PRESS RELEASE – Although the second month of the new school year is almost over, the children and parents of the Lightning Aquatics (LA) Swim Club saw it fit to make a small yet meaningful donation to the Dunnottar School.

The items which consisted of back to school supplies and toiletries were presented to the school’s Principal Ms. Antonia Joseph by Club President, Mrs. Tessa Charles-Louis and Floor Representative – Loyola Edwin on Wednesday, October 19, 2016.

Mrs. Charles-Louis said, “LA is not just a swim club, we aim to ensure well rounded young people and so we felt it important to teach our children the value of giving back.

Furthermore, corporate Saint Lucia and the public have been extremely generous to the club whether it’s through in-kind or financial contributions towards our numerous fund raising activities”.

The presentation precedes the Capri-sun swim meet which is scheduled for Friday, October 21st to Sunday, October 23rd at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC). This competition serves as the final qualifier for the National team that will be heading to the OECS Swimming Championship in November.

According to Mrs. Charles-Louis, we anticipate that our swimmers will give their best, setting personal best times and where possible breaking records, similar to their performance in the recent Summer Splash Swim Meet in September. LA placed 3rd in Summer Splash, with many swimmers improving their times.

Additionally, a few of the club’s swimmers placed in the top three; Naima Hazell placed 1st in the girls 9 – 10 and broke national records in the 50 Meter Butterfly and the 100 Meter IM, while Naekeisha Louis came 3rd in that age group.

Anneliese Gaillard placed 3rd in the girls 8 and under, while Karic Charles who placed 2nd in the boys 8 and under broke national records in the 50M and 100M Breaststroke.

The club is also extremely proud of Coaches Peter and Marlon James and Trainee Coach Shernice Popo for leading by example and participating in the Summer Splash Swim Meet.

For more information on how to become a part of this progressive and family-oriented swim club please email lightningaquaticslu@gmail.com

(1)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – Representatives in the services sector across the Caribbean converged in Antigua from October 17th to October 19th for a CARICOM Regional Symposium on Services.

The purpose of the forum was to develop strategies and action plans to boost investment, output, employment and trade in the sector.

The services sector, which covers more than 70% of the region’s export earnings, offers wide and varied opportunities for development in retail, distribution, consultancy, finance, tourism, communication, transport and more.

Speaking at the symposium, Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Corps Charde Desir said it is paradoxical to believe that the Caribbean’s human resource is its most vital asset while at the same time underutilizing the region’s youth.

Desir, who also serves as the Saint Lucian Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador, told the CARICOM/CARIFORUM stakeholders that with 60% of the region’s population being under 30, more than half of the new job seekers are young people.

Said Desir, “If our youth are the key to a sustainable future, then we need to engage them. Their value must not be overlooked.  Yet we inadvertently do so, when vacancies are advertised and they require a minimum of three years’ experience. Or after a few weeks of a vacancy being posted, a notice is found in the paper stating that since no suitable candidate has been found, we are tendering for applicants outside of the country.”

Desir implored the stakeholders, who he referred to as having the power to provide opportunities, to embrace the fresh perspectives, willingness and energy of young people to unlock their potential which will redound to their benefit and the further development of the region.  He believes that traditional professions should no longer be the focus or the aspiration.

“A precise description of the job market is needed, which provides an accurate snapshot of the areas that are over saturated as well as the areas that could benefit from additional stimulation. The services sector should work alongside our research institutions to provide this information, so that we can encourage persons to seek careers that suit the job market, rather than have a job market that doesn’t support the people.”

Through this approach, Desir said a sustainable and prosperous region will become reality – by fostering the capacity of the youth and accommodating them in various regional frameworks, the need to seek employment outside of the region will be reduced.

(2)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – The Soufriere Police Station along with the Community Relations Officer Epiphane delivered a hamper and a bag with school supplies to a parent at the Fond St Jacques Primary School on Monday the 24th day of October 2016.

On behalf of a child who attends the school. The principal of Fond St. Jacques school and the parent both expressed gratitude for the donations.

(3)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – On Monday October 24, 2016 marked the twenty-fourth (24^th) Inauguration of the Associated Student Body (ASB) of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC).

The ASB is the student governance arm of the university, elected by the student population to be the official representation of the students to the University Administration while engendering a positive school spirit.

The current ASB consists of seventeen (17) officers from around the Caribbean and Europe, of which fifteen (15) are elected at the yearly ASB General Elections. Five (5) of these elected student representatives on this elite body hail from the Island of Saint Lucia (making history on campus), holding the positions of Vice President, Director for Financial Administration, Director for Student Workers, Director for Spiritual Awareness as well as Director for Social and Cultural Activities.

The Saint Lucian students on the main campus of the University of the Southern Caribbean have always represented their country well in the realm of academia, spiritual exercises, as well as cultural expositions through the annual International Student Week of which the Saint Lucian Club on campus holds the honor for best cultural club.

The following are the names and positions of these Saint Lucian students who seat as elected officers on the Associated Student Body for 2016-2017:

Vice President – Mr. Randy Dixon

Director for Financial Administration – Mrs. Malika Nathaniel-Fevrier

Director for Student Workers – Mr. Mc Carson Bledman

Director for Spiritual Awareness – Mr. Hilary Venton Charles

Director for Social and Cultural Activities – Mr. Anton Charles

USC is a private, coeducational institution, with a diverse student body, with three (3) locations in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago along with sites in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana and Saint Lucia. The university serves an estimated three thousand (3,000) students throughout its locations.

It is overseen by the Caribbean Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist, and is housed on three hundred and eighty-four acres of land in the beautiful Maracas Valley.

(11)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – The Management and Staff of Coconutz Rodney Bay would like to congratulate Merchrishna Minvielle of the Corinth Secondary School and Aliya Degazon of the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School on receiving the 1^st Annual Common Entrance Scholarship compliment Coconutz, Rodney Bay.

Keep up the good work and aim for the STARS!!

(1)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – Over the years Flow has given many young St. Lucians the opportunity to benefit from real-life work experience and become part of the Flow Family through fulltime employment and by way of in-house, work-training apprenticeship programs.

This week the company demonstrated, once again, that is committed to delivering on what it considers to be a vital part of its mission, namely to improve lives by giving back to the community, and by supporting the nation’s schools and the development of the youths.

Last week a group of former St. Joseph’s Convent students are currently employed with Flow paid a visit to their alma mater at the invitation of the school. While there they met with the form one students and had a chat with them during which they encouraged the students to take their education seriously and start exploring options for furthering their studies and choosing their careers. The theme of the session was “She Believed That She Could so She did.”

The students welcomed the visitors and listened with rapt attention as the Flow team discussed with them the importance of having the right attitude in their quest to be professionals, and explained why they must be willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve their dreams. They were also given useful tips on how to develop perseverance and personal discipline and how to go about making a decision on a career path.

It was a highly interactive and fun-filled discussion and the students said they enjoyed every minute of it. Several of them said they found it to be quite inspiring and thought the ideas discussed would be a great help to them.

Flow St. Lucia Marketing & Communications Executive, Shermalyn Sidonie-John was also part of the visiting Flow team. She said they thoroughly enjoyed their time with the students and look forward to representing Flow on similar initiatives as part of the company’s commitment to supporting youth development and education.

“Like the principal and teachers, we envision a nationwide school community where students excitedly explore and confidently pursue careers after wisely choosing their subjects. As a company, Flow was proud to be given this opportunity to build upon our long history of developing young minds by supporting initiatives geared towards helping them be mentally, intellectually and emotionally prepared for employment in today’s economy,” said Sidonie-John.

(0)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort North Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste was one of the main presenters, at a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization seminar on Sustainable School Feeding Programmes. The FAO event took place in Grand Cayman on Tuesday October 25^th, 2016.

Hon. Jn. Baptiste was invited to speak on his experience with a new model of school feeding, which involves a focus on healthy and safe food, school gardens and partnership with the local and private sectors. According to Hon. Jn. Baptiste, the work on improving the School Feeding Programme which was pioneered in Saint Lucia from 2013 with partners in Education, Social Transformation, Health and Agriculture among other agencies and donor governments, has been  recognized by regional and international agencies as an example of a model that can be strengthened and shared with other countries.

Hon. Jn. Baptiste focused his discussion on the importance of high-level political will, strong inter-ministerial and inter-sectoral coordination and deep community integration. Saint Lucia’s experience with school feeding as a means of connecting schools to agriculture was also highlighted.

Mr. Jn. Baptiste continues to thank his former ministerial colleagues for the role that they played in establishing Saint Lucia’s model of Improved School Feeding, the staff of all the ministries who were involved, the private sector and the parents who helped to build new facilities in schools.

According to Hon. Jn. Baptiste, Food and Nutrition Security and all its aspects provide our countries an excellent opportunity to expand agriculture and at the same time develop business opportunities around local food production. He indicates, that he will continue to advocate for changing practices and attitudes towards food security and school feeding in Saint Lucia and sister countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

(0)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – The Odsan Combined School was the lucky recipient of a donation of basic school supplies from RBC. The school was selected because of its location and needs.

The Principal received the items with much joy on behalf of the staff and students. She thanked the bank for such a thoughtful initiative that supports educational growth of children and look forward to building stronger ties with the bank.

The school is also thankful for a donation of some books “Telling Tales from St. Lucia” by Mrs. Nadjhla Bailey.

The initiative of helping students at the school shows that the RBC workers care about helping children attain their educational goals and at the same time relieving some stress on teachers and parents.

The school wishes the bank well in all its endeavours.

Thanks again to Ms. Myreen Cenac- Community Outreach Champion and her team.

(2)(0)

Photo credit: royalcurlaandia84

PRESS RELEASE – St. Mary’s College is pleased to announce the establishment of the Student Mentorship Program (“The Program”) spearheaded by the centennial class of 1990 as part of an initiative of the St. Mary’s College Old Boys Association, which is in its formative stage.

The intent of The Program is to provide students with the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, graduates of St. Mary’s College (“Old Boys”) who have experience in various fields including academia, practical and vocational professions as the Old Boys impart knowledge about their respective areas of specialization, share their journeys and life experiences.

A steering committee was established comprising five members from the Class of 1990, Mr. Gillray M. Cadet, Mr. Terry Finisterre, Mr. Terry Goodman, Mr. Anselm Mathurin and Mr. Cuthbert Nathoniel.

The vision of The Program is to inspire achievement, provide guidance and support the aspirations of St. Mary’s College students to become positive community, country and world influencers and leaders.  This will be achieved by tapping into the local and global network of Old Boys to enlist enthusiastic and experienced personalities from a wide spectrum of professions to address students on a regular basis, in person or by video conference.

Specific objectives for The Program, include:

1. Motivate, encourage and inspire
2. Gain insight into various professions
3. Provide access to male role models
4. Establish a forum to listen, learn and probe how to manage life’s challenges
5. Create an avenue for Old Boys to “give back” to St. Mary’s College
6. Encourage Old Boys to make a difference for potential at-risk male youth

Three mentoring sessions are planned for the first term of the 2016/17 school year.  The first session took place on Monday, 26 September 2016 and the first presenter was The Honourable Sir Dwight Venner, the former Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (1989 to 2015) and a 1965 graduate of St. Mary’s College.  Sir Dwight Venner is an Economist by training and received his tertiary education at the University of the West Indies (“UWI”), Mona Campus, Jamaica, where he also served as a Research Fellow and Lecturer.  Sir Dwight Venner is well published and serves on the board of a number of institutions.

Mr. Rowan Seon, Principal of St. Mary’s College commented after the first mentoring session, “Sir Dwight’s presentation was heard by the entire group of 4th and 5th Formers.  He was captivating and inspiring as he highlighted salient aspects of his life’s journey. From all reports and appearances many students, especially those studying economics, were renewed in their determination to excel and to be outstanding.  We eagerly await the next presentation.”

Two other mentoring sessions will be conducted this term, in October and November.  The confirmed speakers are Dr. Stephen King and Mr. Adrian Augier.

Dr. Stephen King, MB.BS, FRCPC, OBE, is a pathologist, former Chief Medical Officer and a 1974 graduate of St. Mary’s College.  He practices pathology and is the forensic pathologist for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. He has been instrumental in drafting healthcare legislation, and has founded and assumed the chairmanship of numerous organizations.  He is also a former Independent Senator.  Dr. King pursued Medicine at UWI and postgraduate studies in Pathology at the University of Toronto.

Mr. Adrian Augier is a Development Economist, an Artist and a graduate of St. Mary’s College.  He is the Managing Director of Landmark Events Ltd, St. Lucia’s premier special events company, and an award-winning Producer, Poet and Designer.  He has worked with international organizations including USAID, the World Bank, among others; and serves on various boards.  He holds a BA in Economics & Political Science, a Master’s in Development Finance & Planning and an Honorary Doctorate from UWI.

In keeping with the objectives of the Program to create an avenue for Old Boys to give back, Media Zone, Inc., whose Founder and Managing Director is Wayne Whitfield (1985 graduate of St. Mary’s College), has confirmed that the Media Zone, Inc. will record the mentoring sessions.

The Steering Committee will review the impact of the first three mentoring sessions, against the Program objectives, at the end of the term to determine how to improve the interaction, knowledge transfer and experience of the students.  The plan for the future is to seek commitments from Old Boys, both in and out of St. Lucia, who are eager to contribute and mentor current students, in line with the objectives of the Program.

The Steering Committee would like to remind all current students and all Old Boys, ‘Summum Attingitur Nitendo’.

(0)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – We listened with disappointment and fear for minors who are Wards of the State at the long drawn out excuse contained within a press release by the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment regarding the imprisonment of a pregnant juvenile who has been a ward of the state from the age of ten (10), when the Department of Human Services & the Family Court deemed her mother unfit.

While this case has grabbed the attention of the general public, there are many cases that require immediate review and intervention. We therefore call on the Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, Hon. Leonard Montoute, to request and conduct an independent investigation into the Department of Human Services, the Transit Home & the Boys Training Center, with a corresponding investigation into the information and documentation submitted to the Family Court by those Agencies.

We continue to request immediate release of the teenager and her two weeks old daughter from prison (Bordelaise Correctional Facility) and an investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of 4-year-old Milan Ferdinand of Grand Ravine, Dennery approximately one year ago.

(0)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – Educational development creates segues into economic prosperity and improved quality of life. This idea espoused by Sir Arthur Lewis who famously commented that “the fundamental cure for poverty is not money but knowledge”.

The members of the Vieux Fort Chapter of the Volunteer Saint Lucia are dedicated, community-oriented, patriotic individuals who are determined to make a positive impact in Vieux-Fort through various projects.

As one of its goals, “The Chapter” aims to provide opportunities that will enable our young people to enhance their mathematics skills.   The numeracy month of November provides the perfect opportunity for the Vieux-Fort Chapter to host a “FUN-damental Numeracy and Music Exposé” with a focus on FUN.  This free event takes place on Saturday November 12, 2016 between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Vieux-Fort Square, where children of all ages are invited to attend.

Children will participate in a variety of numeracy activities including treasure hunt, mental math competition, jingle completion, math boot camp to name a few.  These fun numeracy activities will be accompanied by lots of fun entertainment including a bouncing castle, musical chairs, steel pan music, bookmark making, art.  Participants will receive prizes for their involvement in various activities.

(2)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – Students of the Des Barrass Combined School are enjoying their refurbished school, parts of which have benefitted from work carried out by the employees of CIBC FirstCaribbean.

Employees at the financial services company rallied together to refurbish the exterior and library of the school as part of its Adopt a Cause Programme.

The Adopt a Cause Programme is the bank’s annual initiative where employees identify groups, organisations, schools or projects within their communities that they are passionate about, and are in need of assistance. The employees then get together and work towards making a difference in their community, and as a result, become more intimately in tuned with the needs of their communities, and enriching the lives of those in need.

Over the years the programme has contributed towards a number of organisations and schools including Augier Combined School, Babanneau Secondary School, Bexon Infant School, Bocage Combined School, Camp Lajwa Project, Canaries Infant School, Fond St, Jacques Primary School, Grand Riviere Infant and Primary Schools, Gros Islet Soup Kitchen, La Croix Maingot Combined School, Marian Home, Mongouge Adult Day Care, National Community Foundation, National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, Roseau Combined School, Salvation Army Preschool and Day Care Centre, Soufriere Hospital Paediatric Ward, Soufriere Infant and Primary Schools, and the Vide Boutielle Primary School.

For 2016, the Adopt a Cause Programme saw the refurbishment of the Des Barrass Combined School which included brightening up the school’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint, as well as adding new carpet in the school’s library room. A book drive was also held among employees and books were added to the upgraded library. In addition to the refurbishment, CIBC FirstCaribbean recently made a donation of XCD$ 5,067.64 to the school, which Principal, Mr. Ezra Joseph noted will be used to install a drinking fountain for the students and perform some needed repairs to the school’s roof. He added that since the refurbishments, there has been an improvement in the reading experience for the students. “We are extremely grateful to CIBC FirstCaribbean; due to the improvements they have made, the students spend more time reading in the library as they are now more comfortable and engaged there”, he noted.

Country Manager, Ladesa James-Williams, noted that, “Adopt a Cause is an initiative that is very near and dear to our hearts at CIBC FirstCaribbean. Our employees are very invested and hands-on when it comes to making a difference and we look forward to continuing the relationship we have fostered with the Des Barrass School. In the coming weeks we plan to engage in another Adopt a Cause activity, this time in Vieux Fort. Our goal is to be impactful in as many communities throughout the island and in this vein we welcome suggestions and ideas for future Adopt a Cause projects in various communities.”

(1)(0)

Fifth form students today staged a massive protest at the Choiseul Secondary School.

The protest was over what many describes as the poor condition of the school after recent heavy rains.

The students complain of broken partitions, flooded classrooms and other issues affecting the 5th form block.

Approximately 120 students were involved in the protests, some bearing placards.

The problems have been present for years according to students.

(23)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – The Saint Lucia Labour Party is expressing solidarity with the protesting students of the Choiseul Secondary School. Students last week protested over the deplorable conditions of the school and the slow pace at which the UWP Government is proceeding to address the situation.

The Labour Party wishes to state that when in Government it was aware of the deplorable conditions at the school and had sourced funding for construction of a new wing to replace the dilapidated structure. The wing is to accommodate among other facilities, twelve (12) classrooms, physics and chemistry laboratories, music and theatre rooms.

When the SLP lost power in June 2016, the public invitations to tender for construction had been circulated. All structural, engineering and tender documents had been prepared and approved. All what was left to be done was an evaluation of the tender documents which is the final stage before an award could be made to a suitable contractor.

The SLP says that after 5 months it is totally unacceptable that the evaluation has not taken place for such a critical project. It begs the questions whether the Government is trying to select a contractor of its choice without public tender as it has done with numerous projects, is just incompetent or is being vindictive in trying to stop any project that the former SLP administration had started.

The Labour Party is calling on the UWP administration to put the welfare of the children of Saint Lucia first and immediately commence the evaluation process to address the situation.

(2)(40)

17-y-o Claire Daisy Charra is currently very close to becoming the youngest commercial pilot in the Caribbean.

The young woman, who attended the International School of St. Lucia, is currently training at Cirrus Aviatio, a small flight school in Florida.

Charra, who was being interviewed by The Caribbean Scoop, said that persons will not have to worry about such a young pilot flying them to their destination as she has been taught the very same things that much older pilots have been taught.

The full interview can be had on The Caribbean Scoop .

(54)(3)

According to Social Economic Development Minister Guy Joseph, there are persons in the civil service that are trying to undermine the sitting St. Lucian Government.

Joseph was speaking in response to the protests by 5th form students at the Choiseul Secondary School last week.

The minister claimed that plans for the rehabilitation of the fifth form block were already in place but some officials in the Ministry of Education failed to disclose the information.

The minister said that he can give information on everything about the planned project including the sites that were identified for the relocation of the students.

Joseph further said that plans will have gone ahead in January 2017.

“Some people want to make it look like this Government is incompetent and don’t know what they will doing,” Joseph said.

“If needs be I will call out their names at the appropriate time,” Joseph continued.

Protests erupted last week after students at the fifth form block of the Choiseul Secondary School complained of poor classroom conditions. The classrooms were reportedly flooded after recent heavy rains.

(13)(8)

Choiseul Secondary School

PRESS RELEASE – The Government of Saint Lucia has given assurances that efforts to address the deplorable conditions at the Choiseul Secondary School are being fast tracked.

Minister for Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation on Tuesday, November 8, made a statement in Parliament on the “Reconstruction of the Choiseul Secondary School”.

Minister Joseph reiterated that funding has been approved by the World Bank for the Reconstruction of the Choiseul Secondary School, under the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project.

The Economic Development Minister said: “Specifically funding has been approved for the works contract and engagement of a consultant to provide assistance to the Government of Saint Lucia with preconstruction, (technical evaluation bids), construction (supervision of works) and post construction services during the defects liability period.”

The reconstruction of the secondary school Minister Joseph indicated will begin with Block C which is in urgent need of attention. “All works would be scheduled such that the ongoing school year in particular exams and CXC would not be disrupted.”

The Minister outlined the initial schedule that had been laid out to respond expeditiously to the school’s issues.

“Should all clarifications to bidders be issued within the agreed time frame of February 15, 2016 the contractor would be able to mobilize by June 2016. The Ministry of Education would provide the list of equipment and furniture for specialized classrooms comprising IT, Lab Services and TVET. Construction would be undertaken using a phased approach commencing with Block C. Duration of works – 14 months and therefore operations at the school would be suspended for two years.”

However, Mr. Joseph pointed to delays which slowed down the process significantly: “The bidding document was issued on January 11, 2016. The Addendum to the Bidding document was issued on April 11, 2016 and not on February 16, 2016 (two months delay) as planned due to delay in submission of the information by the Ministry of Education.”

Minister Joseph further disclosed that: “Determination of administrative compliance (responsiveness of Bids) was delayed as Evaluators who were either on vacation leave or sick leave.”

He said notwithstanding plans are moving ahead, for the erection of rendering and project sign boards by November 11, 2016 and award of both contracts by mid November 2016, consultancy by November 8, 2016 (to be done by Central Tenders Board by round robin) and works contract by November 16, 2016.”

Education Authorities have indicated that while the project is ongoing the Piaye Secondary School will provide Science Lab support to the Choiseul Secondary School, while the NSDC Facilities adjacent to the school have been identified for the relocation of affected students.

Minister Guy Joseph said the reconstruction project will begin in earnest as soon as students are relocated in keeping with discussions with education authorities.

Meantime, students of the Choiseul Secondary School have been reassured by the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul Honourable Bradly Felix that their concerns will be addressed expeditiously.

Minister Felix underscored that Education as a high priority area on government’s agenda.

The Minister endorsed a pending decision of the Government to remove the Plant and Equipment Unit from the Ministry of Infrastructure where it had been shifted by the previous administration, and to return it to the Ministry of Education.

This Unit was responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of schools: “There is a direct co-relation between the Ministry of Education and the schools obviously and so the Ministry of Education will be able to respond a lot quicker to their needs and desires.”

Minister Felix asserted that it is the collective view of Cabinet that learning should take place in a conducive environment.

(2)(0)

Keyshawn Alphonse

PRESS RELEASE – Local Furniture and Electrical superstore Courts will be hosting the eighth annual Schools Reading competition on Wednesday November 16th 2106 in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The company hosted the National level of the competition on October 14th 2016 and saw eight finalists from the districts across the island competing for $2000 in cash plus $2000 for their school.

In the end, Ms Keyshawn Alphonse, student of the Soufriere Primary school wowed both audience and judges alike and was announced winner of the St. Lucia leg of the competition.

Miss Keyshawn Alphonse will represent St. Lucia at the OECS finals and will compete against winners from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Winner at the OECS finals will win an additional $5000 in cash plus $5000 for her school. 1st Runner Up will receive $3000 and 2nd Runner Up will receive $2000. All other participants will $1000 cash from Courts.

Each participant will also receive a laptop from the superstore and certificates of participation.

Keyshawn and her guardian as well as all the delegates from the OECS will be flown to St. Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday November 15th for the competition with all expenses paid by Courts.

The competition which begins at 2pm will be streamed LIVE online at http://www.sknvibes.com/welcome.cfm

The Management and Staff of Courts OECS would like to wish the best of thanks to Keyshawn as she goes on to represent St. Lucia with pride.

(1)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) emerged in 2008 as a platform to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit and innovative culture.

The inaugural activity was held locally in 2011 and has since continued to grow with new partner organizations collaborating and committing their support. As such over the years, new events and activities have emerged annually.

As Saint Lucia prepares to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 14th– 20th, 2016, under the theme, ‘Harnessing the Entrepreneur in You(th)’, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce and GEW Saint Lucia to equip and empower young entrepreneurs (youthpreneurs) to succeed in the current global climate.

Entrepreneurial activity is a source of national wealth. That is, the productivity, efficiency and dynamism of local businesses are essential to country competitiveness. When businesses in an economy are collectively making profits, employing persons and exporting products and services, this in itself drives the competitiveness of the country.

It is therefore widely believed that entrepreneurial activity contributes to a prosperous and competitive country. Consequently, more developed and competitive countries have aimed to increase the number of entrepreneurs in their country by assisting in their development.

Entrepreneurship therefore plays a critical role in economic growth globally. Moreover, in developing countries like Saint Lucia that are resource-constrained, entrepreneurship has the ability to transform, not just the standard of living of the entrepreneur, but similarly impact the entire society through the creation of job opportunities.

Notwithstanding, youth unemployment continues to be a major problem facing the Caribbean Region. In a recent study entitled, “You Are The Future:  The Imperative of Youth Employment for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean”, published by the Caribbean Development Bank, CDB President Dr. Warren Smith states, “Not only is youth unemployment high relative to global levels, it is also significantly higher than  adult unemployment.”

In 2012, unemployment among youth aged 15 to 19 was at 60% in Saint Lucia. Similarly, during the period 2008- 2014, unemployment among youth aged 15-24 rose by 15%. This is the glaring reality of the magnitude of the challenge which we are confronted with where youth are concerned.

Considering the high population of youth in Saint Lucia, the involvement of youth in entrepreneurship will not only address issues of unemployment, but will similarly help to stimulate a culture of innovation amongst our young people.

Since the establishment of the Council in 2013, the NCPC has engaged in a series of activities which not only promote increased productivity and competitiveness but similarly focus on equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and encouraging an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive.

During GEW 2016, the NCPC will be highlighting two young Saint Lucian entrepreneurs who have overcome every day challenges through innovative solutions and created successful businesses. The two five-minute features, which will air on the National Television Network (NTN) on Monday, November 14th at 6:15p.m. and on Choice TV at 7:55pm on Wednesday, November 16th and Thursday, November 17th, will follow the journey of Johanan Dujon, Managing Director of Algas Organics and Mandisa Morrison, Managing Director of Shoe Rehab.

Information on airing dates and stations will be published on the NCPC’s Facebook page (www.stluciancpc.org ) and blog; www.ncpcstlucia.wordpress.com

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council is pleased to be a part of this global initiative to empower youth. Mark your calendars and get ready for #GEW2016!

About the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC)

Established in October 2013, The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) is responsible for the identification of key issues related to competitiveness and productivity in Saint Lucia.

The NCPC and its Technical Secretariat is committed to providing the necessary advocacy and research to produce timely and effective recommendations to policymakers on issues that affect both competitiveness and productivity on island.

For more information about productivity or on the NCPC, visit www.stluciancpc.org; www.facebook.com/stluciancpc, call 468-5571/5576/1587 or send an e-mail to stluciancpc@gmail.com.

(0)(0)

PRESS RELEASE – The safety and security of the elderly and children is paramount to the Government of Saint Lucia.

Recently, Prime Minister Honourable Allen M. Chastanet stated that: “This Government abhors crime” and he promised that firm action will be taken to make Saint Lucia safe again.

The influx of reports of sexual crimes and burglaries was put into sharp perspective by the Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government Honourable Lenard Spider Montoute in a presentation to the Lower House on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. These horrible acts, he assured, have stirred concern at the highest levels of leadership in the country.

In keeping with the government’s thrust Minister Hermangild Francis on Tuesday this week, similarly denounced the senseless and atrocious behaviour of individuals who harm the defenceless. “This situation will not be tolerated by this Government and we will do all in our power to provide the necessary structures to deal with this issue,” he said.

To this end, the Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security introduced a new programme to the Senate titled: “School Crime Watch” – a programme endorsed by the Government and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

The Community Relations Branch of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will be introducing the programme to the island’s school population very soon. Mr. Francis said: “This programme will mirror the Community Watch Projects.  The intention is to sensitize all students about crime. There will be advice on how to protect them from crime and to encourage them not to be afraid to report the deviant behaviour of fellow students. Reporting will be done anonymously.”

Said Minister Francis: “Children are to be cherished, protected and loved, yet some of our children are ill-treated either physically or psychologically.”  

In his statement to the Senate on Tuesday, November 15, the Minister took time to outline several factors that may give rise to situations of abuse and summed them all up as “a complex interplay of many variables”.

Meantime, Saint Lucia will join countries across the globe in the observance of Universal Children’s Day on Monday, November 20, 2016.

(1)(0)