between BTC boys and the Gros –Islet sporting Community.

“As Parliamentary Representative of Gros Islet I will be doing my best to ensure that we involve them in some of the activities that take place for example sporting activities and musical performances so that they can feel that they are part of the wider community.”
The Boys training Centre, was established in 1960 under the name Massade Industrial School. The name “Massade Industrial School” was changed to “The Boys Training Centre” in 1976. To date, it is still the only residential centre for troubled boys in Saint Lucia.

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The post Police praises public for arrests in Vieux Fort shooting appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

R: 125 G: 255 B: 193 X:54188 Y: 0 S: 460 Z: 113 F: 100

The Vieux-Fort police are attributing their recent arrest of two men during their investigations into the shooting of a resident of Vieux-Fort on Monday morning to the cooperation of the public.

“The public has given us a 100 percent cooperation, as it relates to such incident. Had it not been for their assistance the arrest would not have been made…” Inspector Marcelinus Leonce of the Vieux-Fort Police Station told St. Lucia News Online today (Tuesday).

Tisha Collymore was shot in her leg by a man, who with another, attempted to rob her and her male companion. The suspects, both residents of Vieux-Fort, were held the day after the incident.

The men have not been charged in connection with the incident, but according to Inspector Leonce, one of them will soon be charged for having in his possession an illegal firearm and one round of live ammunition, while further investigations into the matter will determine whether they will be charged for the shooting of Collymore.

The inspector said the .357 magnum, which was found in one of the suspect’s possession, was cocked at the time of its discovery at his premises at La Tourney, Vieux-Fort.

According to Leonce, the firearm will now have to be tested to determine whether it is connected to the incident.

Leonce said he hopes the public will continue to cooperate with the Vieux-Fort police in fighting crime in the community.

“I want to encourage the public to continue assisting us… All information given to us will be kept confidential,” Leonce said.

He added that crime is everyone’s business so everyone should play a part in creating a safe environment for the citizens of this country.

Leonce lamented that a lack of resources to fight crime has made their work very challenging.

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The post St. Lucia Olympic Committee makes big contribution to boxing gym project appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) is pleased to have received a major financial contribution from Saint Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC), towards the ongoing project to upgrade the National Boxing Gymnasium.

On Monday February 20, 2017, the SLOC presented a cheque of $15,000EC to the SLBA following assessment of a request for assistance.

SLOC President Sen. Hon. Fortuna Belrose said her organisation recognises the importance of the ongoing project for the advancement of the sport of boxing in Saint Lucia. She added that the SLOC was pleased to support this worthwhile effort of one of its members and eagerly anticipates the completion of the project.

The cheque was received by the 2nd Vice President and Public Relations Officer of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association Mr Shannon Lebourne. In receiving the cheque he expressed gratitude to the SLOC for its contribution which will go a long way in advancing the project. Mr Lebourne also reaffirmed the SLBA`s commitment to ensuring the donated funds are prudently managed.

To date, this is by far the biggest donation towards the boxing gym project. The funds will be used to get the project up to the “ring beam” in preparation for the installation of a new roof.

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The post Beausejour Agriculture workers accuse management of victimisation appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

The Beausejour Agriculture Complex

After one week of industrial action, workers at the Beausejour Agriculture Complex in Vieux-Fort still have no inkling when their occupational health and safety issues will be addressed.

And they are determined to stay off their jobs until the situation improves at their work place. They described the dilapidated building in which they work “an eyesore”.

According to the workers, the building is infested with all types of rodents.

Last week, the Labour Department deemed the place unfit for work.

The concerned workers allege that they’re are now being victimised for fighting for their rights. Tyson St. Rose, a shop stewart for the daily paid workers, said two of the most senior staff were asked not to work their usual Saturday and Sunday shift by management of the complex, which has never happened before.

The two workers were replaced by two junior staff who had been working at the complex for less than six months. Tyson said workers who have worked at the complex for less than six months are not allowed to work on Saturdays and Sundays.

“This is strange. That has never happened before…” St. Rose said.

He added that the two senior workers were told not to work the shift on Friday evening.

St. Rose said he has informed their bargaining agent, the National Workers Union (NWU) of the matter, and is awaiting word from them.

A staff in another department told St. Lucia News Online that it is quite clear that management of the complex is unhappy with the action they took in a bid to have their plight given some attention.

Efforts to reach Vernon Valmont, the farm manager at the complex, was futile.

Currently, the daily paid workers report for work every morning to feed the animals and after return to their homes. This was the advice given to them by their union.

At a meeting with the workers last week, head of the department, Dr. Oria King, told them that renovation of the building would of begun yesterday (Monday) but so far nothing has happened.

The workers say they understood that in the interim, a new location will be sought for them to operate from.

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The post Transforming conflict into courageous collaboration appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – Celestial Self Development Centre has collaborated with Bridges Global a consultancy company based in Ontario, Canada to present a 1 day workshop entitled “Leadership Excellence: Transforming Conflict into Courageous Collaboration”.

This highly engaging workshop is designed for all leaders, regardless of role, who understand that relational intelligence is the key to catalyzing people into inspired action.  Since differences are inevitable, conflict mastery is a crucial skill-set that makes or breaks our ability to have impact.

Bridges Global works with leaders who want to unleash people potential.  It is through nurturing relationships that we innovate, excel and thrive. Bridges Global offers a comprehensive set of consulting services which are designed to bridge individual growth to organizational and community growth.

The workshop will be facilitated by founder and Director of Bridges Global, Ms. Elizabeth Soltis, a gifted consultant, facilitator and coach.

Elizabeth is a dedicated facilitator with expertise in leadership development, teamwork, emotional intelligence, partnership-building, conflict resolution and high performance. She has a keen interest in bridging transformative leadership to positive change results.  In all sectors, Elizabeth support clients in collaborating and innovating, conversing about issues that matter.  As a courageous doer and thinker, she helps teams define where they are now, where they want to be and an empowering path to get there. Her mission is to co-create workplaces where people can thrive.

Join us in this dynamic conversation intended to support leaders in reframing conflict as an opportunity for healthy collaboration at the Palm Haven Hotel, Rodney Bay on Wednesday 01st March 2017 from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

For more information and to register contact Celestial Self Development Centre 453-1924 or celestial@candw.lc.

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The post BREAKING NEWS: Pedestrian hit by truck appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

A 51-year-old pedestrian was hit by a truck on Darling Road, Castries around 7 p.m. today (Tuesday), officials have said.

The victim, Martin Williams, was transported to Victoria Hospital by ambulance in serious condition, officials said.

He reportedly sustained injuries to his head, chest and left arm.

Williams was reportedly heading into city central by foot when he was struck, an eyewitness said.

Meanwhile, in another traffic accident, two persons on a motorcycle sustained injuries when their vehicle ran into an Escudo sports utility vehicle around 8 p.m. yesterday. The condition of the injured are not known.

A witness told St. Lucia News Online that the driver of the Escudo appeared “stunned” from the impact, but was not injured.

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The post Ricky T releases Independence present to St. Lucia appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – Saint Lucia’s Ricky T has released an Independence 38 tribute to his homeland called “Sweet St Lucia”.

This is the first song Ricky T has recorded about Saint Lucia. On its own, this makes the song a standout in a career that spans decades and has been full of accolades. Perhaps influenced by his long absences from home this past year while on an extended world-wide tour for his 2016 hit “Freaky Girls” or a burning desire to proudly declare his Nationality – this Independence treat is a welcome departure from Ricky T’s norm.

But don’t be fooled – “Sweet St Lucia” is not typical of the “National Song genre” because it is a patriotic ode done Ricky T style. And while he namedrops places and events and talks about what makes us all quintessentially Lucian, he does it in a way that highlights everything from our love of pork and rum, feting till we drunk as well as our festivals, heroes and culture.

Ricky T also proudly calls out the community of Faud-A-Chaud where he grew up and compels all Saint Lucians in keeping with the Independence 38 theme of “I Am Saint Lucia” to “Stand Up Proud/Look – and look good!”

Writing from Trinidad, Ricky T reflects on what he loves and misses about us, about home because “Sweet St Lucia” is about knowing and holding on to what makes us a United Saint Lucia.

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The post PHOTO UPDATE: Fire at Gros Islet Pre-School appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

The Gros Islet Pre-School sustained extensive damage as a result of a fire this afternoon.

The incident is said to have occurred after 2 p.m.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear.

More details as soon as it becomes available.

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The post BREAKING NEWS: Accident on Bexon Highway appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

At least one person is injured after a motorcycle collided with a minibus near the Bexon Health Centre on the Bexon Highway a few minutes ago.

The man, believed to be the motorcyclist, was reportedly still on the ground at the time of filing this report.

The accident occurred around 9 p.m.

More details as soon as they become available.

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The post BREAKING NEWS: Another motor vehicle accident – Dennery appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

A motor vehicle accident has occurred near the gas station in Richfond, Dennery.

Reports are that a motor vehicle ran into a pole and several persons are trapped.

Their condition is unknown at this time.

The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m.

Emergency response units from Micoud and Dennery are on the scene.

More details as soon as they become available.

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The post INTERNATIONAL: Giant cannabis factory found in nuclear bunker in England appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

BBC – A large-scale cannabis factory has been found in an underground former nuclear bunker, Wiltshire police have said.

Several thousand cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £1m were seized in a raid on RGHQ Chilmark.

Six men were arrested on suspicion of cannabis production following the midnight raid on Wednesday.

There are 20 rooms in the building with almost every one converted for the wholesale production of cannabis plants, police said.

The former Ministry of Defence bunker was built in the 1980s to protect local dignitaries and government officials in the event of a nuclear attack.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

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The post CARIBBEAN: Former Jamaican minister wants Kartel’s music banned from the airwaves appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

NATIONWIDE RADIO – Opposition Spokesperson on Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, believes Vybz Kartel’s music should be banned from public airwaves, as he’s a convicted murderer.

Ms. Hanna disclosed her view in an interview last evening on Nationwide @5, responding to a question from Cliff Hughes.

Vybz Kartel, who’s real name is Adijah Palmer, is serving a life sentence in prison for murder.

Ms. Hanna is also concerned about how he’s seemingly been able to produce music from behind bars.

Ms. Hanna’s comments come amid a discussion about how violence in the country is intertwined with certain negative aspects of popular culture.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

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The post CARIBBEAN: Man on bail for beating wife with iron bar in Guyana appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

GUYANA CHRONICLES – On the day set aside for love, February 14th, Chitralekha Roopan 32, of Number 72 Village, Corentyne Berbice nearly lost her life at the hands of her reputed husband after being brutally beaten with an iron bar and other equipment.

Her reputed husband,Mahendra Heralall,called ‘Shakal’, 35 who inflicted the injuries to Roopan in the presence of his alleged lover went into hiding.

He was later found and arrested on Monday and placed before the courts on Tuesday where he was granted $50,000 bail and ordered that he maintains a distance of 100 away from her at all times until the next court appearance on March 4th by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s court.

His release on bail has angered many who described it as him “getting off easily,” one relative commented. According to Roopan, she believes her husband, who is a welder/fabricator, is having an affair for over two years now with another woman. She related that the woman, whose husband is overseas, would usually sleep over by their house from time to time.

She noted that they are extremely close and would usually be touching each other inappropriately. She said many times the woman and her hubsand would fall asleep on the couch. Roopan explained that whenever she says anything or bring it up she is abused by Heralall. “If I see anything and talk me get lash fuh dat,” she explained.

Roopan recalled that on Valentine’s evening they had a minor argument and Heralall left to go out on the road.

“It was Valentines and he left to go to work in Skeldon so when he was leaving he told the girl (the alleged lover) that if she gets him a Valentine gift he would take her and me out to dinner. He told me not to cook so I did not.

As I got late I told him to buy food bring it but he came home from work after 06:30 and did not bring food so I told him he should have told me and I would cook but he was angry and I left to go start cooking, then he got dressed and walk out so told him he better eat because if is me alone I won’t cook since he would usually come home like 3:30 the next morning.”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

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The post UPDATED: Victim of Ravine Poisson accident identified appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

A male truck driver was injured in a two-vehicle accident in Ravine Poisson this afternoon.

The victim, 21-year-old Kern Richard of Monchy, Gros Islet, was trapped following a head-on collision between a Toyota Hilux pickup and an Isuzu MPR truck, according to official and eyewitness accounts.

Richard sustained injuries to the upper and lower right side of his body, the witness said.

He was transported to Victoria Hospital via ambulance, but his condition is unknown at this time.

The accident occurred around 3:30 p.m., near the Barre de l’Isle.

No further details available.

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The post Soufriere Foundation and CSA begin industrial negotiations appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) officially commenced industrial negotiations for the triennium September 1st, 2015 to August 31st, 2018 on Tuesday, February 21st 2017, with the St Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA).

Both parties expressed mutual sentiments on the cordiality of the initial meeting and intimated their desire on seeing negotiations completed within the next few weeks.

According to Mr. Jimmy Haynes, Executive Director of the SRDF, “we are extremely happy to have began negotiations, the business of the staff has been left in abeyance for the past two years and the organization is committed to having an agreement which seeks to ensure the financial status and sustainability of the SRDF in addition to addressing fair pay, fringe benefits and the working conditions of staff members.”

The Shop Steward contingent representing the organization also expressed their relief on seeing the commencement of overdue negotiations, “the staff is eagerly waiting for the completion and signing of the new agreement, we recognize the necessity for mutual agreement between all sides in the interest of all and sundry,” said Carsander Phaeton, Assistant Shop Steward.

There are currently 169 persons employed at the SRDF.

The Soufriere Foundation is a non-profit company located in Soufriere. Its mandate is to undertake social, cultural, human resource, tourism and infrastructure development in the Soufriere area.  The organization which was established in 1993 generates revenues from its operational sites: the Sulphur Springs Park, Gros Piton Nature Trail, Comfort Center, Soufriere jetties and 88.5 Soufriere FM.

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The post Canadian, Caribbean leaders to be honoured at eighth annual Toronto Benefit Gala appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – The University of the West Indies today announced leaders of Canadian and Caribbean heritage to be honored at the eighth annual Toronto Benefit Gala, on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, hosted by CBC News Anchor Dwight Drummond.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa, will receive the Luminary Award. This award is given to people of Caribbean Heritage who are outstanding achievers on an international scale in their respective fields or people who have brought prominence to the Caribbean or to issues which affect the Region.

Archbishop Tutu has a strong passion for social justice, starting with his unflinching activism against Apartheid since the early 1970s, as the first Black Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and as Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. He has also used his high-profile position to campaign globally for poverty, HIV/AIDS, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and land rights. This is the second time UWI is recognizing the Archbishop for his accomplishments as he received an honorary degree from the university in 1986. Other prestigious acknowledgements he has received include the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He will be represented at the UWI Toronto Gala by his daughter, Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth.

Canadian Senator Murray Sinclair will receive the G. Raymond Chang Award. The G. Raymond Chang award was established to honour outstanding individuals who exemplify the leadership and ideals of G. Raymond Chang (1948-2015). Mr. Chang was a recognized outstanding business leader and philanthropist who embodied great humility and commitment to his fellow persons. Chang, who passed away in July 2014, was the UWI Gala’s patron for five years.

Senator Sinclair served as the Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), documenting the history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system that affected the lives of more than 6000 indigenous women and men of First Nations, Inuit and Métis background. Sinclair also served as the justice system in Manitoba for over 25 years and was the first Aboriginal Judge appointed in Manitoba and Canada’s second. He served as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Manitoba. Over the course of his career, he has been recognized for his work in his profession and his community as the recipient of numerous awards, including Honorary Doctorates from eight Canadian universities.

The University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala will also honour one Caribbean organization and five Canadian and Caribbean leaders in the following award categories.

The Chancellor’s Award will be presented to GraceKennedy. Established in 1922 by Dr. John Grace and Mr. Fred William Kennedy, in Kingston, Jamaica, it is one of the Caribbean’s largest group of companies that began as a general mercantile, shipping and insurance business. It operates in the food and financial services industries, with operations in Jamaica, other Caribbean countries, and Belize, the U.S., UK, Canada and Africa. GraceKennedy has also contributed to Jamaica’s development through the years through its two Foundations, generously providing financial assistance to a host of worthy causes. They are the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation (Grace & Staff) and the GraceKennedy Foundation. The Chancellor’s award is given to organizations, which have contributed significantly to the Caribbean, or outstanding organizations owned by persons of Caribbean heritage.

The Vice Chancellor’s Award, awarded to people of Caribbean heritage who have made significant contributions within their organizations and communities, will be presented to the five community leaders.

Dr. Renn Holness, Consultant Neurosurgeon
Dr. Holness is an alumnus of UWI’s Mona campus and recipient of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc). He served as Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Dalhousie University and Director of The UWI Clinical Training Programme in Nassau, Bahamas. He served as President of the Canadian Neurological Society and Chairman of the Examining Board in Neurosurgery, Royal College of Physicians of Canada. He is a Professor and Examiner in Neurosurgery in the DM (UWI) Neurosurgery Programme and teaches at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ms. Kay McConney, Businesswoman and Retired Diplomat
Ms. McConney was the youngest Consul-General of Barbados in Canada. She also served as a high-level diplomat at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, Switzerland; and as a trade negotiator at the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 2009, she founded The Executive Minds which specializes in strengthening institutional and individual capacities for 21^st century environments, through training, coaching and consulting.

Mr. Wayne Purboo, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Mr. Purboo is the President, CEO and Co-founder of Quickplay, developing award-winning technologies and forging critical partnerships with market leading content providers, video service providers, handset manufacturers and mobile service operators. He is also active on a number of Boards in Toronto.

Dr. Vivian Rambihar, Cardiologist and Community Activist
Dr. Rambihar is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a globally renowned cardiologist, involved in teaching, research and practice in Toronto for 35 years. Since 1990, he has lectured on ethnicity and health, and chaos/complexity and health across the West Indies. He is a pioneer in chaos and complexity science and is the first to apply these ideas to medicine, proposing their use in solving complex world problems, including peace, health, development, poverty reduction and climate change.   

The Honourable Mr. Justice Michael H. Tulloch, Judge, Ontario Court of Appeal
The Honourable Mr. Justice Michael H. Tulloch has been a judge on the Court of Appeals for Ontario since 2012 following nine years on the Superior Court of Justice. He was an Assistant Crown Attorney in both Peel and Toronto.

In 1995, he entered private practice, specializing in criminal law and continued in this practice until his appointment to the Bench in 2003. During his private practice, Justice Tulloch was also appointed a special prosecuting agent with the Federal Department of Justice, participating in a number of commissions. He has been actively involved in post-secondary education as well as numerous community organizations.

In 2011, he was appointed a Distinguished Research Fellow for the Centre of Law and Policy at Ryerson University. He is the recipient of two Honorary Doctorate Degrees. A Doctor of Laws from the University of Guelph and a Doctor of Theology from Tyndale University and Seminary.

The UWI Toronto Benefit Gala brings together Canada’s business and academic communities to celebrate the greatness and tireless work of the honourees, making it a much-anticipated event on the Toronto social calendar. Former honourees include: Dr. Shirley J. Thompson, Food For The Poor, Mr. Stephen Ames, Mr. Wesley Hall, Dr. Paul Steinbok, The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P., Dr. the Honourable Jimmy Cliff, OM, Tessanne Chin,  Roger Mooking and Mr. David Taylor, retired boxer and undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, The Hospital for Sick Children, Mary Anne Chambers, Dr. Upton Allen, Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay, The University of Toronto, award winning author Malcolm Gladwell, The University Health Network, Zanana Akande, The Honourable Harry Belafonte; The Right Hon. Michaëlle Jean, former Deputy Chief of Toronto police Mr. Keith L. Forde; Hon. Michael Lee-Chin, OJ; the Hon. Jean Augustine; the Hon. Justice Dr. Irving André and Dr. Karl Massiah, Senator Vivienne Poy and Mr. Charles Coffey.

Under the theme “Light, Learning and Liberty”, The University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala provides funds for scholarships.  Over 250 scholarships have been awarded to date. Over 70 have graduated, most with first class honours. The Patron of the eighth annual Gala is The G. Raymond Chang Family (wife Donette Chin-Loy Chang, and children Andrew Chang and Brigette Chang Addorisio).  Lead Sponsor is Scotiabank for the eighth consecutive year.

Please visit our website www.uwitorontogala.com, or call 416-214-7848 or email the secretariat toni@uwitorontogala.com, for more information.  At this time, the event is SOLD OUT.

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The post Independence Awards 2017 appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy

PRESS RELEASE – On the occasion of Independence Day 2017, Her Excellency the Governor General, as Chancellor of the National Societies of Honour, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 25 of the National Honours and Awards Act, has been pleased to make the following appointments.

The Saint Lucia Cross (SLC)

Arsene Vigil James

(for distinguished and outstanding service of national importance to Saint Lucia)

The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Silver) SLMH

Cuthbert  Cabot Darnley Phillips

(for eminent service of national importance to Saint Lucia)

William Damaze

(for an act of bravery in a hazardous circumstance)

Arlister Kirk Mathurin

(for an act of bravery in a hazardous circumstance)

The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Gold) SLMM

Amanda Marie Anne King

(for long and meritorious service in the field of medicine)

Humphrey Andrew Regis

(for long and meritorious service in the field of Education and Journalism)

Derede Williams

(for long and meritorious service in the field of music)

The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Silver) SLMM

Timothy Theophilus Robinson

(for long and meritorious service in the field of Religion and Pastoral Ministry)

David Cletus Sinus Samuels

(for long and meritorious service in the field of Broadcasting)

Leonard Surage

(for long and meritorious service in the field of Medicine)

The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Gold) SLPM

Denis Didier

(for long and meritorious service to the Special Olympics Movement)

Urban Seraphin

(for long and meritorious public service)  

The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Silver) SLPM

Malcolm Stewart Burns

(for long and meritorious community service)

Lera Mary Pascal

(for long and meritorious public service in education)

Roseline Mary Philogene

(for long and meritorious public service in education)

The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Bronze) SLPM

Cuthbert Modeste

   (for long and meritorious community service in the field of sports)

Deborah Pelage

(for long and dedicated community service in education)

Tony Emmanuel Llewelyn Wilkinson

(for long and dedicated service in the area of music education)

The National Service Medal

Curtis Patrick Sealy

(for outstanding and meritorious service in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Band)

The National Service Cross

Mr. Errol Lindsey Alexander

(for loyal and devoted service to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force)

THE PUBLIC SERVICES LONG SERVICE AWARD

Her Excellency the Governor-General has been pleased to award the Public Services Long Service Award in respect of Independence Day, 2017 to the following persons:

Saint Lucia Public Service

Rosemary Pamphile

Theresa Cavalier

Saint Lucia Teaching Service

Andrea  Avellin Monero-James

Andrewna Gill

Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

Corina Montoute

Lawrence Paul

Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority

(Ports Police)

Josephine Thomas

Jacqueline Tobierre

Saint Lucia Fire Service

Willan Jean Edwin

Ligorius Alexander

Bordelais Correctional Facility

Raymond Octave

William Owen Doxillie

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The post Soufriere Foundation formalizing management of port Soufriere appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PRESS RELEASE – The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) has assumed management of the jetties in port Soufriere; the main dock, a boardwalk facility, the Fisheries Complex unit and now a smaller pier located on the Hummingbird beach in Soufriere.

The project which commenced last year was projected to be completed in two phases.

With a goal set to fully refurbishing the Hummingbird Jetty, the second phase of the project came to fruition on Monday, February 20th, 2017.

Projects and Operations Manager, Mr. Franklin Solomon, is thrilled to see the completion of this project.

According to Solomon, “what we want ultimately is to make certain that port Soufriere is safe with proper facilities to embark and disembark on and that the tourism industry is preserved.”

The scope of works for the jetty was developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and includes the removal of surface boards, concrete reinforcement and the placing of floor planks. Furthermore, a staffing booth was also constructed for the housing of security personnel and the facilitation of docking fee collection.

He further added that the Hummingbird Beach project which started 5 years ago will be resumed. This project is geared towards creating an avenue for locals and becoming a popular beach for visitors and locals to intermingle.

“The Hummingbird Beach project will incorporate a restaurant, changing rooms, a venue with a stage and gazebo for events such as weddings, concerts or other social activities and water sports among others” said Mr. Solomon.

He added that the Hummingbird Jetty is supposed to lend direct facilitation of access to the beach in a safe and properly managed framework. The SRDF together with the community saw the need to make certain that there are proper beaching facilities.

The Soufriere Foundation is a non-profit company located in Soufriere. Its mandate is to undertake social, cultural, human resource, tourism and infrastructure development in the Soufriere area.  The organization which was established in 1993 generates revenues from its operational sites: the Sulphur Springs Park, Gros Piton Nature Trail, Comfort Center, Soufriere jetties and 88.5 Soufriere FM.

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