Prime Minister Stephenson King expressed open gratitude to the Republic of China Taiwan for helping the government fulfil what he called a long standing promise by governments both past and present. The new state of the art facility boasts 84 beds for psychiatric patients, 24 for neurological, geriatric, and general patients, an auditorium and diagnostic centre.

The handing over ceremony of the new National Mental Wellness Centre was acknowledged by the Prime Minister as one of the most significant and promising developments in the health sector. Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chou says when his Embassy took over the abandoned Chinese project in October 2008 a lot of re structuring was done to ensure the facility would more adequately meet the needs of patients. According to the Ambassador careful planning went into the design of the facility he says has aesthetic appeal and is practical in its design.

Minister of Health Dr. Keith Mondesir says he was proud to witness the handing over of an institution that would bring the needs of psychiatric patients into sharp focus. He says they are a vulnerable group whose needs are often neglected.

At the handing over ceremony, the Taiwanese embassy took time to highlight their numerous contributions to various sectors and communities in a cooperation DVD presentation entitled Our Joint Effort 2009. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister; Rufus Bousquet; called the Taiwanese a most beneficial ally and accommodating friend.

Police have charged 24 year old Kurt “bertie” James of Pavee, Castries, for the murder of Patrick Lewis. The 45 year old man was found dead in his park lane, Marchand home days after James is alleged to have shot at Prince Richardson. For that incident – he was charged with the offence of using a firearm with intent. James was arrested on Sunday morning in Marchand – months after a June warrant was issued for him in relation

to the shooting. Richardson, 26 years old from Grass Street was shot in the leg on September 20th at about 10:45pm. James allegedly fired several shots at Richardson, hitting him in the right thigh during the altercation.
James was in court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to that crime. His next scheduled court appearance is Thursday November 12th.

It would appear that more trouble is brewing at the electoral commission. HTS news understands that a commissioner on the three member body has written a strongly worded letter to commission chairman Kenneth Monplaisir, qc asking for an emergency meeting to deal with a number of issues. This follows calls a few ago for the resignation of the commission chairman from the SLP after he assaulted an HTS photojournalist.

And although that resignation has not come to past – we understand that one member of the body may yet resign. Our sources say the commissioner who called for the meeting may resign as early as next week if the issues stated in his letter are not addressed to his satisfaction. The two members on the commission besides the qc who chairs it is Claudius Francis representing the SLP and Michael Flood who represents the ruling UWP.

.The Minister says a press conference will be convened, as early as next week to disclose the contents of the report to the press. At the same time - he says there may be some censorship of the report because of sensitive issues like security at the facility.   With regards to the grievances of staff at the Boys Training Centre, Montoute says his Ministry is working feverishly to bring some measure of comfort and security to not just the staff but also the wards at the centre. He says now that staff members are back on the job his Ministry can focus on the pressing issues of improving the infrastructure of the building, providing adequate security and staff and ensuring programs are in place for the rehabilitation of the boys at the centre.

The Social Transformation Ministry will also look into how best the recommendations of the report on the Boys Training Centre can be effectively implemented.

King Administration. Last week, Prime Minister Stephenson King pacified striking WASCO employees when he announced the privatization of the company was no longer a viable option. However, the CSN alleges the move was a stratagem to avoid the threat of litigation. Cherry claims the administration botched the privatization process and mishandled the tendering procedure for competing water companies.

Another staunch opponent - the Communications Director of the CSN Andrew Antoine is delighted but concerned about the alternatives. Additionally – he is irked by the government’s declaration of an increase in water rates. He claims the adjustment in rates cannot be done unilaterally and arbitrarily without the consideration of the water and sewage commission.

The Civil Society Network says government’s about face on the water privatization issue has confirmed the red flags raised by the pressure group about the business practices and ulterior motives of private water companies. The CSN says it is now time to focus on making WASCO an efficient and profitable utility company.

Getting the agreement between the Police Welfare Association and the government negotiating team signed proved as time consuming as getting both parties to the table to sign. After months of negotiations with the Police – one of two civil groups that had not signed a collective agreement with the government – both parties met on Tuesday afternoon.

A formality that usually takes minutes took hours due first to the tardiness of the Acting Labour Commissioner – and then because of a number of articles that pertained to Inspectors and Senior Officers. The Chairperson of the government negotiating team argued the Union – contrary to a number of articles like 20 – could not negotiate on behalf of these officers.

After much debate both sides agreed to a compromise. They would sign the agreement as is but would seek clarification on the issue. When the agreement was signed it was approved by the Chairperson of the Negotiating Team – Jacintha St Helen – and by the President of the Police Welfare Association. Martin James also expressed hope it would be implemented quickly.

Neither party discussed the intricacies of the agreement – especially in relation to the issues that had caused a delay in signing and a Police sick out weeks ago. The agreement expires at the end of 2009.

French says the strategy was conceived with input from the entire gamut of public and private sector agencies including the Ministries of Health and Agriculture as well as the Saint Lucia Red Cross. She explains the collaborative approach will harmonize the message that will be sent by all these agencies.

A US based company called Links - working closely with USAID on pandemic influenza strategies for Latin America and the Caribbean was integrally involved in compiling the document. Saint Lucia has been touted as a leader in the development and implementation of plans to deal with the threat of the outbreak of the dreaded H1N1 influenza pandemic The island’s success is attributed to what has been coined the “multi-sectorial” approach.
 

To date, the island has recorded one death linked to the H1N1 outbreak and has effectively treated 60 confirmed cases of the influenza. The authorities are encouraging members of the public to practice proper hygiene by washing hands and cleaning surfaces frequently to ward off infection.

observances in communities across the island. She says the nation must never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by the great generation. Prime Minister Stephenson King indicated the time for lip service was over. He says his administration is ready to assist in the establishment of memorandum of understanding between the Ex-Services League and the Government.

The Ex-Service League consists of the veterans who served and the people dedicated to keeping the memory of their courage and devotion alive. The Late Dorothy Pilgrim who passed away earlier this year was regarded as the lynch pin of the Ex-services League. President Reginald Cherubin paid homage to a heroine he described as indispensable and irreplaceable.

A Contingent from the French Department of Martinique joined the island in the solemn observance on Sunday.
Countless Saint Lucians fought and died in the war to end all wars, World War 1 from 1914-1918 and battled the fascism of the Axis powers led Nazi Germany in World War 2 from 1939-1945.
Although observed on Sunday – Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11th.

Administrators Support Group. The gift of $1800 was received on behalf of the students and teachers by Andrewna Henry, the Acting CEO of St. Jude Hospital. Just a few minutes later another school arrived to make its donation to the St. Jude Rehabilitation Fund. This time it was a delegation from the Augier Combined School led by Kerdisha Edwin. The St. Jude Hospital was destroyed by fire on September 9th this year. Three lives perished in the blaze.