The main issue discussed at the meeting was a union recognition claim submitted the National Workers Union on behalf of the employees of Diamonds International. NWU President General Tyrone Maynard says some headway was made towards getting the employees unionized. Maynard says it was agreed that the Management of the business must reply to the claims of the employees within fourteen days. Recently, the President of the Civil Service Association condemned a work contract prepared by Diamonds International. Joseph Dosserie claimed that the employment tactics being used by the management of Diamonds International are outdated and illegal.

The statements by the CSA President have been the subject of criticism and debate. Joseph Dosserie is now on the defensive, but he insists he is not worried about threats of legal action. But, the NWU President General thinks Dosserie`s statements is worthy of some inquiry at least by his union. Both the CSA and the NWU insist they will continue to pursue stringent action to protect the rights of workers on St.Lucia.

The labour and broadcasting minister has another excuse not to talk. A statement from the ministry of labour, information and broadcasting, notes recent calls for comments on ongoing industrial relations matters. Those calls have come from the media and members of the public. The labour ministry statement claims it would be inappropriate for the minister to comment on such matters since he may be called on, eventually, to settle impasses between the parties. The statement cites this as a normal industrial relations practice. It goes on to say that to make a premature comment would not

only prejudice the minister’s role, but call the integrity of the process into question. It says any comments regarding ongoing industrial disputes could be sought from the parties to the dispute or the labour commissioner.

Bernard Cornibert says WIBDECO will continue its relationship with Saint Lucian farmers. That includes accessing a regional market to sell their traditional fruit. At the same time – Cornibert says the continued production of non fair trade fruit is not economically viable.

The SLBC – the company that represents the majority of Saint Lucian farmers says it began the process of certifying its fruit fair trade in 2007. Corporation Chairman Eustace Monrose says it is a process that will take time.

Cornibert says WIBDECO has a number of interests in Saint Lucia and the company will continue to honour those. With the expected closure of SLBC following what the company says is the termination of its contract with WIBDECO - Cornibert says Saint Lucian farmers still have the option of selling to WIBDCEO through another banana company.

Frances Mann says her sole concern is the security of her home. She says her property was put at risk about six years ago with the construction of the main Ti Rocher. That construction she says removed the roots of various trees that provided support for the soil. Mann says since then she has recognized gradual decreases in the topography of the land.

Mann says she reported the matter to relevant authorities since 2005 with a request that a retaining wall be built to stop further land slippage. It is a suggestion she says the authorities have not heeded. She fears her property may soon be lost if something is not put in place to stop the land slippage.

She says the issue should be addressed before it escalates into something worse. The female landowner says although she has invested in retaining walls at her own expense in the past – it would be unfair for her to invest in another one for a problem created by the authorities.

The OECS Club Netball Championship has not been in existence for a few years. The collaboration between Courts OECS and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States will provide top netballers with another competition to flex their skills.

The OECS sports coordinator says the revitalization of the championship will contribute to the development of the sport in the OECS.

Courts OECS is providing forty three thousand dollars of support to the championship.

Their support will ensure its continuation for the next three years. The Marketing Director of COURTS OECS Lorraine Sidonie says the company decided to sponsor the tournament because of the popularity of the sport.

Peterkin says the competition will also assist in strengthening regional integration. He is also expecting a high level of competition throughout the tournament. Digicel Elite from Saint Lucia is among the teams who will be featured in a triple header on Sunday March 9th – the official opening of the tournament.

Special blend won Saint Lucia music awards for their single “what child is this?” and for their album “his name is Jesus.” The single was awarded best Christmas song, and the album is the album of the year. Special blend received both awards on Tuesday from HMS manager – Steve Etienne. HMS collected the awards when they were handed out on Friday. The group was represented by Kimya Williams. She used the occasion to extend thanks to people who worked on and contributed to the project. The awards were handed out at the cultural development foundation. CDF is one of the organizers of the

award show.