The Forgotten Community Youths Head Out On Cleaning Campaign

Grappling with the circulated concept that Christopher Columbus discovered St Lucia on 13th December 1502, today marks St Lucia 514th discovery anniversary. (But we know its actually Jam De Bois who discovered St Lucia. But that's for another show).

Happy National Day St Lucia"

As I awoke and peeked outside my eastern window, there beheld a sight I have not seen in one of the Forgotten Communities for years. gathered outside on the main road were over 15 young men and women, all with the necessary tools heading to a clean-up campaign on the Montete/Myers bridge road.
What was even more intriguing was their enthusiasm to display their National,community pride this National Day? There appeared to be a sense of brother and sisterhood emanating out there.

Though some may want to coin it as a form of step, since a payment is expected, once should go past this thinking for the mere fact that these youths came out showing a love for community and  by extension country.

I have mentioned before in previous post the importance of this Debreuil/Myers bridge road - it cuts travel time between Vieux Fort and Soufriere by almost fifteen minutes. But in spite of the recent rehabilitation of the roadway by CIE Ltd, the bush on both sides tend to grow at an alarming rate, thus narrowing the road considerably.

These young men and boys are designated to taken care of the present problem which has reduced the traffic flow along this road in recent months. Wods just reaching this blog points to a massive clean-up campaign throughout the district.

In closing kudos must go to our young, energetic and caring District Rep for making it all possible. #bradleyontheball

Ps: Has Bradley been on the ball? Take the vote on the right.

AQUA ACTION - ANOTHER CHOISEUL FIRST!

I am becoming increasingly repetitious  with this "first thing" it appears.  However I feel proud as a Choiseulian when it is our "FIRST" and not caring a damn about being repetitious. Let our achievement be echoed loud and clear.

 Choiseul, this year,  has moved on by leaps and bounds – a first true Choiseulian to be its Parliamentary Representative - (Bradley), a first Choiseulian from Caffierre to win the National Carnival queen - (Tyla)  a first Choiseul  cricket team to win the National T20 competition - (Choiseul 20/20 Cricket team, a first police officer from Choiseul to be get a Phd (Johnny) and now the first local organizing team  to bring Aqua Sports Action to this South-western coast community - (Champion Crew) “Choisez faire ee.”

Bringing this AQUA ACTION to the heart of the district Choiseul Village Beach)  have had its roots in a number of testing beach activities which Champion Crew experimented  with over the past months. Three activities -  two at the Rivere Doree beach and one at Soufriere. With the crowds responding favorably and after lots of consideration, planning and of course going through all the red tapes, AQUA ACTION 2016 is here.

The AQUA ACTION is down for November 27th, 2016  FROM 11:00AM – the upcoming weekend. The Choiseul Village Beach will come alive with a plethora of water activities.

🏊🏽☀AQUA ACTION☀🏊🏽!!!
🌊Choiseul Village Beach🌊..... 😎Sunday, November 27th😎...
Entertainment Turning OVER With 🏄🏽🏄🏽Water sports, 🏄🏾‍♀🏄🏾‍♀Jet Skiing, 🚣🏾‍♀🚣🏾‍♀Tube Rides,🚤🚤 Boat Shows & Not Forgetting The MASSIVE 👙SWIMWEAR COMPETITION👙 With First Class Prizes Up For Grabs💵💵...

                  This Event Is Sponsored By Mercury🛥

"DON'T MISS OUT"

"Water under the bridge.Let's consider it that." - Darrion tells "Old Brooms"

In a recent post on FB, most likely in response to our previous post entitled “The Youth needs answers from the Choiseul UWP Executive Branch”, Darrion AndreJr Louis penned.

Darrion at a youth meeting

"I'll just say this much and let it rest on the issue of the position of Youth Officer for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency.

Going around Choiseul/Saltibus during the campaign and trying to motivate and mobilize a set of young people who experienced nothing but neglect for so many years was no easy task.

The youth of Choiseul don't want or need much just a fair opportunity. The talent and burning desire to succeed we have as a young people in the constituency is unmatched. ...

My dream is to work along with the "old brooms" and an amazing group of " new brooms" regardless of what has been said or done at the end of the day it is for the greater good. According to Rick Wayne " Water under the bridge." Let's consider it that.

Please be very careful what you say about our young people. KN G-Nicholas has done an amazing job for youth, no need to go into details on here. Leave her alone please and thanks.

So when as "Old brooms" you specifically target the young people and try to put division among the ranks . STOP! Because if you don't STOP we will revolt against this administration." *[The Executive of the Choiseul UWP Constituency Branch]

"As far as I am concerned the UWP administration is in office. Yes we voted them in but not for the current structure of executives we now see especially in Choiseul.

STOP. Consider this a gentle warning issued to the "OLD BROOMS"

The Youth Need Answers From The Choiseul UWP Branch Executive

Darrion Andre Jr Louis

I can't seem to be able to get over that famous statement that was made by the Chairman of the Choiseul Uwp Constituency Branch sometime in July or August this year, if my memory serves me right. "New brooms sweep clean, but old brooms know all the corners." This was the quotation. I have tried to analyse this statement from all angles and can't come up with a conclusive answer to put it to rest once and for all. 

Silvanius Fontenard coins it, "Old Brooms tactically associated with criminals, deportees and other corrupt agents." Hmmm! Seriously? Well then I can probably see now why Darrion's name was not on the voting list at the branch meeting. The young man's name was taken up to Castries by a certain "old broom" who  it is alleged never submitted the name to be registered - Darrion could not vote nor could he be nominated on the branch. He has been demanding answers. Nobody is coming forward.

 Can you for one moment ponder over why Darrion's name was not registered as a member of the UWP? Food for thought! But that is for another show.

What was interesting at that election was the urgency with which the Bousquet puppets wanted to get on Bradley's Constituency Branch. A high ranking official of the Constituency branch revealed that these persons really believe that being on the executive that they will be in a position to get favours. Are you surprised?

A notable member puts it bluntly. "I wish these people were hearing the comments of Bradley's supporters - Unfortunately I am the one they are calling with their displeasure because of my role in the campaign - I still cannot understand why people who were so boldly opposed to Bradley would want to serve on the branch committee unless they have ulterior motives."

It is the ulterior motives which will be uncovered and foiled by Darrion - hence the all out effort to keep him out. At the last meeting I attended it was announced that the Executive would put the Youth officer matter to the assembly at future meetings. So far the it has had one meeting (according to my sources) and the matter was not even on the agenda. What's going on?

Darrion is the ideal candidate for the position of Youth officer. This energetic and vibrant young man was VERY instrumental in bringing the  youth home. His sleepless night, his frequent visits to home and his one-on-one rapport captivated the youngsters at the last elections. Where as there is speculation that Kina Nicholas is also eyeing the position,  I think Darrion is more qualified for that job.

Just before posting this article online I called Darrion to find out whether his registration has been resolved. There was no reply.

Let's rally together and demand that the executive make a statement on the position of Youth Officer. Time to make them wake up and smell the coffee. J

Can The Youth Of The Forgotten Communities Be Merged Into One Group?

A few key members on the new group's exec

Forming a group in any of the Forgotten Communities is an up hill task - muchless trying to merge them. Take my word for it. Internal migration, socio-economics, religion, drugs and  and poor administrative skills  are all mitigating factors,which affects the continuity of any program in these communities. Not to mention the self-acclaimed status displayed by a few founders. Hmmm!

"Some of these executive members don't even socialize." A comment from a Debreuil Youth. "I en in dat." A Lamaze resident mentioned over the phone. Among the youth in Roblot there is a luke warm feeling towards this new initiative - Poor  public relations I want to believe. Let's hope things turn around.

I have had the privilege to witness many clubs/groups born and die a painful death leaving the members frustrated,disappointed and a complete disregard for accountability of finances. The best of them all to date fell when greed took over the minds of those "absentee" executive members who thought they could manage. What a  let down of the community's youth!

This article is not intended to "dis" this so called new group, but to rather recall the historical background of the clubs that have been formed in the Forgotten Communities - all in the archives of Choiseul On The Move. Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it.

Chrisee made things happen

1. Sometimes I sit and wonder, whether there are persons out there who are seriously concerned about the welfare of the residents of Roblot and environs. If there are they surely have a unique way of showing it.

Many persons will remember the days when Lamaze and Roblot have very good cricket teams. Debreuil was tops in football.  Continue reading at  http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2013/04/is-roblot-and-environs-doomed.html

2.The Roblot Development Committee has been plagued with the problem of migration of its executive members for ages now. This scenario of replacing two executive members at a meeting earlier today is nothing new.   Read more at http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2012/07/roblot-development-committee-completes.html

Lamaze residents at a meeting

3.One could sense the tension in the air as residents of the community of La Maze came together at the Resource Centre to elect a Management Committee.

Why the tension? Read on.  http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2009/06/la-maze-residents-form-management.html

Lamaze Youth Leaders

4.Four beautiful young ladies led by Ms. Nelta Francis, stepped into the Constituency office, looking very professional in the deameanor and mode of dress. Purpose?  Find out by reading on.  http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2009/03/la-maze-youth-club-formed.html

Debreil Youth Leaders

5.At a meeting held at the Debreuil/Roblot Combined school on June 29, 2011, the youth of Debreuil elected an executive to run the affairs of the club.

Debreuil youths have in the past, shown great potential in the line of sports as well as academics. Read more.  http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2011/06/debreuil-youth-form-club.html

Kierian expressing her views 

6.It was an historic occasion. Over one hundred youths assembled at the Centre of Excellence in a 'get together' environment to chart the way forward towards their development. Read more at… http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2011/05/uwp-youth-club-in-making.html

7. It is left to be seen how committed this revived executive is. Only time will tell as they venture to prove a point and improve the Roblot Community.Read more at http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2012/06/way-forward-for-roblot.html 

Questions: 

1. Can a Roblot-based executive seriously manage youth in Lamaze, Roblot and Debreuil?

 2. Shouldn't consultations [ at least a month long] be held to get the feel of the youth and let them decide what structure this group or club should take or if they want to be part of it at all?

3. Would persons like Kina Nicholas or even Brad accept joining such a group where the executive is a Roblot-based one? Hmmmm. 

Though the intentions behind forming this group may be valid, if this group/club is to survive with Roblot, Lamaze and Debreuil youth/residents working in unison, the STRUCTURE  and COMPOSITION of the EXECUTIVE MUST be REVISITED.

Another Son Of The Soil Makes Us a Proud People, Again!

Dr. Leonard Johnny

This year appears to belong to Choiseul. -  a new Parliamentary Representative, a National Carnival Queen, T20 Chanpions and now an academic portraying a doctorate. Choiseul moving up!

On Friday, 21st October 2016, Leonard Johnny, a retired policeman from the Royal St. Lucia Police Force residing in [Mongouge] Choiseul, graduated from the University of the West indies with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

His doctoral thesis entitled, “An Evaluation of the Causes of Delinquency and Violence Displayed by Secondary School Students: A Case Study of St. Lucia,” investigated:

(i) the causes of delinquency and violence displayed by secondary school students in St. Lucia
(ii) the mediating role of specific variables on the relationship between some of the tested variables and delinquency and violence.

In this study, he utilized components of four delinquency theories to create a new theoretical model which he named the “Four S model.” This model was used to test ten variables in an attempt to establish what causes secondary school students in St. Lucia to behave delinquently and violently. He also utilized six mediating variables to determine whether they had an effect on the relationship between four of the tested variables and, delinquency and violence displayed by secondary school students. This new model can be use within the wider region and/ or globally to test for the causes of delinquent and violent behaviour.

This study yielded exciting results among which are the following:

(1) Peer relationship, gender, low self-esteem, low self-control, drug and alcohol abuse, and parental practices are significantly associated with delinquency and violence displayed by secondary school students in St. Lucia.

(2) Peer pressure greatly influenced the behaviour of secondary school students in St. Lucia.

Dr. Johnny in his graduation gown

(3) Drug and alcohol abuse, the use of drugs in the past year and lifetime use of drugs mediated the effects of self-esteem on delinquency and violence displayed by secondary school students in St. Lucia.

(4) Drug and alcohol abuse, use of drugs in the past year and lifetime use of drugs; deviant peers and low self-esteem mediated the effects of parental practice on delinquency and violence displayed by secondary school students in St. Lucia.

(5) Males who attend secondary schools appeared to be more delinquent and violent than females
(6) 92% of the students surveyed indicated that they have consumed alcohol and 48.7% of them reported that they consume alcohol on a weekly basis.

(7) Secondary school students in St. Lucia are being introduced to alcohol mainly by their parents.

(8) The use of alcohol is more common than the use of drugs among secondary school students in St. Lucia.

(9) Drug and alcohol abuse cause secondary school students in St. Lucia to display a low level of self-control.

(10) Secondary school students have problems controlling themselves because they cannot control their anger.

Dr. Leonard Johnny previously pursued and accrued an Advance Diploma in Security Management from Stonebridge Associated Colleges, a Certificate in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Government, and a Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the university of the West Indies.

"Old Habits and Old Arguments” are Irrelevant to the Challenges of Today"- Prime Minister of St Lucia

Below is a statement summary delivered by the Hon ALLEN MICHAEL CHASTANET, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service of Saint Lucia, at the 71st United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2016:

Hon Allen Chastanet - PM of St Lucia

He said “old habits and old arguments” were irrelevant to the challenges of today, and called upon the United States to lift its embargo against Cuba.  Most of the world’s challenges stemmed from the denial of access to basic human rights, such as education, health care, justice and security.  The very format of engaging in a “general debate” was a contradiction because, while many spoke, few “stayed around to listen” and far fewer responded, he pointed out.  “We wonder how and why this entity is so negatively perceived by the persons we are elected to serve?”

As a small island State, Saint Lucia’s voice was meant to be equal, but realpolitik had proven the contrary, he continued.  Instead of being invited to participate in a solution to the world’s challenges, small islands had been forced to adopt programmes created by more advanced States, only to be criticized by the very same countries and branded as tax havens.  “We are left to dance between the raindrops,” he said, noting that, while deeply affected by the 2008 financial crisis, they had not participated in the solutions.

The Group of 20 had a legitimacy problem because it was unofficial and non-inclusive, he said, adding that many of its members championed the very financial and economic systems that had created the crisis, he said, emphasizing that there was no need to perpetuate a world order that elevated one group of nations over others.  Recalling that the United Nations had been founded on the belief that nations could solve problems collectively, and rooted in the hard lessons of war, he said the time had come to move in a new direction.  With the advent of the technological revolution, there was a need to embrace a new era of engagement based on common needs, innovative ideas and mutual respect, he stressed.  “We must decide whether the United Nations can continue to be a place where we lament our outdated grievances or a place where we begin to forge common ground.”

Three Blind Mice Who Took Choiseul/Saltibus on a Visionless Trip?

No access towards Sab Wisha

I make no apologies for the statement that Ferguson John, Rufus Bousquet and Lorne Theophilus are all one of the same breed of politicians, period. They were there for their self-aggrandizement - three visionless, mindless and incompetent mercenaries who embarked on a mission, to my mind, with no purpose and interest of the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency at heart. Prove me otherwise if you can.

However, if we stretch it along party lines, that may not be the cry you will hear. For the Flambeaus you will hear the Rufus has been the best thing Choiseul has ever seen since JMD Bousquet. The Etoiles shouted that Fergy did more for Choiseul than Rufus ever did. On both sides you will hear that Lorne was the worst Rep this Constituency has ever seen - pas mwen kee de e! His margin of defeat at the last general elections by a newbie attests to this.

Present state of the Pond

My inspiration for writing this piece, though I had decided to take a break (work piling on my a… like an avalanche) came from a discussion I had with a “potential entrepreneur” whom I have time for. When he uttered, “Boy I can solve the Choiseul Fisheries’ Pond problem.”  This sent my mind into overdrive. After we had discussed numerous political issues (I am rather cold these days) which he considers of paramount importance,  he went on to mention that the sand mining which is done under the guise of unblocking the Fisheries’ Pond is doing more harm than good to Choiseul. Just as soon as the cleaning is done, it’s back to square one AGAIN. A recurring decimal? Hmmmm! He got my attention here for sure!!!!

The state of the Fisheries Complex Pond is an outcry. Sand mining is dangerous. The mining of the pond sand is a direct cause of erosion along the western shorelines of Choiseul.  It is very damaging to the beach fauna and flora, ruinous to beach aesthetics, and frequently causes environmental damage to other coastal ecosystems associated with the beach.

Have you ever considered walking from the village beach to Sab Wisha along the beach - An impossible task! Where has all the sand gone? Ask the Fisheries Complex Management. People, we are losing our beaches day by day, bit by bit, to this indiscriminate sand mining at the complex. 

Excerpts from http://coastalcare.org/2009/06/documenting-the-global-impacts-of-beach-sand-mining/ reads, “Most reports of sand mining activities are found at the very local scale (if the mining is ever documented at all). Yet, sand mining in many localities has resulted in the complete destruction of beach (and related) ecosystems along with severe impacts to coastal protection and tourism.

More distress for fishers

Problems caused by beach sand mining include: destruction of natural beaches and the ecosystems they protect (e.g. dunes, wetlands), habitat loss for globally important species (e.g. turtles, shorebirds), destruction of nearshore marine ecosystems, increased shoreline erosion rates, reduced protection from storms, tsunamis, and wave events, and economic losses through tourist abandonment and loss of coastal aesthetics.

The threats posed by sand mining are made even more critical given the prospect of a significant rise in global sea level over the coming decades…….. In many cases, addressing the issue of sand mining requires addressing the local issues that allow it to persist. This includes poverty, corruption, and unregulated development…….”

We are in serious dodo if this sand mining of the pond continues and the contractor going away with the sand instead of redistribution it along the shoreline. Generations to come will have no beach.

Discussions were still going on among the locals as how best to build this complex when Fergy in his haste to win votes allowed to the project to go ahead. Rufus another blind mouse, instead of finding a solution to the problem invested in an excavator and truck to get rid of the sand in the pond. During that time the beaches were already getting lost. Lorne, in spite of his  so called love for tourism watched the beaches further deteriorate  while all he did was encourage more frequent sand mining in the pond.

So my good friend says he can solve the problem. He says what is needed is dredging. He believes that whatever equipment is used it must be able to enter deep into the sea. However I forgot to ask him what guarantee he has that this will work? And what is he doing to ensure that he gets the contract?  Choiseulians, Fishers, there may be hope.

We of the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency and more specifically the fishers have been taken for a ride for too long with Fergy, Rufus and Lorne who never had the vision to  solve this perennial problem at the fisheries' pond - Three Blind Mice.

The ball is now in Bradley’s Court. I look forward to see this "potential enterpreneur's" ideas taken seriously to remedy this situation in the village. But it still remains of great concern to me - what theory/proof that his method will work?

UWP Choiseul Constituency Branch Registered Voters Retain Tucker's Crew

Section of the registered voters

"New brooms sweep clean but old brooms know all the corners." This was the closing quote Gilbert Isaac, the guy who willingly stepped down from the chairmanship of the Constituency Branch last year to make way for Rufus Bousquet, used to encourage the registered voters of the Uwp Choiseul Constituency Branch to vote for his team -whatever he meant by that is for another show. The  voters were preparing to cast their votes for the open positions of Chairman, Pro, Treasurer and Welfare Officer at the Annual General Meeting part two. Two Sundays ago certain members were already elected unopposed - this was the last stage.

For the Chairman's position the nominees were Tassa Jean and Gilbert Isaac, Welfare Officer - Peter Phillip and Veronica James, Pro - Anison Hunte  and Christopher Gustave while Ellen Francois and Ignatius Jean  were the nominees for the post of Treaurer. 

The election process was conducted and supervised by one Mr Clery who was ably assisted by two ladies - the voting process was by secret ballot. All the positions were listed on the ballot paper where the voters simple had to put in their choice candidate next to each position.

The Constituency Branch Executive

Of the 111 registered voters 53 persons or 47.7%  cast their votes. The executive now comprises:-

Gilbert Isaac                -       Chairman

Brian Charles              -       Vice Chairman

Lucilla Anatole           -        Secretary

Ellen Francois             -        Tresurer

Melanie Mitchel           -        Women's Officer

Peter Phillip                -        Welfare Officer

Christopher Gustave   -        Public Relations Officer

The floor representatives being Theodora Joseph, Loretta St Croix, Jacob Langillia and Herbert Monrose. NB. The Youth Officer who was elected prior to  this meeting has since resigned. I would hope it makes room for Darrion to fit in.

Clearly a construct of Rufus' executive. Should Bradley be happy with an executive that did their utmost to keep him out of the candidacy for Choiseul/Saltitbus? That's for him to reflect on in his quiet moments. Are you seeing a pattern revealed here matching Labour's old heads still in office?

Darrion Andre Jr Louis having a moment

One could clearly identify with the frustration Darrion Jr Louis expressed in his comments when the floor was opened for suggestions /comments. He expressed his utter disgust at the comments which the present chairman whom I referred to in my opening paragraph made. "New brooms sweep clean but old brooms know all the corners?" Is he implying that there is no room for youth on this executive or is he making mention of a hidden agenda? Darrion went on to mention that he is of the opinion that his application to be a member of the party is being hijacked and in spite of it being over  three to four weeks his application cannot be located. - cocomackery at its highest. The young man is furious and speaks to the constant bombardment of calls,texts and emails to him from the young people whom he convinced to vote. (NB. Darrion spearheaded the campaign during the last elections)

My question. Is there a move afoot to sabotage this young and brilliant scholar? Is the Bruce Tucker click raising up its ugly head AGAIN? - you don't have far to go. With the exception of the secretary it is the Bruce tucker team still in charge in spite of the new dispensation. The more things change the more they remain the same.

After stepping down as Chairman last year to make way for Rufus who's intent was based purely on mischief, one would have thought that the most descent thing Gilbert Isaac would have done was to decline his nomination. He didn't because 90% of the registered voters were done by him during the fiasco period when they wanted Rufus as Chairman. And so he keeps flip flopping from head to vice and vice versa. What a comedy! 

Voting process in progress

To make things worse, Mr Clery allowed Isaac to do his bit of campaigning openly before the elections process began and that's not all, Strips of paper were being circulated during the voting process with the following names: Gilbert Isaac, Ellen Francois, Peter Phillip and Christopher Gustave - that's Isaac's team, The same team Rufus chaired. No wonder Darrion emphatically stated that the election process is flawed.

Another issue of concern which popped its head was Pastor Wallee's concern over the distribution of "the pie." He accused the Chairman of the Constituency Council of not including Saltibus in the last stimulus package. Being very passionate about his support for the people of Saltibus he went on to say, "Saltibus is part of the Constituency and we must always get a share in the cake regardless how small." The Chairman of the Constituency Council, Brian Charles, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Constituency Branch replied to Pastor Wallee explaining that the stimulus package was a meager fund and that he was instructed to use it for the cleaning of school compounds for the opening of the new school year. He went on to say that other areas (may be Saltibus) that were aired marked for the package were also tied up with the caretaker program which was to come on stream soon. Pator Wallee remained adamant and reinforced his point, "Share the pie."

All in all the meeting ended on a good note with persons being refreshed with beer, malt etc, while numerous pockets of supporters of the party were on the compound discussing the political trends of the day and still others, who had no voice at the meeting were grumbling at what transpired - the same old khaki pants!

NB: Interested in reading up on the UWP Constitution? Click on this link https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7j5pt31pp8lokpp/AABpocouWzF8kyRBE_rkAUdHa?dl=0

Will Prime Minister Chastanet Disclose Any Surprises Today?

House in session

TODAY TUESDAY AUGUST  16, 2016 AT 10:00 A.M.  THE SAINT LUCIA   HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY  MEETS  IN SESSION. WILL A FEW SURPRISES BE DISCLOSED BY THE PM? JUST KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED.

HOWEVER, THE ORDER PAPER FOR THE SESSION ARE: -

·         PRAYERS 

·         ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER 

·         ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER 

·         STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS 

·         APPOINTMENT OF SESSIONAL COMMITTEES

·         PAPERS TO BE LAID

PAPERS TO BE LAID :

Prime Minister Hon Allen Chastanet

By the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service: 

Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2016 Elections (Extension of Time) Order 

Statutory Instrument No. 58 of 2016 Excise Tax (Amendment of Schedule 1) (No. 2) Order 

Statutory Instrument No. 59 of 2016 Saint Lucia Parliament – Proclamation Dissolving Parliament 

Statutory Instrument No. 60 of 2016 Saint Lucia House of Assembly – Proclamation Appointing Day for General Election 

Statutory Instrument No. 61 of 2016 Protective Services (Award of Compensation) Regulations 

Statutory Instrument No. 62 of 2016 Saint Lucia House of Assembly- Amendment of Proclamation Appointing Day for General Elections

Statutory Instrument No. 63 of 2016 Elections (Election Petition) Rules  

Statutory Instrument No. 65 of 2016 Fiscal Incentives (Baron Foods (St. Lucia) Limited) (Amendment) Order  

Statutory Instrument No. 66 of 2016 Fiscal Incentives (OB Precast & Concrete Limited) Order  

Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2016 Saint Lucia Parliament – Appointment of Session of Parliament 

Statutory Instrument No. 71 of 2016 Excise Tax (Amendment of Schedule 1) (No. 3) Order  

Statutory Instrument No. 72 of 2016 Tourist (Duty-Free Shopping System) (Bay Gardens Beach Resort) Order 

Integrity Commission – Annual Report 2015

Hon Bradly Felix

By the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs: 

Statutory Instrument No, 55 of 2016 Price Control (Amendment) (No. 7) Order 

Statutory Instrument No, 56 of 2016 Price Control (Amendment) (No. 8) Order 

Statutory Instrument No. 64 of 2016 Price Control (Amendment) (No. 9) Order 

Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2016 Price Control (Amendment) (No. 10) Order 

Statutory Instrument No. 73 of 2016 Price Control (Amendment) (No. 11) Order  

Hon Ezekiel Joseph

By the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives: 

Statutory Instrument No. 53 of 2016 Waste Management (Fees) Regulations  

Hon Guy Joseph

 By the Minister for Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation:  

Statutory Instrument No, 57 of 2016 Crown Lands (Allotment to Saint Lucia National Trust) (National Museum) (Amendment) Order 

Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2016 Shipping (Inquiry and Formal Investigation) Regulations 

Statutory Instrument No. 70 of 2016 Shipping (Medical Fitness) Regulations  

MOTION: 

By the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service: 

1. BE IT RESOLVED that Parliament authorizes the Minister for Finance to borrow by means of advances sums not exceeding fifty-five million dollars from commercial banks, for a period of six months from the date hereof, which sums shall be charged upon and paid out of the Consolidated Fund.  2. BE IT RESOLVED that Parliament authorizes the Minister for Finance to re-issue the sum of US$29,000,000.00, through ECFH Global Investment Solutions Limited.  3. BE IT RESOLVED that Parliament authorizes the Minister for Finance to raise –  (a) a sum of EC$80,000,000.00 for refinancing the existing debts; (b) a sum of US$13,000,000.00 for refinancing the existing debts.  

BILLS  By the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service:        *    Inter-Governmental Agreement (Saint Lucia and            the United States of America)      - First Reading 

 Money Laundering (Prevention) (Amendment)    -  First Readin

To Cut or Not To Cut - Mosquitoes using Guerrilla Warfare

Mosquitoes in the Roblot community seem to have learnt to stay away from their common breeding grounds which the Environmental health Officers target - rain gutters, covered drains, flower pots, plates and dish drainers, old tires etc. The mosquitoes are ‘going green’ as they are now choosing trees and plants as their breeding spots. There seems to be a shift, mosquitoes now lay eggs at the contact point of the leaves and trunk of the plants.

The Screw Pine

The plant in particular which many persons in the community believe give rise to mosquitoes-breeding in wet weather is the Screw Pine, (locally known as “panama”) which is a shrubby, sword-like leaved plant that grows from 2-6 meters high. The part where leaves of the screw pine connect to the trunk can serve as a cup that holds water, making it an ideal spot for mosquitoes to breed.In spite of being a breeding ground for the mosquito, the plant is of some value to a few of the residents who rely on handicraft for a living. The leaves are used for making thatches, baskets, mats, hats and other fancy articles by a few of the residents. Apart from its handicraft use the screw pine plant also serves as a windbreaker for a few homes while a few elders say that a decoction of the roots/leaves is of medicinal value: -

• Promotes the flow of urine and is tonic for the heart
• Anti-abortion tonic, leucoderma and scabies.
• Rheumatism, earache and headache.

Aedes mosquito

Never in my stay in the Roblot community have I heard of an influx of mosquitoes as now. Every single home in the community cries with one voice – “Where have all these mosquitoes come from?” Although many homes are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent mosquitoes from breeding plus environmental health workers have made frequent visits to see that homes adhere to these precautionary measures, the population has grown by leaps and bounds.One resident recalls late one evening hearing the buzzing sound of the mosquitoes so loud in her home that she thought she was hearing a police siren from a distance.

Fogging in Roblot in Aug. 2011

The environmental health authorities seem to have forgotten to fog the area on a regular basis. I spoke with a senior environmental official who claims that the lack of protective clothing and transportation are the main reasons for the lack of fogging in the communities. Can you believe this? The last time “The Forgotten Communities” benefited from a fogging was in August 2011. (http://choiseul-inform.blogspot.com/2011/08/roblot-community-purged-of-aedes.html)

There in my humble opinion, can only be one reason for this increase in the population of mosquitoes in the community this rainy season – the screw pine plants. So where do we go from here? Should the importance of the screw pine plant for a livelihood, medicinal values and protection of the residents over-ride the menace poised by the mosquitoes with a threat of dengue, chikungunya or even Zika? 

Will a decision be taken to rid the community of these plants or will the Ministry of Health come forward with a reliable fogging plan. "The Forgotten Communities" await with baited breath while the army of mosquitoes continue to take its toll on the residents. 

The question is now put:-  TO CUT OR NOT TO CUT? 

(A short clip on how a mosquito feeds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrGYhAl7eDQ)