Claudius Francis has represented the Saint Lucia Labour Party on the Electoral Commission for over five years. This week he wrote a letter to Commission Chairman Kenneth Monplaisir QC requesting an immediate meeting. Francis says there are a few issues relating to the operations of the Commission he would like to discuss.

Francis would not elaborate about what these specific issues are. Speculation is rife that they pertain to Michael Flood – the ruling UWP representative on the Commission. He says he will not discuss his concerns until he meets with the Commission.

The Commission Chairman is presently out of state but is expected back on island next week. Francis says if there is no response to his letter by Friday November 20th – his next move might be to resign from the Commission. As to the effect that might have on the body – he seemed blissfully unaware.

The Electoral Commission has three members – Claudius Francis, Michael Flood and Chairman, Kenneth Monplaisir, QC. It was appointed by the Governor-General after the first sitting of Parliament following the 2006 general elections.

She says the 18th of March 1999 remains etched in her memory. It was on that day Jules reacted violently after she turned down one of his unwanted advances at a school sports meet. Jules was convicted and served time at the Bordelais Correctional Facility for the attempted murder of the Dennery resident. She left town two years after his release from prison because she says he continued to stalk her as soon as he was released. .

The woman says contrary to reports the two were never romantically involved. But she claims he was smitten and managed to convince many that the feeling was mutual. Joseph alleges Jules was obsessed and delusional. Sherry Anne Joseph says she wants local police to act swiftly before it is too late. She says her experience is a glaring example of the possible dire consequences.  Joseph says the so called Mon Repos Stalker is a man crying out for help.

Jules Joseph was hospitalized recently after he was stabbed during an altercation with the father of an 18 year old woman of Mon Repos. The family alleges he has had made threats on her life and is stalking her. During this last meeting the young girl’s mother sustained 14 stitches to her hand fending him off while he fought her father.

Kurt “Bertie” James has been remanded to the Bordelais Correctional Facility until January 15th when he will return to court for a sufficiency hearing. That hearing will determine if the State has enough evidence to take him to trial on two counts – the murder of 45 year old Patrick Lewis and the shooting with intent of Prince Richardson. James, 24 is from Pavee, Castries.

He was arrested and charged for shooting with intent on Sunday following the issue of a June warrant for his arrest. On Wednesday – he was charged with the murder of Lewis – the Marchand resident was found dead in his home from what Police say are gunshots James fired at Richardson on September 20th in Marchand. Police Spokesperson – Corporal Trevor Constantine –says James was taken to court on Thursday to answer to the charge of murder.

Richardson was shot in his upper thigh. The decomposing body of Lewis was discovered days after the incident in his Park Lane home.

Augier says although negotiations continue with some big names in the music industry, a preliminary line up is in place. Saint Lucia was recognized this week-end as the best honeymoon destination at the 2009 World Travel Awards. The Tourist Board says although it is elated to have captured the title, there is need to branch out into other niche markets particularly the yachting sector.

Meanwhile - the Atlantic Rally for cruisers will begin on November 22nd with over 200 registered yachts set to participate. Augier says a fantastic line up of activities has been planned for this years ARC festival in December. She says the goal is to see the ARC gain the same sort of following and hype as the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

Local contractor Fauchland will construct the project. It will include a child and adolescent centre, a conference room and pharmacy into the building. Health Minister Dr. Keith Mondesir says the move is part of the governments thrust to place greater emphasis on primary health care facilities around the island.

Plans are also on stream to renovate the La Guerre Health Facility the Babonneau MP says is in dire need of capacity building. The project to renovate and remodel the Babonneau Health Centre will commence during the first week in December and will be carried out over a six month period. Meanwhile – also on Tuesday, the MP also accepted the donation of a bus shelter valued at over $45,000 built with support from Caribbean Metals and Cyril Dornelly Construction. Located in Ti Morne in Babonneau – it is described as a state of the art bus shelter.

Executive Director of the St. Lucia Diabetic and Hypertensive Association, George Eugene, says men were specifically targeted for the upcoming health fair. The Association wants to improve the health consciousness of males. The Men’s Health Fair to be held this coming Saturday November 14th will provide free sugar and blood pressure testing for men.

The Association will also play an active role in this weekend’s Wave Fun Walk and Burn – providing free testing at the end of the route. It is also preparing to host its Diabetes Walk on November 29th. Persons can register for that activity at the Men’s Health Fair. The Wave Fun Walk and Burn will be held on Sunday – registration can be done at the Wave offices in Vide Bouteille. The Men’s Health Fair will coincide with the global commemoration of World Diabetes Day on November 14th.

The Authorities admit that the Police Band has not received adequate attention over the years. But Prime Minister Stephenson King says one of the island’s most revered musical institutions may soon have a place to call home. King is mulling over proposals to convert the old Golden Hope Hospital into a state of the art compound that will house the police band and barracks of the paramilitary Special Service Unit.

Internal Security Senator Guy Mayers says the addition of the new instruments will enhance the musical exploits of one of the region’s preeminent uniformed bands. Mayers thanked the Taiwanese government for another generous donation. The official handing over ceremony of the instruments was held at the Police recreation room at the Police Headquarters on Bridge Street.

The video script was written by award winning Saint Lucian singer, Shayne Ross. It was shot on a number of locations including JJ’s Plaza in Marigot, the Bay Gardens Beach Resort and in Goodlands where Platinum George resides. The video was shot and produced by Epiphane. The video is already attracting a lot of attention on youtube and will be released on all television stations including HTS.