Leona Edward is a survivor of domestic violence – and though she lived to tell her tale – her life as she used to know it no longer exists. Earlier this year – she was physically assaulted to the point of paralysis. The man who allegedly beat her – stomping on her back – and tossing her out of his Tapion home afterwards has since been charged for maiming.

Anthony Walcott – an accountant and former Treasurer of the ruling United Workers Party - is currently on $3,000 bail while he awaits his day in court. Edward would not discuss the case or her present relationship with her alleged attacker. She would – however - offer this advice to men who beat women.

Edward is also calling on fellow abused women to speak up and out about their situation. She says silence protects the abuser and places the abused in danger. On Wednesday - Saint Lucia joined the rest of the world in observance of the International Day of Protest against Violence against Women. Edward says wearing a purple ribbon in solidarity with victims and survivors like her is not enough.

Edward no longer works and she needs assistance to perform basic functions like taking a shower and getting dressed. She says she struggles to keep a positive attitude while looking forward to the rest of her life. She knows – despite her change in circumstances – she is one of the lucky ones because she lived to tell her tale.

placards. Organizers of the march say activities to mark International Day of protest against violence against women began on Monday with a special assembly. Pascal says students were made to appreciate the importance of taking a stand against violence. Pascal says she was genuinely surprised by the level of awareness among students. She says this goes to show that the work of the department of gender relations and other social groups has not gone unnoticed.

One young male student says he’s witnessed the toll violent acts have taken on the nation’s valuable youth resource. He says it is his intolerance of any form of violence that led him to join Wednesday’s march. The St. Lucia Crisis Centre and other partners will call attention to the plight of battered women with the observance of the 16 days of activism, highlighted by the Beat Pan and Drum…Not people event to be held on Saturday 28th November at the Derek Walcott Square.

well as Beverly Mangal and Gisele Georges. The Internal Security Minister says domestic violence accounts for more deaths in the country – higher even than gangs and drugs. Guy Mayers pointed out that managing anger in all spheres including domestic should be the way forward. He also warned potential violators of domestic violence laws that justice would be swift if they were ever caught.

The Remembrance ceremony was held at the National Cultural Centre. A memorial for deceased victims was also on display in the Courts showroom window in the Blue Coral Building. Two of the highest profile cases thus far for the year involved victims of domestic violence – Juliette Mauricette was allegedly savagely slashed by her children’s father Matta Joseph and Leona Edwards was allegedly beaten to the point of paralysis by her former boy-friend Anthony Walcott.

of the road and hit a wall. He fell in the process and was thereafter taken to the Victoria hospital where he was pronounced dead. To date – Saint Lucia has recorded 30 road fatalities for the year – three less than the total number of homicides that stands at 33.

A struggle ensued between them after Sylvester made an attempt to disarm the gunman who shot him in the process. Eye-witnesses say he then dragged himself until he collapsed at a nearby gas station. He was later taken to the Victoria hospital where he was treated and discharged.                  No one has been arrested in connection with this incident.  Investigation is continuing.

them to stop paying their water bills. Spokesperson of the Grand Riviere Development Committee, Albert Smith says although residents have proven the water quality is poor - WASCO continues to ignore their plight.

Lynch met with the Managing Director of WASCO, John Joseph and Communications and Works Minister Guy Joseph on Wednesday. He says the community’s demand is simple – restore the water for household purposes, implement a phasing out system and when a proper water supply is in place billing can then commence. Lynch says if WASCO refuses to compromise on the matter residents are ready to take things up a notch.

WASCO’s Managing Director, John Joseph was unavailable for comment up till news time. Meanwhile - representatives of the Dennery community say although no definite decision was made on WASCO’s intended course of action during the meeting - Joseph did indicate a willingness to consider their demands.A response to them has been promised by Thursday. 

Notwithstanding the seemingly long delay, Dr. Urban Seraphin is giving the authorities the benefit of the doubt. Dr. Seraphin confirms that a number of recommendations were made and he hopes the authorities consider their full implementation. Case in point - the report advises a stop to the practice of integrating male juvenile delinquents with non-offenders who have been placed in the care of the state. A situation said to be responsible for countless forms of abuse and the indoctrination of wards into crime.

Dr. Seraphin confirms findings of a very sensitive nature regarding accusations of abuse at the facility. Like the Social Transformation Minister – he says the release of the report containing unsavory details about minors should be handled prudently.

Dr. Urbam Seraphin says his paramount concern remains the execution of the measures outlined in the report aimed at improving conditions at the hapless facility. He says the investigators have done their jobs by completing the investigation, the ball is now in the government’s court on the future of the BTC.

Emmanuel says the Indian experts will remain on island for two weeks to help guide the establishment of the final document. She says the implementation of the strategy will provide direction for the many small business enterprises on island. The micro finance strategy is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. The OPSR Director says the implementation phase will begin next year 2010.