PRESS RELEASE - The Consulate General of St. Lucia in Miami, Children of Helen Alliance Inc, the St. Lucian Friendly Society Inc and the St. Lucia Association of South Florida Inc, invite children of St. Lucia (birth or heritage) to participate in an essay competition on “National Pride.”

Saint Lucia gained Independence from Great Britain 36 years ago. To celebrate this momentous occasion, St. Lucians both at home and abroad will partake in numerous events that bolster national pride.

Here in South Florida, in addition to our culmination Gala on Feb 21st, and Church Service on Feb 22nd, we will have National Pride themed activities on Facebook, a Saint Lucian Film/Theatre Night and a literary competition.

We invite our young St. Lucians to write a short essay on, why I am proud to be St. Lucian or of St. Lucian heritage?

The Rules & Criteria

·         Participants must be St. Lucian either by birth or heritage

·         Must reside in Florida or St. Lucia

·         Must be between 5 and 15 years old.

Ages will be divided into three categories:

·         5-7 years old

·         8-11 years old

·         12-15 year old

One winner will be selected from each category for a reward of US$100.

Essay Length Requirements:

·        5-7 year olds your essay should be 100 words

·        8-11 years olds your essay should be 200 words

·       12-15 year olds your essay should be 300 words.

·        Essays must be typewritten in Times New Roman 12 font and double spaced

Submission: Online at www.chipbinc.com

Type essay or paste completed essay into the box below the question and hit the send button.

Application Deadline

·   Essays must be submitted by Saturday, February 14th, 2015

·   Winners will be notified by Friday, February 20th, 2015

Please visit our website at: www.chipbinc.com and fill out the essay application form. Do not forget to type or paste your essay in the box below the essay question and hit the send button when done.

We wish you all a Happy Independence and Good Luck!

Author Rufina Charlery will be launching her new book dubbed “Only by God’s Grace to the general public today.

The book is a daily inspirational guide, “to remind us of how much God loves us” and covers 12 different topics corresponding to the months of the year.

“God’s grace is available to all of us regardless of ethnicity, creed, gender or social status. We are all His children and He has no favorites and the book is an inspirational guide for daily living,” the author said.

The book launch will take place today February 1, 2015 at the St Joseph’s Convent Auditorium, Cedars Road, Castries at 3:00p.m. The feature address will be delivered by Mr Arthur Anthony.

In attendance will be Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy, who wrote the Foreword. The author will autograph copies of the book at the end of the programme. Everyone is invited to attend and is asked to be seated by 2:45p.m.

Copies of the book can be purchased at Nathaniel’s Books & Sports Supplies Ltd, Brazil Street, Castries and from the author at telephone #454-4634 or e-mail: rufinacharlery@gmail.com

GIS - Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony and Energy Minister Hon. Dr. James Fletcher recently joined other Caribbean Heads of Government at the Caribbean Energy Security Summit, in Washington, D.C.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting on behalf of CARICOM, Dr. Anthony highlighted the issues that are most important to Caribbean Small Island Developing States in relation to climate change adaptation.

“He spoke of Saint Lucia’s experiences,” Dr. Fletcher related, “so for example, he explained that we have been in a constant cycle of repair and recovery. He highlighted the fact that in 2010 we had the worst drought that we’ve had in a long time, followed by hurricane Tomas in that same year; and that we had not fully recovered from hurricane Tomas when we had the Christmas Eve Trough to deal with in 2013.”

He added that Dr. Anthony lobbied for greater financial support for Saint Lucia and other CARICOM member states to deal with climate change.

During the afternoon session, Dr. Fletcher participated in a panel discussion on “Comprehensive Approaches to Energy Transformation.” The purpose of the second phase of the meeting was to discuss the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative.

“The second part of the meeting was with Vice President Joe Biden. We discussed the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative and ways in which we could get greater energy security for the Caribbean. We all spoke to the fact that we are doing a lot of work in the renewable energy—trying to transition our economies away from the dependence on fossil fuels to renewable energy.”

In March, Government leaders will, again, convene at an Energy and Climate Partnership of the America’s meeting, in Mexico.

Chelsea Reject.

Saint Lucian-born singer, Chelsea Reject, who is based in Brooklyn, New York, has released a music video for her newest single “Go” featuring T’Nah Apex and Pro Era’s CJ Fly.

The song was produced by Duck Down Records, who has been “prepping 21-year-old crooner/spitta her to kill the game.”

The Brooklyn raised artiste describes herself as a shy and a slightly awkward girl. However, her record producers said, “We don’t buy that. She’s too aggressive on the mic.”

“The plaited lyricist, who is reminiscent of Jill Scott with top-notch bars, drops uplifting, spiritually, and morally inspired lyrics and melodies over a jazz-like backdrop laced with chilled-out horns,” Duck Down Records said.

Back in 2013, Chelsea released her debut mixtape Radi-8, and has been praised by the BK prodigy Joey Bada and his Pro Era crew. Chelsea is set to drop her debut album CMPLX soon.

VIEW VIDEO HERE: 

PRESS RELEASE - Acting Labour Commissioner, Mr. Ray Narcisse has responded to an industrial ultimatum from the National Workers Union (NWU).

The ultimatum, which was addressed to the Acting Labour Commissioner, conveyed workers disgust with the manner in which two industrial matters were being handled.

The NWU stated clearly that the Department of Labour must wake up and do all within its power to resolve the NWU/G4S Secure Solutions and Secure St. Lucia Limited industrial matters.

The ultimatum went on to point out that should the union’s pleas fall on deaf ears, the security guards employed with both companies would take protest action.

Meetings between the parties have now been scheduled for Monday February2 and Wednesday February 4, 2015.

PRESS RELEASE - The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, RSLPF, has declared the first month of the year– January 2015, as having registered zero homicides.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Vernon Francois describes this feat as a small victory for the entire island and credits the victory to the citizenry. In contrast, the year 2014 registered   six homicides in the month of January.

Mr. Francois says this achievement proves to all that it is possible for citizens to rally together with the police and other partners in the society, to achieve a peaceful and law abiding nation.

“Obviously we are very happy to register zero homicides last month. This is in keeping with declining trends as we have reported earlier. I have always emphasized that losing one life is one too many. Generally we are about working to achieve zero violence.

As officers of the law we have done some work to help push back against crime and to sensitize the public that killings and hurting each other to settle conflict is not the way to go.

In this vein we recognize   other agencies, the Church, the Social Transformation officers and other youth and community workers and importantly the Education system who partner with us, and strengthen this message.”

Mr. François says the Police continues to push back against gang violence and the scourge of drug trafficking which are often linked to incidents of homicides.

“If is for us to continue to challenge ourselves to cherish the value of life.  I would like to particularly challenge our young men to turn away from acts of violence and to try to direct their energies positively”.

The last time that the records of the RSLPF reflected nil for January homicides on an island wide level was in the year 2000, exactly 15 years ago.

Colvis (nearest camera).

Colvis Samuels has been returned as President of the Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union, following that boday’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School.

A 47-year-old educator and an employee of the Ministry of Education, the experienced campaigner has been heavily involved in the promotion of the sport over the past two decades.

He once again received overwhelming support from the local rugby fraternity.

Samuels will be supported by Werdrel “Tommy” St Clair as Vice President, whilst Carmina Espeleta has been installed as the organisation’s Secretary.

Sixtus Pamphile is the Treasurer and Shaun Alcindor, who is also a Vice President of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, will serve as Public Relations Officer.

The new Executive will have its work cut out, with a tough programme ahead for 2015.  The men’s national team is set to play in the Caribbean 15-a-side Championship in February, March and April against British Virgin Islands, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Curacao.

The SLRFU will host two teams from Martinique and pay a return visit to the French overseas department. And in June, both men’s and women’s teams will compete in the North America and

Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7-a-side tournament in North Carolina.

CMC – The French overseas department of Martinique will become an associate member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), according to an official statement issued here.

The St. Lucia-based OECS Commission said Martinique will sign the necessary agreement on Wednesday, increasing the nine-member sub-regional grouping to 10.

“Martinique’s pending membership of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States follows a period of negotiations after the Regional Council of Martinique submitted a formal application for associate membership in the OECS with the full support/endorsement of the French Government,” the OECS Commission said.

In November 2013, the Regional Assembly voted unanimously in favour of the island’s membership of the OECS.

“Since then the OECS Commission has been treating Martinique effectively as an Associate Member and the French Region has already been attending regional meetings on matters such as health,” the Commission said.

OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules describes as “historic” the island’s pending membership of the sub-regional grouping.

“The involvement of Martinique in the OECS; while there are limitations because of their status in relation to France, opens up great potential and certainly widens the demographics from an economic perspective.

“We have seen the relationship grow between Martinique and Saint Lucia and between Guadeloupe and Dominica for example. What that does now is widen this to the whole OECS. The use of Martinique as a tertiary health facility centre for the OECS is something under discussion so there are a lot of opportunities.

“We are very concerned about not just ensuring growth in the economies of the OECS but growth with equity. It’s not enough to just grow the economy if you are growing it and only the existing players benefit, it has to be the type of growth that leads to a widening of opportunity for smaller persons; trickle-down effect; a spread of the benefits and community tourism we think will do particularly well with the engagement of Martinique and Guadeloupe.

“So we are expecting that this will yield great benefits in terms of weekend travel, bed and breakfast arrangements, community sporting activities, and so on,” he added.

The signing ceremony will take place during the OECS summit, which opens in the French island on Wednesday.

At that summit sub-regional leaders will receive an update on the implementation of the OECS Economic Union, the free circulation of goods as well as issues on sports and health.

Jessica Jean.

Saint Lucia’s Jessica Jean continues to make waves in the sport of weightlifting in Canada, the 18-year-old from Bexon placing second in her category in the recent national championships.

Jessica moved to Canada less than seven years, and she is now one of the top young lifters in that country.

Over the past couple of weeks, Jessica competed in the 2015 Canadian Junior Weightlifting Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Contesting the women’s 58kg class, she snatched 79kg and had a 95kg lift in clean and jerk. Her total lift was 174kg earned her 25 points and the silver medal.

Jessica trains with the Kanama HP/Toronto Weightlifting Club and holds a number of Ontario records in various weight divisions.

She turned out for Canada at the 2014 Junior World Championships in Kanan, Russia, and is aiming for a berth at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The best overall lifter at the 2014 Ontario juniors, Jessica has also been awarded a scholarship of sorts, through the Ontario Athlete Assistance Program, OAAP.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS), Quest for Gold – OAAP is directly related to the High Performance Sport goal of the Canadian Sport Policy – that Canadians are systematically achieving world-class results at the highest levels of international competition – by improving the performance and number of Ontario athletes performing at the national and international level, thereby contributing to the improved performance of Canada at international competitions.

As a junior, Jessica has been awarded a half card under the auspices of the Ontario Weightlifting Association.

Magnificent view of Pirata beach, Vieux-Fort at sunset. My co-worker in the distance was caught unaware.

Photo was captured by Jamie Simeon.

Photographers – novice, amateur or professional – in Saint Lucia are asked to submit photos, photographer credit and caption to slunewsonline@gmail.com for consideration for the Photo of the Day feature, daily on stlucianewsonline.com and our Facebook page. Submissions will be published in the order they were received. Photos must be taken of St. Lucians and things St. Lucian. Note that submissions advertising any form of business or business activity will not be published. St. Lucia News Online also encourages the submission of a variety of photos, ranging from nature shots, people shots, weird shots, interesting human interest shots, and anything ‘newsy.’ Photographs submitted should be the property of the contributor or where this is not the case, the contributor should obtain the permission of the owner before submitting the photograph.  

Dear Willie: I have been with my girlfriend for about six years. During that time I have made a few mistakes.

I have never cheated but I am the type of guy who owns up to his mistakes. It’s not a case where I have been physically abusive towards her. The relationship has been rocky. She always complains that I am not romantic enough. The problem is that the last two years I feel she has been very emotionally abusive towards me. She says she loves me and always leaves, but we always get back together.

I am 28 and she is 26. I have told her before that I don’t like the way she treats me but it’s like she doesn’t care. She treats me bad almost every day because she cannot seem to forgive me and let go of the past. I don’t know what to do anymore to get through to her. Should I pay for my mistakes every single day of my life?

Dear Sir: I would’ve loved to know what “mistakes” you made so I can have a better idea of the possible reason/s for her behaviour.

However, by the way you describe the situation, she is no longer interested in you.

I believe you should stop beating a dead horse. However, if you want to continue paying for your mistakes, it is up to you.

Willie

Email letters to dearwilliesno@gmail.com. Letters are strictly confidential and total privacy maintained. Also see disclaimer below. Dear Willie is published daily on this site. The responses by this column are the opinion of the author of Dear Willie and are not to be thought of as official counseling or advice. The opinion is based on limited information provided by the user. By requesting a response, the user agrees that both Willie and Andrews Media Services Corp/St. Lucia News Online are not to be held liable for any damages to the user or any third party associated with the user.   

Dear Willie: I am 39 years and my boyfriend is 40. We have been living together for three years now. He has a three-year-old kid who lives with his mom. When he comes over, I cook and feed this kid like my own. I have none.

My boyfriend is insecure and don’t want me to have any type of interactions with my ex’s like to wave or talk. He calls it disrespect.

Lately, I realise that he keeps chatting on Whatsapp, even late at nights for someone who doesn’t like texting. One night, I tapped into his phone to find out what’s the late night conversations were all about.

1. A female whom he introduced as his past classmate – eating and drinking at her family bar. Sending messages like: “I miss the thing”, “Send me a pic”, “When am I going to c u again”, “When am I getting that sweet cock”.

2. I changed his Whatsapp photo by putting mine, when his baby mama sent a message saying; “Baby you know how I feel about you. Remove the bitch photo and stop playing with my feelings.” I continued chatting, pretending I am him; half the things he told me were lies.

On Christmas Eve he went out with my brothers, only to find out he went to visit her and half the time uses the kid as a passport.

Christmas Day, I saw a text message asking him to go on Whatsapp. As soon as I got home, I turned on the Wifi and she sent a naked pic of her p–. I replied “WOW”. She then sent a message saying the kid just got up and she made a bottle with another pic with her leg open.

I was not shocked because I could have sensed something fishy. No, he makes it seem like I don’t like his kid. I am disappointed.

Part of me wants to stay and the next wants to leave.

Dear Miss: If your feelings is 50-50 then you should make a decision that’s in your best interest. I always tell people, once you’re in “two minds”, have a gut feeling, or is not sure about something, then follow your instincts.

Willie

Email letters to dearwilliesno@gmail.com. Letters are strictly confidential and total privacy maintained. Also see disclaimer below. Dear Willie is published daily on this site. The responses by this column are the opinion of the author of Dear Willie and are not to be thought of as official counseling or advice. The opinion is based on limited information provided by the user. By requesting a response, the user agrees that both Willie and Andrews Media Services Corp/St. Lucia News Online are not to be held liable for any damages to the user or any third party associated with the user.    

Sherman Williams (left) and Jevon Demming.

BVI NEWS ONLINE - Two cousins from the British Virgin Island (BVI) have been given lengthy prison sentences for shooting a Saint Lucian national.

BVI footballer Jevon Demming has been sentenced to 7 years in prison on an attempted murder charge while his cousin Sherman Williams has been sentenced to 15 years.

Williams was given an additional 10 years on a charge of possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. His sentences will run concurrently, effectively meaning that he will only spent 15-years behind bars.

The sentences were handed down in the High Court this morning (February 2, 2015) by Justice Nicola Byer.

The two cousins were found guilty of attempting to murder St. Lucia native Neil St. Rose outside Rock Café in the Valley, Virgin Gorda, on September 30, 2012.

The prosecution had argued that St. Rose was shot during a confrontation with the cousins inside the parking lot area of Rock Café, BVI. St. Rose, during the trial, told the court that he went to the Café where a party was in full swing.

He stated that, while inside the bar, he had few alcoholic beverages before proceeding to the dance-floor where he danced with women. He further testified that, when he finished dancing, he was standing in a section of the Café when he felt someone push him from behind.

He claimed that he turned around and saw Demming, whom he had known for five years, standing behind him. He asked Demming: “What going on?”

Demming responded by throwing his hands in the air, according to the victim. He added that Demming said something to him, but he did not hear due to the music inside the building.

He testified that, shortly afterwards, he was surrounded by men including Demming’s cousins and Williams. They later left him alone. St. Rose said he left the café and went outside for five minutes before re-entering.

He and other patrons were later leaving the venue and, while walking down the steps, he saw Williams walking ‘slowly’ in front him. The victim stated that he suspected Williams did not want him to leave and, as a result, he pushed Williams.

Williams allegedly walked towards him as though he was about to start a fight, but two persons intervened and quashed the confrontation. St. Rose said he later proceeded to his vehicle.

“Same time I look, I saw Mr. William with a gun,” the victim had told the court. He added that, upon seeing the weapon, he started ‘backing off’ while moving towards his vehicle.

“Then I heard a gunshot. When I look behind, I saw Jevon [Demming] coming. Same time, I grabbed a stone from behind me to defend meself. I saw Mr. Williams coming towards me like 10 to 15 feet away from me with the gun.”

The gunshot victim also testified that he then dropped the stone out of fear that he would have been shot. He claimed that Demming approached him and placed his hand in his face, but he knocked it away.

He added that Demming collared him, and punched him in the face. “As soon as Mr. Williams reached close to me, he (Williams) hit me with the gun at the back of my head.”

He said he fell on his knees and Williams put the gun to his neck; then shot him. St. Rose further testified that he passed out for some time and, when he regained consciousness, he felt his neck area and realized that it was bleeding.

He said he then felt pain in the area of his penis and, as a result, he placed his hand in his pants. He realized that blood was also coming from the area.

He added that that he sought assistance from someone, and was taken to a clinic on Virgin Gorda. He was later transported to Peebles Hospital where he was admitted.

PRESS RELEASE - The United Workers Party (UWP) would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the thousands of Saint Lucians who participated in the protest march held on Thursday January 29^th.

The march and the public meeting that followed proved a great success and demonstrated the people’s frustration with Dr. Kenny Anthony’s “killer policies”.

The citizens of this country have vehemently expressed their grave discontent with the Labour Party and we hope that in the spirit of good governance that the Prime Minister will consider and heed the cries of the thousands who “spoke” through their participation.

Given the resounding support for and high levels of participation in the march against Labour’s continuing “killer policies”, the people are poised to exercise the full extent of their democratic rights and freedom of expression should the Government fail to respond appropriately to their calls.

Mary Isaac. Photo credit: The Voice Newspaper (St.Lucia).

Mary Isaac’s future with the Civil Service Association (CSA) will be decided on February 11, when members of the CSA meet for an extraordinary general meeting.

The meeting will discuss not only the petition created to have her removed as president of the association, but other matters relating to the effective functioning of the organisation.

The petition has received over 100 public servant signatures. Those behind the petition said her decision to accept the job as a senator has compromised the political neutrality of the CSA.

In December, the UWP announced that it nominated Isaac as an opposition senator to replace former Public Service Minister Lenard Montoute who resigned his seat in the upper House on December 5.

In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia News Online (SNO) after this announcement, Isaac defended her appointment, saying it is an opportunity to represent the interests of the working class.

Isaac has also labeled the petition created to have her removed from the helm of the association as “politically-motivated.”

She said she is “not worried” about it at all, stating that there are a few negative elements who may be responsible for it.

She also expressed confidence that a majority of the members will not support the petition, because it was they who voted for her to represent their interests.

She said she has been doing exactly that and plans to do more for her organisation.

PRESS RELEASE - His family and his community have been vital to his journey, and with their support, he truly believes that anything is possible. Noah ‘Lucky’ Nicholas says his family, especially his father, have always pushed him to be the best at whatever he puts his mind to.

“They tell me to never give up on what you want in life, no matter what, and to take my school work seriously,” he says, though he admits the school work thing could use some work.

Aged 16, Lucky is a striker on Saint Lucia’s National Under-17 men’s football team. He scored twice against Curacao in the first round of the 2015 CONCACAF U-17 Championship (Caribbean zone). When the team advanced to the Caribbean finals in Haiti, he scored both goals to beat Trinidad and Tobago, and netted again against the home team.

Saint Lucia qualified for the CONCACAF Championship Finals, starting in Honduras at the end of February 2015, the furthest any Saint Lucian team has made it, and just one step away from making the 2015 age-group World Cup, which will be played in Chile.

Lucky had a modest introduction to football. Long before playing for Biker Boys, Vieux Fort South or even Piaye Secondary, he found himself just kicking about at the age of six, simply because that’s what everyone else was doing at the time. Peer pressure can be positive indeed.

“Where I lived, everything is football. All my friends played football, so one day I just went playing with them. They used to laugh at me, but one of my friends trained me every day, told me to watch football on TV whenever I could, and I did so.”

Although Lucky now lives in La Ressource, he is originally from the community of Bruceville. It’s also where former national striker Titus Elva is from. Lucky grew up with Titus’ son, Caniggia, who last year signed a contract to play professionally in Germany.

“I was raised playing football with Caniggia,” says Lucky. “We went to the same school, and we both liked running.”

But it was not until his teens that Lucky realised he could be really good at football. “When I first played inter-school football in Form 3, I scored 19 goals in five games,” he says proudly. That brought him to the attention of local coaches. National coaches, too.

Lucky was the leading goal-scorer again a year later in the schools tournament. He would also lead Vieux Fort South to victory in the inter-district competition. The first time he played at Beausejour, he lost, but he made up for it the next time around.

“Motivation” and “determination” are two of the words that pop up most regularly in Lucky’s conversation. Like many members of the current under-17 team, he first represented Saint Lucia when the national federation threw a team together for the Caribbean Football Union Under-15 tournament in 2013.

“They picked me from the Vieux Fort South under-16 when we won,” he explains. “And then when I came to training for Saint Lucia I was not scoring goals at all! But I think I was the hardest working player. The day they were calling the side, mine was the last name on the list – I almost cried.”

When his name was called, he was understandably elated. He was determined to make it happen, and although the team struggled against the level of competition in the Cayman Islands, he says the level of togetherness, camaraderie – and yes, determination – grew.

Fast forward to 2014. Trinidad and Tobago beat Saint Lucia in the opening round, but the team was looking forward to seeing them again in Haiti. “The team was very happy,” says Lucky. “And we saw history would be made. I was told no player from Saint Lucia had ever scored on Trinidad, and Saint Lucia had never beaten Trinidad, so we went out there and gave all all we had just to beat Trinidad.”

Saint Lucia has actually beaten Trinidad and Tobago at the senior level, but the last time that happened was in 2002. Lucky was just four years old.

As the team prepares for Honduras, where they will meet some of the real heavyweights of the region, Lucky says that he is most looking forward to the challenge that will be posed by CONCACAF superpower Mexico. As they have progressed through the various age groups and the different levels of this under-17 tournament, he says the team has grown, but he admits there is still a lot to be accomplished.

“We have come together as a team,” he says. “We know each other much better and that gives us the strength. Now we need to play our best and hope that the team does well, and that some of us can get scouted.”

Lucky says that aside from Titus and Caniggia Elva, his community has been very supportive. Mervinus Estephan, a contemporary of Caniggia’s, was the one who introduced him to the game. Saint Lucia senior international Jamil Joseph, who has played in Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom, has helped him a great deal. Kervin Edward, another Saint Lucia international, has been there for him throughout.

As he prepares to continue along his journey, Lucky says he dreams of playing in England’s Premier League. His next step towards that goal is travelling to the United Kingdom this year. There, he will live with his uncle, who will also enrol him in school.

“I want to take Saint Lucia to the World Cup,” he says. “Every opportunity I get I want to take it. When I talk to the older players, they tell me any chance I get, I should take. I feel I’m ready. I’m sure I’m ready.”

Visit here for more Noah Nicholas photos, including head shots: https://www.flickr.com/photos/130825688@N06/16236738307/in/photostream/

CIBC FirstCaribbean Employees with Catherine Gustave and Augustine Emmanuel (fifth and sixth from left.)

PRESS RELEASE - The CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure has consistently grown since its inaugural walk in 2012. In its third year, the Walk for the Cure has amassed proceeds totaling EC $26,200.00 from customers, employees, friends, and family.

The CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure aims to raise awareness and support for local cancer organisations throughout the region, in each of the 17 territories where CIBC FirstCaribbean operates.

Revenue generated from participation in the 2014 walk as well as numerous fund-raising activities was presented to Faces of Cancer, and will facilitate medical treatments for the organisation’s members.

Portia Compton-James, Manger Retail Banking and Operations, emphasized the importance of the donation stating, “The turn out and participation of our third annual Walk for the Cure was very significant. We more than doubled the previous year’s proceeds which highlights the importance placed on supporting persons and families currently battling the disease; emphasising that they are not in the fight alone.In 2015 we’re setting our goals even higher and hope to encourage more persons to participate and give back to a local organization that is making a difference in the lives of persons affected by cancer.”

Representing Faces of Cancer during the presentation ceremony was Catherine Gustave, Treasurer and cancer survivor, Augustine Emmanuel, who both expressed gratitude towards CIBC FirstCaribbean employees and customers who participated in the fundraising efforts and noted that these funds will go a long way in assisting persons undergoing cancer treatment.

The success of the 2014 Walk for the Cure was made possible with the dedicated support of our sponsors– gold sponsor: Ernst & Young; silver sponsor: LIME; bronze sponsors: Ti Kaye Resort, Sandals Regency, St. Lucia Distillers, Brawo, Sea Island Cotton Shop, Shawn’s Spa, Touch Therapies Day Spa and Blue Waters and our regional sponsor: Deloitte.

The CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure is currently in its fourth year, with the walk anticipated for October of this year, and fund raising activities to be held leading up to the walk and throughout the month of October.

After finishing next-to-last in the 2014 edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, the Saint Lucia Zouks have made an encouraging start to this year’s tournament.

The third iteration June and July this year, with the Saint Lucia Zouks set to play 10 games.

The Zouks, who finished second last in last year’s competition, have retained four players for the upcoming season.

Ahead of Thursday’s Draft, the CPL announced that captain Darren Sammy, former England star Kevin Pietersen, local hero Johnson Charles and West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher have been kept. The team has also added West Indies coaching coordinator Stuart Williams as head coach.

The retention of Pietersen, the big-hitting Twenty20 star, is of particular note. The tall 34-year-old was drafted by the Zouks in 2014, and featured heavily in advertising not just for the Saint Lucia franchise but for the CPL on the whole. Unofrtunately, he only showed up in time for the final round of matches, and his ‘home’ fans never got to see him play.

The addition of ‘KP24′ for those two games did make a difference to the side, though, as himself and Sammy helped the Zouks romp to victory against reigning champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs. The team also attained their highest total for the competition, 189-7.

This time around, Pietersen says that he is in for the long haul, as he will play the entire season for the Zouks.”Being involved in CPL 2014 was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the Saint Lucia Zouks albeit briefly,” Pietersen said.

“This year I will be available for the duration of the tournament so I hope to be able to make a bigger impact and give the Zouks fans something to shout about. The CPL is a very special event and I can’t wait to get back out there to experience more of the biggest party in sport.”

CPL CEO, Damien O’Donohoe said the CPL is happy to have Pietersen back for 2015.

“We are delighted to welcome back Kevin to the CPL for the 2015 season. He’s a true superstar and to see him line up again with the best of the best from the West Indies and around the world will be a real thrill for CPL fans,” he said.

The CPL 2015 Player Draft is set to take place on 5 February in Kingston, Jamaica, including players like Jacques Kallis, Lasith Malinga, and Shahid Afridi.

PM Anthony.

PRESS RELEASE – Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony will attend the 60th Meeting of the OECS Authority, scheduled to take place in Fort de France, Martinique on February 4 and 5, 2015.

As has been widely reported, Martinique will become an Associate Member of the OECS during a signing ceremony to be held on February 4, 2015.

Dr. Anthony has welcomed Martinique to the OECS and stated that there are mutual benefits to be derived from this momentous move.

According to Dr. Anthony: “I am exceedingly pleased that Martinique will now be an Associate Member of the OECS. Saint Lucia welcomes Martinique with open arms. Saint Lucia has a history of close relations with Martinique. Last year, an agreement was signed between our two islands to facilitate the exchange of opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, trade, health and other areas. Martinique is also viewed as a gateway to Europe and so presents opportunities for investment. Membership in the OECS will serve to strengthen our bilateral relationship and provide an avenue for greater cooperation on the regional level.”

Prime Minister Anthony is schedule to leave Saint Lucia on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 and will return on Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport, Hon. Philip J. Pierre has been appointed to act as Prime Minister until Thursday February 5, 2015.

Dear Willie: My boyfriend has gotten so fat that sex with him is hard work. I am afraid he will crush me one day.

I have told him that he has to lose weight because he is too big and heavy but he refuses to diet or exercise. I go running three days a week and have asked him to join me but he refuses.

I even got a treadmill but he won’t use that either so I told him I will leave him if he doesn’t do something soon. That was three months ago and he has done nothing to help the situation.

Should I leave him?

Dear Miss: If you can ask if you should leave him, that means you want to, so follow your heart’s desire.

I don’t think you love him anymore, because love is unconditional. You should love him for who he is and not how he looks.

Willie

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