our saint lucia final single · laybys along the castries – gros islet and john compton highway....

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

Issue 01 | 14 April, 2018

www.govt.lc

OUR SAINT LUCIA

The People’s Paper

On the Right TrackOn the Right TrackSaint Lucia shows signs of progress!

Your Gas Money at Work

The Inspiring Young People of OJO

Budget 2018 Building Resilience!

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CONTENTS At a glance...

Work In Progress:Infrastructure on the Move 4-5

Building Resilience 9-12OJO set to expand 13Bringing Education to the People 15The Redevelopment of Castries 16How much do you know about Saint Lucia? 19

Choiseul in the spotlight 8

The number of Saint Lucians now employed on farms in Canada as part of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Farm Worker Programme has increased by 25% so far and projec-tions indicate a further rise in the numbers in the coming years. In 2017 the number of Saint Lucians on the programme stood at 285 persons as compared to 231 in 2015 and 221 in 2016. The increase in numbers has also resulted in a significant increase in remittances accounted for by the workers. In 2017, the earnings by the 285 Saint Lucians on the Farm Worker Programme had an estimated net value of $4.702 million.

The inaugural flight of InterCaribbean Airways arrived at the George FL Charles Airport, on Thursday, March 22, at 6:55 pm, from the island of Dominica. The flight marks the commencement of a direct service, 3 times a week, between Saint Lucia’s George FL Charles Airport (SLU) and Domini-ca’s Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM). The service provides onward connections to the northern Caribbean including the BVI reaching as far north as Havana with an additional direct service to Saint Croix commencing on April 12.

Member for Soufriere Honourable Herod Stanislaus told the House of Assembly last week that the development of the Sulphur Springs area will continue.

Said Stanislaus: “We will continue Footpaths for the residents at Sulphur Springs and the Road access into Lacou. There will be an upgrade to the Sulphur Springs Park. There will be the construction of additional pools and a world class spa and other amenities to add value and increase revenue yield.”(use pic Sulphur Springs)

Minister with Responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Invest-ment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Bradly Felix, has stated that Saint Lucia’s manufacturing sector has improved. Felix referred to the numerous initiatives launched by the Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) that have positively impacted the suppliers of goods and services alike. One of the most significant over the last year to garner results, was the Speciality Expo.

www.govt.lc14 April 2018

AGRICULTURE

TOURISM

COMMUNITY

MANUFACTURING TEPA gets praise for Expo TEPA gets praise for Expo

New Regional Airline

Upgrades continue at Sulphur Springs

Rise in Saint Lucians for Canadian Farming Programme

JOIN THE ACTIVITIES YOUTH MONTH!

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together all denominations in a gospel celebration concert. The Youth Festival has been designed to engage young people of interest in non-con-ventional fields and provide an avenue for them to display their raw talents, creativity and innovation through exhibition, fashion and entertainment. This event is scheduled for April 20th.

Youth development has been of special importance, and input from young people is of equal importance to those in more authoritative positions. Still, young people face their own set of unique issues that can only be solved with direct action from themselves. In an effort to achieve this, SLNYC has organized the Caribbean Youth Conference (Saint Lucia) 2018 – a much-anticipated event aimed at gathering youth leaders and young professionals around the Caribbean under the theme “Framing Caribbean Youth Development from Rhetoric to Action.” The two-day conference seeks to assess and remedy issues surrounding youth advancement within the region, and provides the opportunity for Saint Lucia’s youth to network and collaborate with their regional youth counterparts in plotting the way forward through tools such as advocacy, policy development and volunteerism. The conference takes place on April 26th and 27th at the Golden Palm Events Center. Youth Month will culminate with the National Youth Awards ceremony where individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields of youth development will be recognized.

In keeping with these, and numerous other activities organized and hosted by the SLNYC, other community youth councils have taken to holding various events in their districts. On April 7th, the Choiseul Youth and Sports Council hosted its first Youth and Sports Awards since 2012. The night’s activity awarded youth who have contributed to sports, culture, religion, agriculture, entrepreneurship and other facets of everyday life.

The Vieux Fort Youth and Sports Council is expected to host ‘Lit Night’ on April 14th at the Post-Secondary School Grounds, in an effort to expose and celebrate their talents. This event ‘for the youth, by the youth’ will feature the Laborie Steel Pan, The Micoud Secondary School Theatre Group and other dance and musical acts.

The Saint Lucia National Youth Council looks forward to the support and full participation of the youth throughout Saint Lucia. Sustaining the youth core is an investment for the future, and this month is a time to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our young Saint Lucians.ocelebra-tion of youth month with a press launch. April has been dedicat

St Lucia, and numerous other countries, continue to recognize April as Youth Month. Given that the greater portion of the St Lucian population is indeed youth, it is only fitting to recognize the numerous achievements of St Lucian youth. The recent uprising of young entrepre-neurs, social activists and those keen on youth develop-ment has created a new, positive attitude in St Lucian youth. The Saint Lucia National Youth Council is the overseeing body for youth councils in St Lucia, and has organized numerous events for the month, geared at not just celebrating youth, but generating ideas for their betterment.

www.govt.lcThe People’s Paper

Youth Month All About Empowering Young People

pril promises to be a month full of activities to celebrate, entertain and occupy youth. The annual Youth Overhaul on April 8th brought A

Executive members of the National Youth Council meet with Prime Minister

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ministry of infrastructureremains focused

road works ahead!

Other projects to be focused on include the implementation of Soft Traffic Measures, particularly as part of the Bus Stops/ Laybys Upgrade project. The aim of that particular project is to establish and improve bus stops / laybys along the Castries – Gros Islet and John Compton Highway. This effort is necessary to maintain a free flow of traffic, and to ensure safety for all road users. Construction is underway in a number of areas for the imple-mentation of this project.

Also with an intention to improve road safety, a project dedicated to enhancing road signage and markings is currently underway. Upon recom-mendations from stakeholders, marking and signage will be implemented / re-established in an effort to improve traffic mobility. Additionally, across the island, a project aimed at ensuring bridges and culverts are structurally sound and alternate road routes accessible will focus on areas including Ravine Poison, Ferrands, and Cul de Sac. Bridges in these areas, all located at critical points along the primary road network are considered ‘gateways to the south of the island’. The bridges have been identified as possible contributors to flooding in the Cul De Sac area. It is hoped that interventions will address this recurring problem.

Other bridges included in reconstruction efforts for 2018 are the Canaries Bridge, which was completed during the forth quarter of the 2017/2018 fiscal year. The new bridge was constructed in accordance with world class standards and now allows for the smooth flow of two lane traffic. The Praslin bridge was also identified as in need of urgent attention, and repairs began early in 2018 with an expected competition date of February 9th.

Permanent Secretary Ivor Daniel has reemphasized the commitment of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Energy to the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and other public infrastructure island wide.

“We recognize and take very seriously our role in laying a solid foundation in pursuit of our country’s economic development,” he said. “Not only are we building and in some cases rebuilding infrastructure but it is our policy to build better and more resilient infrastructure to withstand the impact of Climate Change and to meet the needs of a growing population.”

As Saint Lucia looked ahead to the start of a new financial year, Daniel said citizens would continue to witness the execution of a vigorous capital works programme bringing relief to communities across the island.

With the announcement of the activation of a robust capital works programme the Ministry of Infrastructure has embarked on major infrastructural works all over Saint Lucia. Projects include the construc-tion of new bridges, roads and drainage, slope stabilization, desilting works and more, all in the hopes of creating a better Saint Lucia and ensuring the island has state of the art infrastructure. Within the first months of the new year, the government has already completed several projects, with others steadily chugging along. In a nutshell, here’s some of the areas of focus for the Department of Infrastructure for 2018:


• Slope Stabilization • Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Roads (various communities) • Choc Bridge Paving • Island Wide Potholing • Millennium Highway Routine Maintenance • Reconstruction of Bridges and Culverts • Sea Defence • Desilting Works • Road Signage and Marking Enhancement

Office of the Prime Minister-www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia-www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia

Allen Chastanet-www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet

-www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet

Lenard "Spider" Montoute-www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute

Ezechiel Joseph-www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758

Sarah Flood Beaubrun-www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758

Guy Joseph-www.facebook.com/guyejoseph

Stephenson Kingwww.facebook.com/stephensonking

Mary Isaac-www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu

Fortuna Belrose-www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758

Dominic Fedee-www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee

Herod Stanislas-www.facebook.com/herodstanislas

Bradly Felix-www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758

Dr Gale T C Rigobert-www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758

Edmund Estephane-www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

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The Micoud Roads Rehabilitation Project focused on the rehabilitation of approximately 6.5km of roads within the Micoud communities of Dugard, La Couville, London, Ti Rocher, and Fond D’Or. The project also included drainage works, and the construction of a new road surface.

Previously covered with potholes and in dire need of repairs, teams set out to address the situation which had for months affected scores of people who lived in the area.

Efforts in Corinth focused on road widening and sidewalk construction. In particular focus was The Corinth Bypass, an important and highly used alternative route for vehicles travelling eastwards towards Grand Riviere and neighbouring communities.

An intervention with the scope of widening the Careffe – Vieux Secrieux road by at least 0.5m aimed at allowing vehicles to maneuver the area easily. This project included drainage and road works.

Spanning one month, the Belle Plain Road Reconstruction project included repairing the base and surface of the road.

Intervention has been taken to repair the Saltibus main road. This project consisted of scarifying, applying double surface dressing and potholing in the most critical areas.

Road reconstruction efforts in Roseau / Vanard focused on milling, compacting, reshaping and applying asphaltic concrete to approximately 2.8 km of road. This intervention sought to provide relief to road users in the area.

With an intention to widen roads and implement retaining structures, the Almondale Road project aimed to improve traffic congestion along the Castries / Gros Islet highway. Precast Grills are expected to allow more efficient use of the carriageway and improve road safety.

Reconstruction of roads in the Balata area, including the Fewrie Road, was intended to bring relief to residents and general road users.

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The Potholing Project aims to combat a major driver inconvenience by way of intensive works to improve the conditions of roads which have deteriorated over the years. During the fourth quarter extensive work was carried out along the John Compton Highway into Castries.

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RECONSTRUCTION & REHABILITATION

THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT OF SOME OF THE PROJECTS BY THE MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE

The Millennium Highway which is the main road used by many commuters travelling between the north of the island and the south via the east and west coast roads will be the focus of a project that is an overall effort to improve road safety, minimize road user costs, improve road motorability and reduce commuter time.

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Community Policing: ‘If we wish to have a safe, well-ordered society, we all have a part to play’. Part of the 2018/2019 Budget Address on Improving Security and Justice focused on the concept of community policing. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet urged Saint Lucians to ‘go back to the basics of law and order’. The basis of community policing is that each individual plays a part in creating a safer environment. The wider public ‘cannot break traffic laws and expect a reduction in accidents’. Community policing is expected to ‘complement the social develop-ment of young people in particular’.

MEET THE EXECUTIVE Police Town Halls are the ideal opportunity for members of the public to meet executive members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), as well as other members of various jurisdictions. On Wednesday, April 18, a special Town Hall Meeting will be held at the Monchy Multi-Purpose Center. The session will make it possible for members of the public to ask pertinent questions, highlight issues facing their community, and offer suggestions including but not limited to community policing. The island’s Police Commissioner is expected to be in attendance at the upcoming meeting.


New Technology to Assist Police

Saint Lucia’s Police Commissioner, Severin Moncherry.

the next four years. Of the six, ‘Improving Security and Justice’ was of particular importance.

According to the Prime Minister ‘one of the key platforms for improving the fortunes of Saint Lucia, is improving security and justice’. With 2017 seeing a record number of homicides in the country, focus on national security is imperative if the country is to accomplish well rounded development. National security, as discussed in the Budget Address, spans more than just policing and solving crimes. Sound physical infrastructure, training and development and the introduction of modern technology will all contribute to sounder national security.

Instituting new technology in the form of a digital radio system will provide multiple benefits to both the Royal St Lucia Police Force and the St Lucia Fire Service. The radio system will provide not just the benefit of better communication across the force, but will save police officers money, as most would use their personal mobile phones ‘at their own expense to conduct the business of the state’. This digital radio system is set to ‘improve the response times for first responders as the system has a GPS component which will allow for dispatchers to make informed decisions in real time’.

For all intents and purposes, the proposed plans for Security and Justice in Saint Lucia are clear cut and aim for a reduction in crime on the island.

I n the 2018/2019 Budget Address on April 3rd, 2018, Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet sought to update St Lucians on the six key areas that the government promised to give special attention to over

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Behind the island’s intensified investment outlook is Invest Saint Lucia (ISL), the primary investment promotion agency of the Government of Saint Lucia. ISL focuses on stimulating, facilitating and promoting investment opportunities for both foreign and local investors. In the past year, the agency continued to work with a number of local and foreign investors from a wide cross-section of businesses. Some of those investments, both greenfield investments and expansions of existing operations include Ojo Labs; the Caribbean’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) contact center, The Harbor Club, The Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa, The Hibiscus Trolley Train Tour, Digicel St. Lucia (launch of new hub), expansion efforts to Alwin Investment Inc., TA’s Distribution & Trading, as well as Brice & Co., the Desert Star Holdings project, The GP Group’s 4-5 star hotel development under the Fairmount Hotel & Resort brand, Chefs Choice’s (automat-ed pasta manufacturing facility), Pure Vibe Entertainment’s Ultra Lounge, and The Apple Leisure Group (ALG) which is expected to bring two of its luxury, all-inclusive resort brands to Saint Lucia in 2020.

It is anticipated that several other investments will make signifi-cant progress in 2018 following the receipt of requisite approvals and licenses. ISL expects that in 2018, many of the pipeline invest-ments will advance towards implementation.

RECORD SUCCESS FOR INVESTMENT

In keeping with its mandate to stimulate, facilitate, and promote the development of business and investment activities in selected sectors of the Saint Lucian economy, Invest Saint Lucia sponsored and supported a number of initiatives in the past year. In 2018, the company sponsored of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards. This time around, the award went to Randy Lafontaine, a 26-year-old from Choiseul, owner of Saint Lucia Travel and Tours. Lafontaine thanked ISL for the recognition, making it clear he had his sights set on bigger and better things in the very near future.

ISL also supported ‘Get in the Ring St Lucia’ as part of Global Entrepreneur-ship Week (GEW). Patrick Eze of EZE Green Energy Company emerged victorious at the end of the inaugural competition in Saint Lucia and will represent the island at the regional leg of the event. Get in the Ring is a platform for start-ups and innovators to create and connect, the most promising of whom are able to unlock business opportunities and sponsor-ship.

Supporting Local Business!


I nvestment facilitation has been a key area of concentration for governments past and present for decades. Against that backdrop, between 2017-2018, significant investments came to fruition, resulting in a boost to the island’s economic activity, as well as the training and employment of hundreds of Saint Lucians.

Harbor Club

Digicel HUB ISL Team Members with Randy LafontaineHibiscus TrollEy Train


Constituency in Focus

Infrastructure 1. A concrete road was constructed near the Reunion Primary School, and continues down to the Centre of Excellence. The new pathway, which is also fully accessible to vehicles, will make it easier for students, as well as residents of the area to commute as it eliminates the problem of walking through mud on a rainy day. 2. Rehabilitation of the Choiseul Village road began on March 19th, 2018. Road work in the area has been long overdue, and has been welcomed by residents of the constituency. A road diversion through the community of Reunion facilitates work along the road. 3. Rehabilitation work also continues along the Saltibus road. The work includes resurfacing of the pre-existing road structure, as well as the construction of drains on the sides of the road. On March 13th, Choiseul/Saltibus District Representative, Hon Bradly Felix, as well as Minister for Economic Development, Hon Guy Joseph visited Saltibus to assess the progress, and hear feedback from residents. By all accounts, the rehabilitation of the road is progressing as expected. 4. Construction of a new block at the Choiseul Secondary School has continued to progress over the last month. With the construction of the new 3-storey building came the demolition of two buildings. Some students of the Choiseul Secondary School, as well as the school’s laborato-ries are being housed in a nearby wooden structure.

CHOISEULOver the past month, the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency has undertaken, and continues to make progress on numerous projects aimed at developing the district and its residents. Each project falls under one of the following categories: Infrastructure, Agriculture, Heath and Volunteerism & Charity.

Over 500 persons expected to be employed in Sabwisha Project

Agriculture1. A March 18th meeting at the Delcer Combined School sought to forge the way forward as regards the betterment of a Water Irrigation Project. This agricultural project will be beneficial to farmers of Delcer, Bois D’Inde, Industry, La Pointe and other surrounding areas. The outcome of the meeting was described as ‘fruitful’ by Choiseul/Saltibus representative, Hon Bradly Felix.

Health1. On April 3rd, drivers from the Choiseul Mini-Bus Driver’s Associa-tion held a health walk from the Choiseul Police Station to the Sab Wisha Beach. The walk’s purpose was to generate awareness of various communicable diseases. Officials from the Ministry of Health were present at the finish line, and conducted various screenings on both bus drivers and other partici-pants.

Volunteerism & Charity 1. Good Deeds Day 2018 was launched at the Reunion Primary School on March 23rd by the Choiseul Chapter of Volunteer St Lucia. District representative Hon Bradly Felix was in attendance, and addressed staff, students, and specially invited guests: “Doing “Good” is a simple and common vision to which each and every one of us can connect and contrib-ute to its realisation. When I received this invitation to be part of this event I was thrilled. It brought me back to the days of old when doing good deeds, positive thinking and affirmative choice of words, feelings and actions enhanced the goodness which was so prevalent in our communities.”On April 15th, the Choiseul Chapter of Volunteer St Lucia will host a Good Deed’s Day activity on the Reunion Primary School grounds. The initiative dubbed ‘Plant for Peace’ will transform the school grounds by creating a ‘bamboo study sanctuary’.2. The Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency made a donation of a washer to the Mongouge Club 60.

Sports 1. At the Choiseul Youth and Sports Council Awards on April 7th, district representative for Choiseul, Hon Bradly Felix announced that lighting for the Piaye and La Fargue fields would be in short order. Discus-sions between the Choiseul Youth and Sports Council and relevant authorities have also reopened doors for the construction of a mini stadium on the grounds of the La Fargue playing field. The GP Group’s 4-5 star, 120-room and

The GP Group’s 4-5 star, 120-room and 40-villa hotel development under the Fairmount Hotel & Resort brand, in July of this year, broke ground on the Sab Wisha beach, paving the way for the construction of the resort which sits on approximately fifteen (15) acres of beachfront property. The GP Group has also committed to completing several projects in the Choiseul community. This project is approved under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). During construction, which is expected to commence in 2018, an estimated 330 people will be employed and a further 580 on a permanent basis.

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Let’s Build a Resilient Saint Lucia TogetherBUDGET 2018


(v) Dreams and Secrets in Canelles, Micoud; etc(vi) And continued development of the Pearl of the Caribbean Project

EducationCurriculum development and the use of technology appropriate for teaching and learning will be high on the education agenda in the coming financial year and beyond.

The GiNet initiative will facilitate the integration of technology into the class room and there will be investment in and the rationalization of the existing school plant to maximize this new thrust in digital learning.

The start of the new school year in September will see the establishment of two Centres of Excellence in what were previously considered leisure or part-time activities, but in today’s world can be the basis for lucrative careers. The Centre of Excellence for Sports will be located at the Gros Islet Secondary School and the Centre of Excellence for Creative Arts and Culture will be housed at the Anse Ger Secondary School.

Value of technical and vocational training: we must prepare our people for jobs that we know will become available over the next few years. Hence the Ministry of Education is embarking on a new thrust in TVET and CVQ certifi-cation in hospitality studies, culinary arts, spa and wellness, investment services and construction techniques.

The overarching education policy, aptly named EQUIP, has the following short and medium term targets:• Improving the relevance and quality of instruction across the system• Enhancing special needs education• Rationalisation and repair of the school plant to make it learning and teaching friendly• Teacher training and professional development.

The claim on the revenue for EQUIP this year is $2.0 million dollars.National Apprenticeship Programme: We will re-double our efforts to expand the National Apprentice Programme to train our young people in areas that will provide immediate or near term opportunities. We have already facilitated the establishment of OJO labs in Vieux Fort where fifty-three young people are currently employed in the new technology field of artificial intelligence. The aim is to increase that number to over two hundred this financial year. We should be proud that we are among the first countries, if not the first, in the region to enter this industry.

April 3rd 2018. Following are some highlights of the speech which focused on “Building Resilience Today for our Future”:

Six key areas of focus over the next four years:I. Creating Sustainable EmploymentII. Re-engineering Social ServicesIII. Reforming GovernmentIV. Improving Security and JusticeV. Building Capacity in Renewable EnergyVI. Adapting to Climate Change

SAINT LUCIA ECONOMYPreliminary figures for 2017 indicate that the economy has started to grow again by the notable margin of 2.5%.

Our growth over the last year was driven largely by a strong recovery in the tourism sector and also reflected increased activity in construction, whole-sale & retail and manufacturing sectors with positive spin-offs on other sectors.

Overall growth was tempered by a decline in output from the agricultural sector, which was affected by the passage of tropical storm Matthew late in 2016.

OUTLOOK FOR 2018I anticipate continued growth in 2018. We have seen renewed investor, business and consumer confidence in Saint Lucia’s economy. Several foreign direct investment projects in the pipeline are at an advanced stage and are expected to come on stream in 2018. The construction and tourism sectors are expected to expand with the commencement and continuation of the following projects:

(i) Fairmont in Choiseul expected to commence in the second quarter of 2018;(ii) Marriott Courtyard at Pointe Seraphine(iii) Sandals La Source and the Gregg Norman Golf Course(iv) Bay Gardens residences

rime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service, Honourable Allen Chastanet delivered the 2018-2019 Budget Address on Tuesday P

SPORTS If we accept, as my administration does, that sport is a critical vehicle for building the fabric of our nation, then we must equally accept this medium must be utilized in a more strategic and structured manner. Nowhere is this lack of cohesion more evident than in our sports infrastructure. It is for this reason that we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our sports infrastructure to formulate an action plan which hopefully over the next ten years will produce a more focused approach to the development, upgrade, rationalization and management of sports facilities.

This year our efforts will focus on transforming the Soufriere Mini Stadium into a national facility that will accommodate FIFA sanctioned international football as well as IAAF sanctioned Track and Field events. We will also establish facilities as part of Community Hubs within wider community settings like Dennery South and smaller ones like Desruisseaux and Micoud Playing Field.

Our youth development agenda will be further complemented by the empowerment programmes supported by the CDB and USAID. These interventions will collectively focus on support to young people in the wider regions of Castries, Dennery, Anse La Raye, Soufriere and Vieux Fort.

National Health Insurance:Every Saint Lucian wants to know that they have access to high quality medical care and that they can afford it.

With health care costs skyrocketing, in tandem with the expectations of our people for first-world medical care, we must find a sustainable way to finance these costs. My Government is of the view that a universal National Health Insurance Scheme is the best way forward and we are currently receiving technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organisation and the European Union in this regard.

It is envisaged that both employers and employees will make mandatory contributions, in much the same way as they do now to the National Insurance Scheme.

OK-EU:I also wish assure that the transitioning of the Victoria Hospital to the OK-EU Hospital will be completed during this financial year. The Dialysis Centre has already moved into their new accommodation and from all reports is functioning well. The Radiology Department is about to move over and the Physiotherapy Department has already completed the move.

St Jude: This has been a most vexing, heart-breaking and painful issue for my Government. We have inherited a mess from the former Government and this has placed my Government in a dilemma as it relates to the way forward. There was clearly a lack of planning and no vision on this project. Indeed, this was clearly manifested in the increase in the annual estimated project cost, which the member for Laborie pointed out in his contribution to the debate on the Budget Estimates. It would be tempting to take the easy way out and continue with the construction of the St. Jude Hospital. The Technical Audit, however, outlined a number of deficiencies in the construction of the Hospital and estimated that it will cost about $100 million to complete the facility.

We are now faced with two options on the way forward. The first is to complete the construction of the current St. Jude Hospital Project, with all of its shortcomings and the second is to build a new hospital, starting from scratch. Whichever option we choose it will take a minimum of two years for completion. This has been one of the most difficult situations that my Government has had to deal with. Shortly, my Cabinet will be making a decision on this matter, weighing the pros and cons of both options and ensuring that we make the best decision for the country and the people in the South of the Island. In the meantime, the hospital will have to continue operating from the George Odlum Stadium. We will undertake to repair the roof, plumbing and other works to keep the staff and patients as comfort-able as we can during the interim.

Ports of EntryThe next area of infrastructural investment the Government has identified relates primarily to tourism and of course, the net effect this will have on jobs for Saint Lucians. Our focus will be on both air and sea ports.

The Hewanorra International Airport will therefore undergo a major expan-sion to complement and capitalize on the gains expected by renewed marketing efforts of the island as both a holiday and business destination, greater airlift and increased hotel room stock.

Re-development of HIA will take place in a phased manner using conces-sional loan financing. We are currently finalizing the loan agreement with the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the US$100 million required. The US$15 million a year in airport tax will be used as security against repayment of the loan. This allows the country to benefit from the immediate re-develop-ment of HIA. The country will acquire a much needed asset, which will be


2018 Budget Continued

0811www.govt.lcThe People’s Paper

financed through a dedicated revenue stream overtime.In addition, we are going to focus on planned development in the South to maximize opportunities for our people and growth in the economy. As we are all aware, the South offers opportunities for rejuvenation and indeed expansion.

In this regard, the Pearl of the Caribbean project in Vieux Fort is ongoing. Work is currently underway on the racecourse in anticipation of the first race in 2019.

Village TourismThe Village Tourism Project is both an investment in infrastructure and people. It seeks to give small to medium sized local investors in local communities the opportunity to share in the tourism pie. It will also augment our tourism product by offering an authentic Saint Lucian experi-ence grounded in eco and heritage tourism.

The Project has two phases: Phase 1 is the Consultancy to facilitate the establishment of a Village Tourism entity.

This entity will be charged with the responsibility of creating economic opportunities for people interested in investing in their communities. Phase 2 consists of the establishment of Village Tourism Inc., an organiza-tion established to act like a franchise to promote the offering of commu-nity tourism products and attractions that build on the natural, cultural and human capital. Moreover it will provide support to strengthen the operations of small businesses.

Water ResourcesAs developments in tourism and housing increase we must be able to provide an adequate supply of water to support them along with the existing need for a safe, reliable water supply. This brings me to the management of our water resources. There is an urgent need to arrest the loss of water in the system, both as a cost saving measure and as a way of improving service to the public.

WASCO will therefore undertake a pipe replacement project in Castries and from Choc to Cap Estate in the coming financial year. In addition, the de-silting of the John Compton Dam will enhance the country’s water security. The investment in this project also includes preparing a site to receive the silt from the Dam, which is currently underway.

The first phase of the Dennery North Water Supply Project was completed in January of this year at a cost of US$6.6 million, of which US$5 million was a grant from the Government of Mexico.

Phase two, which will include expansion of the water treatment plant and ancillary equipment and the provision of pipe borne water to Aux Lyon will be financed through a combination of loans and grants from the Caribbean Development Bank of US$11.2 million. The spend on phase two this year is $10.9 million.

The Vieux Fort North Water Supply Project will create a safe, efficient, reliable, climate resilient and sustainable supply of potable water to all residents of Vieux Fort over the long term.

Affordable Housing Solutions:It is our intention to ensure that there is a fair and balanced approach to future housing development and no one should interpret this to mean that we are abandoning the need of some Saint Lucians for affordable housing solutions.

It is envisaged that Government can contribute the land and, if necessary or desirable, provide housing designs. Developers will be contracted to build, sell and manage the developments.The Housing Construction Programme for this year will provide units for sale to first-time homeowners and retrofit the houses of vulnerable residents in Anse La Raye village.

It will also relocate vulnerable communities in Odsan and Bexon and relocate an informal settlement in Anse Ger, Micoud. $10 million has been allocated to accomplish this in 2018/2019.An allocation of $4.0 million dollars from the Revolving Loan Fund will make just over 400 lots available through the National Sites & Services Programme for low and middle income earners in 2018/2019.

AgricultureWith the assistance of 10.3 million euro from the European Union, the Agricultural Transformation Programme of the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) project commenced in May 2013 and is expected to conclude during the 2018/19 financial year. This initiative aims to improve the revenue generating potential of the rural sector and its contribution to economic growth. The aim is to increase productivity in the agricultural sector through entrepreneurship, innovative and technology oriented


approaches, agri-enterprise development, and quality standards and certification. The allocation for 2018/2019 is $3.0 million.

Increasing Banana production continues to be a focus of the Government’s agricultural policy, with the assistance of grants from The Republic of China Taiwan and the Government of Saint Lucia, the acreage under cultivation stands at just over 2,100 acres with 406 more farmers and their families benefitting from banana cultivation.

REVENUE MEASURES:In my 2017/18 budget speech, I announced the Government’s intention to

raise the excise tax rate on gasoline and diesel from $2.50 to $4.00 per imperial gallon effective June 2017. Given the Government’s tight fiscal situation, the additional $1.50 was earmarked as a dedicated revenue stream to finance maintenance and upgrade of our road network and related infrastructure such as bridges. This is particularly pressing in light of the pressures on our existing roads from the continued influx of imported motor vehicles.

In 2017 the number of vehicles imported into Saint Lucia rose by 25 percent to 3,952, on the heels of a 40 percent in 2016.

In order to provide some level of stability in prices at the pump, the govern-ment also simultaneously capped the price of $12.75 on both gasoline and diesel.

These policy decisions under the new pricing regime, became effective on July 3, 2017. At that time the international price of crude oil was US$47.07 per barrel.

Since then, international oil prices have increased steadily to US$64.69 per barrel as at 28 March 2018 which is a 37.4 percent increase from July 3, 2017. Despite the increase in oil prices, the price of gasoline at the pump has been maintained at the cap of $12.75 from July 3, 2017 while diesel prices were below the cap up until November 26, 2017 and at remained at $12.75 since then.

This has meant that the actual excise tax rate on gasoline has been below the targeted $4.00 per gallon since July 3, 2017. The excise tax rate on diesel which was $4.00 up to November 26, 2017 has since decreased below the intended $4.00 per gallon. Since July 3, 2017 to date, the excise tax rates on gasoline and diesel have averaged $3.39 and $3.81per gallon respectively. This has meant that we have collected on average an addition-al $0.89 and $1.32 on gasoline and diesel respectively rather than $1.50 per gallon intended.

Given the present volatility in the petroleum market, the Government will review the Price Cap periodically over the next year so as to maintain the $1.50 excise tax rate. The shortfall has specifically limited the allocation for road repairs and it is the intention to collect the full $1.50 to accelerate the road maintenance programme.

The Government has secured a loan of US$50 million from the Republic of China Taiwan to invest in road repairs and improvements and the refurbishment of schools. The proceeds from the increase in the fuel tax will therefore be assigned to the repayment of this loan. Again like the airport tax it is a measurable and productive use of the tax increase for urgently needed near term investment.

On the Right Track I believe that the focus of the Government’s strategy for this financial year meets the goals which we set ourselves, to take Saint Lucia forward and build resilience in Saint Lucia. This budget touches on all sections of our economy and will benefit all Saint Lucians.This budget has been prepared without introducing any new taxes. I wish to emphasize, there will be no new taxes. The only adjustment to revenue, comes from the removal of the cap on fuel, as world oil prices have increased considerably in comparison to prices last year. Four major areas have been identified as limiting factors to sustainable growth in Saint Lucia. • Investing in our people • Upgrading our physical infrastructure• Improving Public Sector efficiency and• Managing the cost of debt.We are on the right track, but we must all stay the course to achieve success. Over the next three budget cycles, our Government will invest over $1 billion dollars in capital expenditure in order to construct new and rehabilitate existing infrastructure. Confirmed public sector projects include: 1. The redevelopment of the Hewanorra International Airport, 2. Road rehabilitation including the west coast road, and millenni um highway, 3. Construction of the Dennery and Soufriere polyclinics.4. John Compton Dam Rehabilitation Project 5. Dennery and Vieux Fort Water Supply Projects6. Reconstruction of bridges in Cul de Sac We have been able to secure much of the funding for the above projects through the relentless efforts to source grant and concessional funding. The remaining funding will come from revenue sources which have already been identified. the financing for all of these projects has been secured, and the political will to develop Saint Lucia is stronger than ever.

2018 Budget Continued


company recently opened a Saint Lucia hub, which since inception, has contributed significantly to employment in the southern-most portion of the island.

To understand fully the immense contribution of OJO Labs to the Saint Lucian economy, it is imperative to first decipher the dynamic of founders John and David, and how the two first hit it off. They previously worked

together at a company started by John in his college years called Yodle. Bonded by a similar outlook to company culture and the values of those companies, their business relationship continued to blossom. In 2011, John’s company Yodle bought David’s ProfitFuel, adding momentum to a still budding empire. Fast forward to February 2015, to the launch of OJO Labs in Saint Lucia, and the tech savvy entrepreneurs who have built their careers starting mission driven companies that thrive off technology and top talent have a lot to be grateful for.

For one thing, since their invitation from Prime Minster Honourable Allen Chastanet to consider an investment opportunity on the island, the compa-ny has seen an influx of Saint Lucian talent incomparable to anything they’ve ever witnessed before.

“It’s been phenomenal,” said John Berkowitz. “We weren’t sure how hard the recruiting process would be. We knew a lot of people already so we knew our networking capacity was robust. Outside of our network we didn’t know how hard it would be to get great talent. Even if we were as optimistic as could be, the results really surprised us.”

A vacancy posting was published on Facebook, and in mere hours, the 300 available interview slots were filled.

“We’ve seen no cap to the talent level,” he added. “There was such an appetite and immediacy of getting incredible candidates in the door.”

Based on previous experience, Berkowitz, Founder and CEO of the compa-ny, was hardly surprised at how talented and hardworking the prospects appeared to be from the onset – his last company Yodle had boasted 180 employees on the island of Saint Lucia. These “super talented” employees as he describes them, worked mostly in the field of customer service and sales, and had yielded an incredibly high success rate. Hence the prime minister’s invitation.

Three years later, Berkowitz says company executives continue to be blown away by the connection and care demonstrated by workers for the OJO product and business. Even more impressive is the continuous sharing of ideas, attention to detail and ability to multi-task. All of these attributes are crucial for the smooth running of a company that has built from the ground up an AI platform that uses machine intelligence which makes it possible for consumers to ask questions, and grants the machine, through a unique patented process, the ability to understand what consumers are saying. The machine uses algorithms and models to answer questions or figure out how to get answers for the consumer.

“The first application is assistance to consumers in the real estate space,” Berkowitz explained. “In the US, the largest part of the economy is what people refer to as the home. That is buying, selling and servicing homes. It is referred to as the ‘American Dream’ to buy your own home, and 100 million plus Americans every year are looking at homes, looking for their next home, wondering what their home is worth, and it turns out that in

OJO LABS

the process there’s a ton of questions, and it’s hard for those consumers to get those questions answered.” Thus, OJO Labs was birthed. The company has essentially built a product that allows consumers to search for homes, ask questions 24/7 via this machine, over text message as though speaking to a world expert which is always at their fingertips.

The Saint Lucia hub is supported by 35 employees in the Austin, Texas headquarters which boasts some of the best product and data science engineers in the United States. These are the people with ideas and

CEO Predicts Significant Growth

A mong the emerging AI-based technology leaders in the world, is OJO Labs, a company jointly funded by American executives John Berkowitz and David Ruben. Headquartered in Austin Texas, the


OJO Labs Continuedworkable solutions to possible hiccups in the technology. They’re also the ones to help solve big problems, like the one the CEO shared which resolved around building the technology and feeding the machine with information. “Using AI, is those technologies that people know like Siri, and Amazon Alexa,” he elaborated. “To make these machines smart enough for consum-ers to love, you need millions and millions of people talking to it, and as it turns out, no one wants to talk to a dumb machine. We call that the chicken and egg problem in conversational assistant.”

Fortunately, OJO has solved that pesky problem through a patent that has been granted, truckloads of technology, and the operation currently being run in St Lucia. “OJO, this machine, when you’re talking to it, if it doesn’t know what you’re saying, it fires up a task through a preparatory platform we’ve built in real time,” Berkowitz added. “The artificial intelligence trainers in St Lucia tell the machine whether it is right or wrong about what it thinks the consumer is saying. We have basically this really powerful machine, serving millions,

that has a whole team of experts that help the machine get smarter with every interaction. It creates an incredible experience for consumers and builds an awesome technology.”

If that isn’t something to be proud of, then really, what is? Particularly considering the capable hands helping to keep operations running smoothly are mostly all Saint Lucian. In the words of the CEO: “We’re finding as many people as we need to do this job of helping the machine within seconds understand the intent of messages, and just a combination of the positivity, work ethic, intelligence and computer skills… St Lucia is proving to be uniquely differentiated in this role of AI.”

Key to note, OJO Labs is partnered with the largest real estate company in the world, Real AGI. Real AGI owns international brands such as Century 21, Coldwell Banker, ERA, Better Homes and Gardens, and Sothebys, and is rolling out OJO internationally. OJO Labs is also partnered with the second largest non-banking mortgage company in the US, loanDepot, and is currently in final negotiations with a number of other large multi-national publicly traded companies, all of which bodes well for the future of the company.

OJO Labs has thus far employed 55 Saint Lucians, with plans to scale up even more significantly in the coming months.

“I would not be surprised if we were trying to fill another space in the free zone within the next 24 months, and our space holds a shift of 310 people,” Berkowitz said. “We see ourselves long term committed to the people of St Lucia.”

As part of that commitment, the company has made it a priority to hire local managers, and to emphasize the importance of upward mobility, and promoting internally. Currently, there are at least eight St Lucian managers employed, with director level posts soon to be available. The ultimate goal is to staff all roles within the company with St Lucians.

Speaking of hiring and training procedures, the CEO explained that as part of their interview process, more people make it through to the final stages of discussion than will be hired for a single training class with consideration that another class will be hired a month later. The company typically gives job offers to best of the class. To be selected, personality and overall desire to work matters, as does being able to navigate AI terrain, and work with the technology.

“It’s not just skill, and it’s not just work ethic,” he said. “We need people that are passionate, who are willing to work, whose goals align with the compa-ny, and once they do, we then bring in a class. The class can be as small as 12, or up to 30, and we do three weeks of intensive training on the product, technology, and industry of real estate, and really ramp them up. After those three weeks they’re ready to go, and we put them into the job, and they’re doing continuous education, as the product evolves, as we learn more things about the role.” As OJO Labs settles into a steady existence on the island, the magnitude of their presence in the south is not lost on either of the executives: John, who got married in Saint Lucia, and David, who solidified his roots by purchasing property on the island. John recalls in particular the gratitude of an employ-ee who read a poem she’d written to the Founder and CEO, and Co-Founder at an unexpected company event. Her words of appreciation drove him to tears.

“She was thanking us for taking a chance on them,” he said. “I’m usually pretty reserved, but it really is an emotional thing, and something that not just myself, but all the employees in Austin are proud of. The St Lucian population is a great group of smart, hard working, high integrity people. There are a lot of people counting on our success. When we make this commitment, we’re not saying we’re going to be here for a year… we are committing to families moving to the south, and lives changing. That is not a two-year cycle. This is a long-term commitment, and we take that to heart. We’re proud of it, and we’re thankful.”

luckily for both parties involved, the OJO-Saint Lucia partnership is in the words of CEO John Berkowitz, “going phenomenally.”


hope of ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning.

Saint Lucia has come leaps and bounds where education is concerned, particularly as it relates to universal primary and secondary school education. Initiatives like #Educate-SaintLucia keep that thrust going, with focus on activities designed to create awareness and provide opportunities and access to education for all St. Lucians at all educational levels.

The #EducateSaintLucia initiative was rolled out by the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations. Eight pillars were identified as laying the foundation for the project. As part of the first pillar, ‘ACT’, parents, teachers, students and other educational officials were all engaged in discussions in 2017 which later resulted in over 300 students writing the ACT exam for the very first time. From all accounts, the results proved beyond satisfactory, with students having limited time to prepare. Since that time, the Department has signed articulation agreements with US universities who are willing to provide full and partial scholarships for Saint Lucian students.

The second pillar, ‘1st Generation Initiative’ focused on ensuring academic success for students who are the first in their family to attend a postsecondary institution. Through

this avenue, students typically considered to be at a disadvantage, would be granted the opportunity to enter the work force, and earn a steady salary. In 2017, through an alliance with Monroe College, students who fit the demographic were provided with scholarships to the institution.

A ‘Knapsack Drive’ was the third pillar, and through this initiative the Department of Education acquired over 1200 knapsacks, inclusive of other school supplies. This pillar aims to bridge the gap between poverty and access to information for hundreds of students island wide, and contributions were received from numerous agencies in Saint Lucia and overseas. Pillar number four, ‘Lifelong Learning’ aims to fill the educational needs of all age groups including the acquisition of basic literacy technical skills through both formal education and effective alternative pathways to learning. Adult learning and educa-tion, TVET and literacy, all represent significant components of the lifelong learning process.

Number five, ‘Technical and Vocational Qualification’ focuses on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which is today equally important to tradition-al academics. Notably, the TVET Unit has made significant strides in the training of Saint Lucians in technical and vocational areas, and specifically, the attainment of qualifications that are recognized locally, regionally and internationally.

Pillars number six, seven, and eight focus on ‘Volunteerism and Apprenticeship’, ‘Career Readiness’, and ‘Innovation’, respectively. The latter forms a part of goal nine of the SDG’s, which speaks specifically to fostering innovation. The importance of govern-ment facilitating an environment that encourages a culture of research, entrepre-neurism, innovation and development cannot be understated. Through pillar number eight, and the combination of all the pillars under the umbrella of #EducateSaintLucia,

it is hoped that the emphasis will continue to be about awareness, opportunity and access, as the country continues striving for the upmost in educational advancement and economic development.

Scholarship Opportunities Scholarships for Studies Offered by the Government of the Republic of CubaThe Government of the Republic of Cuba is offering scholar-ships to eligible Saint Lucian nationals to pursue studies at the Bachelor’s and Postgraduate level, tenable at universities in the Republic of Cuba for the academic year commencing August, 2018. Areas of studies include medicine and dentistry. To be eligible for selection, applicants must be citizens of Saint Lucia, less than 25 years of age. More details available here: http://www.govt.lc/me-dia.govt.lc/www/Vacancies/Scholarship/cuba-2018-2019.pdf

Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships at Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Italy In order to strengthen its international community, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice will award 100 tuition fee waivers and 90 one-time scholarships of € 5,000.00 to high-achieving interna-tional students enrolling in any Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes except for joint or double degree programmes in the 2018/2019 academic year.

The modality of the course is onsite and the language of instruction is English. The tuition fee waivers will provide up to 100 international outstanding students with exemption from the payment of university tuition fees, and recipients will only pay the regional tax for the right to education (€ 184.00) and the duty stamp.Application deadline: April 30, 2018. More information available here: http://www.govt.lc/scholar-ships

OAS Scholarships:The OAS Academic Scholarship Program (Regular Program), established in 1958, grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research leading to a university degree. The OAS Special Caribbean Scholarships Program (SPECAF), established in 1983, grants scholarships for the last two years of undergraduate studies to citizens and residents of the English-speaking Caribbean OAS Member States, and Suriname. Both programs follow the OAS Manual of Procedures for the Scholarship and Training Program.Visit http://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/ for more details.

U niversal access to education is at the top of the agenda for countries world-wide spurred on by international outreach initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. As part of that agenda is the


The Restoration of Castries: Mayor takes bull by the horns!Eastern Caribbean, had been plagued with a number of problems not unlike many other inner cities. Among them, rising crime, indiscriminate garbage disposal and littering, haphazard vending and sidewalk congestion and lack of adequate parking for vehicles. With the birth of a new era, these and a litany of other problems were among the priorities for incom-ing Mayor of Castries Peterson Francis, offering a glimmer of hope.

At an official swearing-in ceremony, Francis vowed to bring about major

changes to the city which encompasses Castries Central, Castries East, Castries North East and Castries South. Along with his team and stakehold-ers, he also promised to make the city cleaner, more attractive and rebrand and change the perception of the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) as well as the City Hall where the offices are housed.But if streets could talk, those in the city would say; “we have heard it all before, what’s new?”What was new, was a man of action not mere words. A man who grew up in Marchand, Castries and was passionate about seeing positive change come about in the city.

Nearly two years later, the proof as they say is in the pudding. The City of Castries is cleaner, the presence of police more visible and law and order is being brought about where city vending is concerned.

Of the challenges along the way, Mayor Francis noted: “People do not understand change and some find it hard to adapt to change, refusing to accept that what was relevant yesterday may not be relevant now.”

Among the Mayor’s first tasks was putting in place a management team for

the council and ensuring financial prudency. “I have insisted that we must be able to account for the people’s money and hopefully we can one day lay our financial statement in Parliament,” he said.

“One of things I found when I assumed office was that the council had a monthly wage bill of half a million dollars. We had about two hundred people working two to three hours a day, getting paid for eight hours. There were 72 workers, working 16 hours a fortnight and getting more pay than monthly workers, costing the council $35,000 overtime,” Peterson revealed. He says that since this was rectified the council was able to save an additional EC$50,000 monthly.

The CCC has also been able to save with the purchase of its own backhoe for $144,000. Prior to that four contractors were being paid EC$225,000 to do the same work. “So we are now able to pass on that saving to persons who are preparing to bury their loved ones, when it comes to digging tombs and graves,” said the Mayor who also has jurisdiction over the Choc cemetery.

With a wage bill of about EC$6 million a year, cost cutting and making the CCC more efficient is in the words of Francis, more than necessary.

The physical structure of the CCC has also undergone a major transforma-tion, making the building as appealing to the eye as it is functional. All of this is, according to the Mayor, part of plans to destigmatize the CCC within the public domain. Increased police presence on the streets of Castries as part of these chang-es has led to a reduction in harassment and theft against locals and visitors as well as the illegal sale of alcohol and contraband, among other things. Enforcing laws against litteringand urinating in public, implementing parking terminals, stricter street vending procedures and revamped garbage collection measures are all part of changes underway by the new CCC in an attempt to bring life back to the city.

In the near future, Mayor Peterson Francis would like to see the Derek Walcott Square and Serenity Park become even more beautified, and properly lit, forming part of attractions for city tours for visitors and Saint Lucians alike.

“We are also in talks to have these places host entertainment activities and various showcases,” he said. “We want to bring back some of the events like the theatre that the City Hall was once famous for.”

The ultimate aim is to celebrate and restore Castries as a place of great beauty and historical significance – a place where all can work, play and live in peace and tranquility.

Mayor On School Tour

Mayor Francis with CCC Staff

O On August 2, 2016 a new dawn for the City of Castries was ushered in. The city, once described as one of the most picturesque in the


Office of the Prime Minister-www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia-www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia

Allen Chastanet-www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet

-www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet

Lenard "Spider" Montoute-www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute

Ezechiel Joseph-www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758

Sarah Flood Beaubrun-www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758

Guy Joseph-www.facebook.com/guyejoseph

Stephenson Kingwww.facebook.com/stephensonking

Mary Isaac-www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu

Fortuna Belrose-www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758

Dominic Fedee-www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee

Herod Stanislas-www.facebook.com/herodstanislas

Bradly Felix-www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758

Dr Gale T C Rigobert-www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758

Edmund Estephane-www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

ODSAN RIVER - DESILTING

MARC GAP CULVERT DESILTING

CROWNLANDS RIVER DESILTING

MARC - TOU FLORENT DESILTING

De-silting Work continuesin Castries South East

Before

Before

Before

Before

After

After

After

After

Ministerson the Move


Guy Joseph speaks to young people of Castries South East as they start ICT workshop

Min Fedee welcomes Inter Caribbean

Min Hermangild Francis with victorious police cricket team

Minister Beaubrun sponsored 1st Annual Intensive Acting Easter Workshop put on by Dramacan and facilitated by Mr. Errol Fabien.

Minister Rigobert discussing budget with private and public sector persons

Min Belrose and the Prime Minister's wife Mrs. Chastanet support the Independecne pageant

Hon. Prime Minister greets students

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There’s so much to love about being Saint Lucian, and even more facets to appreciate about this land that gave birth to nearly 180,000 incredibly unique individuals! The accomplishments of some of our own will forever serve as inspiration, and our history, just a small indicator of how much we can all accomplish if we work together!

Did you know…• Saint Lucia’s first governor general was none other than jurist and former Chief of Justice of the West Indies Associated States, Sir Allen Lewis. He took up the position after the island’s Independence in 1979.

• Even though Mary Grace Augustin was the first woman to become a qualified lawyer in Saint Lucia, she was not allowed to practice. As the story goes, she was at the time told by Acting Chief Justice J.E.M. Solomon that there were no provisions within the law for a woman to become a functional lawyer. Oh, how things have changed for the better!

• Sir Leton Thomas is the composer of the music we’ve all grown accustomed to hearing accompanying the National Anthem, which was written by Fr. Charles Jesse. During his lifetime, he received several awards including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961, Knight Commander of the Order of St Micheal & St George in 1991, The Saint Lucia Cross in 2006, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Medal in 2012, the Simon Bolivar Medal, and many others.

• Carnival revellers in Saint Lucia walk about two miles as part of the two-day celebration held annually in July, but most are having way too much fun to even realize it!

• Saint Lucian musician Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson has performed at many local and international events including the Super Bowl! He also performed live at a state function held in honour of former US President Bill Clinton and has had his music showcased on day-time television show ‘One Life to Live’. Notably, BBC, BET Jazz, and Bravo TV have also aired his live performances, all of which bodes well for the future of arts and entertainment in Saint Lucia!

Did you know…• Saint Lucia’s first governor general was none other than jurist and former Chief of Justice of the West Indies Associated States, Sir Allen Lewis. He took up the position after the island’s Independence in 1979.

• Even though Mary Grace Augustin was the first woman to become a qualified lawyer in Saint Lucia, she was not allowed to practice. As the story goes, she was at the time told by Acting Chief Justice J.E.M. Solomon that there were no provisions within the law for a woman to become a functional lawyer. Oh, how things have changed for the better!

• Sir Leton Thomas is the composer of the music we’ve all grown accustomed to hearing accompanying the National Anthem, which was written by Fr. Charles Jesse. During his lifetime, he received several awards including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961, Knight Commander of the Order of St Micheal & St George in 1991, The Saint Lucia Cross in 2006, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Medal in 2012, the Simon Bolivar Medal, and many others.

• Carnival revellers in Saint Lucia walk about two miles as part of the two-day celebration held annually in July, but most are having way too much fun to even realize it!

• Saint Lucian musician Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson has performed at many local and international events including the Super Bowl! He also performed live at a state function held in honour of former US President Bill Clinton and has had his music showcased on day-time television show ‘One Life to Live’. Notably, BBC, BET Jazz, and Bravo TV have also aired his live performances, all of which bodes well for the future of arts and entertainment in Saint Lucia!

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SAINT LUCIA WE LOVE


How much do you know about Fair Helen? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz for a chance to win a signature token from the Office of the Prime Minister. Submit your responses by Friday, April 20 for a chance to win!

1. Why is Saint Lucia known as the Helen of the West?

2. What were the three worst hurricanes to ever hit the island, and in what years?

3. Name four political parties that have contested Saint Lucian elections.

4. In what year were the Pitons named a World Heritage Site?

Email your answers, name and contact info to [email protected]

Thinking of something fun to do at home this weekend, why not take a hike and try the Tet Paul Nature Trail in Soufriere. From the Tet Paul trail you will see the Pitons and a vast part of the island. You will also be able to see some of the island’s beautiful flora, from traditional medicinal plants and fruit trees to beautiful flowers. There is also a lovely picnic area for hikers looking for a great place to enjoy a lunch while communing with nature. So grab a group your friends and spend some time exploring our island home.

To phone the Tet Paul Nature Trail office, simply call +1 758-723-2930

TAKE A HIKE

our saint lucia final single · laybys along the castries – gros islet and john compton highway....

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