Mayers says officers must get permission to speak openly about internal matters. He says the Public Service Commission is investigating.The Minister also refuted claims a broken pipe that resulted in the interruption of the water supply at Bordelais was caused by a spike in water pressure. Mayers presented a severely damaged heavy duty four inch water pipe as evidence to the contrary.

The Government Minister says the alleged destruction of the water pipe has heightened the alert of the authorities. He says he is gravely concerned about so called veiled threats to the security and normal operations at the island’s lone maxim security prison-The Bordelais Correctional Facility. Mayers says the government takes such threats seriously.

The Internal Security says he does not want to engage in a public spat with the corrections officers in the media on policy and has called on the association to resolve the matter amicably through dialogue and negotiations. Meanwhile - the Minister declined to comment on what he says is speculation surrounding the re-appointment of Hilary Herman as Director of Prisons-the main bone of contention for the discontented corrections officers.

He reiterated what has become a familiar refrain in response to the query. The Senator says says the decision of who will be hired for the top job at the prison will be ultimately decided by the Public Service Commission.

He blames reduced airlift caused by escalating fuel prices and airfares for the initial slide in performance. The Tourist Board says the situation was compounded by the near collapse of the financial system in 2008 which precipitated the worst global recession in recent memory. The recently released figures provide a ray of hope for industry watchers who are forecasting an upswing in tourist arrivals this winter.

The positive outlook is based on increased airlift and cruise ship calls. But, Lewis advises against an over reliance on a visitor head count and volume. He says the average expenditure of holiday makers will provide a more accurate picture.  The St. Lucia Tourist Board is not relying solely on projections and has launched an intensive promotional campaign in emerging markets like Germany.

The Board has embarked on a road show which also covers the German speaking regions in European neighbors Austria and Switzerland. Arrivals from the Germany are expected to increase with a direct Condor air line’s flight out of that market which starts in November.

and Castries. FAO SFA 2006 Project Coordinator, Dr. Jerome Thomas, put the day’s celebration into context with the global food situation. The FAO under the SFA 2006 Project provided the bulk of funding towards the hosting of the week long World Food Day activities. Funding was provided under the domestic agricultural project which seeks to increase consumption of locally produced food. Officials say it’s a familiar message they want the public to catch on to – grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

National Coordinator for the World Food Day Committee, Vincent La Corbiniere, says the Ministry of Agriculture and the Health Ministry have begun a new strategic partnership to advance the health of the public and general food production.

Thomas says the thrust of the national archives is to encourage persons and organizations to submit materials that they would like to see preserved. She says too many records are disposed of without proper appraisal to determine whether they have enduring value as archives. As part of activities to commemorate national archives month students from around the island have been visiting the organization’s offices to observe the process of turning records into archives.

President of the reigning national team, Kerille Victor, was dubbed an exceptional general by his Principal and his peers. They credit him with successfully leading his troops. For his part, Kerille says the experience challenged him and proved highly fulfilling.

The new incoming president Jarnikae Wilson says although his has big shoes to fill, he is confident that his team can successfully carry the torch. RBTT and Consolidated Foods Limited were corporate supporters of the SMC Awards and Gratitude Ceremony. The Young Leaders Program is produced by the RBTT bank.

Minister for Social transformation, Lenard Montoute says the plaudits given to the outstanding octogenarian were well deserved. He applauded the bank for its worthy cause of recognizing the work and service of many unheralded citizens. Nurse Niles received 6 thousand US dollars for copping the award. She plans to donate her winnings to the education programs for the nursing profession and the St. Judes Rehabilitation Fund. She will represent St. Lucia in the regional round of judging for the competition.

The fans were a suggestion following a visit to one of the Grade Five classrooms. Grade Five Teacher – Mauricia Francis – says they will be a welcome addition to a stuffy classroom environment. The donation took place on Friday at the Dame Pearlette Primary School. The school is located in Grande-Riviere.