Another project aimed at redefining the city skyline and enhancing the look of the capital is underway. Construction of a seven story commercial complex in a space once occupied by a housing apartment is expected to begin shortly. Another block of the aging CDC apartments was demolished Easter Sunday to make way for the development.

CDC block k located on the corners of coral and Jeremie street was one of the buildings in the housing complex deemed unsafe by engineers.

The new commercial endeavor was conceptualized by housing minister Richard Frederick and the national housing corporation. Housing minister Richard Frederick explains the project is part of a plan to generate revenue and transform down town Castries. Frederick says the demolition of the apartment building was delayed while the authorities sought to relocate tenants. The minister hinted other CDC buildings deemed structural unsound may have to be destroyed to pave the way for the construction of future city developments. 

The 84 year was the first tenant in Block K of the CDC housing apartment building. The CDC’s were built in 1950’s to house the many citizens of Castries left homeless after the great fire of 1948 Angelina Williams says she was informed the building was unsafe and earmarked for demolition and process would begin in August of 2007. Miss Williams says she packed her belongings last August and awaited her transfer to a new residence. She says she lived out of suitcase while the authorities sought alternative housing arrangements.

Friends lent a helping hand. But Williams claim the process of moving out was made more difficult when the power to the apartment was cut off. Patricia Williams says the situation could have been handled better. The Williams say although they have fond memories of their old apartment they ready to move on given the deteriorating condition of the building  However they allege the demolition crew in their determination to level the structure was insensitive to the plight of the elderly resident. 

A young man is reportedly hospitalized in critical condition after an explosive collision on the Castries Gros Islet highway. The crash occurred in the wee hours of Easter Sunday march 23rd on the Mongiraud hill. According to eyewitnesses a motorcycle and a motor vehicle traveling in opposite directions collided 5 am Sunday. The motorcycle bursts into flames on impact hurling the lone rider into the air. Miraculously the young man reportedly survived crash and was taken to hospital for treatment. Eye-witnesses allege some individuals attempted to loot the burnt out vehicle for spare parts after the flames

subsided. According to reports the fire department confirmed the incident but was Unable to reveal the names of the people involved in the collision. It is unclear how many people were aboard the car or if they sustained any injuries. Details are still emerging and we will have an update on this incident in a subsequent broadcast.

The St. Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority wants public help in lobbying Government to pass the Returnable Containers Act. The Authority’s General Manager Geraldine Gabriel says the proposed bill has been in the pipeline for years and if passed, will help reduce plastic and litter along highways and in City drains.

Gabriel says although many St. Lucians are environmentally friendly, more people need to be encouraged to care for the environment.

The General Manager says locals do not have to wait for a law to take action that would protect the environment.
She says simple, practical acts, like putting garbage out on designated collection days, can help keep the Island clean. Gabriel says business owners must stop using vagrants to dispose garbage, as that waste eventually clogs the City’s drains – and leads to flooding. She says it is up to all nationals to help the Authority achieve its goal of creating a cleaner St. Lucia.

Guard claims developing female officers to fill leadership positions was not considered when the British Officers were recruited by the previous government to enhance the police force. The President of the Police Welfare Association says investing in molding more female officers into leaders will auger well for the advancement of the Royal St.Lucia Police Force as an effective crime fighting organization.

Kerwin John says his ordeal began with an argument with his children’s mother. He says she came to his house to pick them up after a routine visit with him. John claims police officers broke into his home without provocation or a warrant. But, the investigating officer says the young father did not tell the entire story. Inspector Burton Deterville says he had permission from the children’s mother who came to the police station requesting assistance to recover her children. The officer says at no time did he assault the young man or ransack his home. He says he did not act illegally. Inspector Deterville says he

responded to a call to rescue the children who appeared to be in distress. The young man’s father claims he was present at the time of the incident. He says his son was unruly and verbally abusive to the police officers. Randolph Butcher says the confrontation could have been avoided if his son had handed over his children to their mother peacefully. John and ex-girlfriend have been separated for two years. Butcher alleges since the split his son has been suffering from mental depression. Kerwin John has threatened to file a complaint against the officer who he alleges ransacked his home. He also plans to take his fight for the legal custody of his children to the courts.

The need for a business continuity plan was underscored for the Police Credit Union last year, after a fire destroyed one floor of the building. That is one of the reasons Albert James was at the first in two one-day workshops on business continuity management. James, the CEO of the Police Credit Union, says his organization had no plan in place. The National Emergency Management Organisation has teamed with USAID for the workshops. NEMO Director – Dawn French says her organization in continuing to work with various corporations to have a plan in place in case of disasters.

French says participants in the workshop are varied, with some already completing their disaster plans, and others not having one. She does not think people regard the preparation of a plan as unimportant, but it’s a matter of prioritizing. Another one-day workshop will be held for other corporate entities on Wednesday. NEMO says it will assist all institutions that require help in preparing their disaster plans.

Peter Lorde says the workshop will contribute to human resource and micro enterprise development. Participants were taught the importance of costing of furniture items and the steps involved in furniture production.