La Fargue to Have A Children's Playground

After much protocol for site visists and plans work have finally commenced on the Children's playground at La Fargue. The playground is to have a mini biclycle track, a playhouse, slides and swings and much of what a modern playground should have.

The playgroud is being constructed to the tune of $200,000.00

The District Rep. welcomes the commencement of the project and thinks that it will provide an avenue for recreation of our young people as well as the elderly who will want a place to relax and meet old friends. Mr. Bousquet also believes that with this ground many of the ills of society that affects our youth will be solved.

Bousquet Orders Two New Projects

The District Rep. once again has displayed his willingness to attend to the needs of "his people." Residents of Raveneau have for a long time now asking for an inner road into a small enclavement. This road they claim is necessary to enable the Ambulance to reach to the very last home there. Also it provides a proper pathway instead of the muddy track that presently exists.
The groundwork has just begun but heavy rains have delayed the work slightly. The work will be done in two phases, with the first phase due to be completed in two weekes.The first phase is estimated to cost about $30,000.00.
The other project which started on Monday was just completed. The heavy rain last week did considerable damage to a section of an inner road at upper saltibus (Barlelel) The road was immortorable. About 20 ft. of the road was paved with concrete. Works there was estimated at about $6,000.00
Now everybody is happy.

Young Leaders Holds Seminar

The Young Leaders Group of The Choiseul Secondary School held a seminar at the Education Sub-Office's Conference Room on Thursday May 7, 2009.

The theme of the seminar-" The Green Revolution". It is actually about caring for the environment and letting others know about it.

Miss Daliya Smith, the Vice President welcomed the participants who were from Roblot,Rivere Doree and Choiseul Primary Schools. Also present were the teachers, Marinus Felix, Alphia Augustin and Eliana Desir-Biscette respectively.

The participants were involved in skits,excersises and short addresses. They were placed into groups where they were involved in writing songs,poems and to perform skits all based on "The Green Revolution

Miss Zia Barnard, the President of the group informed the participants "The work starts with you. You are the one to show others that the environment is important to them So therefore you are to demonstrate through your actions". She implored "You and your group members are to plan activities in your school and communities to aware students and the people of the importance of taking care of the environment.

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A Tribute To Mothers

The second Sunday in May has been set aside in honor of motherhood. Many churches have special services in which they honor Mothers of the congregation. They usually present the oldest Mom, youngest Mom, and Mom with the most children a corsage.
There is a custom of wearing a carnation on Mother's Day. A colored carnation means that the person's Mother is living. A white carnation indicates that a person's mom is dead.
Years ago, England observed what they called Mothering Sunday. It came in Mid-Lent.
The first suggestion for a day set aside to honor Mothers was made by Julia Ward Howe. She suggested that it be observed on June 2, as a day dedicated to peace.
Julia was born in 1819 in New York to a prominent family. She was an American writer, lecturer, and reformer. She was known as one of the most famous women of her time. She wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", which was inspired when she visited military camps in Washington, D.C., during the Civil War in 1861. It became the major war song of the Union forces.
Julia became interested in the women's movement. She became the first president of the New England Woman Sufferage Association.
Three years after Frank Hering of Indiana launched his campagin for observance of Mother's Day in 1904, Anna Jarvis began a campaign to a nationwide obervance of Mother's Day. She chose the second Sunday in May. She also began the custom of wearing the carnation.
Jarvis' own Mother was honored on the first service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton,West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. Later, at the general assembly in 1912, a delegate from Andrews Church introduced a resolution recognizing Jarvis as the founder of Mother's Day, and suggested that Mother's Day be observed on the second Sunday in May.
President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution in Congress on May 9, 1914, recommending that the federal government observe Mother's day. The next year, the president was authorized to proclaim an annual holiday.

Roblot Road Slippage

A section of the Roblot/La Maze Road which was already showing signs of deteioration finally succumbed to heavy rains which poured in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Residents of the community recently invited the engineer and assistants of the Vieux-Fort Branch Office to visit that particlar section of the road. After observation the residents were told that a soil sampling test have to be carried out after which a decision will be made as to whether a retaining wall will have to be constructed.

Well there is no doubt now that immediate action must be taken to alleviate this precarious problem.

To give early warning to pedestrians as well as motorists residents have set up red flags alon g the breadth of the slippage.

One can well imagine what problems this would bring especially at nights as the road is quite narrow and not illuminated.

The residents call on the Ministry to give immediate attention to this matter.

Swine Flu And You ( part 2 )

Recently the Swine Flu has been renamed to North American Flu.
This is part 2 of the series. Take note.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
· Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Choiseul Councillors Take Oath Of Office

In a rather low-keyed swearing-in ceremony held at the Village Council's Office on Wednesday 29, April, nine Councillors took the oath of office to become members of the Choiseul Village Council for the period February 2009 to February 2010.

The oath of office was administered by the Village Clerk to Elmira Joseph - Chairperson, Henson Samuel - Deputy Chairperson, Veronica Stanislas,Philomena Laffeuille, Bryan Charles, Gilbert Isaac, Gabriel Lamontange, and new comers Anison Hunte and Griffith Jn. Baptiste.

Present at the ceremony was the Director of Local Governmnt, Mr. Lucien Isidore who in his remarks complimented the Council for its work during the past year, and nformed the Council that Local Government Elctions will be introduced in 2011. He expressed satisfaction at the Council's Report for the year 2008 - 2009. The report is entitled " Report On Challenges And Achievements Of Council 2008 - 2009." Copies make be obtained ate the Office.

In her address the Chairpers0n showered praise on the Village clerk for assisting her get her feet during the early period of her taking office and more or less showing her "the way to go." Inspite of her disappointment with the efforts to meet with the different communities she expressed that it is her vision this year to do so. He went on to say " It is our duty to meet with with the communities to sensitise persons on the role and functions of councillors to let them know how Council can affect their lives." She continued "Work this year will lie on subventions,dedication and sacrifice and invent time and talent to make Choiseul a better community.

The ceremony came to and end with Miss Gabriel Lamontange delivering the vote of thanks.