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

Tyler Theophane Did it For Choiseul, Again! (Videos)

Former Queens - Kim -1998, Shiryna-2003

Choiseul has done it again. Is there some magic about our girls that see them excelling in many facets of life - winning the coveted title of St Lucia’s Carnival Queen being one of these facets? Well then you cannot doubt that in a space of eighteen years three girls with roots in Choiseul have grabbed St Lucia’s National Carnival Queen‘s Crown - Kim D’Auvergne in 1998, daughter of yours truly, Shirnya Stephen in 2003, daughter of Juliana Stephen of Reunion, and in 2016, Tyler Theophane, daughter of Esther Theophane of Cafierre.

Speaking with one of the winning contestants mom who was overjoyed with Tyler’s crowning blasted out,”It’s time Castries people learn to know that Choiseul is part of St Lucia.”They have no regard for us. This is just the beginning.” This mentality I must confess is gradually changing.

Tyler was superb. She carried herself elegantly throughout the competition, and without a doubt her costume was dazzling to put it mildly - no to forget the originality of the song which she so skillfully performed.

Tyler Theophane

But who is Tyler Theophane? Tyler Theophane, young, talented, ambitious eighteen years old, is from the small community of Cafeiere which is seated at the foothills of the Choiseul district, approximately seven kilometers west of the village. Her early involvement in dance productions, singing and acting, gave her the urge to want to be part of talent shows and eventually drawing her interests to the world of pageantry and there she fell in love.

She is currently a member of the SLU MADE Group and the Cafeiere youth group in her community. In SLU MADE in her capacity as PRO she assists the little communities and also the elderly by providing hampers to these people. Upon completion of college, she intends on joining the National Trust where she hopes to join the fight to protect the environment. From then, she intends on continuing her studies in hopes of becoming an environmentalist.

Tyler in Evening wear 

 She frequently uses a quote which she sees as motivation by Andre Kyle Dionisio which reads “Try and fail than failing to try”. It is through these words of wisdom she got the courage to represent her previous school, Choiseul Secondary at the St .Lucia Junior Achievement competition. As PRO of the Junior Achiever’s Club she also had the opportunity to go to Mexico to represent St. Lucia.

 Her mother’s involvement in voluntary activities and groups, has given Tyler the extra zeal to get involved in voluntary work herself.

That Wow moment

After all the parades the results were finally in for the 2016 Carnival Queen Show Pageant:-

1.    Ms Photogenic      -        Tyler Theophane

2.    Ms Congeniality      -       Shartoya Jn Baptiste

3.    Best Swimwear              Tyler Theophane

4.    Best Costume       -        Tyler Theophane

5.    Most Outstanding Talent – Shartoya Jn Baptiste

6.    Best Interview        –         Shartoya Jn Baptiste

7.    Best Evening Wear  –         Anna-Kim Williams

Tyler displaying her talent

And the moment everyone had been waiting for;already one could hear faint echoes in the crowd, “Tyler,Tyler,Tyler!” Well it was not long when the master of ceremonies let it out. “And now for the results.....” he blasted in the microphone.

Third runner-up – Ms Kaysia Vermeil, Ms Digicel 484pts

Second runner-up – Ms Racquel John – Ms st Lucia Zooks 487 pts

First runner-up – Ms Shartoya Jn Baptiste – Ms SuperJ 507 pts

Winner of 2016 Nationa Carnival Queen with 544 – Ms Tyler Theophane - Ms FICS.

The District Parliamentary Representative, Hon Bradly Felix and all Choiseulians both here and abroad wish Tyler Theophane success on her journey as St Lucia’s ambassador.

The 2016 Carnival Queen Contestants

The contestants as shown in the pic above: Top from left to right - Tyler,Bernella, Shartoya,and Kaysia. Bottom from left to right - Anna-Kim, Racquel, Sheris and Kerline. Finally, Congrats from “Choiseul on the Move!” to Tyler Theophane.You did it,and made us all a  proud district.

Choiseul-Saltibus Enters The Dawn of A New Day!

New direction

On June 6, 2016, Choiseul voted to change what passed over four and a half years for a semblance of parliamentary representation of its people. Some will say it was long overdue, while others on the other side of the divide will consider it a bad choice. Whatever it is – the people have spoken. For those that supported the losing side Dr. Steve Maraboli puts it nicely. “Be open enough to see opportunities. Be wise enough to be grateful. Be courageous enough to be happy.”

There appeared to have been a national dissatisfaction with the SLP – not with the candidates per se, but rather with Dr Kenny Anthony, the leader of SLP. A case in point – Webby, if I have it correct swung over to the UWP side this last election. Not because he does not like Lorne (they are relatives) but rather his dislike, to put it lightly, for Kenny Anthony, This was the mood expressed throughout the country. It even reflected in his constituency as well where the margin of his victory was minimal.

Lorne Theophilus

Lorne, the past parliamentarian gradually became unpopular with a number of his core supporters and this itself filtered down to the constituents. This was coupled with his irregular visits to the various constituencies. After handing Rufus his fair share of sticks during the 2006 campaign – ti canal, footpaths etc, Lorne went into the same infrastructural malaise which he so vociferously criticized Rufus for.

Lorne got it all wrong with his management style. I am not an expert on managerial skills but I sure can see when one is not working. Any candidate who has won in Polling Division I5, have always over the last elections won below 40. This time around a new comer Bradly Felix whooped Lorne Theophilus, the incumbent by 124 votes. Do you know why? Simple, his bluffs, his unkept promises, his 5 visits out of 1676 days of his tenure, and there was that notion he was only fighting for his political pension, was too much for the people to support him anymore.

Choiseul-Saltibus General Election results 2016

With reference to the figure on the left you will notice that about 60.03% or 5321 of 8864 of the registered voters turned out to vote the third largest turn out with Anse la Raye and Soufriere having turnouts of 60.91 and 60.59% respectively. Bradley secured 58.3% or 2995 while lorne captures 41.7% or 2143 of the votes cast. A comfortable lead of 852. There were 183 rejected votes. But in an earlier call to the electoral office as I started analyzing the statistics revealed as you will see at the bottom of the figure that 96% or 24 of the 25 ballot boxes have been counted. According to the electoral department they are in the process of inputing more data.

It is a new day for St Lucia! And the slogan “Change is coming” did hold its own during the General Elections. But Socrates says. “The secret of change is to focus all our energy, not on building the old, but on building the new.”  Yes, let’s get to work; focus our energies to build a new Choiseul-Saltibus and by extension a new St Lucia and forget the old. Let the petty partisan politics find no room in our chambers of development. Choiseul-Saltibus MUST put colours aside and RALLY WITH BRADLY in this dawn of a new day.

Bradley, Responsible For Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs.

Prime Minister of St Lucia

At yesterday’s lavish swearing in ceremony the Governor General on the advice of the Prime minister, The Hon Allen M. Chastanet, Prime Minister of St Lucia, informed the massive gathering at the Phillip Marcellin Stadium, in the Constituency opf Vieux Fort the name of each Minister and his/her allocated ministry. Allen Chastanet who was already sworn-in on June 7th, 2016 as Prime Minister, was announced to a thunderous applause as the Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and Public Service.

The full slate of Ministers are:-

1. Allen M. Chastanet – Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and Public Service

2. Dr Gale Rigobert -Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development

3. Ezechiel Joseph – Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives

4. Stephenson King – Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour

5. Guy Joseph – Minister of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation

Bradley Swearing-in as a Minister

6. Lenard Montoute – Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government

7. Edmund Estephane – Minister within the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government

8. Senator Hermangild Francis – Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security

9. Senator Mary Isaac – Minister for Health and Wellness

10. Bradley Felix – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs

11. Dominic Fedee – Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Information and Broadcasting

12. Jimmy Henry – Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives

13. Senator Fortuna Belrose – Minister within the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government

14. Senator Ubaldus Raymond – Minister in the Ministry of Finance

15. Herod Stanislas – – Minister within the Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation

Bradley Felix

Bradley Felix’s Job in government  will be concerned with promoting economic growth. Being the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, he is responsible to promote job creation and improved living standards for all St Lucians by creating an infrastructure that promotes economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development among other things. Among his tasks, are gathering economic and demographic data for business and government decision-making, and helping to set industrial standards. Bravo young man!!!!!!

Earlier in the ceremony five senators were given warrant of their appointment . They were Hermangild Francis, Mary Isaac, Fortuna Belrose, Jimmy Henry and Ubaldus Raymond. They,  later during the ceremony were offered ministerial positions. 

This blog,"Choiseul On The Move" believes, with Bradley's background experience in banking and finance, this job should be "a piece of cake." Choiseul-Saltibus wishes him and by extension the Prime Minister and the other Ministers of Cabinet all the very best and good luck in their respective portfolios. 

Youth Power - Rock the Vote by Nyus Alfred

Sometime ago we presented a young talented female writer, who wanted her name withheld and  who expressed her views on Lorne Theophilus' tenure. Today we present a talented young man by the name of Nyus Alfred who is spearheading the #ISTANDUP  campaign in favour of Bradley Felix. Here is his piece:
"Today I was challenged to provide justification for the ‪#‎ISTANDUP‬ with Bradly movement. Of course, I duly accept, and I will give you REASON #1, and ask that you join the #ISTANDUP movement as we look to bring change to Choiseul/Saltibus.
For the creation of a holistic youth development plan to tap into the talents of the youth of Choiseul- in sports, arts, music, business, agriculture and education, #ISTANDUP
HOW?

Nyus Alfred

For the implementation of grassroots developmental cricket and football programs for youth 5 years and older, #ISTANDUP. Sports has always been an essential part of the Choiseul/Saltibus community, especially cricket, and these programs will help nurture talents in these sports, to continue our tradition of producing top class sportsmen and women.
For the repair, maintenance and development of sporting infrastructure in Choiseul/Saltibus, to provide first class facilities to help harness the talent among our youth, #ISTANDUP
For the creation of a youth help desk to assist the youth of Choiseul/Saltibus in taking advantage of the various educational and employment opportunities available, #ISTANDUP.
For the creation of model farms across the communities, which will provide employment for our young people, #ISTANDUP.
For increased collaboration with the Choiseul Youth and Sports Council and youth leaders to help identify the various issues affecting the youth of the community, and for working together to find amicable solutions, #ISTANDUP
For recognizing the excellence among our youth in all fields, through support of the annual CYSC awards, #ISTANDUP

To be continued…..

For the creation of programs to support the underprivileged youth with our schools, #ISTANDUP
#ISTANDUP with Bradly Felix for Choiseul/Saltibus because he does more than believe in the youth; He has a PLAN to develop the youth! With Bradly we will create a culture that not just accepts youth, but celebrates youth. The Youth Movement is about to get into overdrive in Choiseul/Saltibus, so make sure that you get on board! ‪#‎YOUTHPOWER‬ ‪#‎ROCKTHEVOTE‬"

Bradley Felix plans to address unemployment in Choiseul - By Samuel Sukhnandan

Bradley Felix

As unemployment continues to plague the island, United Workers Party (UWP) candidate, Bradley Felix, plans to play his part in tackling the issue head on, in Choiseul, if elected the constituency’s Member of Parliament (MP).

Felix said this is not just his plan for Choiseul, but it is also part of his party’s vision to create sustainable jobs for all Saint Lucians, particularly young people, who are most affected by this issue.

While acknowledging that it would require hard work and dedication, the banker said he is prepared to make it a reality for the people of his beloved community.

In a recent interview with Saint Lucia News Online (SNO), Felix said that the issue of unemployment is on the lips of many persons, not only in Choiseul, but throughout the length and breadth of Saint Lucia.

“You hear about it, but until you start visiting houses and you realize that every other house has some young person, who has left school three, four, five years ago, and they are still home, unemployed and unable to get employment, you ask yourself whether the unemployment figure is accurate,” he said.

The UWP candidate who spoke passionately about bringing drastic changes to Choiseul, said he plans on tapping into the tourism and agriculture sectors to address the unemployment issue.

Checking on the Arts and Craft

Felix believes that Choiseul has the potential to develop a heritage tourism market, especially since the constituency is known for having a lot of Saint Lucia’s historic sites, rivers and parks. This, he said, will help to create employment opportunities for people of all ages there.

“I think we need to start thinking outside of the box and create some opportunities to get the tourist dollar and for them to stop in the community. Right now, the tourist just pass through the community. You have the occasional people, who come and climb the Pitons, and people who come and look for specific craft components, but you don’t get people stopping in the community,” he explained.

He argued that despite the current MP is the incumbent tourism minister and the fact that Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony is from Choiseul, this does not change anything, because the people in that constituency have been left out and no one has really benefited from the tourism dollar.

Bradley on his Pineapple farm

Model farms

Felix has his eyes set on creating model farms for Choiseul, which will hopefully attract young people to the agriculture sector. He explained that government would have to first subsidize the project, but it will then be left up to the young people to take ownership of it, and get a meaningful income.

Choiseul is already known as a fishing and farming village. But Felix thinks that there have been a lot of lip service as it relates to agriculture, although the area has very fertile lands which could be used for agriculture purposes.

“A couple of years ago, it was identified for housing development and I think we need to identify what is best for housing and what is good for agriculture,” he added.

Felix promises not only to do more, but  is aiming to change the face of politics in the country, where the people are put first, and where politicians start showing respect for the people they serve.

“The people are only recognized as masters when it comes to election time, as it is happening right now. All of a sudden, the people are the biggest concern and you forget about them until the next election. I really plan to provide a different kind of representation and to make myself accessible to the people.”

The banker expressed confidence in winning the seat based on several factors, when asked about his chances in the next election.

Felix said he is a genuine person, who has a good relationship with people of all walks of life in the constituency and beyond.

Mingling with the Gia Bois residents

“What you see is what you get. I don’t try to play the normal political role that people play, where you find they are trying to meet with grass roots people and trying to put themselves in areas they are not comfortable with. That’s not me. I have always been a people’s person and a community person.”

He said when he goes to sit down and talk with the people now, it is not something new to him, because he has always been engaged with them. “This is not something that I am doing because of politics. I would help the fishermen pull their boats in and sit down with the guys on the block discussing issues, playing games, going on the farms. It’s just my way of life.”

Felix has been a banker for most of his professional career. He has worked in the banking industry for over 32 years. His last position was senior manager for Corporate Banking at the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company (ECFH) or what is commonly referred to as the Bank of Saint Lucia

Slide show

Source: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/bradley-felix-plans-to-address-unemployment-in-choiseul/

Editor's note: Pics and video belongs to Choiseul on the Move

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