With these words Hilary Herman made his position clear. He is expected to resume his old job at the Bordelais Correctional Facility on Monday. Herman is the only man to have served as Bordelais Director – a job he resigned from at the end of his last contract. He says he is looking forward to implement best practices at the facility.

These plans pertain to staff that are already working at Bordelais and the 60 new recruits expected to join them upon graduation. The Prison Welfare Association has been very vocal about its member’s opposition to the return of the Prison Director they say has a management style that is without description. When word of his appointment leaked last month – the Association President says a petition bore testimony to the majority of staff who felt that way. Herman says any concerns will be addressed when he begins his new stint at Bordelais.

Opinion of management style notwithstanding – Herman says he will be a tough taskmaster. He says staff will be expected to follow the procedures that govern them. Hilary Herman originally left Bordelais to take a position overseas. He says his return is to ensure the facility continues with its mandate to care for prisoners ensuring their rehabilitation and to keep the prison plant secure.

However, she explains that due to the density of the prison population bouts with the normal seasonal flu and other communicable illnesses are major concerns for the authorities. Additionally - Alcee says safety measures are in place to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases and other serious threats to the health of the inmates and the staff at Bordelais. The Deputy Director of the Bordelais Correctional Facility called the news of a so called outbreak a rumor intended to incite panic at the island’s main prison complex.

The decision is based on the slower than expected global production of the vaccine and the special circumstances in the selected countries. Other Caribbean territories like Saint Lucia are expected to eventually have access to the vaccine. But the availability will be limited based on global production capacity and distribution priorities.

In the absence of the vaccine, The Ministry of Health continues to emphasise the importance of infection control procedures and preventive measures to curtail the spread of the virus. Dr. Gemma Cherry advises Saint Lucians remain vigilant, pointing out that the worst may still yet come. She explains there is a likelihood of a more deadly second wave of the H1N1 influenza pandemic in the future.

Saint Lucia has recorded one H1N1 related death. The pandemic virus has now spread to 206 countries, with more than 6,250 deaths to date worldwide.

out of the House – Darnley Lebourne wrote this about the Castries East MP’s absence, “St. Lucians will note as well the conspicuous absences from yesterday’s sitting of the former Minister of Tourism who was the only other member of the elected opposition parliamentarians who was in office during the egregious acts of maladministration under the leadership of Dr. Kenny D. Anthony.” The MP says he was absent because of a prior business engagement he had already rescheduled to accommodate the original House Sitting.

The SLP Deputy Leader supported the walk out by the members of his party following the House decision not to grant Dr Kenny Anthony more time to speak to the resolution on the Commission of Inquiry report. Additionally – he says contrary to stated opinion – he did not run away from that particular debate. And for those who were denied his opinion on that resolution.

The former MP also had a message for the Castries Central MP who noted his absence in the House. The response – similar – was repeated three times. The resolution was passed – unanimously – in the House. Prime Minister King also stated his government’s intention to pursue a civil case against the parties identified in the resolution as responsible for the “maladministration of the Dr Kenny Anthony government.”

mandated for all airports. The SLASPA Disaster preparedness plan and Crisis Communication was tested during the exercise. Kennedy says from all preliminary accounts the simulation exercise was a success with emergency crews arriving on the scene within a two minute time frame.

Girl Talk is a half hour session with young ladies from Form One classes of various secondary schools. Joan Wells, Division Manager at Renwick and Company; distributors of Johnson and Johnson products; says even after fifteen years the program continues to maintain its relevance.

Nurse Jennifer Cumberbatch has been with the program for over 6 years travelling to various islands to talk to female students about a range of issues including feminine hygiene, facial care and reproductive health. Cumberbatch says many issues come up in her sessions because the young ladies often open up in the comfortable and safe setting.

Wells says she’s proud to see the impact the program continues to have on young women. She says it’s not just about marketing the Johnson and Johnson line of products but about the professional advice and guidance that so many participants are receiving in the program.    

Cumberbatch says many of the teachers at the schools she visits throughout the Caribbean credit the commencement of the program fifteen years ago with helping them to understand how to approach the teaching of proper feminine hygiene to girls.

The Ministry of Health is continuing to host a number of workshops to engage both public and private sector personnel on matters relating to the H1N1 virus. Participants in Friday’s workshop were given an overview and update of the H1N1 virus and an opportunity to address any queries to personnel from the Bureau of Health promotion.

Mervin Charles says participants will be charged with the responsibility to inform and educate members of their organizations on good health practices. These are aimed at reducing the spread of the H1N1 virus in the workplace. Ministry officials say the response from participants was very promising and provided them the opportunity to dispel myths about the virus. They were also able to empower persons with accurate information about the virus.

New York based Production Company, Made in Filmland has partnered with Weekes for the diabetes documentary. Company Founder - Monica Hornic, says after being approached by Weekes to do the project her research revealed the serious threat the disease poses to the island. She says she felt a sense of obligation to help raise awareness of the disease. The Wave Fun Walk and Burn will be held on Sunday in association with the St. Lucia Diabetic and Hypertensive Association, LIME, TOCO and HTS.

It was the third annual production by the Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy. “Breakout” featured original dance and choreography by Barry George and music by Barbara Cadet – two forces within the Creative Industries. The production was held for two days last week at the National Cultural Centre. Proceeds raised from the event goes towards the establishment of a dance studio for the Company.

Host – Quincy Griffith – promised an innovative and energetic production. Griffith says the production boasted a fusion of drama, artistry and dance. It also boasted local influences hinting at regional international qualities. The Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy caters to young people between the ages of 13 to young adults. It is the only professional dance company presently in existence in Saint Lucia.

Quaine Henry of the La Croix Marigot Primary School represented Saint Lucia at the Courts OECS Reading competition on Friday. He competed in Dominica with 6 other winners from neighbouring island states. Henry – the lone male – in a field of eight finalists won the Saint Lucian competition earlier this month. The competition began in Dominica and is endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

Two veteran educators and celebrated journalist Rick Wayne judged him the best reader among his Saint Lucian peers. The eight and nine year old competitors will be judged on fluency of reading, pronunciation and effective use of volume and pitch .For being the Saint Lucian champion - Henry won $2,000 dollars for the Marigot Primary School and a similar cash prize for himself.