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.

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?

.

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

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

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.

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"

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: SCARED AT HOLLOW-POINT AND NOW A PRESS SECRETARY’S NIGHTMARE BY UNITEDPAC

Deborah Tobierre (Gov Senator)

It passes as a little strange that just after Deborah Tobierre, a government senator, speaks out on threats being made against her life. No sooner the government's press secretary, Jadia Jn Pierre-Emmanuel, is also fearful for her own personal safe...ty.

Despite both government officials have been to some extent more than happy to express themselves freely, it appears others must now be taken to task for doing the same.

   It's all well for Tobierre and Jadia to put out their ads of free speech for people to come and shop their government made for sale items, but when it's UnitedPac ads of free speech which turns out today's sale of the day the competition becomes too fierce and unfair.

UnitedPac statements about Senator Tobierre being endorsed to contest the 2016 elections in Vieux-Fort South at a secret meeting is "absolutely not true", says Senator Tobierre.

But, just when you thought the truth had bolted out from the horse's mouth and not on good grounds when said by UnitedPac. We are again presented with the Tobierre horse making good its ground on being endorsed to run the Vieux-Fort South seat.

 

Prime Minister of St Lucia

“A lot of the rumours seems to be originating from the Labour camp" admitted Tobierre. Though, in the same breathe she hastens to say "I am deeply honored that Dr. Anthony had such confidence in me (like her endorsement had indeed taken place), but due to my current business responsibilities and the political climate, I may be reluctant to accept such an appointment in the future." Says Tobierre.

Maybe that's just about the truth of a horse flashing its tail and a bit woozy at being confronted by the facts of it all. Mindful, "people know that we (referring to herself and the Prime Minister) have great mutual respect for each other." Tobierre tries frantically to quell the rumours by fanning the flames.

While all this time one thought it was UnitedPac spreading propaganda about Senator Tobierre which has somehow exposed her to "open threats of violence", it was Tobierre herself adding to the "rampant speculation" about Dr. Anthony's confidence in her as a possible hopeful for contesting the Vieux-Fort South seat rather than trying to "publicly discourage the thinking".

 

Jadia Jn Pierre-Emmanuel ( St Lucia PM's PS)

  With Jadia, it’s somewhat different belonging "to a network and family". The extent of which saw her colleagues in the other islands "worry about her safety and sanity". Jadia seems particularly troubled about the death of the Bahamian press secretary, Latore Mackey. "I have been reflecting and I cannot really express what I feel", she went on to add.

Does Jadia know more about Mackey's death than she is willing to share? In her own words she makes clear that “...I too am wondering about the circumstances and recent experiences.” (About Mackey's death perhaps or before his death?)

What circumstances and experiences is the press secretary to the prime minister of Saint Lucia alluding to? Had the tooth fairy press secretary stumble upon more than what she bargained for as not only did they, as she said, "update each other on what is happening in our respective islands."

The press secretary to prime minister of Saint Lucia went on to say that "We copy each other's styles and programmes." if one failed to get the import of what was being said the press secretary emphatically went on to state, "We are one".

 

Latore Mackery (Bahama's PM's PS)

Does Jadia know more than her words are willing to tell? Though Mackey’s death was still sketchy the press secretary to the prime minister of Saint Lucia was already raising concerns about her own safety. With such remarks being made about how "she is not afraid to discharge her duties as press secretary" and "will continue to do so fearlessly".

It appears the press secretary to prime minister of Saint Lucia has more information about Mackey's death which causes her to worry about her own Safety? Is there an attempt on the life of press secretary imminent as there has been threats on the Facebook life of Deborah Tobierre? Will Jadia like Tobierre "as a matter of formality, report this matter to the police" (?)

The SNO in its article on August 25th , 2014 by Merrick stated, "JnPierre-Emmanuel’s comments was pointed directly to concerns made by Mackey before his death, as it relates to his safety and not specifically what may have led to his murder, given the fact that there is no evidence that links his murder to the political office he held."

 Yet, Jadia still finds "the need for persons like herself (in political office) to look out for their own safety." She further claims "she was attacked most recently by a female in the parking lot at the office of the Prime Minister.” Was that matter reported to the police? All this time building a correlation for her safety without any evidence. Nevertheless "she is aware that she must be on guard"(?)

With Tobierre already looking at "what legislation exists" to deal with freedom of expression on Facebook as it is a relatively new phenomena. It is clear that she will not be discouraged to serve as she wants to contribute to the development of her country. Now, if what she says is true that "It might be difficult to demand that people be more responsible" then the best way to go about it might just be to legislate people’s behaviour.

 This is the mindset which Tobierre wants largely to determine our future. Remember 361? Tobierre is of the view that the “sense of entitlement and dependency that has long been prevalent” in our society must now shift from being free (like freedom of speech and assembly are engendered) to being state sponsored or regulated. All in an attempt to safeguard the “political appointment” of the governing Labour elite from criticism.

Prime Minister of Bahamas

Building her case against UnitedPac however Senator Tobierre (unlike Allen Chastanet who was said to be requesting the Micoud-South seat by Claudius Francis on Straight-Up) would be seeking police intervention, if not, the advice of her lawyer.

But it was not so much a case against what was said as it is one "regarding a violent threat against her in response to the UnitedPac statement". As Tobierre is of the belief the comments made by the man on the Facebook page "Government Employee" was a "direct response to the article distributed by UnitedPac."

The SLP can say whatever they want about Allen Chastanet but it isn't fair to say anything against Kenny's friends with benefits even at true value or amidst the decay of a sweet tooth fairy of a jaded press secretary.

While appealing that people be "more responsible" and to "raise the level of discourse". Why Senator Tobierre didn’t make such a culturally enlightened remark when such propaganda was leveled at Allen Chastanet and Mary Isaac. Surely, hurricane Allen winds of change is coming. So, they are afraid of free speech.

It is ok for Labour to let loose on Allen Chastanet and Mary Isaac (President of the CSA) and to malign them as having agreed in some secret meeting to bring down the Labour government or such nonsense about issuing Mary Isaac with a diplomatic passport once flambeau won the next elections. With no one willing to sue them for their outrageous remarks there was no letting up in their attacks.

 

Allen Chastanet

Over the last few weeks the SLP has been unrelenting in its criticism of both Allen Chastanet and Mary Isaac. And, at times demonizing them in an attempt to sway public support against the CSA president and the man who now walks along the yellow brick road. Yet, if you listen to them it is only the UnitedPac which is a "politically motivated group" and not them.

It is just the way they will go about seeking public sympathy for themselves. After all, she was appointed a government Senator with threats now being made against her, such remarks must not go unchecked. And, the other is the prime minister’s press secretary and beyond reproach.

Serving as a watchdog and advocacy body and safeguarding the best interest of the youth and exemplifying the standards of good governance, now, every attempt will be made to quiet UnitedPac. This is the just a glimpse of what is to come with all of Labour’s intended efforts at constitutional reform. See how readily Labour has usurped the governor-general’s signature at signing a contract with Grynberg.

 

SLP PRO

No matter how much they try to divert the public’s attention from the real issues. The Looshan Forum invites its readers to stay on the side of free speech. Be on the lookout for Tobierre’s and/or Jadia’s next move however. For if they feel that their political affiliation cannot protect them from criticism they may just play the woman-gender card.

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it, says Voltaire. The right to freedom of expression belongs to all Looshans no matter how scared at hollow-point Tobierre has without merit become, or how much it has now become a press secretary’s nightmare.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedPAC/photos/a.366160133474992.85438.365971050160567/686560484768287/?type=1

Editor's note: Pics from Blog