November 2011

ST. LUCIA LABOUR PARTY

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EMMA HIPPOLYTEEMMA HIPPOLYTEOBE, CFE, CGAOBE, CFE, CGA

Gros Islet deserves quality, competent representation in Parliament.

As Saint Lucia’s fastest growing district, it will soon become a city in its own right. Both residents and over 60% of visitors who come to our

island want to enjoy a safe, clean and enriching environment. We want an urban space that is not congested, that has adequate amenities, access to open space including our beaches and coastline, and provides an ambiance within which we can all enjoy our natural and cultural heritage. To achieve this, we must have a strategic plan guiding the short, medium and long term. We must also have the governance structures that empowers residents - young, working and retired - to take ownership of their communities. This will come working and retired - to take ownership of their communities. This will come

through regular dialogue with communities and the through regular dialogue with communities and the promotion of strong community associations from promotion of strong community associations from

Des Rameaux to Rodney Bay. Local government must Des Rameaux to Rodney Bay. Local government must be an everyday term, not just used when seeking to be an everyday term, not just used when seeking to explain the whereabouts of unaccounted funds. explain the whereabouts of unaccounted funds.

I commit to bringing good governance and an inclusive, I commit to bringing good governance and an inclusive, fair and impartial style of leadership which promotes fair and impartial style of leadership which promotes

excellence and shuns corruption and kickbacks. Our excellence and shuns corruption and kickbacks. Our country has seen turmoil and controversy after country has seen turmoil and controversy after

controversy over the past five years. It has cost us controversy over the past five years. It has cost us progress in major areas and means that we must work progress in major areas and means that we must work

doubly hard in the next five years to get things right. I doubly hard in the next five years to get things right. I am a dedicated and hardworking. I have a am a dedicated and hardworking. I have a

proven track record of competence, proven track record of competence, compassion for the underprivileged compassion for the underprivileged

and character which has served me and character which has served me well from my days as Director of well from my days as Director of Audit of St.Lucia right through to Audit of St.Lucia right through to Rome, Italy where I worked for the Rome, Italy where I worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN.of the UN.

Let us work together to realize a Let us work together to realize a better Gros Islet for all. better Gros Islet for all.

CANDIDATE’S MESSAGE TO CONSTITUENTSResidents of Gros Islet,

EMMA’S TOP 10 PRIORITY LIST

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1. An Integrated Master Plan - Develop a Master Plan for the development of Gros Islet and the north over the next 20 years that tackles land use, development of new growth areas, environmental conservation, parks and open space, roads and public transport, architectural cohesion, landscapes, tourism and affordable housing. 2. Expansion of Gros Islet Polyclinic to become a 24-hour medical centre including diagnostic, pharmacy and acute care services.3. Gros Islet Flood Mitigation – Undertake a comprehensive drainage assessment targeting three major catchments: Choc/Union, Corinthe/ Bois D’Orange and Lower Bonne Terre/Castagne with a view of coming up with suitable flood protection measures. 4. Gros Islet Heritage Tourism Enhancement – Provide enhanced tropical landscaping particularly along major routes; development of vistas and trails (e.g. Plateau, Vieux Sucreic, Mount du Cap, Mount Pimard); support for improving the facades of cabarets; enhancement of new heritage sites (e.g. Dauphin) as well as packaged heritage/adventure tours. 5. Gros Islet “Gateway” – New Transit Hub, Landcaped Roundabout and Farmers’ Market.6. Gros Islet Waterfront – Redevelopment of the town centre’s waterfront by creating a new Arts and Culture Centre to become a focal point for Friday Night entertainment; the Bay Street Esplanade, a renewed Fisherman’s Landing; traffic improvements; and provide tax incentives, technical assistance and promotion. Beach amenities will also be provided. 7. Castries-Gros Islet Highway Junction Improvements – Concentrate on impoving junctions at Marisule, Mongiraud, Rodney Bay, Bonne Terre and the Rodney Bay Marina. This project will also create a pedestrian promenade between Gros Islet Town and Rodney Bay. 8. Affordable Housing Project – Transit-oriented mixed development with retail spaces and residential units to provide affordable condos/apts that are in close proximity to services. This will also provide community spaces for children and senior citizens. This would be located either at Massade or La Retraite on existing government/NIC lands. 9. Northwest Corridor Relief Route – Develop a new 6km alternate highway stretching from Rodney Bay to Choc via La Feuillee, Vieux Sucreic and Corinthe. 10. Gros Islet Eastern Highway – This new 8km scenic route between Gros Islet and Monchy via Beausejour and Esperance will open up the eastern coast of Gros Islet for recreational and residential development while adding to visitor experience, as well as promoting the development of Monchy as a major centre for heritage and adventure tourism. This highway will be the first phase in the creation of a link from Gros Islet to Dennery.

Emma Hippolyte is a Certified General Accountant, CGA and a Certified Fraud Examiner, CFE with over 25 years experience in Public and Private Sector Auditing, Governance, Management, Finance, Social Security and Non Governmental Organizations.Between 1987-2010 she served as Director of Audit of St. Lucia; consultant and Senior Auditor of The Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO of the UN in Rome, Italy; member of the External Board of Auditors of the Organization of American States, OAS and Executive Director of the National Insurance Corporation of St. Lucia (NIC).In 2002 EMMA started The National Community Foundation (NCF) and in 1990, the Concerned Citizens for Deprived Children in Soufriere. Between 1986 and 1995 she served on and chaired the Board of the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) and the regional umbrella body East Caribbean Organization of Development Foundations (ECODEF) both aimed at developing micro businesses in St. Lucia and the Region.Between 2002 and 2007 she chaired the Universal Health Care Taskforce and Steering Committee and successfully launched the UHC pilot programme for diabetes and hypertension. She is a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

EMMA HIPPOLYTE | BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

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A LIFE OF SERVICE

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EMMA’S LIFE

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Sport - Beausejour Cricket Ground & Indoor Practice Facility, Upgrade of the Gros Islet, Grande Riviere and Corinthe Playing Fields

Open Space - 10 acres of parkland at Pigeon Point reserved.

Housing - Beausejour Ph 2, Monchy (Low-Income), Emerald Development(NIC)

Education - Constructed the Gros Islet Secondary School & Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary

Social Amenities – Completion of Polyclinic, Upgrade of the Gros Islet Police Station, New Fire Station

Transport & Traffic Alleviation - Castries Gros Islet Hwy dual-carriageway upgrade (2.5km, Vigie-Choc) and the creation of relief roads, Construction of Corinthe Bypass Rd.

Secondary Roads - Repaving of Grande Riviere-Marisule Rd, Beausejour Main Rd (2.8km), Reconstruction of Monier-Paix Bouche Rd (3.9km), Bella Rosa Rd.

Resurfacing and drainage works for numerous Community Roads: Massade/Cas-en-Bas (0.9km), Corinthe (2.6km), East Winds (0.5km), Trouya (1.8km), Careffe-VieuxSucreic (1.3km), Caye Manger (1.7km), Rodney Bay (3.2km), Degazon (0.5km), Riviere Mitan-Des Rameaux (4.1km), Monchy-La Bonne (2.4km) [list is not exhaustive]

Private Sector Investments in Tourism - Expansion of Golf Club to 18-holes and Construction of a New Clubhouse, Bay Gardens Resort, Landings Resort, Sandals Grande, Cotton Bay, Cap Maison, Ginger Lily Hotel, Seabreeze Development (Mount Hardy); Expansion of existing hotels: Almond Morgan Bay, Windjammer Landings.

LABOUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN GROS ISLET1997 – 2006

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LABOUR ACHIEVEMENTSLABOUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN GROS ISLET1997 – 2006

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After extensive townhalls and consultation with experts I am pleased to present to you a document outlining a vision for the Gros Islet District to move towards becoming a livable, vibrant and green city. I commit to working with you as your Parliamentary Representative to develop Gros Islet sustainably and inclusively with an agenda that focuses on good governance; community education and empowerment; creating new jobs; youth issues; urban regeneration & tourism product development; better policing; reducing traffic congestion & opening up land for housing & economic opportunities.

Although there are many overarching themes, for purposes of presentation, this vision is captured under four general themes:

• Youth Empowerment; • Sustainable Development; • Safe, Secure & Integrated Communities; and • Business Competitiveness.

EMMA’S VISION FOR GROS ISLET

Pigeon Island

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Young people represent the hope of our country. We must support our youth in their endeavours by tackling the issues that matter the most to young people. We must equip their futures with the tools, skills and knowledge to innovate, create and be entrepreneurial. This will require working closely with the social and education agencies of Central Government, youth representatives and partners in the arts and technology locally and globally.

I. Education, Technology and Innovation In our first term we will: 1. Establish community resource centres adjoining existing Secondary Schools (Gros Islet and Corinth) to provide public day-care, conference, library, computer facilities; and 2. Ensure every school has an arts programme (incl. music and drama) to boost creative arts. We will also pursue the following: 3. Ensure that Science, Technology, Creativity and Innovation are made central to the curriculum; 4. Universal ICT Literacy Policy with IT becoming a core subject for all secondary school leavers.

II. Empowerment, Enterprise and Employment In our first term we will: 1. Revitalize Gros Islet Youth and Sports Council and provide leadership training/ support for clubs; 2. Develop after-school and summer programmes from public/private funding and supported by young grads as part of giving back (national service); and 3. Create a Youth Enterprise and Employment Programme that subidizes for a period of 12 months tertiary-level school leavers in growth sectors. We will also pursue the following: 4. Programme for at-risk youth to develop “life-change” plans, mentorship and key skills; 5. Ensure avenue for youth representation and sharing of creative and new thinking on decision-making bodies in the community and nationally; and 6. Create an Entrepreneurship Incubator to support youth start-ups, with links to schools and training centres.

III. Sport & Recreation In our first term we will: 1. Develop community parks, playgrounds and recreation centres at Marisule, Trouya, Grande Riviere, Rodney Bay and Bonne Terre. 2. Develop a Community Sports and Recreation Plan that supports tournaments and equipment; 3. Boost existing facilities at Des Rameaux, La Borne, Grande Riviere and Corinthe to include modern courts, lighting, clubhouses and equipment. We will also pursue the following: 4. Strengthen community capacity through sports management and coach training; and 5. Reposition Beausejour as a National Sports Centre, events venue and focus for sports tourism.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

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Gros Islet is one of the most beautiful parts of Saint Lucia with its rolling hills, beaches and vistas. It is also the hub of touristic activity and a major urban area. We must address developing our communities and physical space sustainably, tackling issues such as water conservation, drainage, roads, transport and housing. IV. Environment, Urban Planning and Housing In our first term we will: 1. Provide incentives for water conservation particularly for homes on high elevations; 2. Address environmental health concerns such as rodents, mosquitoes, marine water quality via integrated pest control, waste and wastewater strategies and avenues for community monitoring; 3. Develop a Drainage and Flood Mitigation Programme includng desilting of rivers and regular drain clearance. We will also pursue the following: 4. Gros Islet 20 year Master Plan to sustainably manage growth based on New Urbanism principles; 5. Transit-oriented affordable apartment housing at Beausejour, Massade, Corinthe; 6. Undertake a Water Sector Design Study for the north to plan for future water demands; 7. Tackle humanely the issues of dangerous dogs and stray animals.

V. Better Roads and Transport In our first term we will: 1. Improve junctions/capacity of Castries-Gros Islet Highway. The Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Marisule, Mongiraud, Glace Motors and Corinthe Junctions will be given priority; 2. Make walking/biking more attractive by expanding availability of sidewalks, bike paths. This will start with a Gros Islet and Rodney Bay pedestrian/bike link; 3. Develop a Roads Trust to deal with adoption and maintenance of roads in private developments. We will also pursue the following: 4. A new 6km north-south scenic, tree-lined relief route (Gros Islet Parkway) between Rodney Bay & Choc to reduce congestion on existing highway; 5. Pursue the creation of a multi-modal Transport Hub at Gros Islet which will allow connections with bus, water-taxi, shuttle, taxi, park+ride and new retail/vending opportunities; 6. Work with northern bus cooperatives to create a modern, environmentally-friendly and financially sustainable public transport company with increased routes, schedules and improved quality of service; 7. Improve the road network and linkages in Cap, Marisule, Assou Canal, Beausejour, BonneTerre, Cas en Bas, Corinthe, Norbere and Riviere Mitan thereby providing alternative routes for commuters; and 8. Explore the feasibility of a new coastal scenic route connecting Beausejour and Monchy.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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Our communities must be family-oriented, safe, secure, integrated and caring. We must be mindful of all groups including children, seniors and those who cannot fend for themselves. Furthermore, this must be done through collaboration and consultation with citizens.

VI. Crime Prevention and Law EnforcementIn our first term we will: 1. Push police accountability and transparency meetings with community to build

confidence and cooperation;2. Establish 24-hour community patrol units; and3. Start community safety networks to undertake neighbourhood surveillance and

safety audits.We will also pursue the following:4. Establish a separate Northern Police Division with a modern, centrally located

Divisional HQ;5. Provide self-defence and safety classes for residents; 6. Install CCTV for surveillance of key areas and roadways to curb crime; and7. Introduce Highway Patrol Unit to curb traffic congestion and drunk driving and

decrease accident response time.

VII. Families, Health and Social Cohesion In our first term we will:1. Create Seniors Day Centres at Reduit & Marisule;2. Promote Gros Islet as a child-friendly community with events, programmes and

spaces that produce happy childhoods, creativity and expression;3. Extend opening hours of the Polyclinic and include diagnostic, pharmacy, dental

and other services.We will also pursue the following: 4. Provide Parental Education for young/first-time parents and support school/

community Parents Associations;5. Develop a Community Care Programme for aged persons and persons with

disabilities including arranged doctors visits, care packages and roving caregivers;6. Use community radio, web presence and social media to link communities and

residents; and7. Promote longer life and healthy lifestyles through a National Review on Food

and Fitness.

SAFE, SECURE & INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES

OTE LABOUR FORGOOD GOVERNANCE

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We must assist existing businesses, small and large, and create new entrepreneurs. We must develop our tourism, creative, digital/ICT and natural resource sectors in tandem so as to create jobs and linkages with communities.

VIII. Fisheries and Maritime Enterprises In our first term we will: 1. Redevelop the Gros Islet fisheries facility into a visitor attraction showcasing the livelihoods and traditions of fishers and their catch; 2. Establish a Gros Islet Marine Management Area to deal with sustainable use of fisheries, providing fish aggregating devices (FADs), promoting yachting and sea-based recreation, coastal/marine management and monitor and enhance water quality. We will also pursue the following: 3. Promote community-wide swimming programmes involving the Rodney Bay Aquatic Centre; 4. Investigate the feasibility of a Gros Islet Boat and Sea Club with a Training Institute to support training in yachting, chandlery services, fisheries, swimming, marinology, etc.

IX. Conservation, Creativity and Tourism In our first term we will: 1. Implement a Landscape Plan including planting of flowering/scented trees, flowers, scenic routes, fountains and landmark gateways for village centres; 2. Support community/heritage enhancements to village centres, cabarets, facades, old mills; 3. Establish a new Creative Arts and Entertainment Centre at the town’s waterfront, which will become the focus of reinvented Friday Night inclusive of costumery, dance, live music. It will also be a creativity incubator and training centre. We will also pursue the following: 4. Improve beach amenities (including picnic area, vending, food markets) at Reduit, Pigeon Pt., Cas-en-Bas and GrosIslet; 5. Promote creative arts through a public art programme and the enhancement of community festivals and events; 6. Explore the possibility of creating a botanical Gardens and Bird Sanctuary using Bois D’Orange Wetland and Mount Pimard; 7. Architectural Conservation Area for Town Centre to promote traditional design styles; 8. Provide special concessions for redevelopment of the Gros Islet Waterfront for small inns, guest houses, while creating “resort town” concept incorporating shared visitor services/amenities; 9. Create a Northeast Coast Nature Trail (Cap to Dauphin); and 10. Conserve rural Gros Islet via sustainable farming of tree crops, nurseries, food production, agro-processing, modern technology and agro-tourism.

BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

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GORGEOUS GROS ISLET

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EMMA’S CAMPAIGN

TO GOD BE THE GLORY,GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

How did Emma Impact Pension Reform?

>> Pension reform was necessary to protect the fund from becoming bankrupt. A 1996 ILO actuarial report recommended that the pension age be adjusted to 65 by 2012. This ensures that the young contributors still have a pension when they retire. These changes are happening worldwide especially in Europe and countries with aging populations. Persons may still receive a modified pension at 60 if they wish. Under her guidance as Natonal Insurance Director, NIC’s assets tripled from about $350 million to just under $1,000 million.

How has Emma impact Gros Islet?

>> Emma has been responsible for or involved in a number of initiatives that have national impact, and which benefit of Gros Islet residents. Emma founded the National Community Foundation which created a means to help hundreds of needy persons annually with health expenses and scholarships for their children. Emma was a major player in the Universal Healthcare Programme that began pilot programmes for Diabetes and Hypertension sufferers. Under her chairmanship over 30,000 persons were tested and those with both diseases received free medication. She also chaired the National Research and Development Foundation NRDF which provides loans and training to small businesses.

What is Emma’s history with Gros Islet?

>> Emma moved to Trouya, Gros Islet from Soufriere over 30 years ago. Gros Islet is the most cosmopolitan district in Saint Lucia with most of its residents having moved into the district over the past 25 years. She is characteristic of the majority of Gros Islet residents and yet her command of Kwéyòl allows her to relate to all persons in the constituency, both rural and suburban.

What is Emma’s style and approach?

>> Emma’s direct and frank nature and her zeal for results probably does make her a tough cookie at times. However, she always have an open door policy. She has made herself available as much as possible, going from house-to-house, to the churches, to cultural events, to the supermarkets, and through social media to reach you the constituents. She is very approachable and is noted for keeping her word.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EMMA

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TO GOD BE THE GLORY,GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

Constituency Office:White Rock, Grande Rivere

Tel: 758 - 450-1988

www.facebook.com/emma hippolyteEmail: emma.hippolyte@stlucialaburparty.org

2011

OTE

ON28NOVEMBER

SAINT LUCIA LABOUR PARTYBREAD . FREEDOM . JUSTICE