PRESS RELEASE - The Dennery North Constituency Council on June 9^th and 18th, 2015 started with its Discussions on Parenting in the Communities of Aux Lyon and La Ressource Respectively.

The Council in collaboration with the Officers from the Dennery/Richfond Police Station and the St. Lucia Planned Parenthood Association visited these communities to host these discussions.

Participants were exposed to a wealth of information, including ways to discipline a child, the rights of a child, Laws governing parenting etc. Community members were given an opportunity to question the Police on issues which were unclear to them.

The Police Officers also had the opportunity to express their difficulties and major issues they were experiencing in the various communities.

In all it was a very successful activity and we would like to thank everyone who participated. We assure the Communities that The Council will be embarking on more activities of such relevance.

On Thursday June 25^th, 2015, the delegation moves to The Richfond Combined School for another leg of the discussion on Parenting. We invite everyone from the Community to join us at 6:00 p.m for yet another exciting discourse.

We are also scheduled to visit the other Communities. Please find below the schedule;

PRESS RELEASE - The SLHTA will be hosting its School Cook-Off Competition at the Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School on June 26, 2015 commencing at 9:30 a.m.

The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) developed a school outreach programme named “Chefs in Schools”, which is aimed at providing students with hands on experience working with Chefs in the Hospitality Industry.

This initiative is geared at educating and supporting aspiring students with a keen interest in Culinary Arts. It is also designed to raise the awareness of students about local cuisine and encourage students to use more local ingredients in the preparation of healthy meals. The SLHTA continues to assist our youth by implementing such innovative and inspiring programmes. As a result, a number of schools around the island have so far benefited from this initiative.

In light of this programme, the “SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off Competition” was established to in order to prepare students for a regional competition which will be held in Barbados. The winning school will participate in this year’s Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge (CJDC) competition to be held in Barbados. The CJDC has become a highly anticipated annual event. This Culinary Competition is open to Secondary School students in the Caribbean and is aimed at introducing school children to the Culinary Arts in an exciting and competitive way and exposing them to the culinary field as a viable career choice.

This year, we have five (5) schools participating in the event. The students from each participating school will be trained by a professional chefs from our member hotels and these chefs will be their coaches on the day of the competition. All schools have been assigned to a hotel and they are as follows:

Grande Riviere Secondary School trained by Bay Gardens Beach Resort

· Shem Alcius

· Elishas Vidal

Piaye Secondary School trained by Sugar Beach A Viceroy Resort

· Maisie Didier

· Genna Louis

Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School trained by Jade Mountain

· Yonhance Cazaubon

· Kurtney Gill

Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School trained by St James Club Morgan Bay

· Kazan Sylvester

· Zaine Prospere

George Charles Secondary School trained by Cap Maison Hotel

· April Sylvester

· Kurnella Cadet

Judges for the competition include:
Chef Robby Skeete – Chef & Owner of Caribbean Pirates Restaurant
Chef Rodroy Thomas – Executive Chef at Sandals Halcyon
Kevin White – Managing Director of Crown Foods Ltd

The event is being sponsored by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), SOL EC Ltd, Garry’s Taxi & Car Rental Services Ltd. The SLHTA would also like to thank Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL) for coming onboard in a very big way with the Chefs in Schools Programme. Without their continued support this event, the Cook-Off would not have been a success.

PRESS RELEASE - International American University College of Medicine,a growing center for international education located on the beautiful island nation of Saint Lucia, West Indies celebrated a long-anticipated event on Friday, May 22 as the Class of 2015 graduated from the College’s Doctor of Medicine program.

During the College’s first-ever commencement, family, friends, deans and dignitaries bore witness to this historic event, both for the University and for the nation of Saint Lucia, as 25 members of the inaugural class received their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees.

“This is a milestone for our university,” said IAU President Manmadhan Nair; “the members of this graduating class will excel in their careers in medicine and prove to be noble representatives for the University and the College of Medicine, specifically.”

Prior to the commencement ceremony, the University hosted a social reception for the graduates and alumni and their friends and family members. The commencement was held at the Dallas Museum of Art, in Dallas, Texas which is home to the Office of the Board of Trustees, the President, the Registrar and the Deans.

The Honorable Kenny Anthony, LLM, PhD, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, delivered the keynote address. VistaspKarbhari, PhD, President of the University of Texas at Arlington, also delivered remarks and congratulated the graduates on their achievements.

IAU President, Manmadhan Nair stated, “we are deeply indebted to the Prime Minister and the people of Saint Lucia for partnering with the University and providing a home for our institution.We can’t think of anyone more deserving of the honor of speaking at our Inaugural Commencement than the Prime Minister who invited us to establish the University in Vieux Fort in 2003.”

After receiving their M.D. degrees, the graduates participated in a long-standing medical school tradition known as the “hooding” ceremony, led by Paul Cherian, MD,founding Dean of the College, and Cletus Carvalho, MD, Executive Dean of the College of Medicine.

The hooding is an important rite of passage that formally acknowledges the achievements and accomplishments of the graduates. Following the hooding ceremony the graduates recited in unison the Hippocratic Oath, a reminder of the high standards of performance and behavior that they should aspire to achieve as they begin their professional careers as physicians. At the ceremony, the President of the University also bestowed upon Paul Cherian, MD the honor of serving as Dean Emeritus for the College of Medicine.

Graduates, Drs. Ann Kwon, Asfand Khan, and Jeffrey Schachterwere recognized with Distinguished Graduate Awards for earning remarkable scores on the USMLE Step 1—the gateway exam for becoming a licensed physician and earning a residency in the United States.

Dr. Kwon earned a residency in Pathology at Georgetown University Medical Centre. The average USMLE Step 1 score for the graduating class of 2015 was a 223 while the average USMLE Step 2 (CK) score for the class of 2015 was a 235.

The graduates of 2015 hailed from Canada, Djibouti, Nigeria, Syria, and the United States and have completed their undergraduate education at some of the most prominent institutions including, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of New Brunswick, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, Cornell University, and the University of Connecticut.

Following graduation, graduates will spend between three to seven years of their medical careers in the next phase of their training—the specialized program known as residency.

On March 20, results from “Match Day,” observed at medical schools around the US, revealed that IAU graduates earned coveted residency spots at various hospitals and universities in the U.S. including the Georgetown University School of Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic.

The students vied for competitive positions that included pathology, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, and family medicine.

Following the commencement ceremony, graduates and their families and friends were treated to a University banquet, where President Nair reiterated his appreciation to the graduates, their families and the nation of Saint Lucia.

The President also awarded the University’s founding staff members and current Director of Public & Community Relations,Sibi Gopalakrishan, the 2015 Institutional Service Award.

During the banquet, former U.S. SenatorRon Paul, MD addressed the audience and encouraged the graduates to be humble and patient-centered physicians.

Muaz, Daanyaal and Chirag talk to Dr Christian Jessen from Embarrassing Bodies, one of the TeenTech judges

BBC - Three schoolboys behind a colour-changing, STI-detecting condom say they’ve been contacted by a contraceptive company about their idea.

Daanyaal Ali, Chirag Shah, both 14, and Muaz Nawaz, 13, won a TeenTech award this week for their idea, called S.T.Eye.

They want to create a condom that changes colour when it detects an STI.

Muaz told Newsbeat: “We wanted to make a product that will make life simpler, easier, better.”

Their idea – which is still at concept stage – involves a condom covered with antibodies that would react with the bacteria or antigens found in STIs.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/33253890/colour-changing-condoms-get-picked-up-by-contraceptive-company

CAPTIONS
LIME Marketing Executive, Sharlene Jn. Baptiste (far right) with participants in the SLHTA Apprenticeship program.

PRESS RELEASE - LIME is giving eight youths the opportunity to benefit from real-life work experience by becoming part of the LIME Family via the SLHTA Apprenticeship and Skills Training for Employment Initiative.

This initiative is designed to expose some 1,600 young people to training and employment opportunities in the hotel and tourism sector, as well as other industries.

The program is jointly funded by the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Finance. LIME is among the first companies to wholeheartedly embraced the initiative by taking eight young trainees on board.

Over the next eight weeks the youths will be exposed to various departments in the company, including human resources, marketing, sales and administration. They will receive mentorship and hands-on training in high-skilled occupations that are both challenging and relevant to employment in today’s economy.

LIME trainees in SLHTA Apprenticeship program.

Upon successful completion of their apprenticeship, the graduates will be awarded a certificate of completion by the SLHTA and LIME. They will also be listed on the SLHTA skills database to which employers will be given access to screen possible applicants for vacancies.

CEO of LIME St. Lucia, Geraldine Pitt, said, “This apprenticeship program could not have come at a better time and we applaud SLHTA for taking this initiative. This is yet another proud moment for LIME as it builds upon our long history of developing young minds through internship and apprenticeship. With the positive attitude expressed by the young participants and their eagerness to work and learn, there is no doubt that this will be a fruitful exchange as they have presented great ideas on how, as a company, we can improve on our quality of service and our product offering to the youth.”

Miss Pitt further added: “All too often when our youth and young adults seek employment, employers require job experience yet few are willing to provide them with that first opportunity. That’s the beauty of this program; for many it’s a place to start and we are excited to be a part of their long journey into the world of work.”

Executive Vice President of the SLHTA, Mr. Noorani Azeez said, “We are delighted to have LIME on board as a partner. We are all too aware of the urgent need for greater streamlining of training programs that address employers’ concerns about the poor quality of applicants seeking employment, their lack of experience and misconceptions about the realities of work in the hospitality and other sectors. LIME and our other partners in the program know that they are not only helping young people achieve their dreams, they are also developing a world-class workforce for St. Lucia in the 21st century.”

LIME has given scores of secondary school students the opportunity to benefit from internships and real-work experience over the years. They include 16 students from the Entrepot Secondary School who participated in a three-day work-study program a few years ago, during which they were exposed to a number of jobs in retail, customer experience, finance, human resources, corporate sales, service support delivery and marketing. They all said they found it an immensely enjoyable experience, and some admitted it had taught them that education is not just about what happens in the classroom.

PRESS RELEASE - Thirty-nine students have been chosen for the St Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) Summer Employment Programme which began on June 15, 2015.

The LUCELEC Summer Employment Programme facilitates internships for students on vacation from secondary schools, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, and university.

Beginning in the early 1980’s and throughout the years, the programme has nurtured hundreds of Saint Lucian youth including many of the company’s current Management Team. The Summer Employment Programme is a tangible opportunity for students to get an appreciation for the demands of working in an environment that places a premium on efficiency.

The company benefits as well, using the Summer Employment Programme as an opportunity to identify talented young individuals who later on may be interested in working for LUCELEC. These include students in the LUCELEC Scholarship Programme who the company puts a premium on preparing for their eventual careers and lives.

LUCELEC Human Resource Manager Mrs Nicole Duboulay says the programme is also designed to capitalize on the students’ skills sets.

“As much as possible we try to match students with their areas of interest on the job, but importantly we seek to ensure they get an understanding of the rigours of the work place and an opportunity to see how what the learn at school may be applied in the work environment,” she explains.

The interns have been stationed in various Departments across the company. During orientation they were introduced to the company’s policies and standards, given an overview of the different departments and the company’s history.

The orientation also included a tour of the power station, giving the interns a first-hand look at the processes involved in the generation of electricity.

Additionally, all students will write monthly reports of their employment experience. For those on school internships, reports will be submitted to their respective schools.

The LUCELEC Summer Employment Programme will end on August 31, 2015.

Joseph Valcin

The Forestiere Development Committee (FDC) in collaboration with the Forestiere Methodist Combined School will be honouring Sir Joseph Valcin, who will be heading off to retirement after close to five decades of service.

A special ceremony will be held on the grounds of the Forestiere School on Sunday, July 5, 2015 starting at 2:30 p.m.

The FDC is encouraging past students, parents and residents to attend the event.

“We invite all whose lives have been impacted by his teaching, to come celebrate with him at this event,” the FDC said in a press statement issued today.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) spoke with Valcin who said that he is appreciative of the kind gesture to host an event in his honour and expressed his deepest gratitude to all those who planned it.

Valcin described his 45 years of teaching as, “Very interesting, challenging and rewarding.”

Asked on what his advice would be to young teachers entering the education system, Valcin said, “Focus on loving, caring and giving the best to the students and not necessarily the salary.”

PRESS RELEASE - School of Art and Design Saint Lucia is preparing to host its 5th Annual Summer Art Program at its location in Sans Souci.

This year’s Program continues to focus on creative disciplines such as fine arts including drawing, painting, ceramics, accessory design, graphic design and fabric design.

The Summer Art Program caters to students ranging in ages from 5 – 16 years who possess an interest in art or have the ability to draw.

Students will also be taken on field trips to art galleries exposing them to various artists/designers and their work.

The program will be held for four weeks beginning July 13th to August 7th and will culminate with an Exhibition and an Auction to showcase the students work and raise funds for the support of future programs.

Persons wishing to register a child may do so at the Blue Coral and Baywalk Malls and the School’s Location in Sans Souci or call the School at 457-4ART (278) for more information.

PRESS RELEASE - Through the provision of  Five Hundred Thousand Dollars (EC$500,000.00) from the Government of Saint Lucia, the Community After School Programme (CASP) of the Ministry ofSocial Transformation, Local Government & Community Empowerment is set to continue changing the lives of vulnerable children around the island.

On June 29, 2015, advocates and participants of the programme gathered to celebrate the commencement of a new cycle of the CASP.

Mr. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, a longtime champion of the CASP, along with Mr. Robert Fevrier of 1st National Bank, and Mr. Noorani Azeez Executive Vice President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) attended Monday’s ceremony where they pledged their continued commitment to the success of the programme.

“We are recommencing a programme that targets children coming from the most economically depressed areas of our country.

The CASP has proven to be very successful over the years in providing a safe learning environment after school hours for deserving children who would otherwise be lured into idleness or negativity,” remarked Minister for Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment the Honourable Harold Dalsan.

The CASP experienced some financial constraints last year, however upstanding corporate citizens of the SLHTA and 1st National Bank-through the endorsement of Mr. Hinkson- found it apt to contribute to the sustainability of the programme.

In 2014, the SLHTA supported the CASP through the provision of funding in the amount of EC$70,000.00.

Minister Dalsan indicated that this new cycle will also see an expansion of the CASP from seven (7) centres to fourteen (14) centres island wide, namely: Faux-a-Chaux, Wilton’s Yard, Ciceron, Monchy, Babonneau, Belair, Jacmel, Millet, Soufriere, Fond St. Jacques, La Maze, Vieux-Fort South, Vieux- Fort North, and Mon Repos.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the corporate partners who came forward to complement Government’s initiative to ensure the continued operation of this beneficial service to youth in vulnerable communities.

Young students of St Lucia at the reception in London

PRESS RELEASE - On Friday June 26th, 2015, the High Commissioner to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Dr Ernest Hilaire hosted an elegant reception at the offices of the High Commission of Saint Lucia in London, to welcome and congratulate the 41 recipients of the full tuition scholarships offered by the BPP University, in collaboration with the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and RISE Saint Lucia Ltd.

Dr. Hilaire welcomed his compatriots to London and extended words of wisdom born from his own personal struggles when he was a young student from St. Lucia, aspiring to be great in this big city.

He encouraged them not to be overwhelmed but rather be comforted in the knowledge that this opportunity had opened doors to a new world and a great future, stating “Saint Lucian’s who come to Britain to study have always succeeded and failure is not an option”. He told his young guests “Make your families, who have sacrificed a lot to enable you to study proud of your endeavours and Saint Lucia will be proud of you too”.

John Kennedy, President of BCCC St Lucia & His Excellency Dr Ernest Hilaire, the High Comissioner to Saint Lucia (on the left).

Mr. John Kennedy, President of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce Saint Lucia, attended the event and at the invitation of the High Commissioner was happy to say a few words.

In his remarks he said “when I first met you all, it was at the Sir Arthur Lewis College at an event organised by RISE and this was just an idea, the next time I met you was at the airport as you waited to board your flights to London, then these 41 Scholarships had become a fact – now I meet you in London and your courses have begun and these Scholarships are a reality. Work hard, study well and make the most of this fantastic opportunity and the fantastic life ahead of you that you all will have”.

Mrs. Juliette Wagner-James, Deputy Dean of the BPP University, who initiate this opportunity, shared with the students the astounding value of the Scholarship programme at £1,500,000 (EC$6 million) and said that after having had the opportunity to get to know them since their arrival, she was confident that among them were people facing a bright future. “We have leaders and entrepreneurs of the next generation without a doubt”, she said, as she smiled back at her grateful audience.

Students undertake mock interview training with Survey Consultant Bryan Boxill

PRESS RELEASE - The Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP), launched in December 2014, is a US$68 million dollar initiative undertaken by the Government of Saint Lucia, in conjunction with the World Bank.

The project aims to considerably reduce Saint Lucia’s risk to natural disasters in an era of climate change.

A critical component of the DVRP is a Climate Adaptation Financing Facility-CAFF. The US $5 million facility is expected to be managed by the Saint Lucia Development Bank, SLDB.

The CAFF’s main goal is to provide loans at concessional interest rates to Saint Lucian households and businesses to undertake risk reduction measures.

In other words, households and businesses are expected to build resilience to the impacts of climate change with funds obtained from the CAFF.

As a part of a systematic approach to gathering information for crafting the CAFF, 1500 households have been surveyed. In its ongoing effort to ensure that the CAFF meets its objective, the GOSL, in collaboration with the World Bank, has agreed to undertake a Structural Assessment Survey.

This survey will seek to analyze the structural integrity of homes, vis-a-vis their ability to withstand climate-induced natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

Data amassed from the survey will be used to complement information already collected from an earlier conducted household survey to ensure that the CAFF is ultimately designed to meet the needs of those whom it intends to benefit.

At a workshop on Monday, June 29, students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, SALCC—who will be charged with conducting the Structural Assessment Survey (alongside enumerators from the Central Statistics Office),  were briefed on climate change, dress code, and survey protocol.

Come next week, the students will receive hands-on training from World Bank officials to use geo-referencing technology that will allow for easier collecting and storing of data whilst conducting the survey.

500 of the 1500 households that previously participated in the initial household survey, will be selected to take part in the upcoming Structural Assessment Survey scheduled to commence on Saturday, July 15, 2015.

The project proponents request the kind assistance and support of the general public in this venture.

PRESS RELEASE - The Rotaract Club of St. Lucia hand-over ceremony was held on July 2, 2015 at the Central Library.

The new executive took office from July 1, 2015 until June 30, 2016. The executive members are Keisha Alfred; President, Eldon Paul; Vice President, Nickey Desriviere; Immediate Past President, Shana Etienne; Secretary, Tzarmallah Haynes; Treasurer, Desma Saltibus; Community Service Director, Glendon St. Rose; Club Service Director, Maurice Norville; Professional Development Director and Kerryl Antoine; International Service Director.

The theme for this Rotaract year 2015-2016 is “GIVE; Guide, Inspire, Volunteer, Excel” The new executive and members are committed to continuing the legacy of giving service above self to the community.

Assistant Governor PP Konrad Wagner and President Timothy James of the Rotary Club of St. Lucia commended the members for their commitment and initiative that they have shown thus far and pledge the support of Rotary throughout the year.

Tameeka Jn Baptiste

A Saint Lucian national has been selected to represent the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus in the prestigious 10 day Germany Student Exchange Program.

Tameeka Jn Baptiste a past student of the Castries Comprehensive School, who hails from Babonneau will participate in the “Sustainable Tourism Program” at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University in Germany.

Tameeka Jn Baptiste, who is second year student at UWI, has been selected among eight others who are third year and master degree students. The group will be accompanied by Dr. Leslie-Ann Jordan- Miller.

The main purpose of the exchange program is to expand students’ knowledge on sustainable tourism. The students will participate in outdoor sessions and gain both theory and practical information.

At the conclusion of the program, the students will spend an additional four days exploring France and Switzerland.

They are expected to depart Trinidad on August 3, 2015 and return on August 18, 2015.

Ariel Albert speaking to a member of the local media.

Ariel Albert of Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary is the country’s top student at this year’s Common Entrance Examination.

Albert scored 96.67 percent topping the country and her school.

Two students from Pearlette Louisy Primary are among the country’s top ten and 10 others in the top 50.

Principal Ethelene Leonce told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that she is happy with the students’ performance and noted that Albert performed as expected.

“I think the teachers were a little worried because we had a few students in the middle that we were trying to push up, but I think in the end the hard work paid off, and they are satisfied with the results,” she said.

Leonce noted that her teachers are dedicated and put one hundred percent into what they do, which is one of the main reasons why the school continues to produce top students.

In addition to that, the principal said that the teachers also work with the students on their weak areas and would often use the students’ previous performances to do so.

The Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School has produced several tops students over the years.

The top public school for this year is Piaye Combined and the top private school is Montessori Centre.

PRESS RELEASE - The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT), in collaboration with the Fisheries Department is implementing a national campaign dubbed ‘This is Who We Are’.

The campaign was launched in April this year and culminates in August, and is intended to enhance people’s understanding and appreciation for the value of the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA) and other Marine Managed Areas to their personal well-being.

The campaign targets include clarifying the rationale for designating marine managed areas; improving public understanding of the interconnections between marine and terrestrial eco-systems and changing attitudes and behaviours for a more positive impact on marine ecosystems and other protected areas.

This campaign is part of a regional initiative being implemented in six other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) with similar objectives.

The initiative is being undertaken under the scope of the Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network (ECMMAN) Project under its “Communicating for Conservation” programme coordinated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB).

A series of activities have been planned targeting various sectors and age groups. One of these activities is a school expo which takes place on Tuesday, July 7th, 2015 at the Vieux Fort square.

The main thrust of this activity is to expose students from the South to Marine Protected Area (MPA) related issues.

Students will engage in interactive exchanges with various presenters on topics ranging from marine and terrestrial biodiversity in Saint Lucia; livelihoods within the PSEPA; personal responsibility and making wise decisions to protect marine resources.

Students will also participate in entertaining but reinforcing activities which will focus on the Pointe Sable Environmental Protection Area (PSEPA). Popular local artistes, Ambi and J-Mouse will be rendering a special performance of the campaign theme, song ‘This is who we are’.

Although pupils are the main target, the event which starts at 10:00 a.m., is also open to the public. For more information, please contact the Saint Lucia National Trust at 452-5005 or 454-5014.

The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) is currently reviewing its fee structure with the intention of implementing an across-the-board increase possibly by the next academic year.

Reports are that this matter has already been discussed with officials from the Education Ministry and is being aggressively pursued, given the many challenges facing the institution.

The SALCC currently receives an annual government subvention of $15 million, but this is not enough to offset the many expenses that the institution obtains each year.

It has been reported that the subvention has remained the same for the past six years, despite the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) back in 2012.

The institution is finding it difficult to procure goods and services for its effective functioning, given the increasingly high prices attached to these.

The SALCC is also in dire need of repairs and has not been able to carry out any proper repair to most of its facilities for sometime now, due to a the inadequate budget and low income.

Piaye Combined staff.

Results for this year’s Common Entrance examination are out and while some schools did not perform so well, others have a lot to be proud of.

Topping the list is the Piaye Combined School which has been named the top public primary school in this year’s Common Entrance examinations.

Piaye Combined scored 77.7 percent mean average, making it the first time that the school has been declared the island’s top primary education institution.

While Piaye performed well at this year’s examinations, the Montessori Centre also delivered great performances and has been named the top private primary school.

Based on figures for the Montessori Centre all the students were above the mean, which is something that does not usually happen.

Senior Mistress of Piaye Combined Hyacintha Longville said that teachers are generally pleased that the school is ranked the top pubic primary educational institution based on this year’s exams.

She said while only one of the students made the top 50 list, the others did their best and the teachers were instrumental in making Piaye Combined the top school.

Meanwhile, one of the Montessori Centre grade six teachers, Fay Sherman, said she is extremely proud of the students.

She said that the school continues to work with students to ensure that they perform above the mean.

Sherman said while the school has been consistently ranked as one of the top primary schools in the country, the teachers always strive to do their best and encourage students to give of their best.

At least six students from the Montessori Centre made it in the top 50 list.

Some 2372 students wrote this year’s Common Entrance exams.

PM Kenny Anthony

PRESS RELEASE - Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, has extended congratulations to the students and schools who excelled in this year’s Common Entrance Examination (CEE).

The results of the Common Entrance were published on Monday, July 7, 2015 by the Ministry of Education. Ariel Albert of Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary was the top student and achieved a score of 96.67%. The Montessori Centre was the top private school and Piaye Combined was the top Primary School.

According to the Prime Minister,

“This is a week of celebration for many households and schools and an exciting time for those receiving their results. I wish to commend our students, their dedicated teachers, parents and wider families for their achievements. Our top achiever, Miss Albert, and the children of Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary, are deserving of our applause. I also wish to recognize, in a special way, the students and teachers of the Piaye Combined School. This is a great performance for a small school in the south. This achievement emphasizes that with good leadership all schools have the potential to excel.”

He added,“It is noteworthy that our students have attained the highest scores ever in Mathematics and English. This may well suggest that investments in education are bearing fruit.”

According to the Prime Minister, whereas all students are guaranteed a place in a Secondary School, their desire to excel and achieve their best scores have not dwindled. The Prime Minister said, “There is less anxiety surrounding the Common Entrance results since the advent of Universal Secondary Education. However, the excitement is still there. I have seen celebrations at schools, in communities and on social media, as our children have made their parents proud.”

“Thankfully, over 99% of our students will be assigned to secondary schools. I am also pleased that we are beginning to see the positive results of the Partial Zoning Policy, as most students chose schools within their districts as their first option. This shows confidence in the quality of education afforded at our schools.”

The Prime Minister urged all students to continue to strive for excellence. He said,”I say to our students, who will be entering Form One in September, this is just the beginning of your journey. There are great things ahead of you. Apply yourself, and there is no limit to what you can achieve.”

The Ministry of Education disclosed that 2,372 candidates were processed for the 2015 CEE. The Ministry also reported that the national mean was 63.78%, an increase of 2.88% over 2014. An estimated 1,292 or 54.47% of the candidates scored at or above the national mean. Of the students who wrote this year’s CEE, 2,359 were assigned to secondary schools.

PRESS RELEASE - Trinity Lutheran Church’s Youth Leaders are offering a Easter Vacation Bible School from Monday July 13th to Friday July 17th.   The week long event will run from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in beautiful Bisee.  The program is free of charge and open to children from the ages of 3 to 12.

Member of the church Evodia Cassius is in charge of the program.  She has returned for the summer from her studies at Martin Luther College in pre-primary school education and applying her expertise to the Vacation Bible School.

“It is no doubt that a greater percentage of St. Lucians are Christians.  What we have discovered however, is that many of the children we run across can’t tell you even the most basic account of the birth, resurrection and death of Christ.

Either the message is not getting across in a way that they can internalize it or it is simply not being taught” says the St Lucian born Cassius.  “Summer Vacation Bible schools and similar programs not only teach life skills and morals, but link even the youngest of children with their Savior Jesus Christ.

No one argues the importance of spirituality in the development of children.  So opportunities like this are vital for happy, healthy kids who will be thrown into a chaotic world.”

The lives of such great Biblical characters as Moses and King Solomon will be focused on.  This year, female heros like Queen Esther and Lydia – a Christian business woman will also be stressed.  Of course the life of Jesus will also be central to the message.  These characters will be presented in drama, songs and crafts.

Trinity has two active youth groups and both will be participating in the organization and carrying out of this year’s Easter Vacation Bible School.

Trinity Lutheran Youth Group is made up of secondary school children.  The Christians in Action Youth Group is made up of those who have graduated from secondary school.

For more information, contact Trinity Lutheran Church at 572-2244 or Teacher Evodia Cassius at 484-1667. You may also visit our web site at islandlutherans.com, email us at cassiues@mlc-wels.edu or like us on Facebook.

Trinity Lutheran Church is not associated with the Mormon Church located by the Vigie playing field. Trinity Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod, a world wide Protestant church body.

PRESS RELEASE - Angelie Tayliam and Kevin Daniel are the 2015 recipients of the “Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony Award for Excellence”, at the Primary School level.

As part of his contribution to the graduation ceremony of the Plain View Combined School, Prime Minister Anthony introduced an “Award for Excellence” in 2013, for the top achiever at the Common Entrance Exam.

This year, two students topped the school and Constituency with a score of 93.33%. Both students received a trophy and a monetary contribution of $500.00 from the Prime Minister.

Miss Tayliam has been assigned to the St. Joseph’s Convent School, while Mr. Kevin Daniel will be attending the Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (La Ressource).

Kevin Daniel is the first boy to be presented with this award.