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

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

Hon Allen Chastanet - PM of St Lucia

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

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

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  “We must decide whether the United Nations can continue to be a place where we lament our outdated grievances or a place where we begin to forge common ground.”

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

No access towards Sab Wisha

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

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

Present state of the Pond

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

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

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

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

More distress for fishers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UWP Choiseul Constituency Branch Registered Voters Retain Tucker's Crew

Section of the registered voters

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

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

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

The Constituency Branch Executive

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

Gilbert Isaac                -       Chairman

Brian Charles              -       Vice Chairman

Lucilla Anatole           -        Secretary

Ellen Francois             -        Tresurer

Melanie Mitchel           -        Women's Officer

Peter Phillip                -        Welfare Officer

Christopher Gustave   -        Public Relations Officer

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

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

Darrion Andre Jr Louis having a moment

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

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

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

Voting process in progress

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

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

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

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

Will Prime Minister Chastanet Disclose Any Surprises Today?

House in session

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

HOWEVER, THE ORDER PAPER FOR THE SESSION ARE: -

·         PRAYERS 

·         ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER 

·         ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER 

·         STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS 

·         APPOINTMENT OF SESSIONAL COMMITTEES

·         PAPERS TO BE LAID

PAPERS TO BE LAID :

Prime Minister Hon Allen Chastanet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Integrity Commission – Annual Report 2015

Hon Bradly Felix

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hon Ezekiel Joseph

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

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

Hon Guy Joseph

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

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

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

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

MOTION: 

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

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

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

 Money Laundering (Prevention) (Amendment)    -  First Readin

To Cut or Not To Cut - Mosquitoes using Guerrilla Warfare

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

The Screw Pine

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

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

Aedes mosquito

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

Fogging in Roblot in Aug. 2011

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

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

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

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

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

Choiseul UWP Executive Member Clashes With The Party.

A recent statement by our Parliamentary District Representative on his Facebook page seems to have not sat well with one KN G-Nicholas, who claims to be with the St Lucia National Trust (SLNT) and a member of the Choiseul UWP Executive Branch. 

Sealing the deal?

Bradley's Statement reads, "Today [July 29, 2016] the Government of Saint Lucia signed an agreement with Master Developer DSH Caribbean Star Limited for the development of The 'Pearl of the Caribbean' in Vieux Fort which is valued at over USD2.6 billion. The project will comprise a marina, a horse racecourse, a resort and shopping mall complex, casino, Free Trade Zone, extensive entertainment and leisure facilities, eco-tourism as well as architecturally designed villas and apartments and will create 500-800 jobs during the construction phase."

The young lady in question, is concerned about where the "Pearl of the Caribbean" will be located. "Hope its not in the mangrove area." she states.

The United Workers Party (St Lucia)  page issued this statement in reply to Ms KN G-Nicholas' queries. "Hi Ms.Nicholas, the mangrove area will form part of the proposed development, however the environmental concerns have been shared with the developer. Several things will be done to address this. Firstly the developer will be responsible for having the garbage dump relocated as the waste from the dump is currently causing the mangroves to decay. A team of scientists brought in by the developer has confirmed that this is the source. Currently another location for the dump is being identified. Secondly this development is Eco-Friendly and the developer has given his assurance and commitment to ensure that a project is undertaken to restore the life of the mangrove. The mangrove area will actually serve to compliment the development. Further information on the Environmental impact of this project will be publicized to get public opinion and feedback."

The show is just about to start. "Really are you aware of the SLNTs current efforts towards the rehabilitation of the mangrove? The young lady ready to assert her "know it all" type of attitude.

She continues, "Do you know that technical personnel from Grenada and TNC are on island this weekend as part of an ongoing mangrove rehabilitation project?"

Well, surely the party writer  would not be caught in a "harlaykarsay" with this determined lady. Since no more statements was coming from the UWP end the young lady continued to posture and more or less letting the UWP writer know that she is an expert on environmental issues.....so I take it.

KN G-Nicholas

She continued. "Can those assessments which were done to determine that it was indeed the dump the only factor in mangrove dieback be shared? I would love to have a read my interest is indeed heightened. I'd love to compare with the results of current tests being done."

"Do you know the importance of mangrove? Also why the narrow minded response....." she responded to a comment. Though her concerns may be legitimate, "Choiseul on The Move" surely did not hear her articulate her concerns about the mangrove at Sab Wisha when the construction of a Hotel was announced by Lorne Theophilus for the area just prior to the last General Elections. Did you hear her? What hypocrisy! 

But by then the Facebook page was being flooded with comments congratulating  Bradly, but also there was  a sense of disdain for the young lady's comments.

Ferleen Verneuil-joseph  and Ian Ferdinand  replied to her comments with "Abaybon St. Lisien smh." and "Where were you when kda gave away paradis where was SLNT?" respectively

A young man by the name of Rage Anderson put it to her like this. "Miss take a chill pill. Who cares about some stupid mangrove when there are thousands of hungry ppl out there. Government trying to create employment and you talkin about mangrove? Woman you to bright for this country. If its all good with ur life then thank god. There are struggling people out there. How will the bills pay? How will da kids go to skool.. How will the kids have a meal. You care about that?? Seems u prefer thousands of kids starving just to save a stupid mangrove."  

Clearly, it appears that the need for jobs has the priority here. The environmental issues on the mangrove preservation in the comments appear to take second place to job creation in the country.

Support for this development in the south, among others, came from:-

Sharon Boriel "Wooohoooo!! Development for the south!"

Julie Didier - Commissiong "Whenever it's done ....n I come on vac...I can look forward...2 spending more time in the south.....not only the north...!!!!"

Rose Aristide "Way to go Bradley you mean business ! You in to win always ! Make St Lucia great again !"

Earnest Parsad "Go Bradley go Vfort  needs a face Lift."

and Domitiana Rene "All the best my government."

"Choiseul on the Move" looks forward to seeing many of our own get employment both at the construction level and of course during the operation of the "Pearl of the Caribbean and last but not least a balanced approach with concerns for the environment.

Nia J Constantine Uplifts Roblot Combined School (videos)

Nia J Constantine

The results of two thousand four hundred and nineteen (2419) candidates were processed for the 2016 Common Entrance Examination. Of these, one thousand two hundred and seventy-three (1273) or 52.63% were male and one thousand one hundred and forty six (1146) or 47.37% were female. Forty–four (44) candidates were provided with accommodations including large print, reader, scribe and reader-scribe. A total of thirty-two (32) candidates were absent.

For this year’s examination, the composite scores ranged from 14.33% to 96.33%. The national mean was 62.73% representing a decrease of 1.05% when compared to the 2015 national mean of 63.78%. One thousand two hundred and eighty (1280) or 52.91% of the candidates scored at or above the national mean, while one thousand one hundred and thirty-nine (1139) or 47.09% scored below the mean. Two thousand two hundred and fifty (2250) students were assigned to twenty three secondary school. A total of one hundred and sixty-nine (169) students were unassigned.

At the district level, Roblot Combined School has every reason to be a proud school this year. What a better gift to give Mrs Monica Bernard, school principal, who has retired at the end of this school year. An almost similar situation occurred at the Dugard Combined School a few years ago, when the school placed first in the district and the top Grade six teacher retired that same year. The Roblot school has had its fair share of problems and this year they have conquered and came out swinging. This year the school has placed first in Choiseul and by extension District 7. Nia did it for them.

Graduation - Pic of Nia - 4th L- R back row

Nia J Constantine, daughter of Sadia Auguste and Neave Constantine, of the Roblot Combined School topped the schools’ average in district 7 and ranked 5^th on the island with a score of 94%. She is assigned to VFSS.

A total of seventy (70) schools wrote this year’s examination. Thirty three (33) schools attained a mean above the national mean. Twenty eight (28) of these schools were public and five (5) were private. 

Districts one, two, three and seven attained a mean greater than the national mean of 62.73%.   District 7 of which Choiseul and Laborie schools belong entered 174 candidates. Of these 93 of them scored at or above the national mean, at a mean performance of 64.04%.

Schools in Choiseul with means at or above the National Mean

School                           No. Sat       Mean Performance (%)

Roblot Combined             10                  73.47

Dugard Combined              9                  72.96

Reunion Primary               24                  67.39

Mongouge Combined        16                   66.94

Piaye Combined               13                   64.21

Delcer Combined              16                  63.79

Saltibus Combined            20                  63.08

 Quite noticeably absent from the above list this year is the Rivere Combined School which only managed a mean 62.40 %. Last year from the Riviere Doree Combined, eight out of nine students passed above average, giving a score of 73.70 - the school then ranked 7th on island with Piaye Combined in 3rd place.

                                                Pics of Nia's Moments 

When compared to 2015, many schools nationally showed an increase in mean performance ranging from 0.04% to 13.85%. 

The schools in Choiseul which recorded improvement in their mean performance over 2015 are:

• Saltibus Combined from 49.23 in 2015 to 63.08 this year, an increase of 13.85%. 
• Roblot Combined from 61.17 last year to 73.47 this year, an increase of 12.30%.
• Dugard Combined from 62.07 to 72.96 in 2016, an increase of 10.89%.                Last year, according to the ministry, Saltibus Combined was among the five schools with the least-favourable performances, where three out of 16 students passed above average.

Upon hearing the results the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon Bradley Felix had to say. “A special monumental honor goes out to Nia Constantine of Roblot Combined School. Nia has worked excellently in achieving her goals for this examination. We are proud of your accomplishment.” To the other students, he continued, "I would like to extend a heartfelt salutation to all of the Choiseul-Saltibus students who participated in this year's common entrance examination.All of you have done your utmost in succeeding in your exams. I believe that this is a step forward for you in achieving your goals and dreams. Dedication and perseverance is the key to success. Work hard, have fun and stay focused."

"Choiseul on the Move" joins in the congratulations and wishes Nia all the best that the future brings. Go for it girl!!!

                                               Principal's farewell ceremony