Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Caribbean Youth Day 2014

The theme for this Year's Youth Day is -: Embracing technology to promote innovative and sustainably conscious Caribbean Youth
Myra Delice from St Lucia gives this explanation:
Technology, particularly information technology,
plays a vital role in current youth developmental
initiatives in metropolitan countries. Therefore, it is
no surprise that future trends will follow suit
parallel with the lightening speed of global
technological advancements. In light of this trend, I believe that the Caribbean should take more
aggressive steps towards equipping its youth with
the knowledge, technical know-how and hands-
on application of such global advancements.
Developing sustainable economies (which are by
products of human resource practices) is one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)- a clear
indication of its importance
not only in the More Developed Countries, but also
to the Lesser Developed Caribbean countries. An academically capable youth will never loose
flavour in its contribution to youth development,
but it will not suffice on its own. By further
broadening the minds of Caribbean youth through
technological trending, they become more curious
about their environment. Curiosity propels critical thinking, which will further breed innovation. In a
nutshell, an academic and technologically apt
Caribbean youth pave the way for creating
and maintaining sustainable Caribbean economies.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Uwp Choiseul Branch Exec Still In Rufus's Back Pocket?

 
Rufus Bousquet
  Put it how you want, Rufus's influence still manifest's itself on the members of the Uwp Constituency Branch Executive and by extension the constituency. If you disagree, then you must admit that the Welfare Officer on the executive can surely sway the other members to carry out Rufus' agenda. Live with it!
   At the  Party's Conference of Delegates meeting that was held yesterday at Mon Repos, though a nomination was not going to come from the Choiseul Branch, I was expecting a well-known Choiseulian within the political circles to  be nominated for the post of Deputy Chairman. It was hoped that the nomination might have come from a Castries based branch....I  stand corrected That did not happen. Whether this individual had a change of heart or chickened out, is for another show.
   Did it surprise you that Choiseul executive, through Peter 'Reds" Philip,showed their displeasure with Allen's leadership by nominating Claudius Preville to via for the post of Political Leader come November 2014, at the Party's Annual Convention. It must be noted here, that Claudius himself must be disappointed with Allen's style
Dr Claudius Preville
of leadership to accept the nomination. If he was in sync with Allen's leadership he would not have accepted the nomination.Truth be told.
Allen Chastanet
    He Claudius, mentioned  a couple weeks ago that he was asked by some persons to throw his hat in the ring. Question.  Who were these persons? Was it a King-Frederick faction? Was Rufus at that meeting?Why was the task of nomination left to the Choiseul Branch? Did Rufus rally to get the Choiseul Branch to go for Dr Preville? These are some of the questions bugging the minds of Chastanet's team. Choiseul on The Move, have on more that one occasion call into question the loyalty of the Choiseul Executive to Allen Chastanet. Instead of heeding to the complains one, "Just Come" Catherine, a know-it-all stupidity, and other nut cases think this is not so. Well here it is.Sleep on it.
   Talking about dead horses and commitment; those from outside Choiseul that thought they were running things got the shock of their lives.
   The UWP hierarchy would have liked to go into this upcoming convention with Chastanet running unopposed. This is a blow to them. It clearly shows that there is discontent with Chastanet as political leader.ely
  With the nomination coming from Choiseul one can  safely assume that all will be done in the power of the executive, not to forget Rufus, to sway all delegates in the constituency to vote for Dr Preville. The campaign war has just begun. Can Dr Preville match up to Chastanet's strategies? King, Rufus and Frederick could not, leading to the last Convention, Who says Dr Preville can?

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Monday, September 15, 2014

Dedan - Kon Sar mwen wer ee

Never in the history of Choiseul politics, as far as I know, have I seen a period leading to General Elections where the constituents are so undecided. People are fed up with Lorne's representation and they are not seeing an alternative to ease their pain.
The talks coming from the watering holes....mind you, I don't frequent them anymore....especially from the rep's supporters is not what I'm sure he would like to hear. This reminds me of the similar sentiments being portrayed by Fergy's supporters when they were fed up with him. Beware Lorny Boy! Your days MAYBE numbered.
Regarless, what Flashing Mirrors and Kalson, said at the SLP convention at La Fargue sometime aback, Lorne can manage time to be with his constituents , and especially with Bolo who used all his expertise to get him into Office...porjab Bolo.... This to my mind is unforgivable. Lorne's absentism can be paralled to an absentee owner back in the days of slavery...he runs Choiseul in absentia....aa, my word wee, mwen par melee uhn.
Today marks exactly 1,021 days since our Rep won his seat, and would you believe there are communities that have not seen him for that same amount of time? It is so remarkable what power given by the people can do to a person.
What amazes me even further, is the largese with which the rep operates. Always grand standing in parliament about what he has done in Choiseul...never done before and all this nonsense while persons catching their royals in the constituency. Choiseul has yet to see a tourism based initiative from him...the Tourism Minister and u want to tell Choiseulians Lorne cares? Give me a break!
So, as far as many Choiseulians are concerned, no way for Lorne....sar yo dee?
Now, what has been happening to the other side. The supporters of the UWP have placed themselves into King's camp...AA, King is definitely not a leader, because he following Frederick....so its Frederick's camp or Chastanet's camp. Now that does not spell good for Flambeau. But this post wants to remain focus on Choiseul.
What has the UWP Branch been doing to show Choiseulians a better alternative to Lorne is them? All we see is a bunch of Guys with no direction, well talking about last year. A bunch of guys to my mind who were still under the hypnotic spell of Bruce. It appears that the spell may have been knocked off now.
Have the Branch gotten its act together to get the divisional groups going? Why are they ostracizing Jimmy Haynes who can be of great help in the Lapoint/Delcer area? Why is your humble servant also being kept in the dark, when they know very well that the I5 seat was brought home through the effective management of his forces? Why, are they not conscious of the problem which continues to plague Saltibus rendering it not fully supportive of the Party? Why have there not been a shadow candidate with elections next year?
So it begs the question. Are Choiseul UWP's ready to throw out Lorne? And with whom? Hmmm! Mee question uhn? Waypon sar.
According to my investigations a number of persons are looking at the seat, but the present scenario playing out in the Pary keeps them at bay.
This fracas in the Party, it is my strongest view will heal itself. Time here is the crucial factor. With 21 seats up for grabs, I think Kenny has just openned up his Party for a possible defeat come next GE.
KONSAR MWEN WER EE.
Dedan C G Jn Baptiste

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

The PM Responds To Bolo's FB Post.

Dr. Kenny D Anthony
Augustin "Bolo" Charles
In a recent, very recent Facebook post Augustin Charles aka 'Bolo' followed a preamble on the FireMen's Strike with these two questions. (1) What is the rationale for a critical agency like the Fire Service not being categorised as an essential service? And why is there no clear legislative provision in that regard? Is this tantamount to legislative oversight or legislative negligence?
(2) Should the Attorney General (in her legal research) deem the Fire Service to be an essential service and a court were to rule accordingly, then what are the potential legislative ramifications? Will there be potential retroactive penalties for the striking firemen?
The PM, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, took time off his busy schedule to respond. This is his brief take on the questions.
"May I join and offer some comments? I believe that the explanation to your first question is historical. Prior to our independence the Fire Service was part of the Police Service. Since Police Officers were prohibited from striking the question did not arise.
The Essential Services Act was introduced in very special circumstances which, at the time, may not have applied to the Fire Service, at least so it may have been thought. Neither the Attorney General nor the Court can deem the Fire Service an essential service, only Parliament can do so by amending the Essential Services Act"
Many persons including Diana Theodore, a contributor to Bolo's post were of the notion that the Fire Service is an Essential Service. Diana Theodore
wrote, "What ? When I first heard the fire Service were talking about going on
strike my initial reaction was, 'but they can't , they are an essential
service , don't they know that'. and unlike bigger countries they are the ambulance service as well . Also unlike bigger countries there is no army
to step in and you are telling me they are not categorised as an essential service ?
I have been occupied elsewhere the past few days and have not been able to follow the news......."
Like Bolo, she wishes that Claudius Francis would throw some more light on this issue. Claudius hosts a program "Straight up" on Helen Fm every Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 am.

Dedan C G Jn Baptiste

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Have Choiseul/Saltibus Seen The Last Of Bousquet?

 

Richard
Stephenson



The present saga being played out between the Frederick-King faction and Chastanet faction may have its roots deeper than meets the naked eye. The former faction is on an all-out campaign, so they, to destroy Chastanet, are so blinded by their rage, don't even realize the damage they are creating for their own-selves..    So where and when did this all start? There is a school of thought which purports that Frederick never fitted the profile of UWP's, and was only allowed to join for mere convenience.  An opinion expressed in the  Voice  newspaper read," King’s problems in the UWP started when he re-admitted Rufus Bousquet into the Cabinet after he had been disciplined by Sir John Compton over the China-Taiwan recognition issue. Frederick was never a fan of Flambeaus, because he did not fit their profile. They went along with him because he represented an added “arrow” or “gun” in the party’s arsenal to go up against the Labour Party in 2006......."
        Peter Josie wrote,......."those who keep a close watch on politics can say with some conviction that after Sir John Compton led the UWP to victory in 2006, the same persons who were prepared to hold on to his coat tail for survival had suddenly got swell headed. Like Icarus they had ignored the warnings of the father of the UWP and had flown too high and were in danger of losing their wings. Soon their disrespect and insults resulted in a number of health issues for the aging father of the nation. Many, including this writer, believe that the unwarranted pressure and insults were responsible for Sir John’s early demise. He was a strong and fit individual but, 82 is eighty-two. Had he received the support and co-operation of his elected MP’s after the December 2006 elections, he may still be with us today."
    Rufus was expelled from Cabinet by Sir John because he allegedly headed the super 8 which went along with reinstating diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It is well documented the maneuvers Rufus was engaged in to secure a seat  back in Cabinet, this time under King. It is also well known the fracas that dragged on between him and Jimmy Haynes; all Constituency Branch was doing was to make sure that the Constituency was not neglected.. By then Rufus and Frederick had tagged up and it was quite visible that these two men were in charge in spite of King being the PM.This did not go down well with the general population at large    The Opposition party preyed on this with insatiable hunger. But that's for another show.
   " Frederick’s ambition to rise within the UWP was shot down early at a party convention when he failed in his attempt to win a position on the executive. His problems with the under -invoicing business with Customs, his arrest and the very many unfavourable reports about his behaviour that were widely recorded in the media, ending with the revocation of his U.S. visas had further cause to convince Flambeaus that he was not for them and that he was in fact an embarrassment to the party". So says the Voice writer.
  I personally felt King was a weak leader who to my mind was only filling in the position. He was by no small measure disrespected by the leader of the opposition and his team. King was ridiculed for his academic  standing. his family, and the rest. He was never decisive on any thing. It is further believed that his weak leadership skills coupled with Frederick,s visa revocation may have played a crucial role in Uwp losing to Slp in the last general elections. His handling of the Janine issue during his tenure was unspeakable. By this time he had already lost himself in the fantasy of the power that being incharge brings. lettle did he know that his days as well as Frederick's were already short listed.
  " The Flambeau party had had enough. If King would not distance himself from Frederick, the UWPees would ditch them both. This is what has been going on in the UWP since the convention of last year. Allen Chastanet was not yet a player in the party when these two gentlemen began to ruin their own political careers. The UWPees turned to him to rescue their party, a task which was entrusted to King by Sir John himself and he failed to grasp it. On each occasion, Allen Chastanet has been endorsed over King and Frederick by huge margins and any fool would have read the message the rank and file of the party was trying to send by now." Continued the writer.
   But where is Rufus in all this saga? But before we continue it is important to note that Frederick said, neither he nor King will contest next general elections on a Flambeau ticket.Will Lucians see the emergence of a new party? Who will lead this party? For sure it could not be King since in all this saga he is clearly the follower. Will Rufus join?  He clearly still has his sights on Choiseul as many of his followers want him to return. Hmmm? With the purging now going on in Uwp it is almost certain that Rufus cannot run on their ticket. So in Choiseul we may have a repeat of a three-cornered fight. The previous one being Brian - UWP, Gilroy - PLP and  Gregor - SLP.  Uwp won that contest.
 Will Lorne still contest the Choiseul seat? It is alleged that Edgar may be his successor. Uwp are yet to name their candidate and  Rufus for TTSP ( Frederick's Party). Whether the LPM will chance their luck in Choiseul is way off.
 

Monday, September 01, 2014

Chermalyn 'Red Ox' Albert HYPED

Chamalyn 'Red Ox' Albert
On Wednesday February 12, 2014, the blog carried out a feature on Chamalyn 'Red Ox' Albert at  http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2014/02/shamalyns-high-hopes-for-national.html  It may be interesting to compare Chamalyn then, and now.
We at "Choiseul On The Move  have always seen the multiplicity of talent this young athlete possessed. It is encouraging to see that Kerwin has taken an interest to get into this athelete's head. Well done bro.
 Below is his take on Red Ox which he penned in The St Lucia Star under the heading " Multi Talented Chamalyn"' Below is the article:
"You may have heard the term 'natural athlete' before. For some, it's a person who's fast, strong and well built. For others, it's a person who possesses exceptional physical qualities and is blessed with loads of skill and talent. Meet this week's HYPE feature 20-year-old Chermalyn Albert, who seems to excel at every sport that she attempts and fits the description "natural talent"
.
A national youth track and field star and footballer, she has also represented her country in netball and basketball at the youth level and also plays volleyball. But let me not give away all the details on this true multi-talented sportswoman from La Fargue, Choiseul.
Chermalyn Albert: A young woman with so much potential and another Olympic hopeful.

How did you get involved in sports?
CA: I believe it's genetic. I come from a sport-oriented family and I was encouraged to take part in sports. Sports has always been a part of my life and I would love to have a career in sports when I'm done with my education and see how far I get with it.

Which sporting discipline did you begin with?
CA: I started with track back in primary school; I was a sprinter competing in the 100, 200 and 400-meter races. Being introduced to field events at secondary school, I did long jump, high jump and javelin, along with the 100 and 200 meters; but that was only because I was allowed to do five events (chuckles).

How many years have you taken part in the Windward Island games and how successful have you been?
CA: I've taken part in the Windward Island games for the past five years and been able to capture the MVP award consecutively in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, I won a gold medal for long jump and the 400m, and silver for javelin, shot put and high jump. This year, gold medal for shot put and silver in the 200m, long jump, high jump, discus and javelin. And while I will be too old to compete in those games next year, I am presently assisting another young female athlete who I believe is capable of achieving that MVP award. I would love for her to do well, win the MVP award and the country would have a hat trick of awards.

What are your preferred track and field events?
CA: I love taking part in the 100m and 400m events and also the 4×100 and the 4x400m relays. I enjoy sprint events but I am competitive in all of the events that I do so I compete in the heptathlon. But, I really love the 100m and long jump.

Which sporting discipline are you mainly focused on at the moment?
CA: My focus is on the heptathlon. I started competing in combined events with the pentathlon but since my second best event (long jump) wasn't part of it, I moved on to the heptathlon.

How difficult is it competing in the heptathlon?
CA: It's very strenuous, but we usually have a 45-minute break between events. The two-day event is usually four events on the first day and three on the second, so it won't be too much of a strain on the athletes.

You are also heavily involved in football.
What fueled your curiosity for that particular sport?
CA: I started playing football at the age of 16 when in 2010, my uncle, who was the assistant coach for the Nemesis team, (which is Marchand for Inter-District Competition), decided to put me on a trial. I trained and played with the team and I made the National Female Under 20 Football team, and I decided to continue football as a primary sport. I am now a member of the Mabouya Valley team.

How successful have you been in football?
CA: As a striker for the Nemesis team, I won three consecutive National Women's League titles from 2011 to 2013, with my best goal tally of nine goals coming in 2012. I received the MVP award from the Football Association (FA) for the National Women Tournament in 2012, and also the Female Footballer of the Year award at the Choiseul Sports Awards in 2012 and 2013. I've been to countries across the Caribbean, Mexico and Brazil in December 2011, where I had a trial with the Brazil U23 Female team.

With your involvement and success in so many different sports, have you had any athletic scholarship offers to a college or university?
CA: Yes I have gotten offers to colleges and universities but I didn't feel like I was ready. I do believe that at my age it is ideal to move on to that level but I didn't feel well prepared to go into it. So I am currently a student at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Southern Division pursuing an Associate's Degree in social work and hopefully when this is over I can pursue physchology at university.

Finally, which persons have been most instrumental through your young and vibrant career so far?
CA: First of all my parents, teammates; coach Denise Herman and members of the Choiseul Athletics Club, my coach Terry Finisterre, and all Saint Lucians who come out to support me at the different meets"