Administrators and public health officials, Thursday answered opponents who say they have overstayed their welcome at the George Odlum National Stadium. Critics argue the sports arena is not the ideal site for the temporary relocation of the services provided by the fire damaged St. Jude Hospital. Chairman of the St. Jude Management Board says the so called alternatives like factory shells and near by hotels are simply

unsuitable. Percival McDonald also sought to rationalize the seemingly absurd debate over the conflicting interests of athletes and the public health system.

The Youth and Sports Ministry explains the national sports program is not in peril. Officials say arenas like the Soufriere Mini-Stadium and district playgrounds will be used in the interim for the hosting of events like the inter-secondary sports meet.

Additionally - the St. Jude Management Board says the St. Lucia Football Association has agreed to compromise and co-operate with the Ministry of Health and understands the extra-ordinary circumstances. Furthermore - Mac Donald, says sports men and women are still utilizing the George Odlum Stadium - a vast complex capable of accommodating the medical centre and practicing athletes.

The officials say Prime Minister Stephenson King is scheduled to make a major announcement on the future plans of the temporary facility and the reconstruction of the St. Jude Hospital. Thursday’s press conference was intended to inform the media and public on the state of affairs in the St. Jude disaster relief effort, however the update was overshadowed to some extent by the so called George Odlum stadium row.

attorney did say he and his client were satisfied with the outcome of the matter. On the charge of working in Saint Lucia without a permit – the woman was reprimanded and ordered to leave the country before Monday November 30th. Her attorney says she is voluntarily leaving the state.

Police continue to investigate the matter of the passport containing the signature of a high ranking Immigration official who maintains his signature was forged. Although if the woman is out of the country – one wonders what will become of that case if in fact she is charged with a crime in the matter. We spoke to the Health Minister about the matter last week – this was his response. Our attempts to meet with that Manager were unsuccessful – we were told she was off property and could not be reached.

her. The young survivor is also comparing Saint Lucia to other regional islands like Barbados. She says Saint Lucia has to do a lot to achieve the type of equal access people living with disabilities need in their daily lives. Saint Lucia joined the rest of the world in the observance of the International Day for the elimination of violence against women on Wednesday. Edward is one of two women whose domestic violence story caught national attention this year.

The island’s Internal Security Minister, Guy Mayers, says the Caribbean region is one of the most strategic locations for drug traffickers. Additionally, Mayers says promises of big cash payouts have lured many of the regions women into becoming drug mules. He says a growing number of Caribbean nationals have subsequently landed themselves in overseas prisons.

Crime and Security Programmes Coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Fairbairn Liverpool, called the campaign a groundbreaking initiative. Law enforcement officials say the region must collectively seek to combat the onslaught of the illicit drugs trade by putting adequate educational programmes in place in all territories. The two day workshop for the development of various public education campaigns targeting illicit drug trafficking will conclude on Friday at the Bay Gardens Inn.

The Minister for Health, Dr. Keith Mondesir says the new clinic is equipped with some of the latest advances in medical technology.  Meantime - Joseph urges men to change their perceptions towards health care. He laments what he says is an aversion to regular visits to medical professionals for routine check ups.

Joseph also apologized to the many residents who were inconvenienced by the closure of the facility for repairs and had to seek attention at far flung community facilities. He says the new wellness centre was well worth the wait and will serve the people of Ti Rocher and surrounding areas in good stead.

She says the program will place emphasis on providing participants with tools to infuse the initiative into the sectors they operate. Coordinator of the Roving care givers programme, Ruth Phillips Fevrier, says her agency is committed to helping the nation focus its attention on children’s issue. She says for too these have been treated as a soft issue.

The conference was held at the Auberge Seraphine. Participants in the conference included a wide cross section of agencies - the department of gender relations, the roving care givers programme, library services, the ministry of health and the crisis centre.

PRO – Peter Alexander – says the Club wanted to assist the parents who often experience extreme difficulty in parenting. The workshop will be conducted in two sessions. The first will be led by the Chief Justice of the OECS. Retired Health Educator – Pat Joseph –will lead the afternoon’s interactive session.

Alexander says the parents will be evaluated after the session and in three months. He says the Kiwanis Club intends to make these sessions an annual event. The group also wants to bring a scaled down version of the workshop to communities throughout the island.

The final will be held at the Fond D’Or Nature Heritage Park in Dennery. With an expected start date of 2PM – Henry says it will be packed show that includes local entertainment and a novelty DJ clash. Competitors will be judged by a panel that includes songwriter and producer Francis “Leebo” De Lima. Admission to the final of the Guinness Greatness Undisputed competition is $10 – tickets will be sold at the event.