even focused on children’s poverty issues for Women’s Day earlier in the month. She also noted her advocacy for an increase in the amount of child support paid by fathers as an example of her work on children’s issues. Francois says he is passionate about children’s issues and will not stay quiet in the face of injustice.

Francois put the government and police on notice that he will be seeking damages on behalf of the young boy who was allegedly raped by a police officer.

It was a National Day of Prayer and Fasting to intercede on behalf of the nation. The day was observed under the theme “If My People Pray” Despite calls for churches and Halls of Assemblies to remain open to coordinate and implement united prayer, the doors of some remained closed.

Notwithstanding there was a mood of seriousness throughout the island as the day of prayer and fasting was observed. Even school children were deeply involved.

This dwelling in Anse la Raye may not look like much to many, but to Kervin John, it is home. The young man says his peaceful existence was shattered last Saturday, when police officers broke into his home without notice, a warrant or provocation. John says the disturbance stems from a demand by his children’s mother that they leave their food on his table and depart with her. John says he asked his former girlfriend to allow his children to finish their meal, but she would not have it. According to John, that was the end of this, until later in the night.

John says the children’s mother disapproves of his company on the grounds that he uses marijuana, but he says he has never smoked any drug in the presence of his children. He says his boys – seven and five years old were traumatized. John and his children’s mother have been separated for almost two years. However, he says it was a habit for her to drop them off with him on weekends, when she would go work the Seafood Friday in the village.
He says he has not good explanation for her attitude change.

John plans to file a formal complaint against the officers who he says ransacked his home. He is also seeking other recourse. For now, John wants to get legal authority to be with his children through the courts. He says that alone will prevent a repeat of the trauma he suffered at the hands of the police. We tried to reach the officers identified by John but were unsuccessful.

Police have arrested and charged alexander bonnet for the murder of bethalie Mangal. Charges were brought against the boyfriend of the 36 year-old woman last Friday. Mangal`s mutilated body was found lying a pool of blood bearing multiple stab wounds inside her Monchy home. The murder took place around two weeks ago. Bonnet was also injured.  His throat was slashed and he bore stab wounds to the abdomen. Reports indicate that his wounds were self-inflicted.

Bonnet spent two weeks at Victoria hospital recovering from his injuries. The couple has two young children who were at home when Mangal was killed. Initially, it was claimed that the attack was a robbery gone bad, but that theory has been discounted by the police. Reports indicate that bonnet confessed to killing his common law wife to various individuals. He is being held at the Gros Islet police station.

The owner of the largest supermarket chain on the island says the problem of rising cost of food can be fixed by diversifying away from traditional import markets. Michael Chastanet says cheaper foods can be sourced but accessibility to those markets is restricted. The business man says if government cooperates with supermarket owners and removes some of those restrictions, consumers will feel an ease from the escalating cost of food. He says South America is a potential market for cheaper foods. Chastanet says if we begin to access and import food from that market then local consumers will be able to purchase cheaper foods thus easing the cost burden.

Chastanet says if government is committed to reducing the high cost of food then it should become more liberal. The businessman says diversifying away from traditional import markets is a better fix to the rising cost of food than putting more items under price control in a food basket. Chastanet says the input of both present and past governments is vital in accessing non-traditional markets for imports to address the situation.

The Housing Minister says beautifying Bideau Park falls within government’s plan of developing the city. He also had a stern warning for the many homeless and destitute people who have made the park their home. Frederick says he will not allow them to have the Park revert back to its old self.

According to the City Council, a contractor from the Castries Central basin was commissioned to restore the park after tenders were submitted. Also, Monroe College has come onboard by offering to finance the maintenance of the park.

Proper health and safety practices are paramount to the survival of any individual – that’s the message from LUCELEC. The company is on a drive to ensure that its customers and employees are well-informed about the importance of proper health and safety practices. Human Resource Manager at LUCELEC Nicole Du Boulay says the aim is to promote a culture of safety in the workplace. Du Boulay says the company invests in the health of workers by providing health checks as part of its responsibility. She says the safety, health, and wellness of staff is critical to the operations of the company.

LUCELEC`s Human Resource Manager says the company also recognizes the need to take the message of health and safety to its customers. The month of health and safety activities is being observed under the theme “Health Lifestyles and safe working conditions for all.” The observance has been an annual staple for LUCELEC for the past twelve years.