Lucians pay on airline tickets not originated here – they may be illegal. Chastanet is demanding some answers from LIAT. He is also questioning the fuel surcharge and recent baggage restrictions. The Civil Aviation Minister says customers are paying for the Airline’s inefficiencies. Chastanet says the high air fares are affecting local tourism. The Tourism Minister says Saint Lucia – particularly small hotels - depend on intra regional travelers.

At no other time is this more real than during the summer. He says at a time when Governments are offering a host of concessions to keep their tourism industries alive, LIAT’s escalating fares are crippling regional air travel. Chastanet says recently, the Air and Sea Ports Authority wrote to LIAT asking that one of the numerous taxes be removed, but the Company has not responded. He is calling on regional air licensing boards to conduct similar investigations into the airline’s fare structure. The local committee’s report is expected in three weeks and Chastanet says at that time the government will determine its next move.

Police have charged 19 year old riverside road resident Alleyne James a.k.a. “young and old” for the murder of 17 year old Kelvin Francis of rock hall and 17 year old Taddy Philip of Trois-Piton. James surrendered himself to police on Friday accompanied by his attorney. A warrant of arrest in the first instance was previously issued for his arrest in relation to the murder of the young men who were both shot in the head about 1:30pm on

Thursday June 11th. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Lastic-hill and Leslie-land road, Castries. Both teenagers were pronounced dead at the Victoria hospital. Alleyne James is scheduled to appear in court on Monday the 22nd of June, 2009. The first individual that was charged in connection with this incident was 19 year old Simon Lubin of Mary Ann Street. Lubin is currently on remand at the Bordelais correctional facility.

CAPS says it is attempting to re-engage the various groups affected by the current rise in violence While the consultant supports law enforcement operations he advocates the use of diplomacy to diffuse the volatile situation. A few years ago a truce was brokered among rival gangs bringing an end to a period of bloodshed in the capital. James says its time to revisit the strategies and methods that proved effective in quelling earlier deadly conflicts.

James says the ground work for the talks with the affected parties has already begun. He says there must be a sense of urgency in restoring peace and calm to neighborhoods gripped by the crime and violence. The Community Action Program for Safety concedes crime and violence are complex social problems that require a multi-faceted approach The crime fighting agency says changing the cultural mindset and espousing sound ideals and values are just as important as enforcement. Linwall James says any plan to address crime is ineffective without engaging the community in constructive dialogue.

fall prey to negative influences in bad peer groups because of a lack of government investment in positive ones. Edgar says young people are lulled into a life of crime because they generally have few options during their search for peer groups. The NYC receives an annual subvention from government to allow for its many functions. Marvin Edgar is a teacher by profession and a long serving member of the National Youth Council.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime and Intelligence – Vernon Francois says the involvement of youth in crime is worrying and RAWKY targets the very young to instil core values and build positive characters in the youth. He says the primary school students are not too young to make a difference.

Culture Minister – Gaspard Charlemagne says the programme will provide children with the tools needed to combat peer pressure and social ills. He says it’s the type of programme that will promote positive values in the youth RAWKY is a holistic approach to crime fighting bringing together law enforcement, CAPS and the corporate community. The RAWKY books teach children to educate and protect themselves through fun and entertaining media.

It will feature presentations by the Drug Squad and CAPS. The Secretariat’s Programme Manager – Robert Huggins says this activity will teach young people about the impact of drug abuse on the community. The week’s activities will culminate with a march and grand rally at the Derek Walcott Square. The Director says this event will take the anti-drug message to the streets.

June 26th is International Day Against Substance Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. The Substance Abuse Secretariat says it will continue to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and especially to young people. Next week’s activities are based on the theme “Your life. Your Community. No Place for Drugs.

Mathurin says the clinic was very well attended and received by men. She says it is an encouraging start to what is a very important need in the society. Two of the men who took advantage of the free screenings were very complimentary about the activity. Martin Lubin and Claudius Calderon say it was a chance to do something they never have time or money for.

The Diabetic Association partnered with the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and the AIDS Secretariat to host the screening. It was held at the Castries City Hall.

the hope of getting them into treatment if necessary. The mini-health fair was held at the Tapion Hospital.

The students were required to develop an outfit based on a design and showcase the finished product at the fashion show with a model on the catwalk. The Ministry Official says she was blown away by the outcome. The Home Economics Curriculum Officer is backing the expansion of creative arts programs at the nation’s schools. She says in there are many opportunities that can foster the entrepreneurial spirit of free enterprise, self employment and industry.

The Ministry of Education says the festival was not a contest but provided a platform to nurture and development the talents of interested students at the participating schools.

An elated Veronica James says she will refresh her driving skills to take advantage of her new car. She says she’s been playing the various lottery games for years – and her winning is evidence that perseverance pays off. The National Lotteries games include Instant Scratch, Daily Grand and Lucky Three. Already, another vehicle promotion is underway. The winner of the ongoing Raffle promotion will receive a 2009 Honda CRV, with gas and insurance for one year. Tickets for this promotion cost $20 and are available from lottery agents.