(PRESS RELEASE) – On Sunday October 14th Monetta Wilson launched her first children’s book “Yoga with Aunty Mo”. The event was in the form of a children’s party at the Patience Multi Purpose Court.

The book launch was well attended by children, parents and well wishers of the Mon Repos community and environs. It was sponsored by Big Chef Steakhouse, Digicel and several private citizens. The book launch began with prayers and a reading of “Yoga with Aunty Mo”.

Monetta Wilson then led the children in some yoga exercises that included a yoga walk, jumping and breathing. After yoga attendees enjoyed snacks games and dancing. Everyone who attended the book launch had a blast and were happy to meet the local author as well as the children who are featured in the book.

Yoga with Aunty Mo takes you on a journey through the picturesque village of Mon Repos as you learn to do yoga. In this book you will meet Aunty Mo and her merry band of children who will show you how they do yoga in a simple routine that is easy to follow. This colorful little gem is sure to adults and children alike feeling calm and relaxed.

Monetta Wilson, a certified yoga instructor, wrote this book because she believes that it is important to expose children to yoga in order to increase their emotional intelligence and give them adequate life skills. With the book Yoga with Aunty Mo Monetta hopes to expose every child in St Lucia to yoga. Yoga with Aunty Mo can be purchased on Amazon, kiosk number three in the Dahier building in Vieux Fort and directly from Monetta. Find out more by visiting yogawithmo.com

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(PRESS RELEASE) – In what is expected to be a celebration of Gros Islet history and a revisit of what it was like growing up in Gros Islet during the 60.s, 70.s,and 80’s, Therold Prudent and Children of Gros Islet will join forces for a reading from his internationally published
book Glory Days and Tragedy.

On February 14, 1985, six young men set out to sea from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. It was to be a brief and routine fishing expedition, but engine trouble left them adrift in a 22-foot open boat with no water or supplies. Thirst, hunger, disease, and madness interrupt the idyllic lives of six young friends and their families who grew up together in the St. Lucian town of Gros Islet. Glory Days and Tragedy, by Therold Prudent, recounts the harrowing ordeal of these young men lost at sea and the effects of the tragedy that reverberated through the small community.

Weaving vivid description and local dialect throughout a compelling tale of tragedy and triumph of human spirit, Prudent takes readers to another place and time. The beaches and culture of the small rural Caribbean town by the sea, Gros Islet, become real and its people become beloved companions.

Prudent, an avid traveler always wanted to share with the world his nostalgic memories of his hometown, Gros Islet, and its memorable people. He also wanted to explore the pain and questions of faith that he suffered when his close friends perished at sea. The two quests have merged into one story that beautifully describes his beloved hometown of Gros Islet and magically explores the depths of emotions experienced by the tragedy that was visited on this community.

“The ordeal at sea is by no means the only life defining moment for this community. There are endearing moments as well as nostalgic ones. …Glory Days and Tragedy is a touching, arresting, haunting and well-wrought tale. Recommended.” – Nikisha Young, New York CaribNews. Prudent reveals a somewhat mystical nature to the tragic story.” – The Press of Southeast Queens Adam West, the late actor and star of the television series Batman, described the book as having “scope and colourful characters. We are in a society and on location where most people never experience. The drama, the risk, and the pain of the lost-at-sea saga hits the reader like an oar between eyes.”

“In the wild fruit section of Lucian literature, Prudent did match Earl Long for presenting an effective village literature. GLORY DAYS & TRAGEDY is an important contribution to the very sparse number of important novels about 20th century village life in St Lucia. But where Long’s Mon Repos was interesting to a Castries boy on summer vacation, Prudent’s Gros Islet is immediate, intricate and inescapable. Long is an enthusiastic observer in Mon Repos, but Prudent is a real villager, a future community leader coming of age when disaster strikes at the heart of his part of the community. Long’s Mon Repos is a slice of time captured, but Prudent’s Gros Islet is a moment made eternal, a moment of tragic change give immortal life. Where Long’s Mon Repos is sunny and playful and riddle with folk comedy, Prudent’s Gros Islet is salt-stained and kerosene lit, the faint smell of Roman Catholic incense in the air, the sound of machines competing with the surf in the daylight for the first time in history”-Jason Sifflet, Nationally syndicated writer & Journalist

The author, Therold Prudent holds a Master Degree in government and politics and a graduate certificate in international law and diplomacy from Saint John’s University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Management and Communications from Adelphi University , including a Bachelor of Science in Travel & Tourism Management from the University of the State of New York.

The event and signing is scheduled for Sunday 21st October, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. on Bay Street, Gros Islet.

It is free and open to the public

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Babonneau Secondary Junior Achievers’ Group

(PRESS RELEASE) – For the 2nd consecutive year, the Junior Achievers’ group of the Babonneau Secondary School has captured the coveted prize of “Company of the Year”.

Last year, the group won the prize with the production of environmentally-friendly bamboo lawn lamps; a timely initiative in an ambiance where Climate Change issues are on the forefront. This year’s win means that the group will now represent St. Lucia later this year where they will compete with other budding entrepreneurs.

Mildred Boyce – 2nd Place Achiever of the Year

This year the group’s company “Natural Touch” was recognized in four categories. Babonneau Secondary won the awards for “Best Records”, “Best Attendance” and “Company of the Year”. The school also won the 2nd place prize for “National Achiever”. This prize was won by Mildred Boyce; a fifth form student.

“Natural Touch” speaks to the benefits of our local flora and fauna. Using a smorgasbord of local products, the group produced body butter – confined in small capsules perfect for the individual who’s on the go. Local products used in production included rosemary, grapefruit, lemon grass, tangerine and almond. This initiative, while encouraging the development of entrepreneurial skills in the future crafters of this nation, also promotes the use of local products in enterprise. May this success serve to inspire others to use our local products creatively.

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1st place National Achiever of the year goes to Zenna Hadeed of the Corinth Secondary School who also got a handset compliments FLOW

(PRESS RELEASE) – Under the auspices of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, the youth entrepreneurship scheme known as Junior Achievement (JA) of Saint Lucia continues to grow from strength to strength.

Flow, one of the long-time supporters of JA, played a small role during the latter’s annual awards ceremony. Present were JA patron, Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy, along with a number of Cabinet ministers and diplomats.

Especially pleasing for Flow would have been the performance of Advanced Corporation, coming out of the JA programme at Corinth Secondary. Flow has worked directly with JA at the Corinth Secondary for several years, but this was one of the most successful years for the school’s company. That success would have been especially poignant, given that the service developed by Advanced Corporation made excellent use of the super-fast Flow 4G LTE mobile data network.

Advanced Corporation sought to transfer classrooms with Google Classroom to make teaching and learning more meaningful; and to equip students with the technological skills required to compete in today’s changing world. The students used 4G LTE equipped mobile modems, also known as MiFi devices, as well as mobile handsets from Saint Lucia and the Caribbean’s leading telecommunications service provider, to furnish wifi for sale to fellow pupils anywhere on the school compound and out.

1st place Company of the year 2018 goes to Natural Touch of Babonneau Secondary School this awards was sponsored by LUCELEC. presented by Dr Gale T.C Rigobert

Winning a Samsung Galaxy J2 Neo with a one-month Star Plan from Flow as National Achiever of the Year was Zenna Hadeed of Corinth Secondary School, whilst the school finished third in the Company of the Year stakes, and won the JA Patrons Award.

Other students nominated for National Achiever of the year were Touya Jn Baptiste of Entrepot Secondary School, Mildred Boyce (Babonneau Secondary School), and Castries Comprehensive School’s Andazia Cherry.

For the second year in a row, though, Babonneau Secondary School won Company of the Year, whilst collecting awards for best attendance and best records. Castries Comprehensive School was the Most Improved School. The Highest Return on Investment Award went to Entrepot Secondary School.

Coincidentally, the guest speaker at JA’s awards ceremony, Denell Florius, CEO and Co-founder of Eco Carib, is a former Flow sales trainee.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The Health and Family Life Education Department of the Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School has embarked on an Anti-bullying Campaign.

The purpose of this program is to sensitize students, teachers, parents and ancillary staff of the dangers of bullying and to create a more conducive learning environment.

On Monday, October 22, 2018 at 8:15 a.m. the Health and Family Life Education Department will be hosting an assembly to establish an atmosphere that does not support bullying. A significant activity that will be undertaken on the day will be the hosting of an anti-bullying flag to remind students that bullying is not tolerated at the school.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – Natural Touch of the Babonneau Secondary School was presented with the prestigious Junior Achievement Company of the Year Award at the annual Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday 10th October 2018 at the Golden Palm Event Centre, Rodney Bay.

Patron of JA, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, Ministers of Government, Permanent Secretaries and officials, H.E Steve Mc Cready Ambassador of the British Embassy, Chamber and JA Directors and specially invited guests attended the inspiring event where outstanding Achievers, teachers, mentors and schools were awarded for their efforts and participation.

Co Founder and CEO of Eco Carib Mr. Denell Florius was the featured guest Speaker and shared his experience as an entrepreneur and provided inspiration to the students.

This year JA St Lucia was the proud recipients of regional and international awards. Excellers of the Entrepot Secondary School were recognized for winning the regional challenge presented by Scotia Bank and JA Americas with their Bank your Selfie promotion. The challenge was to “Create a Social Media campaign, directed towards youth, that promotes the importance of the banking industry’s services and channels´ digitalization” and DECA Superstars of Gros Islet Infant School received international recognition for winning the GEW DECA Idea Challenge competition with their creation of the pencil leash and was recognized and applauded for their efforts in winning that global competition from amongst 2500 submission received by DECA International.

The following schools completed and submitted the Company Financials and were judged in the following categories:Best Records, Best Attendance, Highest Return on Investment, National Achiever of the Year (NAOY) and Patron’s Award for Innovation, Creativity and Originality.

The presentations of awards were as follows:

National Achiever of the Year 2017/2018

1st Place – Zenna Hadeed -received a Trophy, certificate and Bursary of EC$2500.00
2nd place – Mildred Boyce – received a Trophy, certificate and Bursary of EC$2,000.00
3rd place – Andazia Cherry received a Trophy, Certificate and
$500.00 CXC voucher

Company Awards

Most Improved School –Receiving the Patricia Brown’s Spirit of Junior Achievement Award – Castries Comprehensive Secondary School

Best Attendance – Natural Touch Babonneau Secondary School
Best Records – Natural Touch Babonneau Secondary School
Highest Return on Investment Award – Kreationz of Entrepot Secondary School

Company of the Year 2017/2018

1st place – Natural Touch of Babonneau Secondary School
2nd place – Kreationz of Entrepot Secondary School
3rd place – Advanced Cooperation of Corinth Secondary School

Patron’s Award for Innovation, Originality and Creativity

Advanced Corporation – Corinth Secondary School

Junior Achievement is proud to award the participants for their innovation and creativity in their student led businesses where their leadership skills were honed. Our goal is to prepare and inspire the next generation of leaders by teaching them how to start a business, work in teams, and manage their money.

We are thankful to our supporters, event sponsors, students, teachers, mentors, adjudicators, Guest speaker, volunteers, media personnel, the Board and Chamber members and staff and everyone who contributed in one way or the other to the Junior Achievement 2017/ 2018 awards.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The YOUTH FEST organizing committee invites Young Artistes to register to audition for the 2018 Youth Star competition.

The opportunity is open to gospel, r&b, hip-hop, soca, reggae, dancehall and emerging genre singers.

Twenty Artistes will be selected to compete on December 16 for 1st and 2nd places in two categories, namely Teens (aged 19 under) and Twenties (aged 20-29), and for the coveted title of Youth Star 2018. All competitors will be paid attractive appearance fees and the winners and their producers received lucrative cash prizes and other rewards.

Artistes are required to complete a registration form and submit an original audio recording of their rendition by Email to caribbeanyouthfest@gmail.com or WhatsApp 489-7003.

Registration forms and details of Youth Fest 2018 are available on the website caribyouthfest.com, Facebook:@Youthfestcaribbean, Instagram or contact 489-7003 or 723-9015.

The closing date for receipt of audition registration and audio tracks is November 16th, 2018.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – Parents of students attending the Babonneau Secondary School are informed that due to repair works taking place at the school, students are asked to remain home on Wednesday October 24, 2018.

Parents are asked to stay tuned to the media for further announcements.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – Parents of students attending the Babonneau Secondary School are informed that due to repair works taking place at the school, students are asked to remain home on Thursday October 25 and Friday October 26, 2018 respectively.

Parents are asked to stay tuned to the media for further announcements.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT) has launched an essay competition for Primary (Grades 5 & 6) and Secondary School students as part of its ongoing advocacy campaign to raise awareness about the impacts of the establishment of the proposed dolphinarium on the island.

The competition seeks to give students the opportunity to write an essay for or against the proposed dolphinarium guided by the topic: Dolphin Park or No Dolphin Park – What are your views?

The Trust is delighted that Digicel, Captain Mike’s Charters and Taxi have all come on board to provide attractive prizes such as a Smartphone, a Tablet, Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursions and Taxi Vouchers to name a few. According to SLNT’s Communications and Advocacy Officer, Karetta Crooks Charles, “We really hope parents and teachers will encourage students to participate in this timely essay competition. This will not only help them to sharpen their research and writing skills but it will help them to learn more about the positive or negative implications of certain types of developments on the marine environment, the economy, livelihoods and our health”.

Essays will be judged in two categories – Primary and Secondary School. Students in Grades 5 and 6 (Primary School) must write between 250 – 350 words, while Secondary School students must write between 400 – 600 words. Mrs. Crooks Charles said, “We don’t want to exclude anyone, as such essays can be either legibly handwritten or typed and dropped off at SLNT’s Secretariat at the Pigeon Island National Landmark, Walcott House in Castries or our southern office at the Maria Islands Interpretation Centre on Sandy Beach. Children with access to a computer can send an electronic copy to doccentre@slunatrust.org and admin@slunatrust.org”.

The deadline for submission is November 9th, for more details please read the guidelines in its entirety: https://slunatrust.org/assets/content/documents/Dolphinarium_Essay_Competition_Guidelines_Final16Oct18.pdf.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – Parents of students attending the Babonneau Secondary School are informed that due to repair works taking place at the school, students are asked to remain home until Friday, November 02, 2018. Formal classes will resume on Monday November 05, 2018.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations wishes to thank parents/guardians for their understanding.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations will be staging the Annual Saint Lucia Career and College Fair 2018 on Wednesday, October 31 and Thursday, November 1, 2018, at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia.

Participating in this year’s College Fair will be representatives from local educational institutions and institutions from the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean Region. The theme of this year’s College Fair is: “Securing our Nation’s future – Academically and Professionally”

This year’s Fair promises to be a successful and productive event, as it will not only seek to target Colleges/Universities, but will incorporate a career component.

The objectives of the Fair are to:

-provide the public, especially the youth and their parents, an opportunity to interact with representatives of various local, regional and international institutions;

-obtain information that will assist them in making informed decisions about furthering their education;

-allow experienced professionals and experts to impart knowledge on their various

-professions to students; and

-create an awareness of the various career paths, and the skills and qualifications needed for certain professions.

Member of the public is, thereby, invited to attend the Saint Lucia Career and College Fair 2018 on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 10:00a.m. – 6: 00p.m, and Thursday, November 1, 2018, from 9:00a.m – 6:00p.m at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, to meet with the recruiters and advisors from the participating institutions.

For further information, please contact the Human Resource Development Unit of the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, 4th Floor, Francis Compton Building, Waterfront, Castries or at Telephone Numbers 468-5229/5434/5430/5431.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The Business Department of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is set to stage a four-day Enterprise event to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), which runs from 12th to 18th November 2018, under the theme “Recognizing youth in Entrepreneurship”.

GEW is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, stimulating the economy by unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality. It aims to inspire the next generation of future entrepreneurs and business leaders by building and developing their confidence and ambitions.

Entrepreneurship is widely regarded as the pathway through which enterprises of all sizes are developed, empowering individuals to create value and wealth; thus generating employment for themselves and others, moving from being job seekers to job creators. This year, the Global Entrepreneurship Network is excited to announce four themes for this year’s GEW 2018 celebration, recognizing women, youth, and inclusion in entrepreneurship, as well as connecting ecosystems around the world.

As part of its contributions to GEW, the SALCC will begin activities with the official launch of GEW on Wednesday, 31st October 2018. The launch will highlight the achievements of GEW over the years and unveil its new additions to the schedule of activities. Wednesday’s launch will also feature a mini exhibition from up and coming student and independent entrepreneurs.

GEW begins on Monday, 12th November 2018 with motivational talks by young entrepreneurs on their successes and challenges. The students will also participate in the Business Idea Generation Competition (IGEN) on Tuesday, 13th November that will yield some attractive prizes. Wednesday, 14th November features an Entrepreneurship Exhibition from both student entrepreneurs and business partners who will display a variety of products and services. The week will culminate with the launching of “Get in the Ring” on Friday, 16th November on the grounds of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

The aim of the four-day activities is to sensitize students, faculty and the general public of the existing opportunities and support services that are available for venture creation and sustainability within Saint Lucia.

SALCC takes this opportunity to invite you to participate in this global movement with its students and faculty as they make their mark on the entrepreneurial global map.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The South Castries Youth and Sports Council led the endorsement of the Cul de sac After School Program during its launch on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

Mrs. Annicia Joseph, the facilitator of this program, expressed her gratitude to the council for its commitment to assisting in the development of young people in the community.

During the launch, Ms. Lisa Joahil, public relations officer of the SCYSC said, “Our passion and purpose is to stay committed to improving the lives of the youth of the community. We aim to mobilize capacity building opportunities for them, which will lead to developing leaders who will effect solutions to social issues that lie within the communities and the larger civil society that we represent.”

Mrs. Joseph, a ports police officer residing in the community of Cul de sac, with a background in social work, desires to bring together the young people of the community to stay off the streets as they remain occupied with activities that will help them develop and harness their skills in various areas. “I wanted to develop my interest in the community by helping individuals and families in the enhancement and restoration of their lives. I intend to serve the children and youth from the age of 5 in areas of academic support, psychosocial support, mentoring, youth development, arts, sports and recreation. My aim is to help improve the participants’ grades, keep them safe, assist working parents, and create a positive impact on the entire community,” said Mrs. Joseph.

While Mrs. Joseph has solicited the support of skilled volunteers, her law enforcement background and comprehensive education in social work provides her the professional experience to work with the communities to make a meaningful contribution in its development. She urges members of the community to support this initiative to create better opportunities for its young people.

For more information on the Cul de sac After School Program, contact Mrs. Annicia Joseph at josephannicia@gmail.com

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(PRESS RELEASE) – Parents of students attending the Babonneau Secondary School are informed that formal classes will resume on Monday November 05, 2018.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations wishes to thank parents/guardians for their understanding during the period of inconvenience.

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Members of Coconut Bay Staff Discussing to Book with Students.

(PRESS RELEASE) — Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa collaborated with the St. Lucia Tourism Authority, Scholastic and Virgin Holidays in facilitating award-winning writer, Sara Grant to pen The Secret Treasures of Saint Lucia an adventure book for children.

The book captures a journey of discovery across the island by two 12-year old children, Jack a British guest at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Nyla, a St. Lucian.

Students and C Bay Staff members take a photo shoot wit copies of the Book.

The two navigate through an enthralling escapade and in the process expose readers to discovery and learning of the history, flora and fauna and general natural and cultural assets of the island. The writer uses real life experiences that are part of the day to day socio-cultural nuances of St. Lucians to bring the educational and learning adventure within the book alive.

Coconut Bay provided support for the process of producing the book by facilitating complimentary accommodation for the writer as well as organizing a visit to the Laborie Girls Primary School in June 2018. This visit provided the writer with an opportunity to interact with approximately 50 students who were able to present their own knowledge and experiences that informed the writing of Ms. Grant.On Tuesday, 22 nd , October, 2018, members of Coconut Bay’s staff returned to the Laborie Girls Primary School to present copies of the book making it possible for every student who participated during the June encounter to receive one with additional copies going to the school’s library.

Coconut Bay’s General Manager, Zachary Frangos welcomed the book referring to it as a “fantastic learning tool that can be a fun way for both visiting and local children to discover the wonderful attributes of our island as well as highlight our rich and diverse culture. We are proud to be part of this project and look forward to sharing the book with our future guests and young readers.”

Sara Grant is a British based writer who’s first young adult novel Dark Parties won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite Award for Europe.

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(PRESS RELEASE) — Young book lovers in St. Lucia experienced a welcomed treat last Friday when a Reading Road Show and literary extravaganza got underway as part of St. Lucia’s Reading Month celebrations under the theme: ‘Collaborating to Close the Literacy Gap – Read for Change’.

The activity falls under the aegis of the United States Government supported Early Learners Program, implemented in collaboration with the OECS Commission.

See photos below courtesy of Marcellus Albertin

Lauding the initiative and underscoring the importance of literacy, Head of the Education Development Management Unit of the OECS Commission, Mrs. Sisera Simon, declared the Road Show open, after which the convoy journeyed to various schools starting with the Vide Boueteille Combined School in Castries before heading to the west coast of the island.

In keeping with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Project’s mandate to highlight the importance of learning to read at an early age, staff of the OECS Commission and the Ministry of Education read to the eager students amidst peals of laughter and excitement.

The students enthusiastically answered questions and showed much interest in the stories.

The Road Show culminated with a major activity at the Soufriere Infant School where the Ministry of Education launched their Literacy activities for the year.

The excited youngsters were treated to lively music of well-known Soca artist, Arthur Allain, who wrote a song specifically to motivate them to read.

The Reading Specialist of the Early Leaners Programme Lisa Sargusingh-Terrance explained that, “Through this activity we had the opportunity to focus the nation’s attention on the value of learning to read at an early age, and demonstrate how collectively we can ensure a citizenry of young people who can be changemakers through the power of reading.”

The ELP is a reading development programme currently underway in six OECS countries that is improving the reading proficiency of children in Kindergarten to Grade 3.

The Reading Road Show was another successful initiative of the ELP that created further awareness of the Programme and focused the nation’s attention on the importance of learning to read at an early age. The ELP and the St. Lucia Ministry of Education collaborated to make this year’s Reading Road Show a rewarding one.

About the OECS/USAID Early Learners Program (ELP)

The OECS/USAID Early Learners Program (ELP) is a reading development program administered by the OECS Commission and supported by the United States Government, through USAID. The ELP influences essential aspects of policy and practice to improve reading levels of all learners at the early primary level (Grade K to Grade 3) in the six OECS member states of Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; Grenada; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ELP strengthens teacher skills through a myriad of professional development opportunities; improves the quality of teaching through child-centered and evidence- based approaches, and the provision of culturally relevant and gender sensitive resources. Both formative and summative assessments inform stakeholder plans for appropriate reading instructional activities for all learners in the Early Learners Program.

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From left: Louisy, Jules and Simon

(SNO) — Three Saint Lucians including the country’s first female Governor-General Dame Pearlette Louisy were among 10 “distinguished” members of the Caribbean community who were conferred with the prestigious UWI Pelican Awards recently, according to a release from the University of the West Indies (UWI) .

Louisy, who served as governor general from 1997 to 2017, was honoured for her “sterling contribution” to education and leadership in the Caribbean. A former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, between 1969 and 1976, Louisy also served as dean, vice principal, and principal of Sir Arthur Community College.

The other Saint Lucians, Dr. Didacus Jules and Dr. Veronica Simon, were honoured for their “sterling contribution” to education in the Caribbean. Dr. Jules, a former CXC registrar and permanent secretary for education ministries in Grenada and Saint Lucia, is currently the director general of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, while Dr. Simon,  a curriculum specialist and educator for over 30 years, is head of the UWI Open Campus in Saint Lucia.

The Pelican Awardees 2018

The recipients received their honours at the second annual Pelican Awards Ceremony, put on by the Alumni Association of the University of the West Indies (UWIAA) Open Campus. The event was held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa in Saint Lucia.

According to the release, the Pelican Awards are made to graduates of the UWI who have excelled in their areas of endeavour, and made significant contributions to their communities and to the development of the UWI.

“The highly prestigious Pelican Award is the highest award that a UWIAA Chapter may bestow on a graduate. Alumni are nominated and selected by their peers to receive this special accolade that indicates how very proud fellow alumni are of their national, regional and/or international success and renown. A Pelican Awardee is considered to be a role model for The UWI population globally and in particular, for the current cohort of students who are themselves future alumni,” the release stated.

Organised by the collective chapters of the UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA), the ceremony also marked the 10th Anniversary of the UWI Open Campus, the release further stated.

The ten who were conferred were:-

1. Dr. Jillia Bird OD, MS from Antigua and Barbuda, for her sterling contribution to health and excellence in optometry in the Caribbean.

2. Dr. Reginald Alford Walwyn OBE, MB.BS, MRC Ophth from Antigua and Barbuda, for his sterling contribution to medicine and leadership and excellence in ophthalmology in the Caribbean. Dr. Walwyn, now 93 years old, was among the first 33 students who entered the UWI 70 years ago.

3. Mrs. Dancia Penn Sallah OBE, QC from the British Virgin Islands, for her sterling contribution in the field of politics and excellence in law in the Caribbean.

4. Dr. Heskith Vanterpool from the British Virgin Islands, for his sterling contribution to health and excellence in gastroenterology and cardiology in the British Virgin Islands.

5. Mr. Gerard Farara QC, from the British Virgin Islands, for his sterling contribution to law in the Caribbean and beyond (USA and Hong Kong).

6. Dr. Beverley Steele, from Grenada, for her sterling contribution to education in the Caribbean

7. Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, from Saint Lucia, for her sterling contribution to education and leadership in the Caribbean.

8. Dr. Veronica Simon, from Saint Lucia, for her sterling contribution to education in the Caribbean.

9. His Excellency, Dr. Didacus Jules, from Saint Lucia, for his sterling contribution to education in the Caribbean.

10. Ms. Renee Baptiste CMG, from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for her sterling contribution to law and politics in the Caribbean.

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(PRESS RELEASE) — The CCSS Alumni invites ALL present and past students to an urgent meeting to be held on Saturday, 10th November 2018 at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School Auditorium.

The aim of the meeting is to discuss the planned moved by the government of relocating the school. We can’t allow our legacy to go up in flames. We are soliciting your support by showing up and be counted. Legal practitioners would be in attendance for guidance.

Look to this Day. We shall not be moved.#ccssforlife

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(From left), Representatives of UWI Press, Karen Smith and Donna Muirhead, present a collection of UWI Press publications to Ms. Therese Turner-Jones, General Manager, IDB Caribbean Group, as Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI Open Campus and Chair of the Board of UWI Press, looks on.

(PRESS RELEASE) — The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) are partnering to bring more online learning to citizens across the Caribbean region and the world.

IDB data shows a significant demand in the English-speaking Caribbean for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) content. Previous Caribbean-focused MOOCs offered through the IDB’s delivery platform, EdX, recorded a total enrolment of over 11,000 students over the period 2014-2018, with highest participation from countries including Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Belize, Barbados, and the Bahamas.

The UWI IDB partnership explores opportunities to cooperate on the development of joint MOOCs; translation of existing Bank MOOCs from Spanish to English with Caribbean content and assessment of selected Bank or joint MOOCs, training courses and/or educational programmes for academic credit and certification by The UWI.

According to Edgar Gonzalez, Learning and Knowledge Management Lead Specialist, from the IDB, “MOOCs are positively impacting the academic, professional and social life of learners in Latin America and the Caribbean. In fact, MOOCs are generating benefits in the region, especially in less developed countries where access to formal education and information and communication technology are more limited.” Gonzalez was speaking during a presentation on how MOOCs are impacting learners in Latin America and the Caribbean, at The UWI Regional Headquarters in Mona, Jamaica, on November 5, 2018.

Ms. Therese Turner-Jones, General Manager, IDB Caribbean Group, makes a point as she brings greetings during The UWI-IDB special presentation on “MOOCs – Pathways to Open Knowledge” on November 5, 2018, at The UWI Regional Headquarters, Mona, Jamaica.

The University also took the opportunity to present a special collection of UWI Press publications to the IDB covering socio-economic development and history of the English-speaking Caribbean. During the handover, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI Open Campus, and Chair of the Board of UWI Press, Dr. Luz Longsworth said, “The UWI Press is delighted that the excellent scholarly work out of The UWI and the Caribbean will now be available in the IDB’s Library. This will be an invaluable resource for cutting edge research that will help in the formulation of policy and support for our region.”

Also commenting on The UWI IDB collaboration, Ms. Therese Turner-Jones, General Manager, IDB Caribbean Group said, “I am delighted that The UWI has decided to start the process to award academic credit to IDBx MOOCs. We are certain that this collaboration between The UWI and IDB would not only serve to increase the leverage of the knowledge created and disseminated by our institutions but will also allow students worldwide to access these courses, learn more about the Caribbean and receive academic credit for it.”

The November 5 event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by The UWI and the IDB in August 2018. The objective of the MOU is to formalise a non-exclusive framework of cooperation and to facilitate collaboration between the institutions on programmes and projects to promote evidence-based decision-making on economic and social policy issues in the Caribbean region, through the development of a joint knowledge creation and dissemination agenda.

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