PRESS RELEASE - On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at approximately 5 p.m. the body of an unknown male was found in the general area of River Doree, Fond St. Jacques.

Subsequently, police confirmed the body to be that of 31 year old, McDonald St. Rose. A postmortem examination on the body was conducted on Monday, October 13, 2014.  The cause of death has been stated as hemorrhagic shock, secondary to gunshot injury.

The body of St. Rose, who is reportedly from Gros Islet but resided in Vieux Fort, was discovered in the same general area as was homicide victim, Victor Jn. Phillip, whose body was also recovered on Wednesday, October 08, 2014.

Meanwhile, the post mortem examination results of Victor Jn. Phillip, of Fond St. Jacque, also carried out on Monday, October 13, 2014, indicates that he succumbed as a result of brain damage secondary to gunshot injury.

Investigations are continuing. Anyone with information regarding these investigations should contact the Criminal Investigations Department, (CID) at 456 3770 or 456 3758.

PRESS RELEASE - About two hundred (200) male and female workers formerly employed with Majestic Industries Limited have signed and sent a Petition to Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.

The Petition is requesting the Prime Minister’s intervention in an industrial matter involving the employees and the then owners of Majestic Industries Ltd.

Majestic Industries Limited, before folding its operations in Saint Lucia on 24 June 2004 had its base at Vide Bouteille in a huge factory on a substantial portion of land owned by an American Company in the USA.

Upon its closure, the then Minister for Labour, Hon. Velon John, instructed the then Labour Commissioner, Mr. Mac Stephen Aubertin, to hand over all relevant documents to Attorney at Law, Mr. Peter Foster.

The workers were also informed by the Department of Labour that as soon as the land and building were sold, they would receive compensation payments in keeping with the law and their individual entitlements.

Unfortunately, the process had not been concluded and to date, workers have not received any compensation.

The National Workers Union (NWU) has been monitoring this issue and is in full support of the Petition to the Prime Minister, signed by the workers and its call for the sale of the company’s assets, the proceeds of which would go towards compensating former employees of Majestic Industries Ltd.

Some workers have clocked in over thirty (30) years of service with the company.

UWP Chairman Ezechiel Joseph

The United Workers Party (UWP) has brushed aside claims that its current party leader -Allen Chastanet is allegedly using his financial power, to manipulate people to vote for him, at the party’s next annual convention, slated to take place on November 2.

Party Chairman Ezechiel Joseph has refuted those claims. Joseph told the media today that the allegation is ridiculous and the person responsible for spreading it is up to no good.

The UWP chairman said Chastanet is campaigning across the island, but it’s left up to the delegates to decide on the next leader.

Chastanet is currently up against Dr. Claudius Preville, who is also in the battle for the top post of becoming the next leader of the UWP.

Both men were nominated for the top position at the party’s delegates’ conference held at the Mon Repos Combined School, during September.

Dr. Preville recently announced plans to run for leadership of the party. Preville is of the view that there is a void that needs to be filled and he may be the one to do that.

Chastanet was elected political leader of the UWP in August 2013. He has been calling for a debate on the economy with Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.

He has been vocal on issues affecting the poor population and matters pertaining to the country’s slow economic growth and development. Chastanet has also been calling for a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Meanwhile, Dr. Preville will host a press conference tomorrow, where he will present a summary of his vision plan for St. Lucia.

Dr. Preville will reveal his plan for a new Fiscal and Economic Development Policy, Tourism & Agricultural Development Policy and Social and Youth Policy.

The UWP member will also be discussing with the meeting, other matters related to the better management of St. Lucia’s economy.

PRESS RELEASE - Twenty-five year-old Quincy Farrell has always dreamt of featuring his designs in runway and fashion shows across the globe. As an amateur, the financial constraints and the pressures of building a career as a designer in St. Lucia is one that is less than favourable.

The young designer, known for featuring his designs in local competitions is adamant that he will be the next “Top Designer” for St. Lucia. Apart from having a passion for fashion, Mr Farrell is also deeply involved in pageantry. He also has his heart set on obtaining the Franchise account for Miss Teen Universe and is the current Founder and President of the St. Lucia Teen Pageantry.

Courts St. Lucia is known and appreciated for their constant support of the youth, their development and initiatives that enhance those skills. Recently, the company held a Fashionista.

Competition encouraging designers to sign up and replicate a design based on a piece of furniture. Quincy Farrell was the sole male participant and created a design depicting the company’s Darcy sectional; He was the 1st runner up.

The company was more than happy, upon receiving a request from Mr Farrell, to provide the much needed assistance. A donation of a top of the line Sewing Machine was presented to Mr Farrell, at a press conference on Friday October 2014.

The Company’s OECS Public Relations Officer, Ms Britney Jongue, reiterated the company’s goals and missions as corporate citizens to “Bringing Value Home”. She encouraged Mr Farrell to continue aspiring to achieve his goals and do his best to make St. Lucia proud.

Courts understands that in order to change the future we need to do take the necessary steps today. Our donations focus on Community Development, Youth Empowerment, Education, Health and Sports.

As corporate leaders, our goal is to improve the quality of life of our employees, their families and the communities where we operate, through programs and initiatives that will assist in the overall development of St. Lucia.

Courts Bringing Value Home

Johnson Charles will aim for a return to form as he prepares to don Windwards colours.

Saint Lucia will host the 2014 Windward Islands Senior Men’s Cricket Tournament from the 29th of this month to the 5th of November, though of course the competition will not be used for selection purposes for the regional first class and 50-overs formats.

And that’s probably a good thing, because few if any of Saint Lucia’s batsmen could make it into the Windward Islands Volcanoes based on their performances in a recent series of trial matches. In three matches and seven days of cricket, there were just two half-centuries and a handful of scores of at least 40.

In the latest trial match, over the weekend at the Mindoo Phillip Park, Craig Emmanuel and Dalton Polius led the teams. Emmanuel’s XI was dismissed for 189 in 52 overs, Polius’ XI was dismissed for 116 in 41.3 overs. Jason Simon hit just the second half century of this series, top scoring for Emmanuel’s XI with 56. Emmanuel himself made 37 and Alex Antoine continued to contribute with the bat, adding 30.

Polius was again amongst the wickets, along with Loic Prospere and Marlon O’Brian, with figures of 4 for 43 from 12 overs, 2-20 from 14 and 2-69 from 16. Batting for Polius’ XI, Ked Cadasse top scored with 30, Tarryck Gabriel made 24 and Johnson Charles 22. For Emmanuel’s XI, Alex Antoine picked up 4 for 34 in 11.3 overs, Larry Edward took his wicket tally for the trial series to 11 with 3-24 in 8 overs and Michael Charlery 2-22 in 7 overs.

Following the weekend match the squad was cut to 18. Six players have been called up to the national team for the first time. Of batsmen Stephen Naitram and Awen Edward, the former made 33 and 43 in the first two trial matches. Left arm spinner O’Brian, aside from his two wickets in the last match, took three wickets in an innings in each of the previous matches.

He is joined by fellow left arm tweaker Edward, although strictly speaking, the 19-year-old is not new to the senior team, having received a call-up as a substitute when he was just 16 years old. Pacers Loic Prospere and Dillon John are in line for senior debuts, the latter not having been part of the original squad of 33, but joining the trials and getting stuck in. Wicketkeeper Sabinus Emmanuel is the sixth new player named Monday by the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association in its 18-man squad.

Darren Sammy headlines the senior players in the Saint Lucia team. The West Indies Twenty20 captain can choose to make himself available following the regional side’s limited-overs series against India, which ends a week before the Windwards tournament. Charles, a former West Indies opening batsman, has not had the most encouraging trial series, but he will hope to come good in the event.

A third player with West Indies experience, spinner Garey Mathurin, is in the 18. Craig Emmanuel and Volcanoes players Keddy Lesporis and Dalton Polius have all performed for the Windward Islands in recent years. A year removed from the West Indies Under-19 ranks, Tarryck Gabriel returns to the senior team. And Alex Antoine, one of the standout players in trials with 11 wickets and 90 runs, will surely be looking to impress in the Windwards competition.

Further information regarding venues and fixtures for the competition will be forthcoming in the next week or so as the national squad continues training. Saint Lucia finished fourth and last in the 2013 Windward Islands tournament.

The full squad reads (in alphabetical order):
Alex Antoine
Johnson Charles
Awen Edward
Larry Edward
Craig Emmanuel
Sabinus Emmanuel
Tarryck Gabriel
Xavier Gabriel
Dillon John
Keddy Lesporis
Dennis Louis
Garey Mathurin
Stephen Naitram
Marlon O’Brian
Dalton Polius
Loic Prospere
Darren Sammy
Jason Simon

Nyrone Winter, Saint Lucia National Men’s Under-17 Football Team v Grenada.

Saint Lucia’s youth footballers continue their 2015 Under-17 World Cup journey this weekend in Haiti, as an 18-member squad is set to travel Thursday to Port au Prince.

There, they will contest the final round of the Caribbean Football Union Qualifiers. Saint Lucia qualified for this round of play by finishing second to Trinidad & Tobago in Group 2 in August. Saint Lucia, hosts for that group, lost 2-3 to Trinidad & Tobago, but topped the scoring charts with a 4-2 win over Curacao and a 4-0 win over Grenada.

In Haiti, the Saint Lucian youngsters – drawn in Group A – will immediately renew hostilities with Trinidad & Tobago, against whom they play on Sunday evening from 5pm at the Sylvio Cator Stadium in Port Au Prince. On Tuesday 21 October, Saint Lucia plays home team Haiti at 7:30pm, before finishing off their with a Thursday 5pm tilt against Barbados. Group B will see Cuba, Guadeloupe, Jamaica and Martinique in action. The winners of each group will play each other on Sunday 26 October, whilst the runners-up in each group will play for third place.

Saint Lucia National Men’s Under-17 Football Team 2014

Five teams from CFU will go through to the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, to be hosted by Honduras in February and March of 2015. From a total of 12 teams, including Mexico, Canada and the USA, four will move on to represent CONCACAF at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Saint Lucia’s team is pretty similar to the side that qualified through to this round, but Lael Cherry and Bradley Cyril, both members of the Under-17 Inter-District runners up Central Castries, will be absent. Both young men are unable to travel due to impending deadlines for CXC submissions. Bradley scored the opening goal against Trinidad & Tobago at home, and Lael is a talented two-footed attacking midfielder, but team officials feel that the squad is sufficiently deep that whereas the duo will be missed, their absence will not be critical.

Inter-District champions Vieux Fort South will be well represented in Haiti. Nyrone Winter, one of Saint Lucia’s outstanding players in the opening round, will be looking to get back on the scoresheet in Port au Prince. A student at Vieux Fort Comprehensive, he is joined by VFCSS teammate and Jamie Prospere of Dennery and Vieux Fort South teammate Noah Nicholas (Piaye Secondary) in the final 18. Both scored in the first round. Inter-school finalists Anse Ger have three players in the squad, Viannie George (Micoud), Vino Barcelette and Alvinus Myers (both of Vieux Fort North).

Soufriere Comprehensive is the school with the most players selected, three hailing from Canaries, in the persons of Antoine Wilfred, Cassius Joseph and Keeroy Lionel. The other player from Soufriere Comprehensive is also from the town of Soufriere. He is Zachernus Simon. Among the quartet from Castries, two – Jhadel Prospere and Damian Louis – are at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, whilst Ezekiel Greenidge attends George Charles Secondary, and Harrison Moffat is a student at St Mary’s College.

Full squad in alphabetical order:

Vino Barcelette Vieux Fort North / Anse Ger Secondary
Melvin Doxilly Gros Islet / Gros Islet Secondary
Viannie George Micoud / Anse Ger Secondary
Ekiel Greenidge Castries / George Charles Secondary
Cassius Joseph Canaries / Soufriere Comprehensive
Keeroy Lionel Canaries / Soufriere Comprehensive
Damian Louis Castries / Sir Arthur Lewis
Ryi Maryat Micoud / Micoud Secondary
Harrison Moffat Castries / St Mary’s College
Alvinus Myers Vieux Fort North / Anse Ger Secondary
Noah Nicholas Vieux Fort South / Piaye Secondary
Anton Paul Dennery / Castries Comprehensive
Albertini Phillip Roseau / Castries Comprehensive
Jamie Prospere Dennery / Vieux Fort Comprehensive
Jhadel Prospere Castries / Sir Arthur Lewis
Zachernus Simon Soufriere / Soufriere Comprehensive
Antoine Wilfred Canaries / Soufriere Comprehensive
Nyrone Winter Vieux Fort South / Vieux Fort Comprehensive

Cyril Cess Podd – Technical Director
Cassim Louis – Head Coach
Tim Moffat – Manager

PRESS RELEASE - The Police Week Committee of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is inviting the general public to its Funwalk slated for Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 6:00 a.m.

The route is from the Troumassee Bridge in Micoud to the Desruisseaux Playing Field. All interested persons are asked to assemble at the Troumassee Bridge for 5:30 a.m.

Registration for the walk is $10.00. Upon registration, persons will get a free t-shirt. Registration can be done at Police Headquarters, Castries and the Vieux Fort Police Station.

Water will be provided along the route. At the end of the route, a fruit and juice will be provided.

Digicel’s Sergin John Baptiste with $4000 winner Christine Raynald.

PRESS RELEASE - Digicel St. Lucia for the month of September saw one lucky winner in the ease the squeeze, Text to Win promotion. Christine Raynald won the fantastic prize of $4000 in cash as she text her way to the top.

As scores of persons participated in Digicel’s September text to win game, one lucky customer in the person of Christine Raynald emerged the champion of the cash prize. Just by texting the word ‘Ease’ to the short code ‘7171’ allowed her easy qualification into Digicel’s ‘Text to win – Ease the Squeeze Quiz game.

Realizing that the game was not ranked Ms. Raynald ensured she texted to be in it to win it. Each text message only costing $1 the more text messages she sent she knew the better her chances were at winning.

Ms. Raynald a loyal prepaid customer after participating in the Text to Win game throughout the month emerged the grand winner of the promotion. Radio personality Iwa of Radio Caribbean International alongside Digicel representative Sergin John-Baptiste gave Ms. Raynald a call informing her that she was now $4000 richer.

Ms. Raynald surprised and thrilled about her winnings indicated that she was happy she played the game and now was the latest Digicel winner.

According to Sergin Joseph-John Baptiste, Digicel’s Public Relation and Marketing Executive, “Digicel’s monthly Text to Win promotions have and continue to create much excitement amongst the thousands of customers who continue to play monthly. Adding to the massive value they receive Digicel enjoys rewarding its customers with prizes that excite them.”

Go ahead and participate in the October text to win game for your winning moment to win BIG with Digicel!

Wayne Neale (left) - Managing Director of Greening the Caribbean

PRESS RELEASE - The Sustainable Entrepreneurship Award (SEA) based in Vienna, Austria held its third annual SEA-Award gala on October 7, 2014. It was held at the historic Sophiensäle in Vienna.

The SEA ‘searches for entrepreneurs who recognize a social problem and link its solution to an innovative and profitable business model;’ and gives award recipients access to an international platform.

Wayne Neale, Managing Director of Greening the Caribbean was in attendance to accept the company’s award in the category “Urban and Regional Development”. Greening the Caribbean received this award for its environmental services, –launched in St. Lucia – to keep industrial materials out of Caribbean landfills, and was the only Caribbean based business recipient.

In honor of trail blazing entrepreneurs from around the world, over 250 European corporate decision makers and government officials were present at the gala. The SEA Jury of experts selected the eight best sustainable entrepreneurship ventures out of 320 projects and businesses received from 65 different countries. “It’s about creating a long term balance between economic success, environmental responsibility, and social equilibrium within a companies core activities,” said Franz Fishler, Chairman of the SEA Jury. One winner was selected in each of the following eight categories.

1. Climate, Environment, and Energy
2. Mobility and Technological Innovations
3. Development and Services
4. Urban and Regional Development
5. Integration and Social Issues
6. Lifestyle and Culture
7. Knowledge and Education
8. Health and Medication

In an interview with Austrian media outlets, Mr. Neale, said, “I wanted to create a business that protects the environment by reduces landfill dumping while creating jobs and developing a localized green economy in St. Luca and generating foreign trade with our exports.” He continued to say, “The SEA award is a major recognition of our early success.”

Greening the Caribbean establishes work place recycling programmes, provides waste diversion training, recycling education, as well as collection, transport and processing of recyclables – paper, cardboard, e-waste, plastic, glass and metal. It is ISO 26000 compliant, meaning that their business practices are ethical and transparent and contributes to the health and welfare of society.

They are also a member of the Green Industry Platform – a global stakeholder initiative of the United Nations Environmental Programme and United Nations Industrial Development Organization).

Photo credit: www.panoramio.com.

PRESS RELEASE - Given the extent of the outbreak of Ebola affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony has advised the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Vernon Francois, to implement with immediate effect, a prohibition on persons from these countries who wish to travel to Saint Lucia.

All visitors from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone will be denied entry into Saint Lucia until further notice.

Despite the fact that the President of Nigeria has declared that Nigeria is Ebola free, visitors from Nigeria will be required to present a recent medical certificate which clears him/her of the virus, in addition to a VISA to be allowed entry into Saint Lucia.

The Prime Minister says, the Government of Saint Lucia continues to monitor the outbreak and has allocated resources to prepare for any possible threat. Recent events in Dallas, Texas have prompted a heightened awareness and necessitate strong action to ensure that Saint Lucia is protected.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments in the United States and Europe, the three severely affected West African countries and will provide updates to the public.

PM Anthony.

The recent decision taken by the Government of St Lucia to restrict travel from Ebola-affected countries is one that seeks to reduce any chances of the deadly virus entering the island and protecting the citizenry, Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony has said.

He added that St. Lucia does not have the capacity unlike larger countries, where they can at least manage any such crises.

“Therefore it is necessary that we take early precautions, not only in terms of preparing our health care professionals, but also ensuring that we minimise the possibility that we can be an affected country,” he said.

Given the island’s heavy dependence on tourism, Dr. Anthony explained that St. Lucia cannot afford any chances of the Ebola virus entering these shores.

The prime minister remarked that the consequences will not only be devastating to the tourism sector, but the entire population.

“Our own people need and require protection and I regret that we have to take that decision, but we had no choice based on the circumstances,” he asserted.

The restriction will be temporary. The prime minister said once the situation is brought under control and word has been given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) then government will consider lifting those restrictions.

St. Lucia has already started training a number of health care professionals to respond to any possible treats of Ebola entering the island.

The island’s airports, seaports and other ports of entry have been equipped with staff and resources to respond if the need arises.

Neighbouring St. Vincent and the Grenadines has also placed restrictions on nationals from Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Guinea entering the island.

Sariah Best-Joseph presents a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of Super J IGA

PRESS RELEASE - The Inter Secondary School Sports Programme 2014 opened officially last month under the theme “My Education, My Sports, M Life, My Goal”.

Twenty-eight secondary schools are expected to participate in the activity which will run feature a range of sporting disciplines including basketball, netball, volleyball, cricket and track and field.

Super J IGA continues to be a key partner of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports where this activity is concerned, a relationship which has spanned over twenty years consistently. This was noted by the Minister of Youth Development and Sports Honorable Shawn Edwards, who pointed to the invaluable contribution of the supermarket chain and other sponsors especially now as the island faces an economic crunch and resources are limited.

In presenting the company’s $10,000 contribution DH Marketing and Corporate Communications Sariah Best-Joseph commended organisers on the theme selected to guide the games this year.

“Youth and Sports are two areas that we are deeply committed to and which captures a large part of our Corporate Social Responsibility budget. We recognise that the business of youth, requires commitment, it requires dedication, it requires resources and most of all sincerity on the part of those who support youth development activities. Our unwavering commitment sponsorship of this programme through sponsorship of the Under 16 Basketball championships for over 20 years is testimony to this,” noted Best Joseph.

Over the next few months secondary school students from across the island will be vying for top places in the various the sporting disciplines. The matches will be held at the VigieMulti Purpose Sports Centre and the Beusejour Indoor facility.

A Liberian Army soldier, part of the Ebola Task Force, beats a local resident while enforcing a quarantine on the West Point slum. The government ordered a quarantine of the congested seaside. * Getty Images/CNN

STATEMENT - The Ministry of Health notes the restriction placed on travel into St. Lucia by visitors from the 3 West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, which are currently being severely affected by the ongoing Ebola epidemic.

These three West African countries have been described by the World Health Organization as having “widespread and intense EVD transmission’. In addition, the WHO indicates that the Ebola epidemic is currently worsening in these three countries with projections for rapid increases in the number of persons infected in the coming weeks and months.

As a result of this deteriorating situation in West Africa, we believe that the decision to ban entry of visitors who have a recent history of travel from Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, is in the best interest of a developing country such as St. Lucia, in order to reduce the risk to the public at large and in particular, health care workers.

The Ministry of Health again wishes to advise its citizens against travel to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone at this time.

A motorcyclist sustained an injury to the leg when his bike hit a car and a minibus in San Souci, Castries during peak-hour traffic this afternoon between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Reports are that the motorcycle (PJ1629) was heading in a northerly direction when he hit the front of the car (PE2212) which was at the time exiting the LUCELEC junction. The motorcyclist then collided with the minibus (M315).

An eyewitness said the motorcyclist was honking his horn, hoping to get the attention of the car. The source added that the motorcyclist then swerved to avoid hitting the car, but instead brushed the car’s front-end before being “wedged” by the bus.

Eyewitnesses say the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and he only suffered a laceration below knee.

Anitanja

PRESS RELEASE - Owen W. Coleman, CEO of The Coleman Alliance, is pleased to announce the formation of Anitanja L.L.C., a New York headquartered company designing and manufacturing wholesale and online retail jewelry.

The company features the creative work of its namesake, Anitanja, a St. Lucian designer whose collections are all inspired by the beauty of the majestic island on which she resides.

Owen Coleman discovered Anitanja in St. Lucia, where he owns a luxury boutique resort. He was captured by the beauty and natural elements of her designs and saw the business opportunity in finding a designer stunning enough to be the face of her own brand.

“I saw something incredibly special in Anitanja,” said Coleman. “She has all the elements that go into making a global brand … an amazing story, beauty and poise, and vibrant jewelry designs inspired by the wondrous, raw nature of St. Lucia.”

Pairing CEO Coleman’s entrepreneurial branding experience with the TV and digital advertising background of Kathleen Mulhern (CMO), ANITANJA LLC is well on its way to bringing the enchanting jewelry designs of Anitanja Lawaetz (CCO) to market worldwide.

Anitanja LLC has just secured an agreement with Duty Free Distributors to distribute ANITANJA jewelry across the Caribbean market. Its first luxury retailer will be the prestigious Harry Edwards in St. Lucia for the 2014/2015 season.

This September, ANITANJA jewelry launched in the U.S. with a New York trunk show debuting six of Anitanja’s premier Collections (Sea Fan, Medallion, Cocoa, Piton, Drift Cone, and Nautical) and launched its e-commerce site, www.anitanja.com, featuring Anitanja’s signature Medallion Collection and limited edition ANITANJA jewelry.

As part of its overall marketing objectives, ANITANJA has recently launched an attainable luxury brand – AJA by ANITANJA – and appointed Alisa Coleman, President. One of the first initiatives of AJA by ANITANJA is a partnership with HSN. “HSN is the perfect landscape to launch the jewelry of AJA by ANITANJA to customers in the United States,” says Alisa Coleman. “Their expertise in bringing products to market is unparalleled. This collaboration provides the HSN customer with unique jewelry and the opportunity to connect directly with the designer and artist, Anitanja Lawaetz.”

HSN will launch AJA by ANITANJA on air Wednesday, October 22, 2014 in two one-hour segments (4AM-5AM and 3PM-4PM EST). Jewelry featured will include pieces from ANITANJA’s signature Cocoa Collection, inspired by cocoa pods grown on St. Lucia, as well as the Drift Cone Collection, which transforms hulls sprinkled along the island’s pristine beaches into jewelry accented by black pearls. The assortment is available now on HSN.com. For more information, visit HSN.com, keyword AJA.

ANITANJA LLC (www.anitanja.com) is a New York headquartered company designing and manufacturing wholesale and retail jewelry inspired by the nature of St. Lucia. Designer & Chief Creative Officer, Anitanja Lawaetz, translates botanical, earth and sea elements of her enchanted island into precious metal collections that capture the magic of her Caribbean homeland.

Garrathy

Over two months have passed, since Quinton Garrathy, a Virgin Atlantic crew member was killed in a road accident in St. Lucia. However, the Royal St. Lucia Police Force is yet to charge anyone in relation to the fatal accident.

Police Press Officer Aniel Innocent told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that the police are still investigating the incident.

Innocent had told SNO on September 2, that following further investigations into Garrathy’s death, it was decided that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for recommendation.

Today, Innocent could not say whether the file is still with the DPP or whether it has been returned to the police. However, she did emphasize that the matter is still being investigated.

Garrathy was killed in a vehicular accident near the Rodney Bay Marina entrance. He was hit by a black Hyundai SUV, registration number PG657, as he attempted to cross the road, close to 1:38 on Sunday, August 3. He had just disembarked a minibus at the bus stop, opposite the food vans, eyewitnesses said.

The SUV was being driven by 18-year-old Sebastien King of Gros Islet. As is customary, the teen was taken into police custody where he gave a statement and was then released.

A post mortem examination conducted on the body of Garrathy on Monday, August 11, revealed that he died from cerebral (brain) hemorrhage, secondary to blunt force trauma.

Garrathy was a cabin crew member of Virgin Atlantic airline for some 15 years and was staying at a local hotel here at the time of the accident. Garrathy is survived by his wife – also a crew member of Virgin Atlantic – and a baby daughter.

He celebrated his first wedding anniversary on July 9. The British national was scheduled to leave the island on Monday, August 4 at 5:45 p.m.

Eric Williams was the first prime minister of T&T

PRESS RELEASE - Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony will proceed on three days leave from his official duties. During his period of leave, the Prime Minister will travel to Miami to deliver the 16th Annual Florida International University (FIU, Miami) Eric E. Williams Memorial Lecture at the Florida International University, Miami, on Friday, October 17, 2014.

Dr. Anthony will speak on the topic, “Reparations and 21st Century Development: The Silence is Broken and we Speak to the World.”

Dr. Anthony has been invited to present on CARICOM’s decision to actively solicit slave trade reparations through the establishment of reparations committees in respective member territories.

The annual lecture is organized by the Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives and Museum (EWMC) at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. The annual lecture is now firmly established on the FIU calendar. The lecture is actively supported by the Caribbean Consular Corps and elected representatives from the United States Congress, State of Florida and Miami-Dade/Broward Counties.

The EWMC was inaugurated in 1998 by former US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and was named to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 1999.

Dr. Eric Williams was the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Head of Government from 1956-1981.

Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport will act as Prime Minister during Dr. Anthony’s absence.

PRESS RELEASE - Bank of Saint Lucia has made a major contribution to the education of young persons at two learning institutions on the island.

The Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre in Ciceron and the Grow Well Centre in Gros Islet were this week recipients of computer donations from BOSL.

The donations will help boost the educational programmes at both institutions. Computers are essential tools in the teaching and learning experience at these Centres. The initiative is part of BOSL’s commitment to provide young learners with greater access to education through technology.

Senior Manager for Marketing and Corporate Communications, Maria Fowell said: “BOSL is not only about providing banking and financial services, we are about developing our young people, the schools they attend and the communities in which they live.”

Grow Well Inc. was established in 1995 to serve and support the young people of Gros Islet and has been doing so ever since. President of Grow Well, Paul Lorde, highlighted that receiving the computers was a welcome addition to the organization as it will strengthen the Centre’s teaching capacity.

At the Lady Gordon Centre, IT Teacher Jude Lubin explained that computer technology in the classroom makes a big difference, particularly for students with special needs. This is the second time that BOSL and the wider ECFH group have partnered with the Lady Gordon Centre in recent times; and the bank has been associated with C.A.R.E and the Grow Well Remedial Reading Programme for a number of years.

As it relates to both schools, bank officials say they’re extremely pleased with the level of programs that are offered to students. As a socially responsible corporate entity BOSL will continue to lend support to educational development initiatives in the future.

PRESS RELEASE - The BOSL Swipe & Win Credit Card Promotion came to an exciting climax with the 3 customers winning big and singing the praises of the Bank.

Mr. Mc Kenneth St. Catherine was the 1st Place winner. He was justly rewarded with a Grand Prize of a 50-inch Smart TV. In 2nd Place was Mrs. Catherine Charles who won a Samsung Galaxy S5 Smart Phone. Ms. Agnes Mary St. Paul was in 3rd Place, winning a Kindle Fire HD and EC$500.

The 1st and 3rd place winners were presented their prizes at the Samsung Experience Centre at The Cell in Vieux Fort. The presentation was made by Branch Manager, Mrs. Martina Dornelly with staff of BOSL and the Cell in attendance. The 2nd Place winner was awarded her prize by the General Manager of BOSL, Hadyn Gittens at the Financial Centre on Bridge Street.

The winners were elated to have won with BOSL in the Swipe and Win promotion. They encouraged other customers to participate in future promotions to be eligible to win such attractive prizes.

The promotion held over the summer, afforded all BOSL Credit Card customers the opportunity to win exciting prizes and gadgets.

To qualify, BOSL customers simply used their BOSL Credit Cards to make purchases locally or abroad, or online.

The promotion was aimed at rewarding customers for the confidence placed in BOSL in using the Credit Card service and to boost sales during the summer months.

Senior Manager – Marketing and Corporate Communications of the Bank, Maria Fowell, says this is one of the many ways BOSL is giving back to its customers for their continued patronage over the years.

TRINIDAD EXPRESS - Oil-and gas-rich Trinidad and Tobago remains a land of opportunity and currently serves as a haven for 110,012 illegal immigrants.

“You are talking about over ten per cent of your adult population,” National Security Minister Gary Griffith said following the National Security Ministry’s release of the “alarming statistics” yesterday.

Asked if there had been an increase in the number of illegal immigrants in recent years, Griffith said the problem did not start overnight.

“It is just that I am opening this Pandora’s box. And I intend to put an end to it. It is totally unacceptable,” he said.

This disturbingly high number of illegal immigrants comes primarily from 16 countries, of which only six are members of Caricom.

The highest number of illegal immigrants comes from Guyana—25,884; followed by Jamaica.

There are 19,500 Jamaicans living here illegally, while Venezuela has 10,574 illegal immigrants residing here. Next in line are people from St Vincent—9,606; Barbadians—7,169; Grenadians—6,947; Colombians—6,388; Chinese—4,593; Filipinos—4,437; St Lucians—4,391; Indians—3,651; Dominican Republic—2,256; Surinamese—1,944; Cubans—1,434; Nigerians—1,071; and Bangladeshis—167.

Griffith said he was not on a “witch hunt”.

But, he said he had met a very “untidy situation” and he intended to deal with all aspects of national security.

He said once Immigration officials are able to locate people, they are deported back to their country.

He said in such instances this country had to provide for the costs associated with deportation. “For example, for the 11 Africans we have to deport, we have pay the airfare plus Special Branch personnel to accompany them. It is going to cost us over $2 million to send back those Africans over the next two weeks,” he said, adding the State had to also charter an aircraft.

He said, though, many of the illegal immigrants “stay under the radar”, and sometimes information is brought to the Immigration Department which facilitates the location of these people.

However, he also noted many Trinidadians hire illegal immigrants “and they abuse the situation because they don’t pay (National Insurance), taxes, and sometimes pay them below the minimum wage”.

He said some of them worked in the security industry.

Griffith said some were employed in the sex industry.

He said he wanted to reject statements coming from the Jamaican opposition that it was a common practice for many people to overstay their time in different Caricom countries. “Because it is normal does not make it legal,” he said. “When these people are here illegally, they are sometimes unemployed and they turn to a life of crime and this could play a very big part in criminal activities in a country. “These individuals also consume our health facilities, education, because there is free access to all, as well as housing and employment opportunities.

“I am not saying that we intend to throw everyone out. Many of them have settled here and may be of value to Trinidad and Tobago, but they need to be regula­rised and registered. If not, they can be abused by their employers and taken advantage of by recei­ving ridiculously low wages,” he said.

Sources told the Express yesterday the Jamaican influence on the gang activity was being looked at.

Citing the recent case of Jamaican Tremin Thomas, who was killed along with gang leader Dillon “Bandy” Skeete last month, the source said there was infiltration into the gangs by some of these illegal immigrants.

People who have overstayed their time in Trinidad and Tobago and have not yet departed:

• Bangladeshis: 167

• Barbadians: 7,169

• Chinese: 4,593

• Colombians: 6,388

• Dominican Republic: 2,256

• Cubans: 1,434

• Grenadians: 6,947

• Guyanese: 25,884

• Indians: 3,651

• Nigerians: 1,071

• Filipinos: 4,437

• St Lucians: 4,391

• St Vincent: 9,606

• Suriname: 1,944

• Venezuelans: 10,574

Source: National Security Ministry