Tensions were running high at the WASCO office on Lance Road when our cameras arrived on the scene. Placard bearing WASCO employees voiced their frustrations with the company, the Minster of Public Utilities and even their Unions. Employees say they’re fed up of receiving empty promises and will not budge if their concerns are not addressed by Minister Guy Joseph or the Prime Minister.

Monitoring the unfolding scenes of chaos from his upstairs office was a grim looking John Joseph, WASCO’s Managing Director. He says the industrial action by employees has had a crippling impact on the company’s operations. Joseph has advised consumers to rely on personal storage supplies of water. However he indicated that if the strike continues into Friday – a contingency plan will be put into full effect.

The General Manager is clear - WASCO cannot afford to ride out the impasse if it drags on for days. Although critical of what he called ‘premature action’ by the employees on Tuesday General Secretary of the CSA, David Demacque, was quick to point out the unions’ loyalties remain with the workers. He says the CSA and the NWU – the two Unions who represent these workers - would continue to agitate on their behalf.

Later on Thursday union representatives and WASCO management made their way to the Prime Minister’s office where the Cabinet of ministers held an emergency briefing with the relevant parties. No word yet on the outcome of that meeting.

He died soon after receiving treatment and being admitted to hospital. Meanwhile - the Ministry is reminding people with pre existing medical conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes and lung disease  that they are at very high risk for developing severe complications after being infected  with H1N1 influenza.   These individuals who have persistent flu symptoms should seek medical care immediately, at the nearest Health Centre or other health facility.

The public is also reminded that although most persons who acquire H1N1 Influenza have only mild flu-like symptoms and recover within one week, some persons may develop more severe illness that may lead to death if not treated in a timely and aggressive manner. At the same time – the Ministry of Health wishes to express its sincerest condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones.

The Ministry is also urging that St. Lucians continue to be vigilant in guarding against infection from the H1N1 influenza. The public is reminded of the following recommendations frequent hand washing, eating healthy foods - avoid excessive alcohol and smoking and exercise regularly to improve immunity to infection. Persons with flu like symptoms should also cover their cough and remain away from work, school or public places for at least 1 week after seeking medical attention.

Ifill says while the water supply at some schools has depleted others are still running on adequate reserves. She says the Ministry will authorize any school without water to suspend classes until further notice is given by WASCO about when the normal supply of water will return to the schools. The Ministry says as soon as it has received definite word from WASCO, schools will be alerted and normal classes will resume.

loss. Although the employees returned to work on Thursday they have taken the advice of their union to steer clear of the wards while government and the CSA hold talks to resolve the immediate problems at the institution. The Minister of Social Transformation Lenard Montoute says while he does not condone the alleged acts of violence the incident must not be blown out of proportion. He says the wards should not be vilified. Montoute says they are troubled youth who require special needs and care.

The Minister says government is aware of the dark history and shortcomings of the institution and has taken steps to improve conditions at the juvenile detention centre. This includes increased security, fencing and more fire exits after a ward perished in a blaze at the BTC a few years ago. But Montoute concedes the long term solution remains the relocation of the centre and suitable trained staff to rehabilitate and reform the juveniles.

The Minister says he will reserve action on the alleged altercation until all the facts are in. He is awaiting the results of a thorough investigation expected to shed light on what transpired at the institution on Wednesday. The BTC is home to juvenile wards of the state and juvenile offenders.

Mother Wants Justice
Story By
Carmy Joseph

police officers. Phillip has since reported the matter to the Police Complaints Commission. She has also sought medical attention and the advice of her attorney. And although she is not certain of her next step – she is certain of one thing – she wants justice. Rosita Phillip was left cleaning her home following the visit from officers. She says she was never charged for any crime and the reason for the visit remains a mystery to her.

Martinus Francois is accusing the state of the unlawful detention of Eugene St. Romain who was arrested and charged for the rape and murder of 12 year old Verlinda Joseph. Joseph’s lifeless body was found in a banana field in December 2002. St Romain - her Stepfather - was arrested and charged for the crime almost two years later in 2004.

Since then - he has been incarcerated at the Bordelais Correctional Facility. Francois has filed a constitutional motion in the High Court claiming his client’s fundamental right to due process, bail and a speedy trial has been denied. Francois claims St. Romain is innocent and challenges the state to put on his client on trial or set him free.

The Human rights lawyer is also seeking compensation for alleged damages. Francois is outraged by what he describes as a miscarriage of justice and a blatant violation of the most fundamental right in a constitutional democracy. The first hearing of the case is scheduled for Tuesday November 17th 2009.

Police have charged two Sri Lankan nationals for having in their possession, fraudulent documents that were found in their luggage at the George FL. Charles airport on Saturday November 1st. The documents were discovered by a port police officer. Both were preparing for departure to their country of origin when they were intercepted.

The charges preferred against them are: possession of altered St. Lucian passports, possession of false identification cards and possession of false NIC cards. Both appeared in court on Thursday November 5th where they pleaded guilty to the charges.

They were cautioned, reprimanded and discharged for the offences of possession of identification cards and possession of NIC cards. In relation to the charge of possession of altered St. Lucian passports, they were each fined the sum of $5000 to be paid forthwith or in default four months imprisonment.

That meeting was held to chart the way forward in a continuing struggle with the Transport Ministry. Joseph says the Transport Minister together with the Tourism Minister is working to destroy the local taxi sector. He says they are doing this with a newly launched driver training program - aimed at training H plate vehicle owners to operate taxis – thereby replacing the existing drivers.

The Taxi Union has threatened strike action in the past – but it has never materialized. Also – the Transport Minister has vehemently denied the accusations leveled by Lucien Joseph. Guy Joseph has maintained his actions are aimed at breaking the monopoly currently enjoyed by taxi drivers over who gets to operate a taxi.

Lucien Joseph says he will write to the Prime Minister – a letter that will be copied to the Transport Minister and Tourism Minister. That missive is expected to be delivered on Monday – he says after that, the countdown will begin.

Money raised by the production will go towards the establishment of a base of operations for the school. George says the Academy works with young people between the ages of 13 to young adult. They learn a combination of artistry, music and craft.

“Breakout” will feature original music from noted musician – Barbara Cadette and choreography by George.
Publicist Jackie Cherubin-Weekes says it will be a night of Saint Lucian artistry featuring original work from two masters in their fields. Tickets for “Breakout” will be available on both evenings at the National Cultural Centre – they cost $25 for adults and $12 for children under 12.