St. Lucia Online: Last Week's News

FOR THE BEST IN WEB-BASED COMMUNICATIONS

St. Lucia Online logo
Flag

Churches expect gambling to receive go-ahead

Prime Sites    News    Sports   Jobs    Entertainment    Community    Society    Other Links   Obituaries

Police shoot and kill  man: case under investigation

ARC sails into Rodney Bay

Hotels refuse to put turtle on menu

'Straight Up' discontinued

SLHTA and Chamber object to steep increase in water rates

New Tunnel Road drivers' favourite

LIAT fires managers - workers bid for 55 % share

Walcott's archives at Toronto Uni

Black Mallet victims relocated

New jetty  for Laborie

Cadasse steps down - Parle new SLHTA president

National Honours bestowed

Building projects for Roseau and Vieux Fort

Hippolyte new Consul General in Miami

THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES

Caribbean Week News
CANA News
Caribbean Newspapers

CANA Business
CANA Busine$$(Mag)


NEWSPAPERS:

RADIO STATIONS:

  • Helen 100 FM
  • Radio Caribbean International
  • Radio St. Lucia
  • Gem Radio

TELEVISION:

GIS - Government Information Service

Full Text of Blom-Cooper inquiry report

"The Wrath of Hurricane  Lenny" - Photo Gallery .
CLICK HERE

Police shoot and kill  man: case under investigation

    A senior police officer is currently investigating the fatal shooting by police of a young Castries man, last Sunday at Trou Rouge. This is according to Police Commissioner Francis Nelson quoted in The Star newspaper. Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Mary Francis has launched an independent investigation into the shooting which, she is quoted as saying in The Mirror newspaper, is demonstrative of "a culture of over-aggression in the police force".
    Marvin Joseph was shot five times by police around 8.15 on Sunday morning after officers acted on a tip-off that three armed men were sitting in a parked car in Trou Rouge. Stories differ as to what precisely happened after that. According to Police Commissioner Nelson, Marvin Joseph "must have been spoken to by the officers" before he allegedly got out of the car with a firearm. The Mirror writes this. The Star continues the official version of events, stating that when Marvin Joseph "failed to respond to police instruction, the officers, 'fearing for their lives', fired at Mr. Joseph who later died from the injuries".
    An eyewitness account reported in the One Caribbean newspaper, however, tells a different tale. It states that Marvin Joseph ran from the vehicle when approached by police, and was subsequently - without warning - shot five times in the back, buttocks and wrist. "This was cold-blooded murder and should be investigated and the guilty party should be punished", writes One Caribbean.
    According to The Mirror, lawyer Mary Francis "and several witnesses confirm independently" that Marvin Joseph received three gunshot wounds in the back. Francis comments that: "If he really was shot in the back then the police probably have no way of using self-defense as an argument". If the coroner's report confirms this version of events, Francis will probably ask the minister of Legal Affairs to order an inquiry into Joseph's death. The Mirror further states that Francis "is concerned that witnesses widely report that police were armed with M-16 rifles, responding to a call in a residential neighbourhood". The report in One Caribbean confirms that after the shooting, two neighbours complained about bullets having entered their houses. According to Francis, there is a "culture of aggression in police against the young, dreadlocked sector of society which is very often associated with marijuana and drug dealing. ... [But] even is someone is a lawbreaker, there are other ways of dealing with them before you put a gun on them and shoot them. A person is innocent until proven guilty and it is up to the courts to prove that, not the police".
    According to Police Commissioner Nelson, the senior officer who is currently investigating the case will present his evidence to the Attorney General, the Department of Public Prosecutions and senior magistrates. Nelson is quoted in The Star as saying: "If there is anything to indicate that the police were at fault, you can rest assured we will be taking appropriate action and it will be down to the court to decide what form this action will take". The investigation will "proceed vigorously and all steps will be taken to ensure that there is transparency in all aspects of this investigation", says Nelson. In a separate article in The Mirror, Nelson once more emphasises his belief that enforcing strict discipline amongst police officers is beneficial to the police force as a whole - a point taken up in The Mirror editorial: "It means that even if Marvin Joseph was wrongfully killed by police, the police, by presenting the facts which brought the truth to light, would benefit and win more trust from the public".
    Meanwhile, The Voice in its weekend editorial strikes a different tone: "Some of us may have breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing of the shooting and commented privately that the policemen are simply doing their job of making our city and our streets safer. Surely, in spite of the dyanimcs of this incident, it must be agreed that the police are out performing the tasks to which they have been assigned. The best defensive strategy is an offensive one, and one must agree that the police are on the offensive now. If they continue in this mode, if roadblocks are set up and cars searched for guns and drugs, if policemen and women are out there in plain clothes guarding and protecting our citizens, looking out for those who are bent on committing crimes against persons and property then we can all rest assured that this holiday season will be a safe, happy and joyous one".
    According to The Star, at the time of the shooting Marvin Joseph was not wanted by the police, although he was known to them. One Caribbean states that Joseph was known to the police for marijuana-related charges, not for criminal charges. On the day that he was shot, Marvin Joseph's first child was born.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

ARC sails into Rodney Bay

    'Tokio', a British Whitbread 60, owned by Melvyn Percy, was the first yacht to sail into Rodney Bay Marina on Sunday night. Or rather - to anchor just outside the marina, because its 3.8 metre draught is too deep for the marina. Nevertheless, the 'Tokio' is the winner of the fourteenth Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), having crossed the 2700 miles from Las Palmas in Gran Canaria in just 15 days. Although originally hoping to break the 12-day record, the crossing took five days more than the crew members had originally hoped, because of generally light winds. Meanwhile, another thirty yachts have also arrived, out of a total of 267 entries - a record number. Not all are expected to reach St. Lucia, however: two boats collided at the start and some others experienced engine problems or dropped out for other reasons. Four ARC participants diverted from their racing course to respond to an emergency, and managed to rescue a Norwegian sailor who had spent eighteen hours in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
    This year's ARC will make it into the Guinness Book of Records as the largest transocean sailing event in the world. The prize-giving ceremony is on December 18th. Both The Mirror and The Star report extensively on this year's ARC.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

Hotels refuse to put turtle on menu

    Hoteliers reacted angrily this week to a notice circulated by the Department of Fisheries to the effect that hotels might like to put turtle meat back on their menus. 'Insane', 'totally crazy', 'insensitive', 'sheer ignorance', 'offensive' 'horrified', 'appalled, 'disgusted' and 'barbaric' are terms variously used by hotel managers to describe their views of the lifting of the ban on turtle fishing. After a four-year moratorium, the department of Fisheries announced last week that for the duration of the month of December, seventeen designated fishermen will be allowed to catch as many turtles of all species as they can, provided the sea animals are of a certain size and weight. The lifting of the ban is presumably part of a Caribbean-wide research project, but organisations involved in the protection of turtles and marine resources in general were not consulted, and they are not convinced of the soundness of the department's decision. For the second consecutive week, The Star reports on the issue [see last week's news]. The National Trust, in a statement this week, says it is concerned that the department's decision will seriously endanger St. Lucia's application to have the Pitons designated a World Heritage Site - a decision to be taken in June 2000 after eleven years of preparatory work. "A decision to allow the killing of an endangered species is not likely to sit well with the assessment panel", writes the National Trust.
    The Trust's point of view is supported by incoming SLHTA president and general manager of Bay Gardens, Berthia Parle. "If we want to get serious about ecotourism and our image in the international marketplace, this is now how we should go about it".
    Manager of Ladera, Magnus Alnebeck reacted thus: "If Ladera was to put turtle meat on its menu, I would have guests walking out and cancelling bookings in protest. In the 20th century (almost the 21st) when most people in this world have become aware of what endangered species means, it would be an insult to our tourists to suggest that they should be ignorant enough about nature preservation to eat something like turtle meat". Alnebeck finds support from Lawrence Samuel, manager of Windjammer Landing, and a pioneer of hotel-driven sea trutle conservation in St. Lucia. "There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that those in charge of Fisheries can give me which would justify this move except to destroy what we have worked so hard for. What was just now beginning to flourish is actually going to be destroyed again. ... We will absolutely not be buying turtle meat and we will continue to spread the word that we think what the government is doing is wrong. It's more than wrong, it's offensive and I would be extremely disappointed if our minister, Philip J. Pierre, supported it".
    Both minister Pierre and Director of Tourism, Hilary Modeste, were out of the island and unavailable for comment. Last week, Chief Fisheries Officer Horace Walters defended the decision to lift the ban on turtle fishing, saying: "Should we deprive our people, our fishermen of food for themselves or for their families, just because the tourists don't like to see us eating turtles? Why should we not eat turtles? It's part of our culture and if we have them why shouldn't we eat them?"

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

'Straight Up' discontinued

    Star editor Rick Wayne's popular radio and television show 'Straight Up' has been discontinued, according to an article carried in The Mirror and One Caribbean, along with Sam 'Juk Bois' Flood' s Creole radio programme, and the call-in show 'What makes me mad'. All shows were carried by Helen Television Systems. The writer of the article ('Socrates') wonders whether it is co-incidental that all three programmes which have been discontinued or otherwise curbed aired "public criticism of the government". Furthermore, the question is raised  as to whether or not it is co-incidental that the shows have been curbed shortly after Government press secretary Earl Bousquet announced on radio that Helen Television Corporation's licenses to broadcast are soon up for renewal.

ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

SLHTA and Chamber object to steep increase in water rates

    A more gradual, phased increase in water rates - that is the advise which both the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and the Chamber of Commerce this week gave to the new Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), after the announcement that water rates are to be increased by almost 100 percent as of January 2000. "A more modest increase in rates (about 50 percent in the first instance) would be more acceptable to the business sector, especially hotels", the SLHTA says, and the association goes on to state that a more moderate increase would also be "much more manageable for ordinary households". The Chamber of Commerce agrees that the announced increase is too steep for many businesses and other consumers and both organisations suggest that WASCO first proves that it really can deliver a better and more reliable water supply, before doubling its rates. "By imposing such a large initial increase, the Corporation is putting undue pressure on itself to perform, and runs the risk of damaging its credibility if it is not able to respond promptly and efficiently to the demands of the public", says the SLHTA.
    But WASCO chairman Gordon Charles, on Monday expressed confidence that WASCO will be able to deliver value for money, where its predecessor WASA failed to do so. The Thursday Voice reports that: "The development of a water commission to monitor the quality of water for public safety along with an Act which allows for the possible entry of other organizations into the water sector, plus a strong leadership team, are all differences that would make WASCO succeed where WASA failed, according to Charles".  WASCO on Monday also launched what it terms "major incentives" to water consumers, which include a 5 percent discount on water bills if these are paid within fifteen days, and a six month-period of free connections.
    All newspapers this week report on the increased water rates. The Thursday Voice provides a detailed overview of new rates. Water rates will increase by an average of 96.5 per cent. Customers using under 300 gallons per month will pay $7.35 instead of the current $3.25 (per 1000 gallons). Others will see the following increases: Customers using over 300 gallons per month increase from  $7.78 to $15. Commercial customers increase from $10.25 to $20.  Hotels increase from $11 to $22. Government from $6.40 to $14.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

New Tunnel Road drivers' favourite

    Approximately $57 million dollars, three contractors, almost four miles of highway and two tunnels later - the Bananes/Cul-de-Sac bypass is expected to be officially opened before the year 1999 is over. The first motorists are already using what is commonly known as 'the tunnel', although the finishing touches to road marking and lighting are not yet quite completed. The Mirror this week carries a photo reportage of the new tunnel, saying that most drivers agree that the Tunnel Road is "a quick, safe and convenient alternative to the hilly terrain of the Morne and La Toc Road".
    Funding for the tunnel was supplied by the Kuwaiti Fund (60 percent), the OPEC (20 percent) and the government of St. Lucia (20 percent). An official opening date for the tunnel is yet to be announced.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

LIAT fires managers - workers bid for 55 % share

    Regional airline LIAT has fired seven of its fourteen managers in an all-out attempt to safeguard the heavily cash-strapped airline's future. Another 77 members of staff in Antigua, and between 150 and 200 members of staff elsewhere in the Caribbean will also have to find new jobs in the near future. Two of LIAT's twelve DASH-8 aircraft have been put up for tender, while the remaining craft are used on the most lucrative routes only. Meanwhile, the Antigua Workers' Union (AWU) is bargaining for a 55 percent share in LIAT. AWU represents most of LIAT's current employees. The union is expected to oppose an attempt by US billionaire Allan Stanford (who has also expressed an interest in investing in LIAT) and  also to object to the possible return of LIAT's former CEO, Giles Filleatrualt. The Star and Crusader report this. Meanwhile, the Thursday Voice carries a statement by the unions and employee association members of LIAT, in which they ask for the public's understanding should strike action become necessary. "Should we find ourselves in a position that we require to withdraw our services, we will endeavor to give as much notice of our intentions as possible", the employees association and unions write. The statement goes on to say that they have "totally lost all confidence and trust in the ability and fiscal integrity of the present management and that the implementation of the negatively based 'speedwing' report can only ultimately result in a collapse of the company". However, the statement says, "We are ... pleased to advise that our efforts to acquire a controlling interest in the shareholding of the company are proceeding positvely".

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

Walcott's archives at Toronto Uni

    Derek Walcott's manuscripts, papers, sketches and paintings are to be kept in the repositories of the University of Toronto. This was decided by St. Lucia's Nobel Prize winner for Literature. A university negotiator said to be "delighted that Derek Walcott has chosen this university to hold his archives". University of the West Indies Professor Rex Nettleford, who was also present for the announcement, said: "Walcott has made tremendous contributions in defining our reality in our own terms. ... I put this down as one of the means by which we will continue to cooperate - and let's be frank, you are likely to conserve those papers a little better than we could in a tropical climate. The collection is in very good hands and will be made available, not just to the Caribbean, but to the world". One Caribbean reports this.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

Black Mallet victims relocated

    Persons who have lost their homes due to the Black Mallet/Maynard Hill earth movements, will be relocated to Carellie Gardens. Initially, the relocation will be for those most directly affected. Residential sites are currently being prepared by the ministry of Works, Lucelec and WASCO at Carellie Gardens.
    The Black Mallet task force has established an office at the Marchand Community Centre to identify those who need to be relocated, and to coordinate the process.
    Already, 37 families have been relocated, at a cost to the government of almost $167,000. Some families live in private rented properties, for which the government is footing the bill for three months. Construction of a stone berm at the base of Black Mallet is almost complete. Two research teams investigating the cause for the land slippages - which caused homes to crack and crumble - were expected to submit reports by this weekend. Chairperson of the Black Mallet task force, Allison King, on Wednesday conducted a site visit during which plans were discussed to de-water the entire hill, which appears to be oversaturated due to poor drainage and sewer outfall arrangements.
    The Star reports this, while the Thursday Voice carries a report also. One Caribbean, meanwhile, condemns what it calls the government's "continuing silence" on the Black Mallet situation, and asks for a clear statement in the House of Assembly before Christmas.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

New jetty  for Laborie

    Laborie will soon own a working jetty once again - that is the outcome of a decision taken by Cable and Wireless to fund the restoration of the current defunct jetty in the southern fishing village. A C&W official met last week with community leaders and a fisheries officer to discuss the project. The community is now to decide exactly what it wants and how the restoration should proceed. The Mirror reports this.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

Cadasse steps down - Parle new SLHTA president

    Berthia Parle is the new president of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA). Parle succeeds Noel Cadasse, who surprised many members at the SLHTA's Annual General Meeting, last Friday at Club Med in Vieux Fort, by stepping down. Parle is the general manager of Bay Gardens hotel and also chairperson of the Caribbean Hotel Association's Small Hotels Committee. In her acknowledgment speech, Parle summarised her priorities as follows: educating school children on the benefits of tourism, promoting high quality service in the hospitality industry, creating more opportunities for locals to rise to top jobs, promoting greater public awareness of the benefits of tourism, and seeking greater support for small hotels, in order to help them access low cost financing and to improve their marketing strategies and the quality of their product. The Crusader, Star and Voice all report this.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

National Honours bestowed

    The following persons received appointments to the Order of St. Lucia, bestowed on them by Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Saint Lucia.
    Allan Louisy, PC, CBE, OFM - the St. Lucia Cross for distinguished service of national importance.
    Kenneth John (posthumously) - St. Lucia Medal of Honour Gold for a humane act of conspicuous courage in circumstances of peril.
    Stanley Scholar, QPM and Eusebe Lawrience OBE, QPM, CPM - Silver Medal of Honour for eminent service of national importance.
    Eliza Maxwell - Gold Medal of Merit for meritorious service to the community.
    Paul Weekes - outstanding contribution to the Arts.
    Dr. Winston Parris - outstanding contribution to science and medicine.
    Darius Charlemagne MBE, Paula Calderon and Donald Alcee - Les Pitons Medal Gold for dedicated community service.
    Adelina Auguste, Conrad Wooding, Hermina Antoine and Theodora Morgan of the St. Lucia-Ottawa Association - Silver Les Pitons medal for dedicated community service.
    Harold Henry and Frederick Gabriel - Bronze Les Pitons medal for dedicated community service.
    Verena Felicien - Bronze Les Pitons medal for outstanding contribution to sports.
    Harold Gill - National Service Cross for loyal and decicated service.
    Denis King - St. Lucia Public Services Long Service Medal for dedication and commitment in the public service.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

Building projects for Roseau and Vieux Fort

    Documents were signed last Friday for the reconstruction of the Roseau Combined School - which was destroyed by fire five years ago - and for the construction of pavilion stands at the Vieux Fort playing field. Students of the Roseau school are currently housed in temporary accommodation but it is expected that by the end of the year 2000, six new classrooms will be awaiting them. In Vieux Fort, two side stands and a main pavilion are to be built, with funds being provided by the private sector and government.

    ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...

Hippolyte new Consul General in Miami

    Kent Hippolyte is St. Lucia's latest Consul General, to be based at the newly opened consulate in Miami, USA. Originally from Castries, Hippolyte obtained a bachelor's degree in Mathematics at Drew University in New Jersey, and a masters of science in Operations Research from the University of Waterloo in Canada. During the past twenty years, Hippolyte has been a manager of AT&T/Lucent Technologies, representing the company in Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Venezuela, and on the greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Hippolyte has also served as chairman of the International Trade group on the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce. Hippolyte has been a resident of Miami for some years. He will take up his duties as Consul General this month. The Voice reports this.

ñ BACK TO TOP OF PAGE ...
 

[HOME]

[CHAT]

[BOOKMARK]

[ABOUT US]

[CONTACT US]

Translate website:

ffFrance_sm

Francais

ffGermany

Deutsch

ffSpain

Espanol

ffItaly

Italiano

ffPortugal

Portugues

Copyright © 1999 St. Lucia Online - Vieux Fort.  All rights reserved.