National review ( October 31, 2009 )

NationalReviewIssue5October312009 ( .pdf )

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"JARRIES" AND CAMS

TO BOOST SECURITY AT

BORDELAIS


*


Security at the island's primary prison
Bordelais Correctional Facility will
be pumped up with the addition of sur-
veillance cameras throughout the compound
and the introduction of jelly shoes or what is
known as "jarries' to the inmates' uniform.
That's the word from Minister responsi-
ble for Home Affairs and National Security
Senator Guy Mayers who says that security
at the maximum security facility is too lax.
Complaining about the number of contra-
band smuggled into the prison, the Minister
says the number one concern is the illegal
possession of mobile telephones by inmates.
This he added is a "recurring problem" and
alludes to an even bigger problem of the
collaboration of the prison staff in helping
to smuggle the devices into the jail.
Another niggling problem at the com-
pound is the prisoners' footwear. Sena-
tor Mayers says shoes boots, expensive
sneakers have often been the cause of prob-
lems such as fights, robbery and a means to
smuggle items including cell phones into
the facility.
To cut the problem out at the source, he
said normal shoes would be outlawed at the
prison and jarries introduced. "So this will
become the normal issue for the inmates.
This will be part of their uniforms while they
are incarcerated at the Bordelais Correc-


tional Facility. There is hardly anything
if anything at all that can be smuggled
in with jarries. When they have served
their time and leave the facility their
shoes will be given back to them."
He added that surveillance cameras
are currently being installed at the jail
and will record the comings and goings
of inmates, staff and visitors. A metal
detector will also be installed at the fa-
cility to monitor anyone going into the
prison. This he said would also help
boost security at Bordelais.
One of the main concerns expressed
by the National Security Minister was
that inmates at Bordelais were not being
rehabilitated and as he said, they just
"sit in their cells". The Minister said that
work is now ongoing on a farm at the
prison, on which inmates would work.
"We are now fencing the farm and
when this is done, the inmates will be
able to go out there and work the farm.
It is a form of exercise and intellectual
stimulation and therefore an effective
form of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation at
Bordelais needs to be kicked into high
gear." Senator Mayers said.
The new security measures at Borde-
lais are expected to go into effect in the
new year


FCCA Conference Successfully Held In
Saint Lucia Page 2


Motorist Pay Less Page 4 Eye On The Constituencies -
pages 6 & 7


A Master Plan For St. Judes -
page 9








Wlue nationall 3ebieWb


Saturday October 31, 2009


Following a confirmation
date from the Public Ser-
vice Commission, former
prison boss Hilary Herman will
take up duties as Director of the
island 's sole maximum security
prison Bordelais Correctional
Facility once again
Home Affairs and National
Security Minister Senator Guy
Mayers said after meeting with
prison officers and the manage-


ment of the prison recently the
staff had expressed their commit-
ment to work with Herman in the
interest of the prison.
"In fact they indicated that
the Prison Officers Association
had met a few days before our
meeting and there was consen-
sus that all officers will work
with Mr. Herman. I think that
signals a new and good begin-
ning at the prison, and I want to


publicly thank the officers who
are dedicated to maintaining
law and order at the facility."
The Minister also expressed
optimism about an ongoing
project to further develop five
acres of land which are cur-
rently being used as the prison
farm.
He said the development of
the farm will assist with the re-
habilitation of the inmates and


reduce the recidivism rate at
the prison."It is better to have
the prisoners working on the
farm than to have them locked
up in a cell for the entire day.
My vision is that as part of the
rehabilitation programme in-
mates will work on the farm,
develop a skill and be produc-
tive enough to make the facility
self-sufficient," Senator Mayers
said.


FCCA Conference Successfully Held In Saint Lucia


The week-long much antici-
pated 16th annual confer-
ence and trade show of the
Florida Cruise Caribbean Asso-
ciation (FCCA) came to a close in
Saint Lucia last night.
The premier networking and
marketing platform for regional
cruise business, the event was
attended by hundreds of key in-
dustry professionals and it is ex-
pected that much will come out
of it particularly for the cruise
business on the island.
Earlier, Minister for Tourism
Senator Allen Chastanet had
said that having such important
people in the cruise industry all
together in Saint Lucia would
be of immeasurable value to the
island.
He said it would provide these
industry experts the opportunity
to witness and experience first-
hand the natural beauty of the is-
land complemented by the hospi-
tality and generosity of its people.


Projections are


that this winter


season the


island will


welcome a


record-breaking


680,000 cruise


passengers


CALLING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
ST.LUCIA COLLEGE FAIR 2009


St. Lucian students will
be given a better oppor-
tunity to decide which
university they would like to
study at following the annual
St. Lucia International College
Fair later next week.
The fair being staged by the
Ministry of the Public Service
and Human Resource Devel-
opment will be held on the
2nd floor of the Blue Coral
Mall, Bridge Street, Castries
for two days only, November
4 5, from 9:00 a.m. tO 12:30
p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
both days.
Several tertiary level institu-
tions from Canada, the United
Kingdom, the United States
and the Caribbean will be par-
ticipating in this year's fair.
One of the main objectives


of the annual event is to help stu
dents and their parents have c
better understanding of available
schools and what they have to of.
fer so they can make better, morn
informed decisions.
The College Fair also seeks tc
provide interested St. Lucian,
with an opportunity to discover
the diversity of higher educa.
tion and to provide regional anc
international institutions the op
portunity to diversify their stu
dent population by recruiting
students from St. Lucia.
For further information con
tact: the Training Division of th(
Ministry of the Public Service &
Human Resource Development
1st Floor, Sir Stanislaus James
Building, The Waterfront, Cas
tries or at Telephone Number'
(758) 468-4189/4638.


In the last two years Saint Lucia
has recorded significant increases
in cruise passenger arrivals with
the island exceeding 600,000 pas-
sengers for the first time in his-
tory, last year.
Projections are that this winter
season the island will welcome


a record-breaking 680,000 cruise
passengers. And industry of-
ficials say that the island's host-
ing of the recent FCCA acts as a
catalyst to cruise tourism playing
a more prominent role in tourism
and to the overall economic de-
velopment of the island.


Close to 400 cruise liners are
expected to dock in Saint Lucia
this winter season and it is an-
ticipated that the hosting of the
FCCA conference will result in an
even greater capacity and more
frequent cruise calls to the island
particularly during the off-season.


Page 2


Hilary Herman


Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy accepts a bouquet from an FCCA official







Saturday October 31, 2009


On October 15, award-win-
ning JetBlue Airways be-
gan serving Saint Lucia,
boosting the island's airlift from
one of its main tourism markets.
JetBlue began serving Hewan-
orra International Airport with
three weekly flights out of New
York's John F. Kennedy Interna-
tional Airport on Sundays, Mon-
days and Thursdays.
Saint Lucia is one of 50 inter-
national destinations throughout
north, south and central America
benefiting from Jet Blue's Service
and according to Tourism Minis-
ter Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia
is very excited to join the new
JetBlue service from the largest
market in the United States.
He said JetBlue is rapidly be-
coming a major player in the US
airline industry and has great
plans for the Caribbean. "We are
happy to be one of the first desti-
nations in the Eastern Caribbean
to be served by JetBlue" he said.
Jamaica and Barbados are the
two other islands that will wel-
come this new service later this
year.
Meanwhile, Director of the
Saint Lucia Tourist Board Louis
Lewis has also welcomed the
new flight coming out of what he
called "... an important source
market which will provide the
capacity to complement our mar-
keting efforts."
The US tri-state area accounts
for more than 50% of Saint Lu-
cia's US arrivals.
The airline operates its Saint
Lucia service with spacious 150-


seat Airbus A320 aircraft, offer-
ing travelers all of the amenities
for which JetBlue has become
popular, including complimen-
tary setback television program-
ming, comfortable leather seats,
the most legroom in coach of any
US airline, unlimited free snacks
and what the airline claims is in-
dustry-leading customer service.
To further celebrate the inau-


gural service, JetBlue is also offer-
ing special US$129 fares between
New York City and St. Lucia.
This means that St. Lucians living
in New York can take advantage
of this deal to fly home from now
until February 8, 2010.
Blackout dates and other re-
strictions apply. Log onto: http://
www.jetblue.com for further in-
formation.


Even While HIN1 Dies Down, Saint Lucians


Told Beware Second Wave


Saint Lucians are being
warned to keep alert and
beware the second wave
of the deadly H1N1 Influenza
virus that is wreaking havoc
around the world.
According to health reports,
the current rate of infection
in St. Lucia seems to be slow-
ing down, indicating that the
island is nearing the end of a
first wave of the disease with
the number of cases recorded
at health care facilities reduc-
ing significantly "from 3 digits,
to 2 digit numbers per week."
As a result, the health au-
thorities say that as of Mon-


day November 2, 2009, the Min-
istry of Health and Wellness will
suspend the operations of spe-
cialized Flu clinics around the
island.
"However, everyone needs to
remain on alert as there is ex-
pected to be a second wave of
H1N1 Influenza infection. This
means that after an apparent lull
in cases, we are expecting to see
a second sharp increase or spike
in the number of persons coming
down with flu like symptoms,
within the next 2-6 months." said
the NEMO Secretariat.
NEMO adds that it is most like-
ly that as the first wave of H1N1


Influenza illness affected mostly
the young as in school children, it
is expected that the second spike
will most likely target young
adults and adults or the 'working
age' population.
In light of this, health authori-
ties have cranked up their efforts
in past weeks to better prepare
the business sector to deal with
the expected fall-out.
"The Ministry of Health is well
placed to assist business places
with infection control procedures
in the workplace. The Ministry
of Agriculture is the authority
on bio-security measures to be
taken on farms to prevent the
spread of H1N1 infection in this


setting. Employers and the self-
employed, are urged to contact
either of these agencies for as-
sistance in securing the health
and viability of their operations."
NEMO said.
To date, St. Lucia has not re-
corded any deaths from H1N1
Influenza and while some people
have been admitted to hospital
with complications they have all
recovered completely.
The public is again being re-
minded that although most peo-
ple who acquire the disease have
only mild flu-like symptoms and
recover within one week, some
patients may develop more se-
vere illness and a few may die.


A vaccine against H1N1 In-
fluenza is currently available
in limited quantities in indus-
trialized countries and may
soon become available here.
However, it should be noted
that when this vaccine does
become available in St. Lucia,
priority will be given to "very
high risk groups' such as
clinical health care workers,
workers in the emergency
services and other high risk
groups.
For further information call
the Ministry of Health at 468-
5300/09/18/17/02, 452-2301 or the
Ministry of Agriculture at 468-
5621/20/24, 450-3213, 454-6254.


?Tbe Lational 3&ebieo


Page 3


JetBlue is rapidly

becoming a major player in

the US airline industry and

has great plans for the

Caribbean


a a








Tbe nationall 3&ebieW


M motorists in St. Lu-
cia this week be-
gan paying a little
less to fill up their gas tanks.
As of October 26, gas is be-
ing sold on the island at $11.60
per gallon down from $11.87
a gallon a difference of 27
cents, while the price of diesel
has also gone down to $11.37
a gallon, down from $11.44 a
gallon.
There has been no change in
the price of LPG products (cook-
ing gas) and kerosene and the
price of these remain the same
as last month.
Motorists can expect the price


Page 4


Conde Nast Traveler, a US-
based magazine with a
readership of more than
820,000, announced that Saint Lu-
cia had been ranked number six
in the category of "Top Islands"
in this year's annual Readers'
Choice Awards poll conducted
by that Magazine.
Up one spot from last year
in the "Caribbean and Atlantic
Island" category, Saint Lucia's
many new developments, servic-
es, activities and amenities made
a strong impact on visitors.
Director of Tourism Louis
Lewis sees this as an important
endorsement for the island. "This
award from such a reputable and
respected agency reinforces the
fact that Saint Lucia is highly re-
garded as a leading destination
with a top class tourism product.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board
prides itself on being able to set
Saint Lucia apart from other Ca-
ribbean destinations by position-


ing the island as having more to
offer than rest and relaxation. "
Thousands of readers partici-
pated in Conde Nast Traveler's on-
line questionnaire, voting on cat-
egories of activities, atmosphere/
ambience, beaches, friendliness,
lodging, restaurants and scenery
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board
also acknowledged three on-island
resorts Ladera, Anse Chastanet
and the Body Holiday by Le Sport-
which also received rankings from
the Readers' Choice Awards.
Ladera was ranked number 5
out of the "Top 10 Caribbean Re-
sorts". This is the second year in a
row that the resort has held onto
the fifth spot and prides itself on
its award-winning cuisine, luxuri-
ous spa services and unique design
that offers unobstructed views of
the legendary Pitons. Anse Chas-
tanet followed in sixth spot and
The Body Holiday by Le Sport
ranked 17th in this Category.


Since 1988, the annual Conde
Nast Traveler 'Readers' Choice
Awards' poll has analyzed the
travel preferences of the maga-


Gros Islet a tourist hot spot

zine's readership in various cat-
egories, including cities, islands,
airlines, cruise lines, hotels, spas,
resorts and car rental agencies.


Complete award results are listed
in the November issue of Conde
Nast Traveler and at www.cn-
traveler.com


Saint Lucia And OECS In Need Of

Trained Diplomats


Saint Lucia and other mem-
bers of the Organization of
Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS) are in need of trained
diplomats and the best way
to achieve this is to establish a
school of diplomacy. So says
OECS Director General Dr. Len
Ishmael.
Dr. Ishmael says the need for a
school of diplomacy to serve the
region was pressing particularly
as the sub-region continues to
build links with other regions.
Speaking at the recent open-


ing of a framework workshop
to develop the OECS School of
Diplomacy she said in order to
command respect in spite of its
size, the OECS must recognize
the need for career diplomats,
trained in the language and art of
diplomacy.
Acting Permanent Secretary in
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Judith St. Hill, speaking on behalf
of Foreign Affairs Minister Rufus
Bousquet said the Diplomatic
Academy of Spain provides an
exemplary model for the OECS.
She encouraged participants to


draw from the experiences of
that school to guide the devel-
opmental stage of the proposed
institution.
The Diplomatic Academy of
Spain is providing financial and
technical support for the initiative.
St. Hill added that the deep-
ening collaboration between the
OECS and Spain is well appreci-
ated. She said the Foreign Affairs
Minister views the School's pro-
gramme as the key to shaping the
political and economic future of
the region.


In our last issue (October 17, 2009), we erroneously re-
ferred to renowned St. Lucian artist Dunstan St. Omer as
"Sir" Dunstan St. Omer.
While the esteemed St. Omer has been awarded St. Lucia's
highest honour the St. Lucia Cross, this award does not
come with the title Sir. Rather, he is the Honourable Dunstan
St. Omer.
It was our mistake and we sincerely apologize and hope he
was not unduly inconvenienced.
The National Review would also like to take this opportu-
nity to congratulate the Honourable Dunstan on his recent
award.


Saturday October 31, 2009


of petroleum and petroleum
products in Saint Lucia to be
changed on a monthly basis in
keeping with the pass through
mechanism that was introduced
in September.
The price of these goods is
now set by market forces and
not by the government as had
obtained.
The next scheduled price
change is November 23rd at
which time in keeping with the
national move from imperial to
metric the prices of gasoline
and diesel will be stated in liters.
That new change will take effect
on November 2nd.







Saturday October 31, 2009


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(


Kweyol-La Vivan, Annou Wibote!


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,IP


Dr. Kentry D Jn Pierr


or the last 25 years, Saint
Lucians have gotten to-
gether every year to cel-
ebrate their culture, history
and traditions in food, song,
music and dance and in cul-
tural displays of practices of
yesteryear.
Since 1984 under the guid-
ance of the Folk Research Cen-
tre, nationals come together
on one special day "Jounen
Kweyol" on the last Sunday
of the month of October which


itself is celebrated annually as
"Creole Heritage Month".
This year was no different and
last Sunday families around the is-
land got together and traveled the
width and breadth of the island to
have a good time, cultural style.
Over the past two and a half
decades, Jounen Kweyol has
evolved and developed into a
family affair where families get
together and with friends, either
host cultural lunches at their own
homes with lots of Creole food
and drink or travel together to
the various communities for the
festivities.
Every year FRC designates and
endorses specific communities
where the focus of the annual cel-
ebrations takes place. This year
the spotlight was on the commu-
nities of Vieux Fort, Boguis and
Soufriere.
And, after the many prepara-
tions in getting the food and en-
tertainment together and after
one hectic day of celebrations,
FRC has deemed it a success!
Jounen Kwey6l 2009 was a hit!


Speaking with The National
Review, FRC Executive Direc-
tor Kentry Jn. Pierre admitted
that in spite of the many chal-
lenges and difficulties to put
such a big event together, it all
went well.
"We are confident that St
Lucians were sensitized about
Kwey6l the language and the
culture." He added that the des-
ignated communities were well
showcased: "Communities were
able to share their own traditions
steeped in our deep cultural
heritage with all visitors to their
areas."
Jn. Pierre said the Folk Re-
search Centre continues its
commitment towards making
St Lucians more aware of the
value of the Kweybl language
and culture and its role in na-
tional development.
Meanwhile, our roving
Photographer was able to cap-
ture the essence of the Jounen
Kweyol activities as she trav-
eled around the island.


(Photos by Isabelle)


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Page 5


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Page 6


Tbe J.ational 3&ebiew


W ith a major focus on
education and culture,
St. Lucia's Prime Min-
ister Stephenson King lends his
unwavering support and com-
mitment to his constituency Cas-
tries North.
This area comprises a popula-
tion of approximately 15,000 na-
tionals with the largest number
of pre-school, infant, primary
and secondary schools in any
one constituency on the island.
Prime Minister King who has
always steadfastly made clear his
views on giving young people a
chance and educating them to al-
low them the opportunity to face
the challenges of an ever evolv-
ing world, has certainly stood
bendhind his commitment to pro-
vide the best learning environ-
ment for St. Lucia's youth.
In this issue we look at some of
the schools in the Castries North
constituency where PM King
has lent financial support to see
that facilities are renovated and
brought up to standard.


Students of the Camille Henry Primary School remain safer due to
the recently renovated walkway


Saturday October 31, 2009


Hon. Stephenson King
MP for Castries North


With a set-up that would make any food network television channel
proud, this home Economics Lab at the Vide Bouteille Secondary
School, prepares the island's future top chefs, in culinary arts


Paving the way for St. Lucian students to become more compliant
with the quickly paced technologically advanced world, the IT Lab at
the Seventh Day Academy Secondary School was recently upgraded


The recently renovated Vide Bouteille Secondary School makes for a better learning envirc


1,0 A


Prime Minister Stephenson King says the new IT lab at St. Mary's College will maintain the standard
of excellence for which the school is known


1. \ 1 '

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To face a more modern world, the Cas
phased out "Typing" and now educates !
Electronic Document Preparation Manag(


10&







Saturday October 31, 2009


?Te A national 3ebieWb


ies Comprehensive Secondary School
dents in the new and improved subject:
lent (EDMP) thanks to this up-to-date lab


Principal of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School Jeremy
Joseph accepting a cheque for the renovation of the EDMP Lab
from Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chou


With a view to the comprehensive development of young people in St.
Lucia, the Prime Minister also focuses his attention on sports. Here, a
participant of the Stephenson King Football Tournament organized
by the La Clery Football League accepts a prize from the PM


ment for its students


Prime Minister Stephenson King mixes and mingles with students of the St. Joseph's Convent (SJC) Secondary School, alma mater to
some of the most accomplished St. Lucian women


nd sparkling, the newly re-furbished Christylights Dance Academy nurtures the artistic and A young SJC student hands over a token of appreciation to Prime Minister Stephenson King
creative inclinations of the youth on the occasion of the cheque presentation for the renovation of the IT Lab that is ongoing


Page 7


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national 3&ebieWt


Saturday October 31, 2009


A Master Plan For St. Jude


Hospitality


Academy For


Saint Lucia?


The possibility of the island
establishing a hospital-
ity and marine academy is
currently one of the main topics
of discussion by Tourism Minis-
ter Senator Allen Chastanet.
Citing the lack of trained na-
tionals in the cruise industry ac-
counting for the very low per-
centage of Caribbean nationals
employed in the cruise sector,
Senator Chastanet believes that
the establishment of such an in-
stitution in Saint Lucia would be
more than opportune.
With the introduction of thirty-
four new cruise lines that will ply
the Caribbean waters within the
next three to four years, Senator
Chastanet says it is important
that people be adequately trained
and acquire the right skills for
the cruise industry.
"We are proposing the estab-
lishment of an academy that will
take kids out of high school, put
them through an 8-9 month cer-
tification programme which will
be both academic and practical.


Thereafter, we would assist those
kids to get recruited by the cruise
lines. Once those kids go on the
cruise ships for 3 to 4 years, that,
in and of itself will be like attend-
ing a university" he said.
He added that the benefit to St.
Lucia of such an institution and
the subsequent work experience
garnered by the trained young
people on cruise liners would be
tremendous. "...when they are
coming back home we have an
even better skilled work force;
with the new hotels coming in, it
is going to be a huge advantage.
We are approaching individual
companies and also the cruise
industry as a group with the
possibility of participating in this
investment."
Saint Lucia is now in the pro-
cess of signing a Memorandum
of Understanding with Monroe
College St. Lucia and an inter-
national recruiting agency with
a view to producing properly
trained individuals within the
cruise sector, the minister said.


Prime Minister Stephen-
son King and officials of
the Ministry of Health
and Saint Jude Hospital met
last week with Taiwanese
building company Holdyear
Enterprise Company Limited,
to review a proposed mas-
ter plan for the new St. Jude
Hospital.
Prime Minister King de-
scribed the meeting as an his-
toric moment in Saint Lucia's
health sector.
"We welcome the opportu-
nity and we welcome the offer
to develop a master plan for
us with the hope that we will
consider it to be one that is in
keeping with our own vision,"
the prime minister said.
Taiwanese Ambassador to
St. Lucia Tom Chou, says since
the fire, his embassy has been


The master plan

encompasses

severalfactors

including

cost and

sustainability


moving swiftly with its plans to
assist with the rebuilding of Saint
Jude.
He says work on the proposed
design started almost immediately
after the September, 9, fire.


The master plan, according to
Ambassador Chou encompasses
several factors including cost and
sustainability.
Meanwhile, The Embassy
of Taiwan has donated over
EC$5,000.00 towards the Saint
Jude rehabilitation project.
The money was collected
through a fund raising raffle
undertaken by the Taiwanese
Embassy and south based holi-
day resort Coconut Bay, during
the recent Taiwan/Saint Lucia
Partnership Trade exhibition.
The cheque was presented
by Taiwanese Ambassador Tom
Chou to the Saint Jude Hospital
Board.
Accepting the cheque, Chair-
man of the Saint Jude Hospital
Board Percival Mc. Donald, said
his team was very appreciative of
the gesture.


Prime Minister Stephenson King
says the need for the island to
further develop and increase
its linguistic capacity, both in re-
gard to the local dialect Kweyol and
French and Spanish, seen around the
world as the languages of business
and economics.
One of the moves which the
island's leader believes can be
capitalized upon is Saint Lucia's
historical link with the French
culture, language, history and
traditions.
Speaking upon the occasion of
the observance of Creole Heritage
month that is celebrated here ev-
ery October and culminates with
the ever-growing festivities of
"Jounen Kweyol" the Prime Min-
ister said Saint Lucia should try
to make the most of its historical
links, particularly to the French.
"When we look back and we


examine history, the fact that
Saint Lucia changed hands seven
times to the British and seven
times to the French shows there's
a need for us to continue to main-
tain that relevance of our French
history and our British history.
For us being able to speak Kwey-
ol is an advantage; being able to
speak French is a requirement.
I do hope the Kweyol Heritage
Month will not only allow us to
reflect on our history, but enable
us to cherish the very unique
history that we share with the
French territories.
The prime minister also not-
ed that literacy and fluency of
citizens in the Kweyol language
must be strengthened.
He suggested that the educa-
tion system should provide a
place for the teaching of Kweyol
in schools.


Courtesy Taxis Exclusive

Drivers For Pointe Seraphine


Courtesy Taxi
Co-operative
Society earlier
this month signed
a partnership
agreement with
the National
Development
Corporation
(NDC)


One local taxi company is
happy to benefit from a
recently signed agree-
ment with the National Devel-
opment Corporation (NDC),
caretakers of the Pointe Sera-
phine Duty Free Shopping
Complex.
Courtesy Taxi Co-operative
Society earlier this month signed
a partnership agreement, with
the National Development Cor-
poration (NDC) giving them ex-
clusive rights to operate out of
the duty free shopping centre at
Pointe Seraphine.


NDC officials say the agree-
ment allows the taxi association
that numbers over 200 in mem-
bers, the opportunity to make
substantial income particularly
in this winter season that will
see many cruise ships docking at
Pointe Seraphine.
Under this two year agree-
ment, the members of the Cour-
tesy Co-operative Society will
be the only drivers and vehicles
allowed in the duty free zone to
pick up passengers coming off
the ships to take them to their
destinations on the island and on
various tours.


Saint Jude Hospital gutted by fire on September 9,2009







Saturday October 31, 2009


T1e .Lational 3&ebiew


ADDRESS BY


HON. CHARLOTTE TESSA MANGAL


MINSTER FOR COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND

CONSUMER AFFAIRS

AT THE




Q ULI IIi I IFOCAL POINS IN ii H






SAINT LUCIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS,

OCTOBER 06, 2009,


As Minister with respon-
sibility for Standards,
welcome this initiative
undertaken by the Saint Lucia
Bureau of Standards in placing
the importance of standards in
the forefront of the operations
of Government and in particu-
lar the operation of the Public
Service.
For too long the impression
has been given that the Public
Service is an institution where
issues such as customer service;
performing within parameters
such as deadlines and budget;
and getting a matter addressed
right the first time are solely
within the ambit of the private
sector. The Public Service is gen-
erally portrayed as the institu-
tion plagued with mediocrity
where people get paid handsome
salaries for doing very little and
have a guaranteed job for life. It
is the place where the brightest
minds are employed but what is
produced is often very mundane
and lacks depth.
That's the unflattering picture
of the largest single employer in
the country. It is a picture which
is of course largely untrue but if
we are honest, we will discover
that there is a great deal to be
desired in the quality of service
delivered by some members of
the public service. It is the expe-
rience that the public takes away
from those unfortunate encoun-
ters that does the untold damage
to the credibility and profession-
alism of officers employed in
the public service. For example,
why should a telephone ring
more than three times in an of-
fice without someone answer-
ing? And if per chance the call is
answered on the fourth or fifth


The establishment of standards

and quality focal points in the

public service is one initiative

that seeks to address the need

for standards


ring, why should the public of-
ficer answering that call simply
say to the caller "you've reached
the wrong Ministry" and hang
up without providing guidance
to the caller on the correct Min-
istry to call.
In small economies such as
Saint Lucia, the importance of an
efficient and effective public ser-
vice can make all the difference
between lifting people from the
status of the unemployed to the
position of independence and
gaining a sense of self-worth.
By simply providing the correct
information in a timely manner
to a potential investor, a public
officer can facilitate a multimil-
lion dollar investment that could
make the difference between
someone becoming a thief and
therefore a criminal and that
person becoming a taxpaying
member of society.
The public service as we know
it is the arm of Government that
provides advice to the policy
makers and executes policy de-
cisions. Its efficiency and perfor-
mance, in large measure, reflects
the work culture and attitude
to work of the wider society.
The standards set in the public


service very often serves as the
benchmark for the rest of the
economy.
It is therefore extremely im-
portant that we, as a develop-
ing country, establish standards
throughout the public service
that engender competitiveness.
Competitiveness in the public
service will invariably translate
to competitiveness within the
rest of the economy. The need
to cultivate an attitude of com-
petitiveness has never before as-
sumed such great importance. I
am sure you are fully aware that
Saint Lucia is a full member of
the CSME and on the 15th of this
month marks one year since we
signed onto the Economic Part-
nership Agreement (EPA) with
the European Union. These are
all bilateral agreements that are
meant to engender greater ef-
ficiency and competitiveness
within the private sector. The
assumption is that competition
will drive the need for greater
competitiveness among firms
and individuals. But how will
these economic agents respond
when their very actions can be
frustrated by a public service
which is not driven by the need
for itself to be competitive?


In essence I am saying that the
success of the private sector and
by extension the employment
opportunities that are created
will be strongly influenced by
the facilitation that the private
sector receives from the Govern-
ment. In that regard therefore,
the need for Government-wide
standards is self evident.
The establishment of stan-
dards and quality focal points
in the public service is one ini-
tiative that seeks to address the
need for standards. It has as its
overall goal, "the promotion and
support for a quality culture in
the public service through the
application and implementation
of standards."
This initiative supports and
encourages advocacy among
key stakeholders. It will, in the
pilot phase establish seven Stan-
dards and Quality Focal Points
throughout the public service
and conduct over the next four
months training sessions and
seminars for the targeted partici-
pants. These sessions will focus
on:
a. Introduction of the infra-
structural framework for
Quality Management Sys-
tems;
b. Management for Success
based on the ISO 9001-
2008 Quality Management
System Requirement;
c. And facilitate the develop-
ment of an action plan.
I am pleased that the Saint


Lucia Bureau of Standards has
enlisted more people to be at
the front lines of the effort to
engender a quality culture in
the public service. The idea of
ensuring that this initiative tar-
gets senior officers recognizes
your influence on policy makers
and your own input in the policy
process. It is imperative that you
track what is happening in your
respective Ministries to advise
on the application of standards
where necessary. But critical to
the success of this initiative will
be your individual commitment
to include the other members of
your Ministry and infuse a sense
of mission into the project.
I have been informed by the
Bureau that the initiative in-
cludes the facilitation of action
plans for Ministries which will
allow you to operationalize this
programme in your various Min-
istries. Given what I have stated
earlier, I trust that you will make
yourself available to ensure the
success of this initiative.
This is the kind of partnership
which must be forged and encour-
aged in the effort to reposition
the image of the public service
and the national economy. Stan-
dards are a critical prerequisite
to increasing efficiency, and pro-
ductivity. Its success will result in
increased job satisfaction for of-
ficers involved, the private sector
and satisfaction for the customer
as well. This is a win, win out-
come that redounds to the benefit
of the country. I thank you.


Page 9








TEfe ARational 3&ebie


Saturday October 31, 2009


Are There Medicines To

Treat 2009 H1N1 Infection?

There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal
and 2009 H1N1 called "antiviral drugs." These drugs can make you bet-
ter faster and may also prevent serious complications.
Antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very
sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people
who are more likely to get serious flu complications. Your health care
provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your ill-
ness. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and
have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of
seasonal flu.


What Household Cleaning

Should Be Done To Prevent

The Spread Of Influenza Virus?

To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep sur-
faces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen coun-
ters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household
disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
People also wonder how should linens, eating utensils and dishes of
persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do
not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not
be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using
household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals
should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contami-
nating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and
water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laun-
dry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand
with water and soap.


Health Minister Says The Island

Remains On Top Of H1N1


Saint Lucia's Health Minister Dr.
Keith Mondesir says he is pleased
with the way in which health au-
thorities here are handling the
threat and the treatment of known
cases of the H1N1 virus.
To date with thousands of
people already succumbing to
the flu-like virus around the
world, the island has not record-
ed a single death.
Minister Mondesir says this is
largely due to government's ef-
forts through their various agen-
cies to ensure that Saint Lucians
use preventative measures to
keep the flu at bay and that they
are well attended when they
contract the dangerous virus.
He said health centres on
the island are well equipped to
handle cases and surveillance at
the islands ports of entry have


stepped up to minimize incidences
of infected people coming into the
country and spreading the disease.
"In cases where we have had
outbreaks in schools, PAHO has
assisted us and we have gotten the
situation under control. All we are
asking Saint Lucians is to continue
to observe precautionary mea-
sures like covering their mouths
when they cough and sneeze,
sneeze into your elbows and if you
feel ill, seek medical advice from
your own doctor or at the various
health centres that are specially set
up to deal with H1N1"
The heath minister has also cau-
tioned St. Lucians to stay home if
they feel sick or feel themselves
coming down with flu-like symp-
toms such as fever and also to keep
their children at home and away
from school if children are sick.


"Generally however, we are
on top of the situation and we
are trying at all costs to main-
tain the island's levels of drugs
to treat the disease. We have to
be careful because in countries
as small as ours, there is the
potential of this virus spread-
ing quickly and the results
could be devastating not only
to the lives of our people but
also to our economy, so we are
trying to minimize incidences
of infection and to effectively
treat people who may become
infected with H1N1."
Dr. Mondesir warned nation-
als to remain vigilant especial-
ly those who are more suscep-
tible to contracting the disease
such as the elderly, children,
expectant mothers and people
with pre-dispositions such as
Diabetics.


Educate yourself first. Know
the basic facts about H1N1-the
symptoms, how it spreads, and
how you can help protect your-
self and your child from getting
sick. Consider following some of
these helpful tips:
* Share information about
H1N1 in a calm, reassuring
manner. Be careful not to
worry children.
* Limit their exposure to me-


dia and adult conversations
about H1N1.
* If your children are watching
television, try to watch with
them or make sure you are
available to answer questions
about H1N1.
* Use their questions as an op-
portunity to talk about what
they can do to avoid getting
H1N1 flu.
* Keep activities as consistent


and normal as possible
even if your normal routine
changes (due to daycare or
school closures).
* Be a good example. Show
children that you wash
your hands frequently with
soap and water. When
you cough or sneeze, cover
your mouth or use a tis-
sue then throw the tissue
away.


Good Advice To Prevent (Swine Flu) H1N1


In children:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and
worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting


Dr. Vinay Goyal a specialist
with clinical experience of over
20 years has issued the following
advice about guarding against
contracting the H1N1 Flu virus:
The only flu portals of en-
try are the nostrils and mouth/
throat. In a global epidemic of
this nature, it's almost impos-
sible to avoid coming into con-
tact with H1N1, in spite of all
precautions. Contact with H1N1
is not so much of a problem as
proliferation is.
While you are still healthy
and not showing any symptoms
of H1N1 infection, in order to
prevent proliferation, aggrava-
tion of symptoms, and develop-
ment of secondary infections,
some very simple steps, not fully
highlighted in most official com-


munications, can be practiced,
such as:
1. Frequent hand-washing
2. "Hands-off-the-face". Resist all
temptations to touch any part
of the face
3. Gargle twice a day with warm
salt water (use Listerine if you
don't trust salt). H1N1 takes
2-3 days after initial infection
in the throat/ nasal cavity to
proliferate and show char-
acteristic symptoms. Simple
gargling prevents prolifera-
tion. In a way, gargling with
salt water has the same effect
on a healthy individual that
Tamiflu has on an infected
one. Don't underestimate this
simple, inexpensive, and pow-
erful preventative method.
4. Clean your nostrils at least


once every day with warm
salt water by simply using
a large syringe that gently
forces a stream of saline so-
lution through the nostril.
5. Boost your natural immu-
nity with foods that are rich
in Vitamin C. If you have to
supplement with Vitamin
C tablets, make sure that it
also has Zinc to boost ab-
sorption.
6. Drink as many warm liquids
tea, coffee, etc, as you can.
Drinking warm liquids has
the same effect as gargling,
but in the reverse direction.
They wash off proliferating
viruses from the throat into
the stomach where they
cannot survive, proliferate,
or do any harm.


Page 10


MedicaI

Report Card


Talking To Children About H1N1


r '//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////^^^







Saturday October 31, 2009


Tbe Jtational 3&ebiek


Parliamentary Representa-
tive for Gros-Islet and Min-
ister for Social Transforma-
tion Lenard Montoute has been
underscoring human resource
development as an integral part
of national development.
Human resource development,
he says is Saint Lucia's chief sell-
ing point in its increasingly ser-
vice-based economy.
The Gros-Islet MP recently ad-
dressed constituents who par-
ticipated in an entrepreneurship
workshop designed to enhance


their skills in small business
management.
"Of equal importance is Hu-
man Resource Development, be-
cause if we as a people are not
sufficiently developed in terms
of our abilities, then our commu-
nity will never progress or make
strides, despite the structures that
are around us," Montoute said.
The minister says it is com-
monplace for development to be
measured only on the basis of in-
frastructural development.
He emphasised, there must be


balance between infrastructural
and human development.
"We must prepare our people
not only to take care of the struc-
tures but to make proper use of
the structures. These structures are
there for your use and if you are
not well equipped, prepared, and
trained, then you will not be able
to make the best use of them."
Minister Montoute referred to
the well known adage of "teach-
ing a man to fish rather than
handing him one" as being the
most valuable lesson in human
resource development.


Err.
Hon. Lenard Montoute
Minister for Social Transformation


LI] 1


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Page 11


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Page 12


With the advent of the VAT,
there will be several changes
that will affect the operations
of every business in Saint Lu-
cia. And this would be totally
dependent on whether the
business has met or surpassed
the established VAT thresh-
old and would be required to
register and so charge value
added tax VAT on taxable
supplies.
In the interim however, all
businesses should begin to as-
sess the impact of VAT on their
business, to prepare for these
changes, while minimizing
disruption to their operations.
The VAT Implementation
Project intends to undertake
extensive training and consul-
tation in this regard. However,
until the approval of VAT poli-
cies, and as part of the pre-im-
plementation exercise, all busi-
nesses will need to:
1. Determine whether their
present accounting and
cash registers are ca-
pable of accounting for
VAT. All sales receipts
issued to the final con-
sumer must indicate
the VAT charged. VAT-
specified invoices will


Ebe Dational 3&ebieWx


Is VAT12 Regressive?


One of the most commonly
asked questions about the im-
pact of a Value Added Tax on
society is whether it is a re-
gressive tax.
A tax is called regressive
when a larger part of the sal-
ary of households in the lower
income bracket is paid in taxes,
as compared to the same ratio
for households in the higher
income bracket.
To tackle this regressive na-
ture of VAT, the Project has
paid close attention to the
treatment of basic goods and
services under the VAT sys-
tem, to ensure that vulnerable
and low income groups are not
adversely affected.
This is achieved through ze-
ro-rating and exempting cer-
tain goods and services.
The zero-rated or exempt
treatment of goods and servic-
es under the VAT system will


be applied across the board.
This means that any item
which is zero rated will attract
no VAT, no matter who buys
that item.
Deciding which items to
zero rate and exempt requires
detailed analysis, careful plan-
ning and execution. For this
reason enough time and con-
sultation must be given for the
determination of such items, so
as to ensure the desired impact
is felt mainly by those vulner-
able or low income groups.
Additionally, the Project is
working in conjunction with
the Office of the Prime Min-
ister and Ministries of Educa-
tion, Health and Social Trans-
formation, with the aim of
strengthening current and de-
veloping new social policies to
cushion any adverse effects of
VAT. Such policies include the
school feeding program and
"koudemain ste lucie".


ALL ABOUT VAT!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VAT and Value Added?
We all know that VAT stands for Value Added Tax. But what does
that mean? Well, VAT is a tax that will be applied or levied on the
value added to goods or services at every stage of the production and
distribution chain.
Value added are the costs that a businesses adds to its inputs or
purchases, before it sells its goods or services to a final consumer or
another business. This is referred to as the business mark up.

Who is the Final Consumer?
A final consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for their
personal consumption. In other words YOU!

VAT History
VAT is a modern tax which was first introduced in France in 1948.
Currently, over 130 countries around the world have a Value Added
Tax.

VAT in the Caribbean


B


I n operation: .
ilaili(1982), MI s
Dominican Republic (1983) '
Trinidad & Tobago (199),
Jamaica 11)39J).
Barbados (1997) u
Belize (2006) m _rl = !,w-m
Dominica (;2o06) \; '
Guyana (2007) gi
Antigua and Barbuda (00oo7) s ,-
St. Vincent (zoo7) ,

Being introducedConsidered: werI u
Saint Lucia, St. Kitts s' J


S'
,l ]


need to be provided to
customers who are reg-
istered businesses/tax-
payers.
2. Understand the treat-
ment of supplies that are:
a) taxed i.e. charged
at the VAT rate b) zero-
rated-i.e. charged at a
rate of zero percent c)
exempt-exempted from
VAT
3. Analyse whether you are
able to separate goods
and services that are
going to be taxed, from
those that will be zero-
rated or exempt. Re-
member, not all goods
and services will attract
a VAT.
4. Begin accurate record-
keeping by getting the
following: a) Sales Book;
b) Purchases book c)
Cash book
5. Implement any process
changes, which includes
training staff, particu-
larly in the planning and
receivable departments.
Remember, the VAT
Project will work closely
with all businesses in this
regard.


Saturday October 31, 2009



VAT Steering

Committee
The VAT Implementation
Project Office has strived to
educate the public on the VAT
system being recommended
for Saint Lucia. To date, the
team has held several meet-
ings with many stakeholders,
associations and institutions
and hopes to continue this
trend in the coming weeks.
As mandated, the Vat
Project has undertaken the
necessary analyses relative
to implementing a VAT. The
approval of the first draft of
those recommended VAT pol-
icies, regulations and legisla-
tions is within the purview
of the policy-makers. To that
end, a seven-member body,
called the VAT Steering Com-
mittee has been established.
The committee comprises:
Prime Minister and Minister
of Finance Stephenson King,
Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Public Service and
Human Resource Phillip
Dalsou, Director of Finance
Isaac Anthony, Comptrol-
ler of Inland Revenue James
Charles, Comptroller of Cus-
toms and Excise Herman
St Helen, Budget Director -
Cointhia Thomas, representa-
tive of the Attorney General's
Chambers Dwight Lay and
representative of the Private
Sector Jason Sambrano.
The main functions of this
steering committee are to anal-
yse recommendations and as-
sess the impact on the business
community and vulnerable
groups, as well as to determine
the effect of VAT on govern-
ment policies.


SBeing re-introduced:
Grenada


VAT in St Lucia
Discussions on VAT began in 2003, when the Eastern Caribbean
Central Bank (ECCB) recommended that all Eastern Caribbean coun-
tries introduce VAT as part of a tax reform. Tax reform is the process
of changing the way taxes are collected or managed by government.
Our Current tax system
Direct taxes these are taxes that are all levied directly on an indi-
vidual or a company receiving an income and are paid directly to the
Inland Revenue Department. Some examples are: Income Tax, Corpo-
rate Tax and Withholding Tax
Indirect taxes these are taxes on goods and services and are paid
only when you buy or use a good or service. In St Lucia we have 15
indirect taxes. These include: Consumption Tax, Hotel Accommoda-
tion Tax, Mobile Cellular Tax, Environmental Service Charge and In-
surance Premium Tax

Next Week: How does VAT react with other taxes?


Sat 31 10 L Stil 3 ILII
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Years of Hope lTeDieanii


National Review is published fortnightly by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Department of Information Services.
Contact us at: The Office the Prime Minister and the Department of Information Services, Greaham Louisy Administrative Building, The Waterfront,
Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies
Tel: (758) 468 2127/2116; E-mail: nationalreview@pm.gosl.gov.lc or gis@candw.lc; website: http://stlucia.gov.lc


Am I Vat Ready?


B crr~an 6el

PAGE 1

FCCA Conference Successfully Held In Saint Lucia Page 2 Motorist Pay Less Page 4 Eye On The Constituencies pages 6 & 7 A Master Plan For St. Judes page 9 SATURDAY, OCT OBER 31, 2009www.stlucia.gov.lc The country’s Prime Minister has promised that recommendations coming out of the recently concluded Commission of Inassurance was issued he tabled the contents of the report compiled reNational Conservation Authority al Conservation Authority (NCA) disclosed gross irregularities in the diture of public funds entrusted to meet the cost of the road development projects 001 and 002 eventually cost the government more than 100 percent above the contract price government and people of Saint Luducted the inquiry were Sir Fenton Security at the island’s primary prison – Bordelais Correctional Facility – will be pumped up with the addition of sur veillance cameras throughout the compound and the introduction of jelly shoes or what is Senator Guy Mayers who says that security band smuggled into the prison, the Minister says the number one concern is the illegal alludes to an even bigger problem of the smuggle items including cell phones into To cut the problem out at the source, he said normal shoes would be outlawed at the This will be part of their uniforms while they are incarcerated at the Bordelais Correcif anything at all that can be smuggled their time and leave the facility their are currently being installed at the jail and will record the comings and goings detector will also be installed at the facility to monitor anyone going into the by the National Security Minister was that inmates at Bordelais were not being rehabilitated and as he said, they just work is now ongoing on a farm at the when this is done, the inmates will be Bordelais needs to be kicked into high The new security measures at Bordenew yearTO BOOST SECURITY AT BORDELAISPrime Minister Hon. Stephenson King

PAGE 2

Page 2 Saturday October 31, 2009F date from the Public Ser vice Commission, former prison Bordelais Correctional Facility once again Security Minister Senator Guy -Herman Heads Bordelais Againment of the prison recently the had met a few days before our meeting and there was consensignals a new and good beginning at the prison, and I want to pub are dedicated to maintaining law and optimism about an ongoing acres of land which are cur rently being used as the prison farm the farm will assist with the rehabilitation of the inmates and reduce the recidivism rate at the prisoners working on the farm than to have them locked My vision is that as part of the rehabilitation programme inmates will work on the farm, develop a skill and be productive enough to make the facility sai Hilary Herman FCCA Conference Successfully Held In Saint Lucia S tunity to decide which university they would like to study at following the annual The fair being staged by the Ministry of the Public Service opment will be held on the Mall, Bridge Street, Castries for two days only, November Several tertiary level institutions from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Caribbean will be par ticipating in thi One of the main objectives CALLING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS – ST.LUCIA COLLEGE FAIR 2009of the annual ev ent is to help students and their parents have a schools and what they have to ofinformed decis The College Fair also seeks to with an opportunity to discover the diversity of higher education and to provide regional and international institutions the opportunity to diversify their student population by recruiting For further information conMinistry of the Public Service & 1st Floor, Sir Stanislaus James tries or at Telephone Numbers The week-long much anticience and trade show of the Florida Cruise Caribbean Asso ciation (FCCA) came to a close in ier networking and marketing platform for regional cruise business, the event was pected that much will come out of it particularly for the cruise business on the ier, Minister for Tourism Senator Allen Chastanet had said that having such important people in the cruise industry all together in Saint Lucia would be of immeasurable value to the islan hand the natural beauty of the island complemented by the hospihe last two years Saint Lucia in cruise passenger arrivals with tory, la season the island will welcome ing of the recent FCCA acts as a catalyst to cruise tourism playing a more prominent role in tourism and to the overall economic deClose to 400 cruise liners are this winter season and it is anticipated that the hosting of the FCCA conference will result in an even greater capacity and more frequent cruise calls to the island Projections are that this winter season the island will welcome a record-breaking 680,000 cruise passengers

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Page 3 Saturday October 31, 2009 On October 15, award-winning JetBlue Airways began serving Saint Lucia, orra International Airport with tional Airport on Sundays, Monnational destinations throughout north, south and central America and according to Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia JetBlue service from the largest coming a major player in the US airline industry and has great nations in the Eastern Caribbean two other islands that will welcome this new service later this Saint Lucia Tourist Board Louis Lewis has also welcomed the market which will provide the capacity to complement our mar for more than 50% of Saint LuLucia service with spacious 150-SAINT LUCIANS FLY JETBLUESaint Lucians are being warned to keep alert and beware the second wave virus that is wreaking havoc around the wo According to health reports, the current rate of infection ing down, indicating that the island is nearing the end of a the number of cases recorded at health care facilities reducto 2 digit numbers pethorities say that as of Mon-Even While H1N1 Dies Down, Saint Lucians Told Beware Second Waveday November 2, 2009, the Minsuspend the operations of speyone needs to pected to be a second wave of a second sharp increase or spike in the number of persons coming the NEMO Sec the young as in school children, it will most likely target young adults and adults or the `working , health authorithe business sector to deal with placed to assist business places with infection control procedures of Agriculture is the authority on bio-security measures to be taken on farms to prevent the employed, are urged to contact either of these agencies for assistance in securing the health with complications they have all minded that although most people who acquire the disease have recover within one week, some patients may develop more sein limited quantities in industhat when this vaccine does priority will be given to `very high risk groups' such as clinical health care workers, workers in the emergency services and other high risk For further information call ing travelers all of the amenities for which JetBlue has become popular, including complimen tary seatback television programming, comfortable leather seats, the most legroom in coach of any US airline, unlimited free snacks and what the airline claims is ining special US$129 fares between in New York can take advantage JetBlue is rapidly becoming a major player in the US airline industry and has great plans for the Caribbean

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Saturday October 31, 2009 Page 4 Mcia this week becents, while the price of diesel the price of LPG products (cooking gas) and kerosene and the price of these remain the same Motorists Pay LessSaint Lucia and other memEastern Caribbean States (OECS) are in need of trained diplomats and the best way to achieve this is to establish a Ishm school of diplomacy to serve the region was pressing particularly as the sub-region continues to -Saint Lucia And OECS In Need Of Trained Diplomatsing of a framework workshop to develop the OECS School of command respect in spite of its the need for career diplomats, trained in the language and art of rmanent Secretary in Academy of Spain provides an She encouraged participants to that school to guide the developmental stage of the proposed ill added that the deepening collaboration between the OECS and Spain is well appreciMinister views the School’s programme as the key to shaping the political and economic future of the regiWE STAND CORRECTED!!! of petroleum and petroleum products in Saint Lucia to be changed on a monthly basis in keeping with the pass through mechanism that was introduced in Septe now set by market forces and not by the government as had change is November 23rd at which time in keeping with the national move from imperial to metric – the prices of gasoline on NovemCond Nast Traveler, a USreadership of more than 820,000, announced that Saint LuChoice Awards poll conducted Up one spot from last year Island” category, Saint Lucia’s many new developments, services, activities and amenities made a strong impact on Tourism Louis Lewis sees this as an important award from such a reputable and respected agency reinforces the fact that Saint Lucia is highly regarded as a leading destination The Saint Lucia Tourist Board prides itself on being able to set Saint Lucia apart from other Caribbean destinations by position-Top Island Award ing the island as having more to Thousands of readers participated in Cond Nast Traveler’s online questionnaire, voting on catambience, beaches, friendliness, The Saint Lucia Tourist Board also acknowledged three on-island resorts Ladera, Anse Chastanet which also received rankings from Ladera was ranked number 5 row that the resort has held onto ous spa services and unique design Since 1988, the annual Cond travel preferences of the magaegories, including cities, islands, airlines, cruise lines, hotels, spas, Complete award results are listed in the November issue of Cond

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Page 5 Saturday October 31, 2009 Kwyl-La Vivan, Annou Wibot!For the last 25 years, Saint gether every year to celebrate their culture, history and traditions in food, song, music and dance and in cultural displays of practices of Since 1984 under the guidtre, nationals come together Kweyol” on the last Sunday of the month of October which itself is celebrated annually as Thi last Sunday families around the island got together and traveled the width and breadth of the island to have a good time, cultural style Over the past two and a half decades, Jounen Kweyol has evolved and developed into a together and with friends, either host cultural lunches at their own homes with lots of Creole food and drink or travel together to the various communities for the Every where the focus of the annual celthe spotlight was on the commu Souf the many preparaone hectic day of celebrations, Jounen KwySpeaking with The National that in spite of the many chalsuch a big event together, it all Kwyl the language and the ignated communities were well able to share their own traditions steeped in our deep cultural heritage with all visitors to their search Centre continues its commitment towards making St Lucians more aware of the value of the Kwyl language and culture and its role in national develo Meanwhile, our roving Photographer was able to capture the essence of the Jounen Kweyol activities as she trav(Photos by Isabelle) Dr. Kentry D Jn Pierr

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Saturday October 31, 2009 Page 6 Page 7 Saturday October 31, 2009 With a major focus on education and culture, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Stephenson King lends his unwavering support and commitment to his constituency Castries North. This area comprises a population of approximately 15,000 nationals with the largest number of pre-school, infant, primary and secondary schools in any one constituency on the island. Prime Minister King who has always steadfastly made clear his views on giving young people a chance and educating them to allow them the opportunity to face the challenges of an ever evolving world, has certainly stood behind his commitment to provide the best learning environment for St. Lucia’s youth. In this issue we look at some of the schools in the Castries North constituency where PM King that facilities are renovated and brought up to standard. Hon. Stephenson King MP for Castries North Students of the Camille Henry Primary School remain safer due to the recently renovated walkwayTo face a more modern world, the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School phased out “Typing” and now educates students in the new and improved subject: Electronic Document Preparation Management (EDMP) thanks to this up-to-date labPrincipal of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School Jeremy Joseph accepting a cheque for the renovation of the EDMP Lab from Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chou With a view to the comprehensive development of young people in St. participant of the Stephenson King Football Tournament organized by the La Clery Football League accepts a prize from the PM With a set-up that would make any food network television channel proud, this home Economics Lab at the Vide Bouteille Secondary School, prepares the island’s future top chefs, in culinary artsPaving the way for St. Lucian students to become more compliant with the quickly paced technologically advanced world, the IT Lab at the Seventh Day Academy Secondary School was recently upgradedPrime Minister Stephenson King says the new IT lab at St. Mary’s College will maintain the standard of excellence for which the school is known Prime Minister Stephenson King mixes and mingles with students of the St. Joseph’s Convent (SJC) Secondary School, alma mater to some of the most accomplished St. Lucian women Bright and sparkling, the newly re-furbished Christylights Dance Academy nurtures the artistic and creative inclinations of the youthA young SJC student hands over a token of appreciation to Prime Minister Stephenson King on the occasion of the cheque presentation for the renovation of the IT Lab that is ongoing

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Page 8 Saturday October 31, 2009 The possibility of the island establishing a hospitality and marine academy is currently one of the main topics of discussion by Tourism Minister Senator Allen Chastanet. tionals in the cruise industry accounting for the very low per centage of Caribbean nationals employed in the cruise sector, Senator Chastanet believes that the establishment of such an institution in Saint Lucia would be more than opportune. four new cruise lines that will ply the Caribbean waters within the next three to four years, Senator Chastanet says it is important that people be adequately trained the cruise industry. lishment of an academy that will them through an 8-9 month cer be both academic and practical. Prime Minister Stephenthe Ministry of Health and Saint Jude Hospital met building company Holdyear Enterprise Company Limited, to review a proposed master plan for the new St. Jude Hospital. scribed the meeting as an historic moment in Saint Lucia’s health sector. ome the opportuto develop a master plan for us with the hope that we will consider it to be one that is in the prime minister said. St. Lucia Tom Chou, says since Prime Minister Stephenson King says the need for the island to further develop and increase its linguistic capacity, both in regard to the local dialect Kweyol and French and Spanish, seen around the world as the languages of business and economics.One of the moves which the island's leader believes can be capitalized upon is Saint Lucia's culture, language, history and traditions. upon the occasion of the observance of Creole Heritage month that is celebrated here every October and culminates with the ever-growing festivities of ister said Saint Lucia should try to the French. Hospitality Academy For Saint Lucia? cruise ships for 3 to 4 years, that, Lucia of such an institution and garnered by the trained young people on cruise liners would be with the new hotels coming in, it is going to be a huge advantage. companies and also the cruise industry as a group with the possibility of participating in this investme cess of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Monroe College St. Lucia and an inter national recruiting agency with a view to producing properly trained individuals within the cruise sector, the minister said. examine history, the fact that Saint Lucia changed hands seven times to the British and seven times to the French shows there's a need for us to continue to maintain that relevance of our French history and our British history. I do hope the Kweyol Heritage Month will not only allow us to us to cherish the very unique history that we share with the French territories. The prime minister also notcitizens in the Kweyol language must be strengthened. He suggested that the education system should provide a place for the teaching of Kweyol in schools.PM Calls For Kweyol In Schools Courtesy Taxis Exclusive Drivers For Pointe Seraphine One local taxi company is recently signed agreement with the National Development Corporation (NDC), phine Duty Free Shopping Complex. axi Co-operative Society earlier this month signed a partnership agreement, with the National Development Cor poration (NDC) giving them exclusive rights to operate out of the duty free shopping centre at Pointe Seraphine. cials say the agreement allows the taxi association that numbers over 200 in memsubstantial income particularly in this winter season that will Pointe Seraphine. Under this two year agreement, the members of the Cour tesy Co-operative Society will be the only drivers and vehicles allowed in the duty free zone to destinations on the island and on various tours.A Master Plan For St. JudeThe master plan encompasses several factors including cost and sustainability Ambassador Chou encompasses several factors including cost and sustainability. of Taiwan has donated over EC$5,000.00 towards the Saint Jude rehabilitation project. Embassy and south based holiday resort Coconut Bay, during the recent Taiwan/Saint Lucia Partnership Trade exhibition. by Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chou to the Saint Jude Hospital Board. man of the Saint Jude Hospital Board Percival Mc. Donald, said his team was very appreciative of the gesture. assist with the rebuilding of Saint Jude. design started almost immediately Courtesy Taxi Co-operative Society earlier this month signed a partnership agreement with the National Development Corporation (NDC)

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Page 9 Saturday October 31, 2009 As Minister with responsibility for Standards, I welcome this initiative Bureau of Standards in placing the importance of standards in the forefront of the operations of Government and in particular the operation of the Public Service. For too long the impression has been given that the Public Service is an institution where performing within parameters within the ambit of the private sector. The Public Service is generally portrayed as the institution plagued with mediocrity where people get paid handsome have a guaranteed job for life. It is the place where the brightest minds are employed but what is ring picture of the largest single employer in the country. It is a picture which is of course largely untrue but if we are honest, we will discover that there is a great deal to be desired in the quality of service delivered by some members of the public service. It is the expefrom those unfortunate encounters that does the untold damage to the credibility and professionthe public service. For example, why should a telephone ring more than three times in an ofing? And if per chance the call is answered on the fourth ADDRESS BYHON. CHA RLOTTE TESS A MA NG A LMINSTER FOR CO MM ER C E, INDUSTRY A ND CONSU M ER AFF A IRSAT TH ELA UNCH OF STANDARDS AND QU ALITY FOCAL POINTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE SA INT LU C I A BURE A U OF ST A ND A RDS, OC TOBER 06, 2009, ring, why should the public ofup without providing guidance to the caller on the correct Ministry to call. In small economies such as Saint Lucia, the importance of an status of the unemployed to the position of independence and gaining a sense of self-worth. By simply providing the correct information in a timely manner to a potential investor, a public lion dollar investment that could someone becoming a thief and therefore a criminal and that person becoming a taxpaying member of society. The public se it is the arm of Government that provides advice to the policy The standards set in the public economy. It is therefore extremely important that we, as a developing country, establish standards throughout the public service that engender competitiveness. Competitiveness in the public service will invariably translate to competitiveness within the rest of the economy. The need petitiveness has never before assumed such great importance. I am sure you are fully aware that Saint Lucia is a full member of the CSME and on the 15th of this signed onto the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union. These are all bilateral agreements that are meant to engender greater efwithin the private sector. The assumption is that competition will drive the need for greater and individuals. But how will these economic agents respond when their very actions can be frustrated by a public service which is not driven by the need for itself to be competitive? In essence I am saying that the success of the private sector and by extension the employment opportunities that are created the facilitation that the private sector receives from the Government. In that regard therefore, the need for Government-wide standards is self evident. The establishment of standards and quality focal points in the public service is one inineed for standards. It has as its support for a quality culture in the public service through the application and implementation This initiative supports and encourages advocacy among pilot phase establish seven Standards and Quality Focal Points throughout the public service and conduct over the next four months training sessions and seminars for the targeted participants. These sessions will focus on: a. Introduction of the infraQuality Management Sysb. Management for Success based on the ISO 90012008 Quality Management c. And facilitate the development of an action plan. Lucia Bureau of Standards has enlisted more people to be at engender a quality culture in the public service. The idea of ensuring that this initiative tar and your own input in the policy process. It is imperative that you respective Ministries to advise on the application of standards where necessary. But critical to the success of this initiative will be your individual commitment to include the other members of your Ministry and infuse a sense of mission into the project. Bureau that the initiative includes the facilitation of action plans for Ministries which will allow you to operationalize this programme in your various Ministries. Given what I have stated yourself available to ensure the success of this initiative. This is which must be forged and encour the image of the public service and the national economy. Standards are a critical prerequisite ductivity. Its success will result in increased job satisfaction for ofand satisfaction for the customer as well. This is a win, win outof the coun The establishment of standards and quality focal points in the public service is one initiative that seeks to address the need for standards

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Page 10 Saturday October 31, 2009 the basic facts about H1N1—the symptoms, how it spreads, and how you can help protect your these helpful tips: H1N1 in a calm, reassuring manner. Be careful not to worry children. -What Are “Emergency Warning Signs” That Should Signal Anyone To Seek Medical Care Urgently?In children: worse cough In adults: Are There Medicines To Treat 2009 H1N1 Infection? There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called “antiviral drugs.” These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. Antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your illness. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of .What Household Cleaning Should Be Done To Prevent faces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. People also wonder how should linens, eating utensils and dishes of Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contami nating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. Dr. Vinay Goyal a specialist with clinical experience of over 20 years has issued the following advice about guarding against contracting the H1N1 Flu virus: try are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1, in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms, and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully Saint Lucia’s Health Minister Dr. Keith Mondesir says he is pleased with the way in which health authorities here are handling the cases of the H1N1 virus. people already succumbing to world, the island has not recorded a single death. largely due to government’s efforts through their various agencies to ensure that Saint Lucians use preventative measures to contract the dangerous virus. He said health centres on the island are well equipped to handle cases and surveillance at the islands ports of entry have Talking To Children About H1N1dia and adult conversations about H1N1. television, try to watch with available to answer questions about H1N1. and normal as possible even if your normal routine changes (due to daycare or school closures). good example. Show children that you wash your hands frequently with you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth or use a tissue then throw the tissue awa y.Good Advice To Prevent (Swine Flu) H1N1munications, can be practiced, such as: 1. Frequent hand-washing temptations to touch any part of the face 3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show char acteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with on a healthy individual that one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive, and powerful preventative method. 4. Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water by simply using a large syringe that gently forces a stream of saline solution through the nostril. 5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin also has Zinc to boost absorption. 6. but in the reverse direction. viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate, or do any harm.stepped up to minimize incidences of infected people coming into the country and spreading the disease. where we have had situation under control. All we are to observe precautionary meawhen they cough and sneeze, sneeze into your elbows and if you your own doctor or at the various health centres that are specially set up to deal witThe heath minister has also cautioned St. Lucians to stay home if their children at home and away from school if ch however, we are on top of the situation and we are trying at all costs to maintain the island’s levels of drugs be careful because in countries as small as ours, there is the potential of this virus spreadcould be devastating not only to the lives of our people but also to our economy, so we are trying to minimize incidences treat people who may become infected w ndesir warned nationals to remain vigilant especially those who are more susceptible to contracting the disease such as the elderly, children, expectant mothers and people with pre-dispositions such as Diabetics.Health Minister Says The Island R emains On Top Of H1N1

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Page 11 Saturday October 31, 2009 Parliamentary Representative for Gros-Islet and Minister for Social Transformation Lenard Montoute has been underscoring human resource development as an integral part of national development. urce development, he says is Saint Lucia's chief selling point in its increasingly ser vice-based econ omy. ntly addressed constituents who par ticipated in an entrepreneurship ed to enhance Montoute Underscores Human R esource management. mportance is Human Resource Development, because if we as a people are not of our abilities, then our commu strides, despite the structures that are around us monplace for development to be measured only on the basis of infrastructural development. balance between infrastructural and human development. the structures. These structures are there for your use and if you are not well equipped, prepared, and trained, then you will not be able handing him one" as being the most valuable lesson in human resource development.

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Page 12 Saturday October 31, 2009 National Review Sat. 31th to Sun. 30th October 2009 NTN – PROVIDING NEED Station ID National Anthem, Pledge Programme Guide 6.00 6:05 Take Two The Week in Review 6:05 – 6:15 6: 15 – 6:30 Our Nation Integrate Or Perish #1 1963 1973 pact of a Value Added Tax on society is whether it is a regressive tax. A tax is called regressive when a larger part of the salary of households in the lower as compared to the same ratio for households in the higher ture of VAT, the Project has treatment of basic goods and services under the VAT system, to ensure that vulnerable and low income groups are not This is achieved through zero-rating and exempting cer tain goods and services. The zero-rated or exempt treatment of goods and services under the VAT system will there will be several changes of every business in Saint Lucia. And this would be totally dependent on whether the business has met or surpassed the established VAT threshold and would be required to register and so charge value supplies. In the interim however, all businesses should begin to assess the impact of VAT on their business, to prepare for these changes, while minimizing disruption to their operations. The VAT Implementation extensive training and consultation in this regard. However, until the approval of VAT policies, and as part of the pre-implementation exercise, all businesses will need to: 1. Determine whether their present accounting and cash registers are capable of accounting for VAT. All sales receipts sumer must indicate the VAT charged. VATAm I V at R eady?V AT Steering Committeebe applied across the board. This means that any item that item. Deciding which items to zero rate and exempt requires detailed analysis, careful planning and execution. For this reason enough time and consultation must be given for the determination of such items, so as to ensure the desired impact is felt mainly by those vulner able or low income groups. Additionally, the Project is ister and Ministries of Education, Health and Social Transformation, with the aim of strengthening current and developing new social policies to VAT. Such policies include the school feeding program and need to be provided to customers who are registered businesses/taxpayers. 2. Understand the treatment of supplies that are: a) taxed — i.e. charged at the VAT rate b) zerorated—i.e. charged at a rate of zero percent c) exempt—exempted from VAT 3. Analyse whether you are able to separate goods and services that are going to be taxed, from those that will be zerorated or exempt. Remember, not all goods a VAT. 4. Begin accurate record5. Implement any process changes, which includes larly in the planning and receivable departments. Remember, the VAT with all businesses in this regard. Is V AT R egressive? The VAT Implementation educate the public on the VAT system being recommended for Saint Lucia. To date, the team has held several meetassociations and institutions and hopes to continue this As mandated, the Vat necessary analyses relative to implementing a VAT. The those recommended VAT policies, regulations and legislations is within the purview end, a seven-member body, called the VAT Steering Com. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Stephenson King, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Human Resource Phillip Dalsou, Director of Finance Isaac Anthony, Comptroller of Inland Revenue James Charles, Comptroller of Customs and Excise Herman St Helen, Budget Director Cointhia Thomas, representaChambers Dwight Lay and representative of the Private Sector Jason Sambrano. The main functions of this yse recommendations and assess the impact on the business community and vulnerable groups, as well as to determine ment policies. value added to goods or services at every stage of the production and distribution chain. Value added are the costs that a businesses adds to its inputs or personal consumption. In other words YOU! Currently, over 130 countries around the world have a Value Added Tax. tries introduce VAT as part of a tax reform. Tax reform is the process of changing the way taxes are collected or managed by government. Our Current tax system these are taxes that are all levied directly on an individual or a company receiving an income and are paid directly to the Inland Revenue Department. Some examples are: Income Tax, Corpothese are taxes on goods and services and are paid only when you buy or use a good or service. In St Lucia we have 15 indirect taxes. These include: Consumption Tax, Hotel Accommoda tion Tax, Mobile Cellular Tax, Environmental Service Charge and Insurance Premium Tax Next Week: How does VAT react with other taxes? ALL ABOUT V AT! Frequently Asked Questions