Have Rayneau Opened The GatewayTo A Slice Of The Tourism Pie For The Forgotten Communities?

Men at work on Debreuil/Myers bridge Project

Yesterday was a remarkable day in three of the Forgotten Communities – Debreuil, Roblot and to some extent La Maze, but to be more specific, Montete. It was a day when it appears that Construction and Industrial Equipment (CIE Ltd), the company contracted to do the repairs on the Debreuil – Myers Bridge Road Project, was back on the project to put the final touches. As the workers diligently went about their task, crowds of residents flocked each area the workers stopped to do the repairs, even to some extent engaging in convos. But what was significantly important was the fact that the project would be completed and that the road surface from Debreuil to Myers Bridge would be vehicle-friendly after over 15 - 20 years - this has excited the residents of The Forgotten Communities.

This route which drives through, Debreuil, Roblot, Montete and the Myers Bridge enclave, is blessed with scenic views of the pitons, great land contours, lush green vegetation, a very industrious people and last but not least the aesthetic creates a nostalgic ambiance which cannot be felt anywhere but in The Forgotten Communities. The tour operators would get their monies worth if they would only conduct a tour through the communities previously mentioned.

Rayneau Gajadhar

This is where this blog thinks that Mr Gajadhar must be thanked for doing this great job to make this road tourist-friendly, so that our people can get a cut of the pie. Reliable sources have informed this blog that Mr Gajadhar’s company did much more than his contract required of him. In simple terms the monies allocated for this project fell far short for what Mr Gajadhar did. But he chose to continue at his expense and give the residents of The Forgotten Communities something to enable them to earn a livelihood – few if any contractor would do such. The residents are aware of the gentleman’s kindness and for this they are deeply grateful.

So what do the Forgotten Communities have to offer the visitors who would take time to travel through? Debreuil is noted for its handicraft, our talented men and ladies possess a skill which is unmatched throughout the country. The residents boast of great souvenirs in the form of straw hats, table mats, bags, just to mention a few. Roblot can boast of similar products but the residents are more into using the cuscus grass whereas in Debreuil they use the screw-pine to a larger extent.

A view of the landscape as seen from Roblot

Throughout the drive in The Forgotten Communities, the scenic view of both Gros and Petit Piton is remarkable – more so at the higher elevations in Roblot. Also in Roblot a Wow! panoramic view of Vieux Fort over to the South makes a spectacular view. The community of La Maze which is off this route is most agricultural in nature. However it has a very rich history which I am sure the residents would love to share.

As for the people, they are unspoilt – very generous, friendly and kind-hearted and above all they take lovingly to strangers. Once in the community one is treated as family. Quite notably, the crime waves have not reached our communities and one is quite safe here – everybody watches everyone’s back.

Our roads are great now, take the tour. This also goes out to the Soufriere and Vieux Fort commuters travelling back and forth – make the Forgotten Communities your pass-through route for a change.

Lorne Theophilus - The Ideal Candidate For Choiseul/Saltibus

Lorne Theophilus

This blog has repeatedly said that our forum is open to all potential writers who have a voice to air. We at Choiseul On The Move think that many of us need a forum to say our piece - this is it! Today we publish the work of a young and budding writer who prefers to remain anonymous for now. Please enjoy. Lorne Theophilus - The ideal candidate for Choiseul/Saltibus By Anonymous: Whilst many may spit venom towards our very own Lorne Theophilus, it is with a firm conviction that we stand to proclaim that Lorne Theophilus is still by far our favourite for Choiseul this election and beyond.

Lorne Theophilus remains the ideal candidate for the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency and his performance within the four years of office has surpassed by far that of any Parliamentary Representative who has served this constituency.

Undoubtedly, as any human being Lorne is not without shortcomings, however, we ought to give credit when it is due.  We are cognizant of the fact that at every Budget debate without any fear he admitted that he had not been able to spend the quality time that he would have liked to in his constituency and promised to address the situation.  Yes, we were disheartened that his presence was not up to the standard that we would have felt comfortable with, however, whilst we were being selfish wanting him to be with us in Choiseul, he took the Tourism Industry by storm and set out on the path of stabilizing this industry which redound to the benefit of the entire island and not just Choiseul, as we all know the once thriving Banana Industry was struggling to recover.

The tourism product

Within record time, tourist arrivals on island increased and we saw positive growth. Within one year (2012) stay over arrivals has recorded a steady increase.  Two thousand and twelve ( 2012) recorded , three hundred and six thousand , eight hundred and one (306, 801) visitors, in two thousand and thirteen (2013),  three hundred and eighteen thousand, six hundred and twenty six ( 318 626) visitors, in two  thousand and fourteen (2014), three hundred and thirty eight thousand, one hundred and fifty eight (338 158) visitors  and in two thousand and fifteen (2015), three hundred and forty four thousand, nine hundred and eight (344 908) visitors.

Not only did stay over arrivals record a steady increase but also in cruise arrivals.

Lorne believes that Choiseul /Saltibus has the potential to capitalize on the tourist industry and is currently engaging in discourse to bring in direct investment to Choiseul.

Currently, developers for a hotel in the Sabweesha, Choiseul area are on island.  Yes, Lorne is a man with a vision and he has dreams for the people of Choiseul and environs to benefit significantly from the tourist dollar too.

Lorne's parents

Lorne has touched the lives of people in every nook and cranny of the constituency in one way or another.  Whilst many may not see his work being highlighted in the media and may conclude that he has not done anything in the constituency, Lorne undertake quite a lot from a humanitarian standpoint and does not just engage in activities for mere political mileage.  Lorne believes in improving the quality of life of the people.  May I add, we are not surprised as to this philosophy that he holds as his parents Mr George and Lusca Theophilus both believed in this philosophy and this is why to this day their names remain a household name in the constituency as they have transformed the lives of many in the community of Choiseul and beyond.

Lorne engages in a number of things which are necessary not because it will propel him as an individual but for the good of the community.  Residents of Balca and Parc Estate, forgotten communities for over 30+ years can now breathe a sigh of relief.  Thanks to Hon. Lorne Theophilus for ensuring the rehabilitation works on these roads came to fruition.

Balca, Daban and Park Estate projects

Under the leadership of Lorne, we have also seen the rehabilitation of the Darban road, another forgotten community for the past decades.  It is not by accident that he runs into these forgotten communities.

 The residents of Morne Jacques and Fiette can also boast of an improved road network bringing much relief to the residents who had to commute on this rough terrain on a daily basis.  Currently rehabilitation works are ongoing on the Debrieul/Lamaze road.

Proper drainage works have also been executed in various communities including Mongouge, Esperance, Delcer, Jetrine, Tete Morne,  the Gulf, Chou Tigre to name a few.

Lorne is concerned about the holistic development of his constituents and continues to fund the Joe Joe T20 Cricket Tournament in the constituency year after year.

  

Joe Joe T20 competition

Our elderly is also of great importance to Lorne and since he assumed office he has successfully hosted an annual Christmas lunch for the elderly which has been a major highlight on his constituency’s calendar of events.

Whilst many believe that Lorne does not have the interest of his constituency at heart, whilst the majority talks, his is working.  Additionally, Lorne has one of the most effective management teams in place, who attend to the affairs of the constituency in his absence.  Yes, he may not have been visible as we would have like, but he had structures in place to assist in executing his mandate in the constituency.  He believes in empowering people.

More projects at Fiette, Mongouge and Jetrine

As Lorne continues to serve we see more projects unfolding.  It is in his tenure that the bid for the construction of the rehabilitated Choiseul Secondary School came to fruition after the plea of the staff, students and parents had fallen on death ears for many years.  So do you think anyone in their right state of mind would not acknowledge his efforts and clearly see that there is absolutely no other choice for Choiseul this election but our humble servant Lorne Theophilus?

Another passion for Lorne is the youth.  Under his tenure he has successfully hosted the annual children’s Christmas party where underprivileged children from the constituency would benefit.

Commissioning of Daban Centre

May we also apprise you that under Lorne’s tenure we have seen the upgrading of the Mongouge and Darban Community Centres, fully equipped with computer labs and the upgrading of the Mongouge Court. (Check video for more clips)

 Lorne continues to assist many community based groups in an attempt to give back to the community. Lorne is a man with vision and has may other projects which may not be completed during this tenure.  These include the:

• Upgrading of Mongouge Court
• lighting and fencing of the La Fargue Playing Field.
• construction of a community pavilion at the La Fargue Playing Field.
• rehabilitation of the Reunion Primary School Plant.
• construction of the Roblot and Piaye Community centres.
• creating an access centre at the Mongouge Community Centre.
• waterfront development in the village of Choiseul.

Lorne is concerned about economic development and was instrumental in ensuring that Assou Square was returned to the people of Choiseul this year after a three year hiatus.  It is through his intervention that he was able to source funds from various agencies to successfully host this event.  He lamented that this was a revenue generating social event for the people of Choiseul and that we needed to ensure that the event came on stream.  This year we saw a record improvement as to the revenue generated and the number of patrons at the event.

Last year, Lorne continued to throw his support for the Blotche Chawzey which is the cultural carnival held in October, by fully engaging the Ministry of Creative Industries in  sponsoring the Jouvert.  This activity also allowed persons in the community to generate some form of income.

Lorne remains a man of integrity - he is able to account for every cent of government funds channeled in this constituency and he really does not fear losing ‘Party Faithful's' in the line of good governance, accountability and maintaining a clean track record.

Undoubtedly, Lorne as any other politician has faced many challenges, but it's because of his love for country that he continues to sacrifice and represent his country to the best of his ability.  Although having been a prominent attorney at law on island, gave this up to represent the cause of the people.  As he faced many challenges he could have just reneged on his promise to serve and return to his more lucrative practice.  However, a determined Lorne has remained, and continues to sacrifice and represent the people he pledged to serve.   

 

                              Projects initiated by Lorne Theophilus

Through his many tests and trials he has remained strong.  As Martin Luther King Jr. rightly stated, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is now where he stands in moments of comfort but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ 

A man who has accomplished so much within a four year stint, not just in his constituency but nationally is definitely a force to reckon with - the decision is now left for you to make.  

Let us not behave like folks with myopic vision.  Can we ever find a better choice than Lorne to represent the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency at this time?

"What If I Decide To Go Along With Lorne?" - Jimmy Haynes

L.T. doing his thing

I must say that Lorne Theophilus, the Parliamentary Representative for Choiseul/Saltibus, gave me the biggest surprise of my life this one Thursday night. Hmmm! don’t start letting your mind race as to what the hell is Dedan shouting about.

You know General Elections are round the corner…...rite, and you know very well that this is the time when dem politicians are going all out to show case themselves to their constituents, in spite of their neglect over the years. However, I am not sure if our Rep was showcasing or genuinely being himself at that karaoke session at the Hangers Bar that Thursday night. What a night it was!

Though the crowd was not large, there were significantly some notable political figures from the opposite side of the divide – they were all invited by Lorne….so they say. The strategist is already at work….don’t you think?

 I remember having a serious convo with Jano Octave, a Facebook  friend of mine, when I posted that I may be a better singer than the Rep. Oh! how she took offence and gave kudos to the Rep whom she had never heard sing, except at that famous SLP Convention in Vieux Fort. She was not at the karaoke session.

But earlier that karaoke night, the Rep called me and asked that I meet him at that  session…I gladly accepted the invitation. But my mind started racing and I remembered Eve, another  top friend of mine telling me, that same day Jano and I was having the convo that our Rep can sing…..cold feet for me…awah!

The Champions at Hanger's Bar

Hangers Bar, which is situated opposite the La Fargue Playing Field was the place to be last Thursday night. The DJ started the show and called your humble servant to do the first song. By that time the Rep was already there and mingling with everyone.  Previously we already had a chat and we were all set to have a fun night. ”AA, you already” he remarked as the DJ blasted my name over the system. I did “Guitar Man” by Bread. The Rep followed with “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. His rendition of the song did not impress me much, but it seems that he was only warming up. Well I had it coming!

The Rep was fantastic throughout the night. “You remember Lucsa” his mom, who was this outstanding choir singer in the Catholic Church, Lorne remarked as I gave him kudos over a song he had just performed.He took the night away in spite of top selections by Ferior, Dean, the station sergeant, a beautiful lady by the name of Maureen and myself, to mention a few. Jano was right after all. But was this all at the session?

Not in the least!

Hungry and Jimmy

Politics had to find its way somehow. The arrival of Jimmy Haynes and his little entourage, set my mind ticking. What is dah man's mission? Is he here to compete with Lorne? Is there a little "complo" brewing?  My mind was just racing. You will recall Jimmy's Liberation Train initiative and his intention to run for the Choiseul seat. However this is for another article.

So here comes Jimmy onto me. "Garson you did not even send to wish me Happy NEW Year" Boy, I have been so tied up with work, that this must have slipped me, I may have sent it though, was my reply. By the way, what are you doing here, I quickly threw at him. "Well, Lorne was in my area today and he asked us to check him out here tonight" He replied. We spoke freely for a couple of minutes, but I could sense something was bugging Jimmy. Here comes the bomb! "What if I decide to go along with Lorne?"  He threw at me. "that would be a shocker. I need to teach these guys" ( I presume it's the UWP) "a lesson." He kept on talking. Well bro, if that's how you feel, go for it man, I solemnly advised him.

Jimmy and Lorne doing "One Love"

Jimmy seems to be hurting badly; probably at the slow pace with which his Party is moving to recognize him for the candidacy - if they ever do. But Jimmy, to me, seems to be hurting I think, because  of his own inaction - he is not a member of the Party as far as I know, and he has not applied to be considered as a candidate -- so whats the issue here? But that's for another show. I am sure Lorne would welcome the support - but at what cost? And this was just what he came to confirm that night. (Take this with a grain of salt)

So my dear friends. just before I left, after having my fair share of Karaoke for the night and then listening to  Lorne's rendition of "You're Still The One" by Elton John, I have no doubt in my mind that Lorne knew exactly what he was singing - that he' s still the one for Choiseul/Saltibus come next elections. 
I tend to concur.

Student Faced Near Death Incident At Secondary School.

The switch that almost killed Danzella

A harrowing experience by a fourth form student at the Choiseul Secondary School has left traces of electrical current still running through her body, This is what a medical doctor, who examined Danzella Joseph, the  student who came into contact with a live exposed electrical wire at the Choiseul Secondary School reported. 

Danzy, as she is affectionately called, after she came into contact with the live exposed wires, was taken to hospital - St Jude's, in a private vehicle, (why not an ambulance?) treated and discharged. Later after complaining with severe pains she had to be taken to a private doctor. Can you believe this? LIVE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES AT A SCHOOL OF OVER 500 STUDENTS! Has safety/security gone down the drain at this school?

This is not surprising, since this school or rather that block has been pronounced unstable since  an earthquake shook it considerably. What is even more disturbing is that the principal, Mr Augier don't seem to have a clue as to what is happening at this school - ask the teachers and you will be surprised at what they tell you. This school has been at its lowest ebb since the appointment of this principal. Do your research.

Lewis, Pierre and Augier - The responsible authorities

Fault must also be laid at the foot of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Education for, after being notified of the instability of this building  continue to place the lives of our children at risk. Shame! Shame! Shame on them!

I spoke with Danzella Joseph and this is her story: “We were next to the door having a conversation. Then I was trying to head outside. While  going out I placed my hands on the wall not knowing that there was and open wire switch next to me ... The switch sparked…. whilst I was getting shocked, I wasn't thinking at that time. When I realize this was going on I screamed and pulled myself back and ran toward the other door and fell on my knees.

Danzella Joseph

Well, all they {School authorities} did was bring me to the health center and the health center sent me to St.Jude's. They brought me back to the office were they sent me on a teachers car to transport me to S.Jude's  ( NOT via an Ambulance ). When I arrived at St.Jude's they put me to sit as an ordinary patient waiting. After wards all they did was an EKG and discharge me with medication no blood test, nothing..... Well my mother is not pleased with it…. she went to the school to see what was going on.

The principal stated that he wasn't aware of the broken switch in the classroom, but he had already got it fixed  as the school term was coming…… when this was a lie. The switch has been broken a month since school close for Christmas.

 My mom isn't accepting that St.Jude's didn't do much for me, so she's taking me to a private doctor. The school gave her the insurance paper and sent her off. I visited the doctor yesterday where I had to do multiple test at Tapion "Blood Test ,CBC, kidney and liver test etc."  He also said that it may not affect me now but later on in life it might.  So right now I have to go back to the doctor."

A wing of the Choiseul Secondary

 When contacted by telephone, the school's principal, Mr Augier, who's negligence almost cost a student her life, remarked, "I have nothing to say. Contact the chief." Who is the chief I asked? "The Chief Education Officer" he rudely responded and hung up.

Mr Augier must realize that he is answerable to the parents and by extension, the general public who pays for his salary. He has nothing to say he says, when in fact it is due to his negligence and oversight that this student  was exposed to this hazard in a classroom. The child's parents should really make him have his day in court so he can tell the judge, "I have nothing to say, ask the chief"

Sad day for Choiseul Secondary.

CIE Ltd Puts The Forgotten Communities Back On The Map.

Sections Road conditions before works began

While Mighty Pele’s song “Cest Tradicion Noel”  with the chorus “Belle wad epi Sooleay say tradicion Noel” is befitting for the normal citizen who thinks of partying and “Bon Tan”, for the residents of The Forgotten Communities ,“Belle Chemen poo Noel kar menen ple moun epi business an cummin la.” To do a little transliteration, it says, ‘While Mighty Pele’s nice clothes and shoes are traditions of Christmas for the ordinary citizen who thinks of partying, for the forgotten communities we think than nice roads for Christmas brings more persons  and business in the community.” This is a fact. Residents in the Forgotten Communities have seen a significant drop in their relatives coming home for Christmas as well and a reduced number in vehicular traffic over the years. They complained about the deterioration of the road network.

Before and after near Amelin

This is changing as I write this piece. CIE Ltd a top rated Construction firm on the island has been given the task to make the people of the Forgotten Communities happy for this coming season. The company has been contracted to rehabilitate the road from Debreuil to Myers Bridge. We the residents of the Forgotten Communities welcome this. For too long we  have cried and wept over this semblance of a road – vehicular traffic has almost come to a standstill, and a few bus drivers  have withdrawn their service altogether.

Road by wall near Evans

The owners of business in these communities themselves have made their voices heard. Two or three of them have written to the media complaining about the poor state of the roads. Their sales have been miserable and now there is a sigh of relief as they see works are ongoing. When this road which serves the communities was in good shape, commuters travelling from Vieux Fort to Soufriere or vice-versa used it as a bypass –it cuts travel time by about fifteen minutes or more. Due to the frequent traffic the business places got more sale opportunities. One can very well see why their enthusiasm about the road being rehabilitated.

Road widening in Montete

A reliable source has informed ‘Choiseul On The Move” that the CEO of the company is doing part of the work at his own expense since the finance allocated to the project would leave part of the road in the same condition it is now. But Mr Gajadhar, and his willingness to uplift people and communities have decided to continue the works to the finish – up to Myers Bridge. The residents of The Forgotten Communities say “BRAVO” and a big thank you to CIE’s CEO. Rarely do we see such initiatives coming from contractors. This is a feather in Mr Gajadhar’s cap.

A finished section in Roblot

 As the name signifies – The Forgotten Communities, we were almost isolated – traffic was not coming through, few strangers were seen in the communities, persons were not leaving their homes to go anywhere – it was virtually  lost communities. Work is now full  speed ahead on the road; the humongous pot holes are being patched, other worse places are being resurfaced and the section between Montete and Myers Bridge is being widened considerably.

With the road nearing completion, one will definitely see more traffic passing through the area, commuters plying the routes as before, more persons coming into the community, off and on a taxi driver on his way to Soufriere from Vieux Fort or vice versa, showing off our lush green landscape, and  the business places seeing an increase in sales.

The Forgotten Communities will once more be on the map of visibility. Thanks to all the Facebook fans of the group "The Forgotten Communities" who without their support would probably never see this works. Thank you, so much. We are on!!!!!!!!!!

Is Sarah Looking At The Choiseul/Saltibus Seat?

"Elections coming, Politics playing,

Dem running par esee, running par la,

Asking for me vote,

But if deh want me vote

Dem have to be positive,

cause dis year,

                                                          Me en playing coco makak."  

The above is the chorus to a calypso I wrote in 1992 for a standard  4 participant in the Annual Roblot Primary School Calypso Competition.  Up to this day no school in the district can follow this legacy  left by Mrs Lucy Nicholas, and of course your humble servant. Bravo to this Ex- principal for taking music to another level at her school during her stewardship. I salute you madam.
Yes, all the signs are there, that elections may be early next year - some say early March, while others predict not later than May. Come what may, Choiseulians will  have to cope with three different genres of music. It is picking up steam in the watering holes around the district that Choiseulians will this coming elections have to dance to Labour's soca music, UWP's  lover's rock reggae, and PPP's concoction of soca and lovers rock - ou tan!

Rufus Bousquet

This, my dear readers is what Choiseulians have allowed to fester over the years. Up to this point in time, it is sad that no one, born, bred and raised Choiseulian have had the gonads to see himself /herself worthy or capable to represent this district? What is wrong with our Psyche in this part of St Lucia? We just lay back and allow our affairs to handled by persons with no personal interest in our development. It's ok........say sar nou kar dee! Bunch of jokers, taking us for a ride year after year, political term after political term, and we sit on our laurels spitting at the wind. What is wrong with us?
So now Rufus has played his cards, used the jokers in this constituency and have finally left them flat on their face and joined a new party. Hey, be careful here........ it is alleged. Rufus have frightened the shit out of everyone of the aspiring politicians in this constituency....take it or leave....it is a fact. Never be gullible to the foolishness some of them come around saying, "UWP en ready yet!" Oh yea, I'd rather think that they are the ones that are not ready YET.(barring Jimmy Haynes.. what is he up to now?) Lame excuses after lame excuses. the bottom line is that they are not sure what Rufus is about and so he scares them to death. And he Rufus knowing this kept playing the nincompoops throughout. So much for this.

Sarah Flood-Beaubrun

Enter Sarah Flood. This blog has been reliably informed that at least three supporters of the UWP in the district have contacted Mrs Flood and ask her to contest the seat. According to my sources, she has not given any answer, but may be considering it. She plans to be in the district this week to feel the pulse on the ground.
What do I think about it? I know that's what's at the back of your mind right now. I don't care. Remember I made a statement on Facebook that I may not drink your coffee but at the right price I will sell it for you. Get my drift? I have been burnt, wrongly accused, used to the highest end....par men ancor!.
On the lighter side, Sarah is a complete politician with a passion for people. I think ladies are more  receptive to the needs of people and it is possible that she may be the prayer Choiseul has waited for so long.Finally with no one from Choiseul showing face, I endorse Sarah her totally.

Lorne Theophilus

Labour's soca  music continues to play, while the hacks, regardless of the emptiness in their bellies, continue to dance and make believe that all is OK. It is not.
There is no doubt that one will see an increase in capital works around the district in the coming months. Work has already started on the Debreuil to Myers Bridge. The shop owners may very well see an increase in business as more commuters will use this short route to and from Vieux fort or Soufriere.
Lorne's representation leaves much to be desired, but this is for another post, soon.
Come next elections will we see Sarah - Rufus - Lorne  playing their genres of music with the hope that Choiseuilians will make one of them their preferred choice? Choiseulians, I am sure this time around, will be chanting "this year, me en playing coco makak"

The 'Private Matter" That Has The Semblance Of A Conspiracy Theory Unfolding?

Do you know Dr.Walid Juffalli? Do you know when St Lucia got to know him? Do you know who his first St Lucian contact was? Does he have any investments in this country? Does Mr Juffalli have any experience in Maritime affairs? Finally, what makes him eligible for the post of St Lucia's High commissioner to London? Is it "De Money" or is it a conspiracy to immune him from paying up? Questions, questions, questions which many St Lucians have no answers to. 

Walid Jufalli

Dr.Walid  Jufalli is Saint Lucia's Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, based in London. He was appointed in April 2014. He is a rich Saudi oil tycoon whose family business has a net worth is about USD 6.2b. He is involved in a  divorce case and with his ex-wife, Estrada wants a share in his 4 four billion pounds property in London. But his diplomatic immunity shelters him from the court case. "Ou wer bagai."

"The Government of Saint Lucia has noted the concerns of individuals in response to a story carried in the Daily Telegraph, a United Kingdom-based newspaper, on Nov. 9, in relation to Saint Lucia's Representative to the International Maritime Organization, Dr. Walid Juffali." says the Government

Victor La Corbiniere

But let's start by taking some of what the Legal Affairs Ministry of the Government of St Lucia had to say and the counter statements made by the Daily Mail of UK.

Government of St Lucia:   "To date, Dr. Juffali has conducted his duties to the highest expectations of the Government of Saint Lucia. In addition to advancing the goals of Saint Lucia in the IMO and sourcing investment for Saint Lucia..... The appointment of Dr. Juffali is consistent with the efforts of the Government to appoint trade and investment envoys to assist in the promotion of Saint Lucia and to attract investment."

UK Daily Mail: "The IMO ensures security regulations are met across the world’s shipping industry. Records reveal that of the 27 IMO meetings held in the 19 months since Mr Juffali’s appointment, he has not attended a single one."

Ernest Hilaire

One can safely deduce that Ernest Hilaire may have been Mr.Jufalli's first St Lucian contact. According to the Daily Mail, Ernest Hiliare met with Mr Jufalli after which the latter traveled to St Lucia. "......it is understood that Mr Juffali made his first trip to St Lucia. The visit was prompted by a meeting with St Lucia’s then High Commissioner to London, Ernest Hillaire." The Daily Mail continued. "So impressed was Mr Hillaire by Mr Juffali’s business credentials that he apparently almost immediately agreed to stand down from his role as St Lucia’s permanent representative to the IMO – and instead recommended to the island’s Prime Minister Kenny Anthony that Mr Juffali take his place." Mr Hilaire has since stood down from his post as High Commissioner.

Does Mr Jufalli have any investments on island?  The Government had this to say:

"Dr. Juffali has initiated his first major project for Saint Lucia - the establishment of a medical research industry. This project was announced in the Throne Speech of 2015..... 

...... [and] Dr. Juffali's‎ second project has been to investigate the establishment of a Global Diabetes Research Centre in Saint Lucia in response to the chronic levels of diabetes in the country."

"Last year’s appointment, accompanied by a string of alleged investments"......"(despite spending hardly any time on the Caribbean island)"........led to Mr Juffali’s name being added to London’s Diplomatic List." says the UK based newspaper. 

 

Christina Estrada

 The whole interest in Mr Juffali seem to stem from the fact that his ex-wife, Christina Estrada has filed a divorce matter against him only to find out that her ex-husband has diplomatic immunity based on his appointment as St Lucia’s permanent representative to the UN’s International Maritime Organisation. 

The daily mail reports that. "Mr Juffali, 60, faces questions about his newly acquired ‘diplomatic immunity’, which may allow him to avoid the costly divorce case altogether. It is a move which could leave Ms Estrada without any binding financial agreement and could go down in history as one of the most elaborate ploys ever used to avoid a settlement."

The oil tycoon denies any wrong doing, but you will agree that his timing is perfect.  The government rates him as a highly successful philanthropist and businessman and coins this issue as a "private matter".

What say you, A Private Matter or A Conspiracy theory? 

Sources: Read more: http://legalaffairs.govt.lc/news/statement-on-dr-walid-juffali
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3318877/Extraordinary-twist-4billion-divorce-bust-Saudi-oil-tycoon-ex-wants-share-fortune.html#ixzz3rwrVoLZ1