The Antiguan registered Vessel belonging to Bernuth lines "Caribbean Jade" was headed into the Castries Harbor about 2AM on Saturday with a load of cargo. It was about that time when the ship’s captain experienced problems with the steering and lost control of the vessel which ran a ground in the La Toc area. Several people where called in to assist in getting the ship back into open waters. Seaman - Anthony says it is quite bizarre to witness a ship parked on land like an SUV. Word that a vessel had ran a ground had spread quickly and several people were soon on the scene to witness what had occurred. Some people came out just to pose for a picture next to the vessel, and others came just to say that

they were there when it happened. Some La Toc and Banan residents like Alphius Pherrel were rudely awakened to see a ship docked in their backyard. Pherrel explains what he noticed when he awoke on Saturday. It was not an easy task to get the ship back into open waters, but with the assistance of other vessels the Caribbean Jade was pulled back into the harbor about 12:15Pm. And although it is well know that boats are made to be operated on water, on this occasion that theory was almost jeopardized.

The Customs Comptroller is determined to pursue justice in the Richard Frederick matter Terrance Leonard has maintained systemic impediments have stalled the case. He says those impediments remain – and after a year the case appears to be going nowhere. And although Leonard says the hurdles will be revealed at the right time, he has called on the people standing in the way of justice to step aside. A faction of customs employees are now calling for the Comptroller to be transferred due to fallout from the ongoing case against the Housing Minister. This after the majority of officers agreed to support Leonard. The Comptroller says he works with professionals and expects them to perform their duties with

honesty and integrity. He says any officers acting contrary to that their conscience to deal with. Leonard will not confirm or deny reports that another Government Minister is currently under investigation, but says he will pursue the current case and set a positive precedent for the future. The Comptroller says he initially decided he would go peacefully if he receives a transfer letter – but has since had a change of heart. Leonard says any transfer letter he receives while trying to execute his duties with integrity, will be fought within the ambit of the law.

the complications and conditions associated with Lupus prognosis for the disease has improved significantly in the past few decades. In 1969 half of lupus patients died within 10 years. Yet today over 90 percent of lupus patients live more than 10 years beyond diagnosis. This is the kind of information the Association is sharing with patients – providing them with the education needed to fight the disease and stall its progression. Dr. King says patients will hear from medical experts on various topics associated with Lupus and learn from a patient who has lived with the disease for over a decade. 

Dr. Nagy Bakir of Curacao spoke to the patients on the link between Lupus and kidney failure. Dr. Bakir says about 75% of Lupus patients can eventually develop kidney disease, but says the progression is preventable. Dr. King says the Association continues to provide patients with accurate information that they live full lives. The Association President says the goal is to prevent complications like patients undergoing dialysis. Lupus is common in the Caribbean – particularly among women between the ages of fifteen and fifty. Dr. King says her Association will continue to educate the public so that the disease can be diagnosed early, treated appropriately and life expectancy can be improved.

Foster says Diamonds International has not accepted the National Workers Union as a bargaining agent for the employees, despite the Recognition Certificate issued to the Union by the Labour Department. The Attorney at Law says there will be no further meetings between his client and the Union before the matter is settled in Court.

The Union is objecting to Foster’s stance on the matter. Goddard says the Attorney should not question the validity of a Certificate that was legally issued by the Labour Department. The NWU maintains it is the bargaining agent for Diamonds International employees – as stated by the Recognition Certificate. Goddard says Foster’s allegations – or imminent lawsuit will not change that. But Foster says the court papers will be filed next week.

Police are worried that there could be reprisal attacks following the shooting of Christopher Gittens The 18-year-old was shot dead in the Vide Bouteille – La Clery area on Wednesday. Reports indicate that Gittens was having his motorcycle fixed at a repair shop, when a masked man walked up to him and discharged at least three rounds. At least one of the rounds hit Gittens in the head. Assistant superintendent of police – Ethelbert Edwards says this kind of attack is worrying.

ASP edwards has sent out an appeal for witnesses who might have seen what happened, or the assailant fleeing the scene. One of theories police are exploring is a feud between Gittens and young men from another community in Castries. Gittens was still alive when he got to the hospital. All efforts by medical experts to revive him failed. An autopsy is expected to be carried out on Monday, where the exact cause of death will be determined.

Anthony mark and his wife Mary have called the community of Bexon home for over thirty years. In all that time – Anthony Mark – says this is the first time someone has attempted to burgle him. The incident occurred a little after 5:30 on Friday morning. When it was all over one man’s dreadlocks was left to bear witness.

The noise signaling the intruder was first heard by Mary Mark. She says she heard the noise and awakened her husband. The lady of the house says she remains traumatized by the events she describes here. The Marks say they do not know who broke into their home. Anthony mark says he is a peaceful man who remains burdened by what he had to do to protect himself, his family and his property.

The Courts will soon determine whether the April 23rd poll was valid. Attorney for Diamonds International Peter Foster says Union representatives were present during the poll, a direct contravention of Section 31 of the Registration, Status and Recognition of Trade Unions and Employers Act. Foster says his client opposes the decision of the Labour Commissioner and will seek redress in the High Court. The NWU has been seeking for years to represent the Diamonds’ staff – and have described April’s poll result as a victory for the employees. Union Officials deny any knowledge of wrongdoing during the poll.

Foster says Diamonds International has not accepted the National Workers Union as a bargaining agent for the employees, despite the Recognition Certificate issued to the Union by the Labour Department. The Attorney at Law says there will be no further meetings between his client and the Union before the matter is settled in Court.

The Union is objecting to Foster’s stance on the matter. Goddard says the Attorney should not question the validity of a Certificate that was legally issued by the Labour Department. The NWU maintains it is the bargaining agent for Diamonds International employees – as stated by the Recognition Certificate. Goddard says Foster’s allegations – or imminent lawsuit will not change that. But Foster says the court papers will be filed next week.

The Primary School students were a bit reserved last year – their first participation in the national Elocution Competition. The event is the idea of lawyer Hilford Deterville, who has a penchant for proper grammar and diction.

He started the competition four years ago for the Secondary Schools, but Primary Schools came on board last year. The Ministry of Education has taken on the competition as a project. Curriculum Specialist – Angella Mariatte says each of the eight education districts was represented at the Primary level and they showed a lot of enthusiasm.

The national finalists were chosen after preliminary competitions in their various districts. Mariatte says the competition seems to be growing. At the Primary level the Anglican Primary came out on top, with Reunion Primary and Micoud Primary rounding off the top three places. St. Mary’s College was dethroned as champs by the Leon Hess Secondary School. SMC was able only to secure second place. Choiseul Secondary came in third.

Moses Jn Baptiste says the Island’s farmers are suffering. The SLP’s Farmers Relations Officer says the decline in agricultural production is hitting farmers – and their families – hard. The Vieux Fort North MP told supporters at Thursday’s meeting in Dennery they should be prepared to demonstrate their frustration with the current state of affairs in the industry – when called upon to do so. Castries East MP Philip J. Pierre is also advocating a public show of dissatisfaction with the Government. Pierre says all who currently suffer need to come together and hold the Stephenson King government accountable for the problems facing the Country.

The Leader of the Opposition is expected to address the nation this coming Sunday from 8:00 p.m. That address will focus on a wide range of issues including the global challenges impacting socio and economic life. It  will be aired on all major broadcast stations, including television and radio.

The Chairperson of the Committee – Perpetua James – says Dennery will begin its Carnival season on Sunday. Soufriere Carnival is also being sponsored by Piton beer. That community Carnival will be launched on June 22nd. Sean Alcindor - a member of the Soufriere Carnival Committee says carnival activities will begin June 15th with a Line Jam. Piton presented cheques to the Carnival groups and organizations it is sponsoring on Thursday at the Windward and Leeward Brewery main office in Vide Bouteille.

She will be one of the featured artistes at their Girl Power show on Friday June 20th. “Take it Like a Man” was written by Q-Pid, producer Penn and Winston Anatole