A pair of Sebago shoes.

A man who stole cash and shoes from a villa over four years ago is now a free man after a High Court judge determined that his time served on remand was sufficient to atone for his crimes.

Jason Henry was on remand at Bordelais Correctional Facility since December 2008 – for four years and five months — when he was charged with robbery.

According to court records, on December 22, 2008, the complainant, Mathew Pissaro occupied a villa at the Marigot Villas in Marigot, Castries.  At about 11:30 pm, he attended a barbeque with his family. Whilst there, he left his wallet containing US$600 and EC$500 in his bedroom, along with a pair of Sebago shoes.  At about 7 am the following day, he realised that the shoe was missing, and the wallet was missing the cash.

Pissaro reported the incident to villa management who called the police.

The police reviewed tapes from CCTV cameras and noticed a suspect, who was later identified as Henry.

When arrested, Henry confessed to the robbery and returned the Sebago shoes.  He has been on remand since then.

On Thursday, Justice Francis Cumberbatch accepted a guilty plea and expedited the matter by sentencing Henry to time served for the offence.

Henry, whose last known offence was a suspended sentence in 2007, walked out of the High Court a free man within minutes of his matter being called.

The Crown had no objection to the matter being discharged.

In the High Court on Thursday, May 16, 2013, Justice Francis Cumberbatch presided over a docket of 80 cases, many of which were incidents of carnal knowledge, indecent assault on a minor, incest and rape.

Though some of these individuals were arraigned on Thursday, some cases have been adjourned for one of various reasons, which included the absence of counsel or the lack of readiness on both sides to proceed with the matters.

Some of the cases

* In one particular case it is alleged that an Entrepot man, between November 1, 2011 and November 12, 2011, committed indecent assault on three different occasions.  He is also charged with three counts of sexual intercourse with a minor and one count of unlawful sexual connection. The complainant is 14 years old.  The man pleaded not guilty on all seven counts.  His attorney has sought leave from the court to introduce an alibi statement for the proceedings.  The defendant will reappear in court on June 17, 2013 for case management.

* A man from Fond Cacoa, Soufriere on Thursday pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse with a minor.  The incidents took place between December 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.  The child in question was 13 years old at the time.  The man will reappear in court on July 18, 2013 for pre-trial hearings to commence.

* Another man, from Cul De Sac, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape.  This incident took place on August 23, 2012 at Cul de Sac, between 7am and 9am. The man will reappear in court on June 17, 2013 for fixture.  He has decided to enter a defence of alibi.

* A Morne Du Don man pleaded not guilty to four counts of buggery on Thursday.  The incidents took place between August 2010 and April 2011 at Morne Du Don.  The man in question is unrepresented by counsel and will reappear in court on June 27, 2013.

* A man from La Guerre, Baboneau appeared in court Thursday to answer charges of indecent assault on a 15 year old.  The incident took place on June 28, 2011 at about 4 pm.  The man pleaded not guilty to the charge.

* McGregor Emmanuel of Ravine Poisson was last week arraigned for unlawful sexual connection with a minor and sexual intercourse with a minor.  Though he pleaded guilty to the unlawful sexual connection, he pleaded not guilty to the sexual intercourse charge.  The prosecution accepted the guilty plea, and then requested time for prosecutorial consult before proceeding with the other matter.  Emmanuel claims that there was no actual intercourse during the incident which took place between 8:30 pm on January 5, 2012 and 6:30 am on January 6, 2012.  The complainant in the matter was 15 at the time of the incident.  Emmanuel will return to court on June 6, 2013 for report.  He is currently remanded to Bordelais Correctional Facility.

*In June 2011, a man from La Pointe, Dennery allegedly had sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl. On July 16, 2011 it is alleged that he again attempted to sexual intercourse with the minor child.  The man pleaded not guilty to both counts and will reappear in court on July 4, 2013 to answer to the charges.  The child in question is the step daughter of the man; she is now 14 years old.

* A Castries man pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual intercourse with a minor and one count of indecent assault.  The minor in question was 14 years old at the time of the incidents which took place between September 1, 2011 and September 24, 2011 at Hospital Road.  The man will reappear in court on July 18, 2013 and has given notice of his intent to enter an alibi statement for the record.

* Another man from Dennery, this time New Field, will answer to three charges of sexual intercourse with a minor and one count of indecent assault on a minor child. The child in this case is also the step daughter of the defendant and was 14 years old at the time of the incidents.  These incidents took place between October 2011 and December 24, 2011.  The man pleaded not guilty to all four charges and will reappear in court on June 27, 2013 for fixture.

* Lance Felix of Piaye, Laborie faces three separate charges of sexual intercourse with a minor. On Thursday, May 16, 2013, Felix pleaded guilty to the first charge dated Christmas Day 2011. However on the two other charges dated December 26, 2011 at Piaye and April 03, 2012 at Faux a Chaud in Castries, Felix pleaded not guilty.  The victim in this case is a 14-year-old girl.  The prosecution accepted the guilty plea from Felix and asked for some time to consider all options on the two other charges.  Felix will return to court on June 6, 2013 for report. Though bail has been granted in the sum of $4,000, Felix has not been able to post bail and as such, he remains on remand at Bordelais Correctional Facility.

* A financial institution in Castries was the vehicle used in an attempt to defraud CAGE St Lucia Ltd of $17,500.   Orlando Sammerson is the defendant in this matter and pleaded not guilty to the two charges brought against him.  It is alleged that on June 8, 2012, Sammerson entered the institution with the express intent of obtaining cash through dishonesty and uttering false documents (cheque) in order to do so.  Sammerson presented a cheque in his name to a bank teller in the amount of $17,500, dated June 07, 2012.  The cheque was cashed and the monies were handed over to Sammerson.  It was not clear whether any of the cash was recovered from Sammerson at the time of his arrest.  Sammerson will reappear in court on June 27, 2013 for fixture.

* In another matter, Arnauld Henry of Bocage, Castries, is charged with one count of stealing from person.  The incident took place on February 18, 2010.  It is alleged that Henry accosted taxi driver Wendel Cassou in his vehicle and absconding with $1,200 and other documents.  Henry pleaded not guilty to the charge and will appear in court on July 18, 2013 for fixture.

Cleisha-Bernise Una Springer (Photo from Radio Taiwan International)

Taipei (CNA) A woman from Saint Lucia on Sunday won the top prizes in a Mandarin contest in Taipei that sees foreigners competing against each other in telling short stories in Chinese history and reciting Chinese classic poems.

Cleisha-Bernise Una Springer, one of 20 finalists, won the first prize in the speech contest with a fluent presentation of a story about the famous Chinese poet Li Bai.

She also won the poetry award with her recitation of a Tang Dynasty poemand received a total of NT$60,000 (US$2,002) in prize money for the two awards.

The Saint Lucian, who is currently studying Chinese in Taiwan, said she spent two weeks preparing for the contest and plans to use the prize money to pay for her tuition when she enrolls in an Asia-Pacific studies graduate program in Taipei in August.

Meanwhile, in second place is American Matt Hill, who wore a black martial arts outfit and told the story of Wu Song, a character from a classic Chinese novel who slayed a tiger with his bare hands.

He won NT$20,000 in prize money, while Meyer Heloyse Meidan from France took third place and was awarded NT$10,000.

A policeman has been found guilty of being in possession of cannabis whilst on duty in court.

Police Constable Dervin Wilson is charged with possession of a controlled drug and possession with the intent to supply a controlled drug.

According to the Police Information Office, Wilson was arrested on duty at the High Court on July 31, 2012 after he was discovered to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis.

The magistrate ordered a pre-sentencing report and adjourned the case until June 4, 2013.

Shirleyann Mayers

Shirleyann Cyril Mayers, Saint Lucia’s music mogul, will be hosting a double celebration next Saturday at the National Cultural Centre.

This year, Shirleyann, dubbed “Saint Lucia’s Queen of Gospel Music”, marks a grand milestone of 30 years in the gospel music ministry. She also celebrated her 36th birthday in May.

A star-studded cast of fellow gospel music ministers will join her in a grand concert at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, May 25 to mark this milestone.

Joining Shirleyann will be Saint Lucian icon and long-time supporter, Luther Francois; renowned Martiniquan composer Alfred Varasse, who recently performed here for the St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, is returning for the event.

Varasse is the composer of the two tracks on Shirleyann’s recent release, LÉVÉ. All-male Martiniquan chorale, Nativité, is also travelling in for the affair.

Local artistes include Emrand Henry, Nadine Roberts, The James Sisters, Deliverance, Lloyd Alexander, Trinity Girls, Coletta Tappin, the fabulous Labayee Primary School Choir (who will render her youthful hit “Voices”), a 100 strong mass choir complemented by Endedance and Youth A Flame Dance Ministries, and lots more.

Invited guests include the governor general, government ministers, and foreign ambassadors, ministers and members of the corporate community, gospel ministers, many of whom have been avid supporters of Shirleyann over the years.

The public is invited to join in the grand celebration to be held under the theme “Keep Me Praising”.

Tickets are available at ABC Book Centre, Sunshine Bookshops Rodney Bay and Gablewoods and from Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers.

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Eight preschools within Sans Souci and surrounding areas received donations of one book for every child attending the school this week to help in the ongoing battle against illiteracy.

The Raise a Reader SLU book drive was launched at the end of January 2013 by the Celestial Self Development Centre.

To present the donations to the schools, Celestial Self Development Centre hosted a special ceremony at their offices at Sans Souci, Castries on May 22 at 10 am to award the books to the administrators, teachers and students of the eight beneficiary schools, including Kiddies Headstart, New Discovery, Precious Jewels Early Childhood Development Centre, St. Joseph’s Kindergarten, Sure Start Early Childhood Development Centre, Tiny hands, Wee First Early Childhood Development Centre, Mary Jane’s Care and Learning Centre.

The Centre said: “We all value the transformation nature of books and realize that introducing literature and a love of reading can produce powerful change in a child’s life. It is our goal to ensure that every child attending preschools in the Sans Souci area has the opportunity to cherish a book of their very own. And with the assistance of members of the public and especially Project Education based in New York, through Mr. Jeremiah Hyacinth, we are now able to fulfill that goal.

“We thank them for their generosity. We are indeed grateful to everyone who donated books to this initiative and take this opportunity to thank them. The project is ongoing as it is our intention to reach out to a wider cross section of preschoolers in other communities.”

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The Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC) signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BrightPath Foundation, an international non-profit organization, to collaborate on a range of technology education initiatives targeted at the youth.

The MOU signing-ceremony was held at the Government Information Service offices in Castries, on May 21, 2013.

The MOU was signed by NYC President Timothy Ferdinand and Executive Director of BrightPath Foundation, Bevil Wooding.

This joint initiative will help young people gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to seize the opportunities presented by modern information and communications technology.

The partnership is the outcome of the successful experience of implementing St. Lucia’s first ever national Mobile App Development workshop by BrightPath for the NYC in 2012.

The organizations have agreed to deepen the partnership by having BrightPath provide a wider set of its values-based digital content training programs for the National Youth Council. Now, in addition to mobile app development, St. Lucian youth can look forward to programs covering digital photography, digital music, eBook publication and other technology areas, with an emphasis on producing relevant local content.

Ferdinand expressed his delight in advancing the relationship with BrightPath into a more structured and sustainable model.

“This is an historic day for the NYC and the youth of St. Lucia,” he said. “We hope to leverage the alignment of this new agreement with other national initiatives focused on using technology to create new opportunities for St. Lucian youth and to amplify their voice in on national development.”

Wooding said: “This MOU underscores the strengthening partnership between BrightPath Foundation and The St. Lucia National Youth Council in the area of technology innovation and youth empowerment. BrightPath is always on the lookout for collaborations with like-minded organizations to mutually leverage on synergies gained from marrying expertise, technological resources and shared interests. We look forward to a rewarding long-term partnership with the NYC.”

Wooding, who is also the chief knowledge officer of Congress WBN, a faith-based non-profit that already has a history of supporting youth development in St. Lucia, added: “Our aim is not only to meet St Lucia’s growing demand for skilled technology resources, but also to inspire the youth to play a more active role national development. We believe the values-based approach to youth engagement being employed here in St. Lucia can serve as a model for the wider Caribbean.”

The MOU between the parties includes collaboration in the following areas:

* Joint design and delivery of formal courses and informal training programmes in the area of values-based leadership, mobile applications development, and digital content creation;

* Publications in areas of mutual interest to raise public awareness of technology-related issues;

* Development of programmes to build capacity and foster technology-based innovation;

institutional support and leadership development;
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Shalla Raymond

Two persons including a young mother are now confirmed dead following a vehicular accident in Magretoute, Micoud on Wednesday evening.

The victims have been identified as Shalla Raymond of Laborie and Joel Phillip aka Dirty of Cas En Ba, Gros Islet.

Raymond gave birth to a daughter just over a year ago.

Details of how the accident occurred is not yet available but St. Lucia News Online can confirm that it involved a truck and mini-bus with passengers.

Several other persons sustained injuries.

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Joel Phillip, aka Dirty (centre)

Police said they have launched an investigation into the suspected suicide of an elderly man in the south of the island this morning.

According to a police press release, the body of 57-year-old Bertrand Grant aka Bob of La Ressource, Vieux Fort was discovered suspended by a rope from the ceiling of his residence at about 9:00 this morning, Thursday, May 23, 2013.

“Information received suggests he was last seen alive yesterday at about 4 pm,” the release said.

Police said a post mortem will determine the cause of death.

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St Lucia News Online has confirmed reports that a man lost his life this morning following an alleged boating accident in the Reduit/Rodney Bay area at about 7:00.

Reports are that the man was cut in half by the propeller of a boat.

The deceased is reported to be a French national living in Rodney Bay and working with the government on a European Union-funded project.

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The management of Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and officials from the National Workers Union (NWU) have satisfactorily concluded negotiations.

Monthly and fortnightly paid employees with SLASPA within the NWU Bargaining Unit will benefit from an eight percent general wage increase, back pay from March 31, 2012 and adjustments in a few wage scales.

The agreement which will run for a period of three years will have a spread of wage increase of 3.5 percent in Year 1, 2.5 percent in Year 2 and 2 percent in Year 3. The parties have also agreed to work towards a general reclassification structure within a period of two years.

SLASPA and the NWU will meet shortly to affix signatures to the new industrial agreement.

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Shalla Raymond, one of the victims of the Micoud tragedy.

Below is the police press release on the fatal accident previously reported on by St. Lucia News Online

At about 6:39 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, officers attached to the Micoud Police Station responded to a report of a serious vehicular accident which occurred along the Micoud Highway.

Whilst there, the officers observed a white omnibus, registration number M594, and a beige and white  Foton motor truck, registration number TJ6280, had come into contact with each.

Both vehicles had received extensive damage to its entirety.

The driver of the omnibus was identified as 37-year-old Sheldon Gaston of Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet, whereas the driver of the motor truck was identified as 43-year-old Clide Wayne Isidore of Corinth, Gros Islet.

At the time of the impact there were seven passengers on board the omnibus including the driver, and four persons aboard the motor truck.

As a result of the impact, two occupants of the omnibus sustained serious injuries and were transported to St. Jude’s Hospital via ambulance. They are 22-year-old Shalla Raymond of Black Bay, Vieux Fort, and Joel Phillip of Beausejour, Gros Islet.

Both individuals succumbed to their injuries whilst at hospital.

Post mortem examinations have been scheduled for a later date.

An investigation into the accident continues.

Raymond and her daughter who was born just over one year ago.

Traveling to Saint Lucia will be no sweat this summer with increased air service and unbeatable island-wide hotel and resort promotions offering cool value-added ways to kick-off summer fun, including free-nights and discounts of up to 40 percent off room rates.

Additional flights include: Daily service on JetBlue from John F. Kennedy International (JFK) June 13 through September 3; Flights six days a week out of Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL) on Delta June 10 through August 11; and United Airlines new Saturday non-stop service from Newark International Airport (EWR) starting July 13.

“Saint Lucia’s summertime savings will attract vacationers of all ages,” says Nerdin St. Rose, Vice President Marketing & Sales for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.  “From family vacations to couples on their honeymoon, our romance and family-friendly offerings make Saint Lucia the perfect getaway.”

For more information on these special offers and participating properties, please visit www.saintlucianow.com.

Akasha – Cap Estate
“Chill in Summer”

Book seven nights and get one free
Book 14 nights and get three free
Rates include taxes, airport transfers, daily housekeeper, gardener, poolman, AC and services of on-site manager
Travel between June 1 through November 30, 2013
For a party of four or more book by June 30 and travel through December 10, 2013
Standard room rates begin at $2,100 per night for a party of four, $2,300 per night for a party of six and $2,500 per night for a party of eight guests
For more information, visit http://www.villasofdistinction.com/villas/st-lucia/akasha/

Anse Chastanet – Soufrière
“Sweet Summer 2013”

Stay four nights and enjoy the fourth night free
Stay seven and enjoy both the fourth and seventh night free in selected categories on basis of the daily rate
Breakfast and dinner can be added for $160 per couple, per day. Free nights will have same meal plan free of charge
All-inclusive meals and drinks package can be added to room rate at $310 per couple daily
Travel between July 15 through October 31, 2013
Rates begin at $345 for Standard room accommodations
Rates are subject to eight percent tax and 10 percent service fee
For more information, visit http://www.ansechastanet.com/

Anse Chastanet – Soufrière
“Summer Romance”

Book five night stay and receive fifth night free
Book seven night stay and receive two nights free
Travel between July 15 through Oct 15, 2013
Book by May 31, 2013
Package rates for a five night begin at $4,306 in Superior suite
Package rates for a seven night begin at $5,185 in Superior suite

Package amenities include:

Tax and service fees
Airport transfers both ways
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, all drinks including house wine (excluding bottled wines and champagne)
Welcome cocktail
Tour of Volcano, Sulphur Springs and Diamond Mineral Baths
Guided tour of old French Colonial Plantation of Anse Mamin
Drinks package in room refrigerator
Basket of local fruit
Use of tennis court and equipment, snorkeling, kayaking, mini-sailing, windsurfing, use of beach chairs and beach towels
Guided boat snorkel trip
Resort scuba diving course for beginners or two dives for certified divers
Bottle of French champagne
One hour Swedish Massage
Half day Jungle Biking in Anse Mamin Valley
Half day sailing on skippered resort
Two resort t-shirts
For more information, visit http://www.ansechastanet.com/

Apartment Espoir – Castries
“Maskerade Special”

10 percent discount on room rates
Book from now until May 31 for travel in July
Rates begin at $88 based on double occupancy
Not combinable with other offers given
For more information, visit http://www.apartmentespoir.com/

Bay Gardens Beach Resort – Rodney Bay

30 percent off rates in all room categories
Valid on new bookings from April 2 through December 19, 2013
Rates begin at $200 per couple, per night in Deluxe Garden View room
Rates vary depending on timing and type of accommodation booked
For more information, visit http://www.baygardensresorts.com

Bay Gardens Hotel – Rodney Bay

30 percent off rates in all room categories
Free breakfast daily per couple
Valid on new bookings from April 2 to December 19, 2013
Rates begin at $110 per couple, per night in Standard room
Rates vary depending on timing and type of accommodation booked
For more information, visit http://www.baygardensresorts.com

Bay Gardens Inn – Rodney Bay

30 percent off rates in all room categories
Free breakfast daily per couple
Valid on new bookings from April 2 to December 19, 2013
Rates begin at $105 per couple, per night in Standard room
Rates vary depending on timing and type of accommodation booked
For more information, visit http://www.baygardensresorts.com

Cap Maison – Gros Islet
“Family, Friends & Groups – 40 percent Saving – Extra Bedroom Free”

Book a one bedroom villa suite and receive the second bedroom free
Book a two bedroom villa suite and receive the third bedroom free
Minimum five night stay required
Children under 12 eat free when dining with parents
One evening babysitting for up to four hours
Offer valid starting now through December 19, 2013
Offer valid for the following suite categories: Villa suite; Oceanview Villa suite plus pool, Oceanview villa suite plus pool and roof terrace
For more information, visit http://capmaison.com/

Cap Maison – Gros Islet
“Summer and Autumn Luxury Inclusive Package”

All Inclusive package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and $75 per day beverage credit
Lunch at the Cliff at Cap Restaurant or Smugglers Cove Beach Bar B Que
Dinner from the Summer Simply Maison menu at the Cliff at Cap Restaurant
If staying 5 nights or more, any available Accommodation Offers/Free Nights applicable at that time also apply
Valid all summer 2013 through December 19th 2013 with a minimum stay of five nights
Prices begin at $435
For more information, visit http://capmaison.com/

Coco Palm – Gros Islet
“Summer Savings”

40 percent off room rates
Travel between April 2 through December 22 , 2013
Book from now until June 4, 2013
Blackout dates include May 9 through 12, 2013 and July 12 through 17, 2013
All-inclusive rates begin at $165 in Garden View Room
Rates are based on single/double occupancy exclusive of 10 percent service charge and 8 percent VAT
Rates vary depending on timing and type of accommodation booked
For more information, visit http://www.coco-resorts.com/

Coconut Bay – Vieux Fort
“Splashtacular Summer”

Stay seven nights with all-inclusive amenities including a $250 resort credit for use on tours, in the spa and in resort gift shop
Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in a choice of four restaurants plus beach grill
Premium brand cocktails in a choice of six bars including swim-up bar
Weekly manager’s cocktail party
Nightly entertainment and themed dinners
Free round of paintball for families
Access to CocoLand Kidz Klub includes:
Free CocoPack for kids including a Backpack, T-shirt, Hat and Water bottle
Entrance into the supervised kids-only play area featuring water fountains, mini zip line, mini rock wall and pirate ship
Daily schedule of age-appropriate activities, games and crafts
Travel from June 16 through August 15, 2013
Book by May 31, 2013 (potential for extension if needed for publication deadline)
Rates begin at $142 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, Splash for Deluxe Gardenview Accommodations
For more information visit, http://www.cbayresort.com/

Cotton Bay Beach Resort – Castries
“Escape to Saint Lucia”

40 percent on room rates with minimum three nights stay
Daily Breakfast
Free Kids Club
Free Wifi
Free kayaking
Book by May 31, 2013
Travel from now through December 15, 2013
Rates begin at $220 based on double occupancy in a one-bedroom Tamarind Apartment Villa
Rates begin at $315 for up to four in a two-bedroom Calabash Apartment Villa
Additional rates and accommodations available
18 percent tax and service charge apply
Use promotional code CBSR100 when booking
For more information, visit http://www.cottonbayresorts.com/

Fond Doux – Soufrière
“Summer Saving Promotion – Right Vacation, Right Hotel, Right Price!!”

Book a seven night stay
Full Breakfast daily
One complimentary dinner
Plantation Tour
Complimentary Beach Shuttle
Soufriere Heritage Tour including Sulphur Springs and Diamond Botanical
Tet Paul Nature Trail
En Bas Saut Rainforest Trail
Couples Massage
Gros Piton Hike or Alternative hike of choice
Sunset Cruise
Travel from May 1 through November 30, 2013
Book by August 15, 2013
Package priced at $1,499, per couple
Rates subject to 18 percent tax
For more information, visit http://fonddouxestate.com/

Jade Mountain – Soufrière
“Summer Sanctuary”

Book a minimum of seven night stay and receive the fourth and seventh night free in the Sky Jacuzzi suites or Star and Moon infinity pool sanctuaries
Travel July 15 through Oct 15, 2013
Book by May 31, 2013
Rates begin at $995 for the Sky suite
Breakfast and dinner can be added for $180 per couple, per day. Free nights will include same meal plan free of charge
All-inclusive meals and drinks package can be added to room rate at $330 per couple, per day. Free nights will include same meal plan free of charge
All rates subject to 8 percent tax and 10 percent service
For more information, visit http://jademountainstlucia.com/

La Dauphine Estate & Villa Beach Cottages – Soufrière
“Sizzling Summer Special”

25 percent off rack rate in any villa suite or house
Three nights deposit required and 31 days cancellation policy
Travel between May 16 through December 11, 2013
Book from now through December 3, 2013
Rates begin at $172 per night
Rates apply to new bookings only and are subject to availability
For more information, visit http://www.villabeachcottages.com/la-dauphine-estate.html

Ladera – Soufrière
“Great Escape”

Book three nights accommodation
Welcome gift and chilled bottle of champagne
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at Dasheene at Ladera, including all beverages (except bottled champagne and wine)
Soufriere Experience Sightseeing Tour
One Swedish massage per person
Roundtrip airport transfers from UVF
Offer expires August 30, 2013
Rates begin at $1,130 per couple, per night, based on room category
For more information, visit http://www.ladera.com/

Palm Haven Hotel – Gros Islet
“Palm Have Summer Daze”

10 percent off standard rooms
Breakfast included
Complimentary shuttle to Gros Islet Friday Street Party
Travel between May 31 through August 31, 2013
Book from April 1 through May 31, 2013 through direct bookings only
Rates begin at $92.40 a night for Standard Single, $102 a night for Superior King with breakfast included
Prices are all taxes included
For more information, visit http://www.palmhavenhotel.com/

St. James’s Club Morgan Bay, Saint Lucia – Castries

Receive $500 air credit when booking seven night accommodations
Receive $300 air credit when booking three to six night accommodations
One child stays free
Travel between now and August 31, 2013
For more information, visit http://www.morganbayresort.com/

The Landings – Gros Islet
“Sizzling Summer Days at the Landings”

30 percent off room rates
Travel between April 26 through December 19, 2013
Rates begin at $659 per night
For more information, visit http://www.thelandingsstlucia.com/

The Landings – Gros Islet
“Family Summer Saver”

30 percent off room rate when booking a two or three Bedroom Harbor View Villa Suite
50 percent reduction from the all inclusive rate
Travel between April 26 through December 19, 2013
Children 12 and under dine free with parents
Three hours of complimentary babysitting for one evening
One complimentary “Kids Free” cocktail for parents on the same evening
Includes Children’s Treasure Hunt and Pigeon Island Picnic
Rates begin at $659 per night
For more information visit http://www.thelandingsstlucia.com/

Ti Kaye Resort & Spa – Anse Cochon
“25% Summer Special!”

25 percent off any room type with minimum seven night stay
Travel between July 16 through December 15, 2013
Book by November 15, 2013
Room rates begin at $220 per night, per couple in Ocean View room plus 18 percent taxes
For more information, visit http://www.tikaye.com/

Villa Capri – Cap Estate
“Summer Saver Special”

Book seven night accommodations and pay for only five
Travel between July 1 through October 31, 2013
Villa rates start at $1,000 per night for six bedrooms for up to 12 guests, $1,200 per night for seven bedrooms for up to 14 guests, $1,400 per night for eight bedrooms for up to 16 guests and $1,550 for nine bedrooms for up to 20 guests
For more information, visit http://www.capristlucia.com/

Windjammer Landing – Labrelotte Bay
“Flurry Free Summer Escape”

30 percent off room rates
Complimentary breakfast daily
10 percent service charge or the 8 percent VAT applies
Travel between July 1 through August 31, 2013
Book from now until May 31, 2013
Rates begin at $595 per night in one bed villa with pool
For more information, visit http://www.windjammer-landing.com/

Zamacà – Micoud
“Dance with us! Saint Lucia Carnival 2013”

Stay six nights and get the seventh night free
Breakfast included
Standard rates are $112.10 per night including occupancy tax and service charge
Guests booking accommodations for one week or more will receive a voucher/gift-certificate transferable to friends, redeemable at Zamacà for a future visit
Travel from June 21 through July 26, 2013
For more information, visit http://www.zamaca.com/index.htm

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Thursday 23 May 2013 about 7:20 am, as a result of information received, Officers attached to the Rodney bay Police Station and other police personnel including the Marine Police proceeded to the Reduit Beach.

Whist there, there encountered the body of a male individual in the open expanse of the sea. He was later identified as 62 year old Jean Francois Gregoire, a French National on assignment with the Ministry of Education here in Saint Lucia.

Information received indicates that he had encountered a watercraft. As a result of the impact he sustained serious injuries and was transported to Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for a later date. An investigation into the incident continues.

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Merrick Andrews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about St. Lucia News Online (Part 1)

Who owns and operates St. Lucia News Online (SNO)?

SNO IS A BUSINESS operated by Andrews Media Services Corp., a company incorporated and registered in Saint Lucia.

The owner is Merrick Andrews, who is the managing director, sales director and chief editor. Andrews is a Jamaican national living in Saint Lucia since late 2011.

He has been a journalist for the past 14 years with experience in print (newspapers and magazines), broadcast (TV and radio), and Internet journalism.

He is a recipient of a Press Association of Jamaica journalism awards (best human interest feature in 2001) and he was the coordinator of Youth Link magazine when it won the best youth publication.

His journalism career was kick-started during high school where he started a newspaper called The Eagle and was appointed editor of the school’s year magazine in 1999. He began freelancing for a community newspaper called The Twin City Sun in his last term in high school.

He is a former sports reporter, lifestyle reporter and Youth Link coordinator at The Gleaner newspaper company in Jamaica, and a former Associated Press (AP) news stringer/correspondent in Jamaica and Montserrat.

Andrews is the founder and former owner of BVI News Online, www.bvinews.com for the British Virgin Islands and Dominica News Online, www.dominicanewsonline.com for the Commonwealth of Dominica.

BVI News was founded in 2006 and sold in April 2013. Dominica News Online was founded in 2007 and sold in 2011. Andrews is now on St Lucia News Online, his third project.

Work experience

Reporter/sales rep – Twin City Sun (community) weekly newspaper: 1998-1999
Freelance writer – X-News weekly tabloid and entertainment newspaper: 1998-2000
Sports reporter – SportsGlobe (national) sports newspaper: 1999
Sports reporter/lifestyle reporter/Youth Link magazine coordinator – The Gleaner (national) daily newspaper: 1999-2002
Stringer/correspondent (Jamaica & Montserrat) — The Associated Press: 2000-2002
Reporter – The Montserrat Reporter weekly newspaper, Montserrat: 2002
Sports Coordinator/news reporter – The BVI StandPoint weekly newspaper, Tortola, BVI : 2003-2005
News reporter/director – ZKING Radio: 2005-2006
News reporter/director – ZROD and ZCCR radio stations: 2006-2008
News anchor – CBN TV and JTV (2006-2008)
Managing director/founder – Andrews Media Corp: 2006-2013
Managing Director/founder – BVI News Online/Alliance News Ltd: 2006-2013
Managing Director/founder – Dominica News Online/Andrews Publishing Co. Ltd: 2007-2011
Managing Director/founder – St. Lucia News Online/Andrews Media Services Corp: 2012-present

Academics

Linstead All-Age School, Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica – 1989-1994

Charlemont High School, St. Catherine, Jamaica – 1994-1999
- High School Diploma
- Academic Exellence Awards in Caribbean History etc
- Recipient of the Leicester Smart Foundation Scholarship (1994-1999)

CARIMAC, University of the West Indies, Mona (Summer Programme)
- Certificate of Merit, Basic Print Journalism, 2001

Note: My freelance work have also been published in the New York Post, Southampton Press, Trinidad Express, IPI Global Journalist international magazine, and several other Jamaican, regional and international publications. I was also a correspondent for Caribbean News Service and former coordinator of the UNESCO-funded Caribbean Media Network. I was also the founding editor of the BVI government’s youth magazine.

Track and field is my favourite sport. In my spare time, I exercise, work out, travel, watch movies and socialize online.

I am 30, single and have two children.

Later on, I will answer some more intimate details of my business in Saint Lucia, responses to my business here, and how we intend to move forward.

Four Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member countries including Saint Lucia will benefit from a US$20 million loan between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The CDB will provide the funds for the financing of public sector projects in Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The new approved programme will help address the social and economic challenges of these non-IDB member countries, constrained by their limited access to longer-term and lower-cost credit resources. These small open economies are also vulnerable to external economic shocks and natural disasters.

Gerald Johnson, signatory on behalf of Inter-American Development Bank and Caribbean country manager, says this concessionary agreement provides targeted and undiluted support to territories seeking financial assistance.

“We don’t lend money on any better terms than this without giving it away. The CBD, to keep that level of concessional and pass it on – in other words the cost of managing this programme – is being swallowed to give that benefit undiluted to the beneficiary countries,” he said.

The approved programme will be financed by US$14 million from the IDB’s ordinary capital and US$6 million from the bank’s fund for special operations with a paying back period of 30 and 40 years, respectively.

Vice President of Caribbean Development Bank Carla Barnett anticipates a smooth and effective transfer of funds to provide relief to these financially-burdened OECS countries.

“This follows in the tradition of co-operating quite closely in all of the OECS countries. We do a few regional projects together and we are hoping that we can get this particular line of credit moving fast,” Barnett said.

Resources will be allocated by CDB based on its country strategy and programming processes.

The deal was signed during the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank Board of Governors at Sandals Grande in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

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LPM leader Therold Prudent

CASTRIES, St Lucia — Leader of the Lucian People’s Movement (LPM), Therold Prudent, said that Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony’s 2013 budget address lacked sustainable program initiatives for Saint Lucia.

The LPM said that Anthony repeatedly used the global economic downturn as an excuse for his government’s lack of innovative vision and revealed problems in the social and education sectors that would never have reached such disturbing proportions if addressed while he was prime minister between 1996 and 2006.

“Instead,” Prudent said, “the prime minister continues to engage in unprofitable investment initiatives, such as the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, the outrageous cost of which may have contributed to a reduction in subsidy on rice, sugar and flour.”

In the 2013 budget, Anthony revealed that “lower than anticipated revenue and grants resulted in the widening of the deficit position.”

“This statement reflects the incompetence of the current administration and should not be taken lightly,” according to Prudent.

He added that, in the 2012 budget, Anthony detailed how he would finance spending and provided the actual source of grants and the amount of projected revenue. In this budget he combined the revenue and grants figures to cushion the impact of the estimated $181.97 million deficit that he does not want to explain to the public.

The LPM said it perceives this strategy as typical of an underperforming administration.

“Furthermore, if the Anthony administration took accountability seriously, he would have realized that based on revenue trends throughout the year, the projected revenue target will not be met,” Prudent said, adding that it should have taken measures to curtail expenditure to avoid a current account deficit of $45.56 million, which has plummeted from a surplus of $59.2 million for the previous 12 months.

Another point identified by Prudent in Anthony’s current budget address is that, according to the Saint Lucia Labour Market Needs Assessment, 60 percent of the labour force lacks secondary school education.

“Let’s not forget,” stated Prudent, “that Dr Anthony was special advisor to the Ministry of Education at the age of 28; let’s not forget that Dr Anthony was minister for education from 1980 to 1981; let’s not forget that Dr Anthony worked as a professor at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies for many years; and let’s not forget that Dr Anthony had a ten year stint (1996 to 2006) as leader of the country. So, the admission by Dr Anthony that 60 percent of our labour force does not have secondary level education in 2013 is disgraceful.”

Prudent said that the borrowing of funds by the administration to boost employment must be sustainable and should inject the type of economic growth that our communities desperately need.

“In his budget address, Dr Anthony specifically stated that the aim of his government is to cure the deficit and that it can be done by, and I quote, ‘Implementing growth, enhancing expenditure and tax reform measures.’ We all know what eventually happened; the deficit increased. While we admit that financing growth-enhancing program initiatives requires borrowed funds, the Anthony administration has failed miserably by not ensuring that the majority of the programs become community resources after the funds are depleted,” said Prudent.

The LPM asserted that, if the electorate is not proactive in monitoring the business of government, the country will suffer from social upheaval in the near future.

Therefore, Prudent urged all Saint Lucians to educate each other on matters that are obstacles to the provision of “bread and butter” to the people. This, he believes, will add significant value to efforts to become a self-sufficient nation by slashing our food import bill.

He added, “Saint Lucia operated at a loss last year due to the continued horrific leadership and the mismanagement of our limited resources, and we cannot afford to allow this to continue because it will eventually deter external assistance from reaching our shores.”

Prudent said that the time to be diligent and demand answers from the Anthony administration is now, or better days will become La Charité.

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The last regular season Premier League game was played last evening in the National Men’s Basketball League.

In Dennery, Babonneau Dynasty got past Dennery 79-75 behind a stellar performance from Darnvi St. Marthe.  He secured the Dominos Player of the Game with his personal best of 25pts and 7rebs, leading Dynasty to the win.

The semi-finals are now set in Premier League, which starts on Sunday, May 26 at the Beausejour Indoor Facility.

See regular season standings in the premier league below and game schedule:

1.       Courts Jets
2.       VBCC
3.       Dennery
4.       Babonneau Dynasty

Dennery vs VBCC Warlords at 6 pm and Courts Jets vs Babonneau Dynasty at 8 pm again on Sunday, May 26 at the Beausejour Indoor Facility.

On Saturday, May 25, Division 1 semi-finals tip off at 6 pm: Combined Schools vs. Soufriere at 6 and  ISE Academy will face Bois D’Orange Lions at 8 pm.

All playoff semi-final games in both the Division 1 and Premier League are a best-of-three games series.

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Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere and Local Government Minister Harold Dalson. Credit: stlucia.gov.lc

Local Government Minister Harold Dalson will hold a press conference today, Friday, May 24, 2013 to make public the findings of the Review of the Financial Operations of Local Government Councils.

The Labour administration commissioned the review to determine how monies from the Taiwanese government were used under the former United Workers Party (UWP) government.

The report says during the period January 2008 – December 2011, Councils received and deposited monies into bank and credit union accounts from a variety of sources including central government and the Taiwanese government.

The report says these monies were not treated and classified as “public monies”. They were never paid to the treasurer and was not deposited into the Urban, Village or Rural District Fund as required by the Local Authorities Ordinance.

Councils received and deposited in bank and credit union accounts a total of $28. 6 million — $18. 67 million of which was received from the Taiwanese government.

Former Prime Minister Stephenson King, however says he believes there are explanations for every perceived wrongdoing contained in the report. King has also called into the question, the persons comprising the Review Committee.

The opposition leader has though refused to comment on the report, saying he will at the appropriate time address the issues raised.

With the integration of Saint Lucia’s artistic product into what was formerly Saint Lucia Jazz, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) has deemed the staging of the re-branded Festival a success which generally met its objectives, but in some instances also exceeding expectation.

A number of new indicators have been added to the metrics by which performance of the Festival is measured. A major one has been the responsiveness of the Festival to the broader creative industries development mandate.

“In fusing the artistic and the culinary product with Jazz, direct benefit to our creative sector, is an obvious outcome to track because Saint Lucian Arts shared as prominent a space as the imported components. In real terms the Festival invested heavily in the marketing of the literary, fine arts, fashion and cuisine, created avenues for promotion, networking, exposure, as well as capacity building,” SLTB Director Louis Lewis explained.

The SLTB director cited the introduction of a fashion component and its obvious success as an innovation, which has clearly justified itself. He described it as a smart product diversification tactic which if prudently handled, will take on a life both in an out of the Festival season.

“I am particularly excited about Hot Couture. While it may be a bit early too predict, it has the potential to deliver a strong legacy both for the exponents of fashion locally, but for value-added to the reputation of Saint Lucia as the Eastern Caribbean art mecca,” Lewis said.

Other than visibility and exposure of Saint Lucian artists and artisans, the SLTB is pleased with the levels of response to and participation in dance and music master classes organized both by the Board and by Labowi Promotions, producers of Jazz In The South. These included workshops delivered by jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles and the FELA Dancers, as well as a musicians’ forum in conjunction with the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organization for Music Rights (ECCO).

The director further contextualized this success in terms of the forging of effective economic linkages between emerging and established economic sectors.

Lewis said: “While the mandate for the creative industries is not directly under the remit of the Tourist Board, it relates to us in two ways. One being that our product development focus must always aim for the retention of what is authentically Saint Lucian. But also because fortuitously, we are even better able to do that given that we fall under the same governmental administrative structure with the creative industries mandate.  I would say we scored highly in this inaugural year of the Festival which is tremendous. The Jazz and Arts Festival will improve Saint Lucia’s visibility in the marketplace.”

SLTB Deputy Director of the Board, Tracey Arnold, also cited innovations in the logistical aspects of main stage management, which brought more coherence to key areas such as production, promotions, traffic management and the onsite patron experience.

Arnold said: “Our optimization of social media in pre-promotion and during the staging of main stage events, effectively sharing the excitement and the buzz in real time with audiences the world over was a first, and extremely successful. We had hits as far as Dubai. We have received several commendations from local and visiting media about the seamlessness of our set-up and media facilitation this year. In fact, the consensus from most is that operational areas like traffic and venue management continues to improve.”

In the estimation of Chairman of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival Committee, Thaddeus Antoine, of the several ‘firsts’ added to the Festival this year, the increase in free shows, and events close to the cultural personality of the country, as well as trending artistic genres like Spoken Word, succeeded in achieving something which the rebranding established as a priority.

“The people feel more ownership of Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival because they can become fully immersed in the buzz, whether or not they make it to main stage or other paid events. Once there is mass popular ownership, and pride in the Festival, we can only improve and maintain our strategic edge as the festival trendsetter in the Caribbean,” Antoine said.

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival boasted over 15 island-wide venues, featuring some of the best live performances spiced with the celebration of Saint Lucian Arts, culture and cuisine. It ran a full 13 days from April 30 to May 12.