The Plight of Roblot's Single Mothers

     

STEP workers

This present administration or to be more specific the co coordinators of STEP of the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency, continuue to marginalize t a few single mothers in the Roblot, Debreuil and La Maze communities. It is not surprising to witness the recycling of workers for the  benefit  of those in charge.
     A statement from the  government clearly states ," Another cycle of the Short Term Employment Programme (STEP) commenced on Monday, July, 2013, in all seventeen constituencies in Saint Lucia. For one week, two thousand, three hundred and twenty five (2,325) persons will engage in beautification and de-bushing works in communities around the island.
It is expected that this cycle will provide much needed assistance to poor households who are currently struggling to meet monthly expenses and are preparing their children for the September 2013 school year.
A deliberate effort was made to engage single parents, who have never been employed under the programme before."
     What about these underlined sentences that the Choiseul coordinators don't understand when it comes to the needy and single parents of these three communities mention above. Is Lorne a part of this?
 Three single parent families from Roblot, four from La maze and two from Debreuil can be named off the bat who have never been employed under the program from its inception. These female single parents have at max two children on average who need school supplies and uniforms to attend school come September. Where is the  sensitivity towards the plight of these women? Must they be marginalized because they are flambeaus? Must they be marginalized because they do not sync with the "Zeleves" of Labour?
What needs noting here is that the persons who have been selected for this round have already worked in more than one cycle and that these same person can do otherwise.
 

 This practice must stop and if its  done through the authority of the District Rep, guaranteed, he will pay dearly for this come next election.
   The community of Roblot continues to get shafted by our Rep. The roads are in a deplorable state - tou pa esee, tou pa la, getaway pa la.  The Library service is no more. The Human Resource center is in a deplorable state and worst of all its been over five hundred days (500) since our rep has not had a face to face meeting with constituents of this polling division. Do you call this representation/
 Lorne in his opening statement during this year's Budget debate on the Estimates of Expenditure for 2013 - 2014, apologized to the people of Choiseul for his continued absense in the Constituency and vowed that this will never happen again. Roblot, and Lamaze  for sure have not seen any change.
    It is this blog's guess that come 2016 we will be seeing too much of him. The blog thinks that there must be greater equity in the distribution of jobs to sinle mothers in the communities. we are not sure if the same exists in the other communities, but it wouldn't come as a surprise if it were not. The coordinators need to put partisan politics aside and really give assistance to those really in need regardless of political affiliation.
that's the way to go.

The Reconciliation Process must Begin Immediately - Chastanet.

Allen Chastanet's team beat King's team hands down at the polls held at the UWP's Convention last Sunday. The margins of victory for Chastanet's team members going up against King's team were significant - the widest margin being in the election for the post of Chairman, where Ezekiel gave Rufus a whooping lead of 180 votes. (Rufus disappeared into thin air)
By all indications, it appeared that Chastanet's team were more prepared and must have done their homework better than the King's team.
Inspite of all the negative ads by some of King's and Chastanet's supporters, as well as Labour supporters on all the talk shows and facebook, not to mention the notorious Allen Joseph, the delegates came out in full support of Chastanet. This speaks volumes.
Certain members running on King's team was definitely a minus for him. King's past relationship with these members must have triggered the change within the delegates. Clearly the only two delegations showing their open support for the King's team was Richard's and King's Constituency delegations. Not even Choiseul gave Rufus the support he so desperately needed after it is allegged he conned them into nominating him for the post of chairman.
The delegates clearly expressed a will for change within the Party and that Allen Chastanet is mandated to do. He has suggested that the reconciliation effort should begin immediately. In all fairness , it is this blog's opinion that this process will heal slowly and both sides will gel eventually for the unity which is needed to face off with Labour.
The Labour Party have their work cut-out for them as well. The road ahead will not be as easy as they once thought. Knowing their modus operandi, it will not be suprising to hear the amount of dirt which will soon be unearthed and thrown at Chastanet's team. Labour's woes are not far off the corner either. UWP have survived theirs democratically and are in good standing. Hope Labour can survive theirs when their turn arrives.
The full UWP executive:
Allen Chastanet - Political Leader
1st Deputy Political Leader - Lenard Montoute
2nd Political Leader - Gale Rigobert
Stephenson King - Leader of Opposition
Chairman - Ezekiel Joseph
1st Chairperson - Mary Polius
2nd Deputy Chairman - Andy Daniel
Welfare Officer - Felicia St Marthe
Elections Officer - Leone Theodore-John
Tresurar - Leslie Fulgence
President Women's Arm - Petra Nelson
President Youth Arm - Ms Auguste
Trustees - Gertrude George
Nicholas John
Moses Vaval

Chastanet 262, King 99

It was all jubilation at Marigot yesterday when it was officially announced that Chastanet's team had won the bid for the Executive of the United Workers Party.
Apparently there must have been some leakage before the official results were announced since Chastanet's supporters were already in a celebration mood, while many of King's supporters had already made their way home.
The following is Chastanet's unedited speech:
"Mamai Flambeau!" That's how the newly elected political leader of the UWP, Allen Chastanet began his acceptance speech to his supporters at the convention yesterday evening after the official results were announced. He continued, "Before I begin my presentation, I want to say, Sir John, this one is for you. Fellow delegates, supporters, friends and well wishers of the United Workers Party, it is with great humility and honour that I stand before you as political leader of our great Party the United Workers Party. You have restored your confidence in me to lead and recognize this great Party of ours. I thank you for your overwhelming support. I thank you for your courage and I am grateful for your show of confidence in me and the other people who you have elected to form the National Executive of our Party.
Over the last few months, we have gone through a process which is resultive in the decision to change the leadership of the United Workers Party. This process is provided for in the Party's Constitution. And I thank you for allowing the process to take effect, all in an effort to strengthen our great Party, and better prepare ourselves to assume the governance of this great country, St Lucia.
During the months leading up to the Convention, a deliberate attempt was made not to denigrade or to unfairly criticize or malign the opponent, because we recognize that we are one Party, with one objective, to unseat the Labour Party, with elections to be called soon, so we can regain the governance of this country creating an equal oppurtunity for everyone. Therefore, the process of reconciliation begins immediately.
I am making a special appeal to every supporter to reach out and embrace one another. Extend a handshake or exchange a smile. Remembering that we have one common purpose, one common goal.
The task ahead are many, and so we will need each of you to be fully involved in various aspects of the restructuring process. Every skill set is necessary. Every expertise counts. We will make a concerted effort to include everyone - the youth, the women, the delegates and constituency branches, our stalwarts, and current and past candidates and every political voter in St Lucia.
Together we will begin on a journey to rebuild our Party. We will reach out to our brothers and sisters, no matter their alleigance prior to the convention and we will work deligently, side by side to ensure that we create a Party that is resilient and relevant to the times. One that can take over the reigns of goverment and make a smooth transition into governing the country when it is called upon to do so.
Later this week a meeting of the National Executive, including Stephenson King, the leader of the Opposition, will be convened to to begin to strenghening and repositioning the Party, to deal with its internal operations and as well to respond adequately to the follies of the Labour Party administration.
We plan to reach out and maintain a close partnership with every constituency, thereby making you an integral part of the process.
Again, I wish to thank you and look forward to working with each one of you. May God bless you all and may God bless St Lucia."

Game Over _ Political Misfit By Peter Thomas

Rufus Bousquet with that mischievous face

 UWP send Rufus Bousquet to pasture.

 Every time I wonder whether I am too cynical about politicians they remind me that I might not be cynical enough. I watched with amazement a video clip of Rufus Bousquet making a play for what he considers to be, and perhaps rightly so, the most powerful position on the executive of the UWP. I wondered. The nerve of this Guy.!!!

 Here is one classic example of someone lacking a shred of self awareness. Mr. Bousquet has conned his way into Saint Lucian politics and at some point, during the tumultuous start of the last UWP administration following the demise of the late John Compton, he was even audacious enough to stake his claim for Prime Minister. Only in Saint Lucia.

 Here is a guy who misrepresented himself and his academic qualifications in his effort to get the late Sir John to risk whatever reputation he had then to get him a United Nations funded job for him. Yes indeed he was a major player in the UN funds scandal. He claimed then that he had a bachelors degree. We all came to know later what kind of degree that was - Third or second degree.

 After Sir John realized that close association with this con-v would cause his candles to cost more than his funeral he shunted him from his cabinet.

 But politics in Saint Lucia, to quote the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Basdeo Panday, “having a morality of its own”, saw this charlatan being reelected to parliament. This was a clear manifestation of our dysfunctional politics. For every time those in leadership positions in our politics arrive at the junction of tough ethical choices and political expedience they almost always opt for the latter.

 After all we knew of this guy the people of Choisuel, bless their hearts, decided to inflict our body politic with this rash. Once again his smooth talking and Machiavellian tendencies caused Sir John to sideline him for usurping his authority as leader and overstepping his bounds in the China vs. Taiwan decision.

 This guy has no business in Saint Lucia politics, let alone being in such a powerful position in a major political party or the inner sanctums of our government. There is no question about his role in the Taiwanese/Moroccan funds scandal.

 I recall one of his budget presentations in which he was accusing then Leader of the Opposition, Kenny Anthony, as having shagwen pouviour (lust for power) and here he is making what I consider to be ridiculously dangerous grab for power in a political party that urgently needs to purge itself of such a character and others of similar ilk.

 Pardon me for being blunt but the only position befitting of Bruce Tucker aka Rufus Bousquet in the UWP is former member.

 For a party that has suffered such a crushing blow to its credibility and legacy to elect this character to be its chairman, and a milquetoast political leader would be undoubtedly consigning itself to an indefinite period in political purgatory.

 This year marks 50 years since the UWP was founded, but judging from their silence not many perhaps even in the leadership of the party might be aware of it. Have they announced any plans to mark this important milestone? Of course not.

 A party that has dominated the government of Saint Lucia for decades and made a sterling contribution to the country’s development, I grudgingly admit, one would have thought that they would be proud to proclaim that legacy. Rather they are readying themselves to deal another lethal self inflicted blow to that legacy and any future possibilities to govern.

 Who would fault Saint Lucians for reposing their faith and confidence in the SLP as long as they continue to make a good faith effort to grow the economy and provide good governance.

Chastanet All Set To Go?

Political leader

2nd deputy political leader

1st deputy political leader

2nd deputy chairman

1st deputy chair

Party Chairman

 AllenChastaneforpolitical leader states:

"We believe that in assembling a team of individuals to collectively begin the reorganization of the UWP, generate a plan of action to move St. Lucia forward, provide meaningful representation to the supporters of the UWP on current policy issues is a small step in the right direction.

  We ask you to support our team to provide strong leadership to begin the removal of the people from the void economic practices of the SLP."

 Allen proposes this team:
Allen Chastanet - Political Leader

 Dr. Gale T. C. Rigobert - 1st Deputy Political Leader (unchallenged)

 Lennard "Spider" Montoute - 2nd Deputy Political Leader(unchallenged)

 Ezekiel Joseph - Party Chairman

 Mary Polius - 1st Deputy Chair

 Andy Daniel - 2nd Deputy Chairman

 Leone Theodore - John - Elections Officer

 Inista St. Marthe - Welfare Officer

 Mr. Fulgence -Treasurer"

Pics for the other nominees on the team were not available
   In-boxed a number of King's supporters to get his team. No one cared to reply.

Editor's note: Both Rigobert and Montoute have secured their positions unchallenged.

Chairman Is More Important Than Political Leader - Rufus

In the current poll by HTS it says that Rufus Bousquet said the job of Chairman is more important than that of the Political Leader. The poll is seeking public opinion on the statement.
The UWP constitution section 12.2 (b) states, the Chairperson is the senior officer in the Party responsible for administrative coordination. However the Chairperson shall defer to the Political Leader in respect to all political matters, but the latter shall consult him at all times on such matters.
Section 12.3 (a) states, the Political Leader shall be responsible for coordinating the efforts of representatives and prospective representatives to parliament and for promoting the aims and objectives, principles, policies and programmes of The Party
Section 12.3 (b) states, the Political Leader shall be the principal spokesperson for the Party in all political matters, and as such is the senior officer of the Party responsible for political direction. However, he shall be guided by the National Executive, the National Council and the Island Council in all considerations of a political nature.
    Both officers have their respective duties. The constitution does not give seniority to either position. For Rufus to make such a statement to HTS is already speaking to the nature of the man and what harm he intends to cause. In fact he is already displaying the lack of respect he had for King during his tenure in government. Since he is on the King team, is he making it clear to King that he is more important than him? (King)) Inquiring minds would like to know.
     Rufus has and will continue to operate in his one-man attitude mind. His political life has been marred with such instances - never took any notice of the constituency and divisional branches. Never worked hand in hand with his campaign team, never has been on terms with many members of the Party, refuses to listen to anyone, and in many other instances clearly showed his one-man attitude mind.
       To be a respectable and effective Chairman, one must possess characteristics that can empathize, inspire, motivate, lead and provide a clear direction for persons. Rufus does not possess these qualities.
Rufus' statement to HTS already speaks to the manner ,if elected to the Chairmanship, he intends to rule. It's an almost clear cut case that this man will create many enemies in the Party - Chastanet is already not in his best books, that I know.
   Bousquet's comments and attitude aimed at the Party after its defeat last election speaks volumes about the man. Remember the gag order Compy placed on him? His disinterest in not fighting UWP claim of fraudulent activities durind last elections, raised many eyebrows. His writing of a letter to Kenny to offer his services, (letter was exposed on the market steps) questions his true loyalty.
Neither Rufus nor Ezekiel would be my choice of Chairman if I had my way. Mayers would have been ideal. Why he pulled out is for another show.
Ezekiel may have the mannerisms to effect respect within the Party, but does he have the know it all on how to move the Party forward?
   Seems we are in for some stormy times ahead. However, its all in the delegates hands. Come Sunday one will know where we stand. God, put a hand

Dugard Combined Gets Five In Choiseul's Top Ten CE Students

The ambiance surrounding Dugard Combined

This year's Common Entrance results for the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency is very intriguing and more so may raise some eyebrows for some concerned parents. Why is Dugard Combined so persistent?
The results for Choiseul as provided by the Ministry of Education shows that even the top student of some of the schools performed below the top five students of the Dugard Combined. Now isn't that something? Only Dugard, Reunion and Piaye schools achieved or passed the National Mean of 61%. Need for concern?
The rank, school, top student and percentage score will be shown in the following table:
Rank              School              Top student                               % score
1.                Dugard               Cordelia Henry                             96
2.                Reunion              Kherim Nelson                              95.67
3.                Piaye                  Obadele Ellevic                            92.33
4.               Delcer                 Francis Alexander                          90.33
5.               R.Doree               Chesly Obeuis                               89.67
6.              Roblot                 Kareem Jn Bapt                               83
7.             Mongouge            Esther Degazon                                81.33
8.             Saltibus                Anns L Francis                                  80
     Clearly one can deduce that Dugard got the top spot and Saltibus struggling at the bottom of the ladder. Saltibus has been a poor performer for sometime now competing with Mongouge for last place.
What is very intriguing is that some of those students, even though they have topped their school's marks are not in the top ten students from Choiseul. The other top students come from the Dugard School.
Choiseul's 2013 Top Ten CE Students:
1. Dugard     Henry Cordelia - 96.00
2. Reunion   Kherim Nelson - 95.67
3. Piaye        Obadele Ellevic - 92,33
4. Dugard    Sherrica Prospere - 90.67
5. Delcer     Francis Alexander - 90.33
6. R.Doree  Chesly Obeius - 89.67
7. Dugard    Caitlyn Theophilus -89.33
8. Dugard    Coreen Antoine - 86.33
9. Dugard    Kayla Poleon - 85.67
10. Roblot    Kareem Jn Baptiste - 83.00
      A remarkable achievement by the Dugard Combined School. Dugard claiming 50% of the top ten place in the Constituency.
    Corporate Choiseul should really acknowledge this school as well as the teacher, Ms Veronica Stanislas for a job well done, especially in her final year as a teacher. She has just retired this last school year.
Grade 6 teachers from the constituency should really emulate her and get a few tips from her high performance secret book.
BRAVO DUGARD COMBINED !!!!!
     In the meantime let's find out why the other six schools in the Constituency continue to perform below the National mean. Lets get Veronica's magic wand to them.