Bowen Takes On Sam
Story By
Alison Kentish

expressed by Flood – black labour is not a phenomenon of Saint Lucia. Bowen is not a native to Saint Lucia – he is Barbadian by birth. He wants his adopted countrymen - Saint Lucians - to stand up against Flood. Sam Flood has raised the blood pressure of many people – often times they have been politicians. One of the SLP labeled ‘media terrorists’ – he was one of the justifications for the now repealed 361 legislation. In his case – Bowen may not want to prosecute him as much as he wants him silenced.

The Civil Society Network has demanded public consultation on the proposed privatisation of the Island’s lone water Company from the beginning – and is vowing to fight this proposal to the end. Members say the plan is a knee-jerk response to pressure from World bodies to reduce water subsidies and Government expenditure. Communications Director – Andrew Antoine says the Utilities Minister has refused to consult with St. Lucians on a matter that affects their lives. Antoine says the Organisation will continue its

anti-privatisation campaign and warns it could culminate in protest. Antoine says the Utilities Minister promised to engage the public in consultation on the matter – even agreeing to abandon the initiative if St. Lucians were against it. He says the Minister is now changing his tune, saying Government must move quickly to privatise the water company – reportedly some 250 million dollars in debt. The CSN is calling on Government to commission a study on WASCO’s financial situation – the last survey was carried out in 2001. The Organisation has also promised a counter proposal – if Government makes available information on the water company.

The CSN will take its anti-privatisation message next to Soufriere and Choiseul. A meeting is also planned for the Minister’s Constituency – Castries South East next week. The new public-private partnership company is expected to be finalized by January 2009.

20-year-old Mohamed Duncan has been fined 30 thousand dollars for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Duncan of Clarke lane appeared in court on Monday along with 29-year-old Nicky Nanton, a female from Bruceville in Vieux Fort. The two were arrested on Sunday in Vieux Fort. Duncan pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was charged 15 thousand dollars on the firearm charge and another fifteen thousand dollars on the ammunition charge.

He was demanded to pay ten thousand dollars on each charge immediately, or in default he would spend seven years in prison. The balance of ten thousand dollars on the two charges is to be paid in five months, or in default seven years imprisonment. The charges against Nicky Nanton were withdrawn at Monday’s hearing.

The driver of this vehicle was on his way to Choiseul when he started encountering engine problems. According to the driver, the vehicle began losing power, so he decided to turn back around massacre. He says he started smelling something burning and when he came out to investigate, realised that his vehicle was on fire. There was an explosion that erupted at the back of the SUV. Passers-by remained cautious as they observed what was happening. The

The Ministry of Education is trying to overcome issues that plagued it most in the 2007 academic year. Top education officials met Tuesday ahead of the new academic year, to finalise policy changes. The use of cell phones in schools has been a topic widely debated in the public. Permanent Secretary – Dr. Rufina Frederick says come September first, there will be no unsupervised use of cell phones during schools hours. The Ministry is aiming to expand the technology available in schools. One major change is the use of the interactive white-board – a large

interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. The introduction of the white board is part of a pilot project that will be launched in two schools. initially The Ministry’s Acting I.T Manager – Ron Isaac says someday this technology will replace the traditional classroom chalk boards.

The gathering received an update on initiatives to address HIV/AIDS and sex education in schools. There is no policy on HIV/AIDS in schools, but Dr. Frederick says from September 15th this will change. The Permanent Secretary says in the interim, education officials are addressing ways to improve sex education in schools – to ensure issues like teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS do not disrupt the education system. The new academic years begins on September 1st.

The new campus will be home to Form one and Form two students. Parents, guardians and these students have expressed reservations with the move. The Principal says although it is not a desired solution – it is the only option at present. The school’s bus service will be utilized by both campuses. Sr Rufina says she has also requested additional Police presence at the GVS campus.

Sr Rufina does not know how long the second campus will be utilized. Also - two issues prevent her from hazarding a guess – the building cannot be demolished while school is in session and she does not currently have the funds to replace that building when it comes down.

Physical planning minister – Richard Frederick – will hold a press conference on Thursday. It has been called to discuss a home being constructed in the piton management area. The minister with responsibility for the development control authority – the body that oversees building projects, says he wants to clear the air about the home whose construction has been characterized as illegal. The Soufriere MP who gave the home a public spotlight says work on it continues.

This despite stop orders from the DCA to contractor – Leslie Mondesir – to cease and a caution expressed by the national trust that the home could cost the PMA its world heritage status. Dalson remains vehemently opposed to the home he described as a ‘palace.’  the press conference is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Harold Dalson has responded to an argument put forward by the Board of the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation. A judgment handed down by Judge Sandra Mason in April ruled that Board illegal based on its appointment by the former Prime Minister.
The Board says although their initial appointment was illegal – they have since been legitimized according to the Foundation by-laws. Dalson says that explanation doesn’t make sense.

Three children of employees of insurance council members received scholarships for their secondary school programmes. The council provides scholarships to the children of members’ employees every year. Cheyenne Polius, Naomi Jn Baptiste and Kirby Auguste were this year’s recipients. Cheyenne is the daughter of Gillian Polius of Sagicor general incorporated; and Naomi – the daughter of Delia Jn Baptiste of united insurance agents. The two young ladies will attend St. Joseph’s convent in September.

Kirby Auguste is the son of Fangina Auguste of GTM Fire Insurance. He will attend St. Mary’s College. The council also awarded Jason Gstave – a 2004 scholarship recipient.  Gstave was recognized for passes at CXC mathematics and English. He received grades one and two respectively. He wrote both exams as a 4th former.

Digicel has provided over 150 primary school students with school supplies, ahead of the new academic year. The students took part in the 2008 la clery summer fun camp. The digicel supply bags include stationery and other school supplies. Senior marketing executive Kerschelle Jn Charles says it is part of Digicel’s commitment to giving back to the youth.

The participants displayed their skills in art, music and drama on Sunday. The camp’s coordinator – Dahlia Francois says the event provides a positive outlet for the energy of the students and has helped to shape the lives of the young participants. This is Digicel’s second year sponsoring the camp. The La Clery summer fun camp was held first in 2005.