This is the first time Marketplace will be held in the Eastern Caribbean. Former hosts include Cancun, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. One could not fault organizers for wanting to put on a top notch show. But why does that translate into a foreign act to close what they say is a show that will display what Saint Lucia has to offer. Unlike the closing ceremony – the opening will feature a strictly local cast portraying a “rainforest” theme. That includes the sights and sounds of Saint Lucia’s past coupled with music and talent from the present.

The Minister of Tourism says the closing ceremony like the event is not his production. Allen Chastanet says producers – Landmark Events – coordinated and designed the show. The organizers are coordinating the local aspects of the show – Montano is a CHA get. For them – the focus is local – a little Mamai Lakaye, dominoes and masquerade thrown in before the Trini closes the curtains on a Lucian presentation.

LIAT Flights Delayed In Antigua
Story by
Shannon Lebourne

.LIAT management is warning passengers of more possible delays in its service. In fact - a warning sign is displayed upon entry at the GFL Charles Airport. LIAT says the situation is out of its control – owing instead to a continued strike by Air Traffic Controllers in Antigua. LIAT Country Manager Saint Lucia - Josse Mesmin - says this has resulted in severe flight delays throughout the system. The Airline’s hub is Antigua and LIAT was expecting a combination of events at the V.C. Bird International Airport to impact its flights further.

The Air Traffic Controllers are continuing the ‘flow control’ they implemented more than two weeks ago, allowing no more than one plane to land every twenty minutes. Mesmin says flight service should be restored to normalcy by the end of the week. Mesmin would not comment on the details of the industrial action taken by the controllers. He would say that efforts are being made to end the impasse – efforts he expected to resolve the situation soon.

Mesmin is calling on passengers and other LIAT customers to be patient as the company tries to resolve the problem. He says LIAT remains committed to providing quality service to the people of the region.

The Acting Commissioner of Police is revealing one crucial part of the investigation. He says a firearm was found at the scene following the Soufriere shooting. The Internal Security Minister and respondents to an HTS E-Poll had called for the officer involved in the shooting to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Francois says that is the option that will be taken in this case.

Dennery Men Caught With Drugs
Story By
Clinton Reynolds

Dennery Police have removed more drugs from off the streets. Police reports indicate that law enforcement proceeded to L’Ouvert Beach last Sunday around 4:15pm after receiving information concerning about a drug activity. On arrival, the officers from the Richfond station intercepted 22-year-old Michael Oculie of Deniere Riviere, Dennery, 26-year-old – Ichael Johnny of Belmont, Dennery and 43-year-old Claudius Joseph of Deniere Riviere.

The three men were said to be in possession of one hundred and forty-four pounds of marijuana. They were arrested and charged with possession on marijuana and possession with intent to supply. They appeared in court yesterday on the charges. Bail was set for each in the sum of $50,000 cash or suitable surety. They are to reappear in Court on January 28. 

A few weeks ago - Linwall James - was appealing for public assistance in curbing the crime rate. In 2008 – Saint Lucia recorded 39 homicides. James was particularly alarmed by the numbers of young males who were victims of and committing murders. In fighting crime – the Executive Director of the Community Action Program for Safety (CAPS) – also called on communities to step up. He made reference to the New Village Development Committee – a group he says is bringing positive change to its community.

James made particular reference to the Peace and Love football tournament. He says what started as a unit formed around the tournament has grown to include other positive community events. That includes a Carnival band that in 2008 played mas for the second consecutive time. James says communities need to do more to provide options for young people – particularly young males.

Linwall James says CAPS will be stepping up its programs in 2009. That includes more lectures and community outreach aimed at specific areas like anger management – the catalyst for the majority of crime. James is also calling on the public to utilize the crime hotline – 456-999 - the service allows the users to present anonymous tips to the Police.

Eugene George has been a mini-bus operator for twelve years and he also operates a thirty-seat Coaster to transport school children. He says although the bigger buses may benefit the drivers, it may not be in the interest of passengers. George says there are some questions which must be answered before the thirty-seat Coasters can be considered.

But, not all thirteen-seat buses currently in use will be abandoned if the proposal goes through. The President of the National Council on Public Transportation Godfrey Ferdinand says although the idea of bigger buses sounds good, it must be assessed carefully. Ferdinand says the authorities must consider a Task Force report of the transportation sector and the recently-concluded consumer perception survey. He says those reports would indicate whether the thirty-seat coasters are required.

The Castries East Minibus Association will be used to pilot a project to determine whether the larger buses can work here.Mini-bus drivers are lobbying government for duty-free concession to import the bigger buses. 

The opposition party is accusing two Ministers of altering the programme for the recent Police Awards to exclude the “Vote of Thanks” by Police Superintendent – Albert Fregis. In a statement, the SLP says it had confirmed that Prime Minister Stephenson King and National Security Minister Guy Mayers demanded Fregis removed from the programme. Fregis had criticized the former acting Commissioner – John Broughton’s leadership and had filed an assault case against Broughton. Following his comments, Fregis withdrew from hosting radio programme “Police Vibes” and was later transferred to the Traffic Department.

The Labour Party claims that Fregis’ open opposition of Broughton did not endear him to the UWP administration. The opposition party’s release also states that the government has attempted to frustrate Fregis’ bid to become Deputy Commissioner by trying to place a less qualified junior officer into the position. The SLP has raised the issue of victimization, once again, saying this phenomenon is being manifested at the highest level of government.

The opposition has called on the administration to explain how a man currently ranked within the top ten of the police hierarchy can be entrusted with the security of the State and not be trusted to deliver a “vote of thanks.”    The SLP also claims the Prime Minister King gave Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis on the night an ultimatum on the night. However, it did not say what that ultimatum was. 

Wednesday’s ceremony had two purposes. First, the National Community Foundation donated seven computers and books to the Canaries, Vieux Fort and Dennery Human Resource Centers. The Executive Director of the NCF – Juliana Alfred – says the donation stems from the organization’s “Donate a Book “initiative where the NCF contributes to various Resource Centers in vulnerable communities around the island.

Alfred says the donation was made possible with assistance from the Basic Needs Trust Fund and private citizens. Andre Lansiquot of the Anse La Raye Human Resource Center Management Committee says the supplies will assist with improving the quality of life of Anse La Raye residents. The NCF also used Wednesday’s ceremony to launch an “Independence Pin Appeal” for disadvantaged children.

The Foundation has collaborated with MNG`s - a business located in Vieux Fort. Natalie Gravillis of MNG`s says the initiative is designed to celebrate Saint Lucia’s thirtieth Independence Anniversary and to help the lives of underprivileged children. Representatives at Wednesday’s ceremony began patronizing the inaugural Independence Pin Appeal. Gravillis says MNG`s will continue to support NCF programmes to impact positively on the lives of Saint Lucians. The National Community Foundation says the donation and launch represents the start of things to come.

Bartenders from Hotels and Restaurants around the island will be competing for the 2009 Bounty Barman’s Title. The Championship will be hosted by the St. Lucia Distiller’s Group of Companies this Saturday. The Event, now into its sixteen year, will take place at the Delirious Bar & Restaurant in the Rodney Bay Village from 3.00 pm. It will provide Bartenders with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent in cocktails and drinks using award-winning local rums and products to the audience.

Glen James of St. Lucia Distiller’s has been working with Bartender’s around the island in 2008, providing training and coordinating competitions within the different hotels and bars as the competitors prepare for the upcoming Championship. Last year’s competition was won by a bartender at the Windjammer Landings Hotel.