In providing additional explanation – Monplaisir appeared to represent the attorneys representing the Housing Minister. He says the matter facing the Minister and his brother has dragged on – his attempt to resolve it is what led to the consent order.

But there is still the issue of the consent order that was granted, withdrawn and reinstated. Monplaisir says the reason lies with his Junior Counsels Peter Foster and Renee De Myers. He says after he and Frederick’s Attorney Petra Jeffrey Nelson agreed to the original order – he withdrew if after a conversation with De Myers.

Monplaisir still has questions – he wants Peter Foster to investigate how a letter Foster wrote on Friday withdrawing from the case was public fodder days after – a missive Monplaisir says was a privileged document. And although he clears himself and Foster - he suggests somebody from Foster’s chambers in his own words “behaved naughtily” and released it. As for the consent order – the Queens Counsel says the matter is now before the Court.

The Ministry of Communications says an upgrade was long overdue. The new system which incorporated the views of the Saint Lucian public was developed with the help of ICT experts from the island’s close diplomatic ally Taiwan. Officials say the introduction of Atlas will vastly improve the capabilities of the transport Ministry.

Taiwanese Ambassador, Tom Chou explains Atlas was two years in the making and involved thorough analysis of the Police Traffic department and the Transport Ministry. An ICT centre has been opened in down town Castries to train government employees in the use of the system.

Minister for Communications, Guy Joseph says the transition to a full fledged department of motor vehicle and registration is the ultimate goad and remains a work in progress.  He is confident the technologically advanced system will make a useful law enforcement tool. The Minister says his personal experience highlights the extent of vehicle licensing fraud in Saint Lucia.

main speaker Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy – Matthew challenged Saint Lucians to do more for Kweyol. Matthew also spoke about the preservation of the Kweyol language. Though not a large island by any means – Saint Lucian communities have developed unique ways of speaking the more colourful native tongue.
He encouraged the practice saying a standardized language was not as important as being able to understand and preserve it. The workshop was held at the FRC Mount Pleasant offices in Castries.

The Ministry of Health held a workshop on H1N1 aimed at empowering private sector managers to effectively deal with issues relating to the virus in the workplace. The seminar equipped them with skills and information to make sound decisions. Chief Environmental Officer, Wenn Gabriel, says while information has been disseminated to the general public, there was still a need to engage various sectors directly.

Gabriel says efforts must be intensified to increase the possibility of the country weathering the second phase of the H1N1 epidemic. Participants in Tuesday’s workshop took the opportunity to actively engage the three member panel on the subject of developing preparedness.

Private Sector Managers were provided with booklets containing general information on the H1N1 virus to distribute to workers and to pass on information to their family and peers. The Ministry says it hopes to host a series of workshops before the end of the year.

for a first hand look at the duties of air traffic controllers. Toussaint, a 25 year veteran, says the job of an air traffic controller is both challenging and rewarding and calls for, above all else, a quick and sound judgement. He recalled an experience from early on his profession, where his quick thinking helped save the life of a pilot. Activities to mark Air Traffic Controller Day culminated with an appreciation ceremony where controllers were recognised for dedicated service.

Isaac says members need to feel that membership dues are not being wasted. She says her primary focus will be, securing more benefits for CSA members, specifically women. Isaac feels getting people to see beyond politics and to unite on matters of importance will be her most challenging task. Isaac says she needs to get up to running speed on some issues, like the Labour Code, but that she will maintain her focus on doing what is in the best interests of CSA members.

The floating bookstore is open for business. The Logos Hope ship dropped anchor in Saint Lucia last Thursday on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean. An official welcome ceremony was held on Friday before the ship was open to the public. The cosmopolitan crew of the faith based organization is on a quest to spread the joy and knowledge to the world through reading. The Captain of the vessel says the ship is an emblem of

hope. Saint Lucia’s head of State Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy was present at the formal opening ceremony of the Logos Hope’s inaugural call to the island. Opening hours on the Logos Hope are from 10AM to 9PM on Tuesday to Saturday, 2PM to 9PM on Sundays and Mondays. An entrance fee of EC$2 will be charged for adults while children under 16 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. The Ship will be closed this Sunday October 25th as it departs the island for other destinations in the Caribbean.