Dr Cherry also commented on the role CARICOM can play at this time in Haiti. The Foreign Affairs Minister has called for the regional body to take a back seat in handling a crisis Rufus Bousquet says is best left to bigger countries like the US. Dr Cherry says CARICOM still has a function despite its size and resources.

Dr Cherry concedes that Haiti and the people who are assisting there are doing their best but more needs to be done. She says medically – a disaster has been averted by good weather. CARICOM recently sent an assessment team to Haiti to aid in deciding the organization’s next move. The CARICOM Ambassador to Haiti and Director of its office there is Saint Lucian Earl Huntley.

With respect to criticisms surrounding CARICOM’s capacity to deal with the devastation left in the aftermath of the quake, Carrington says the scale of the disaster is too great for any one country or organisation. Carrington adds that although no concrete decisions have been made, CARICOM leaders have expressed a willingness to accommodate displaced Haitians.

The Prime Minister’s Press secretary, Darnley Le Bourne, says St. Lucia is one of the countries that may open its borders to displaced Haitians. However there must be a proper structure in place.

CARICOM leaders have so far met with representatives of the Haitian government, assessing the needs of that country and how CARICOM can best offer assistance. Through the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency CDEMA - the regional response mechanism for natural disasters – the CARICOM Secretariat will coordinate a number of AID missions.

Shem Peter Caught
Story By
Carmy Joseph

On Friday at about 1PM – 23 year old Shem Peter also known as “Danny Malone” or “Papa” of Wilton’s Yard surrendered to Police accompanied by his attorney. An arrest warrant for escaping lawful custody had been issued against Peter following his brazen flight from the Police after leaving court on Thursday. Peter had been handcuffed and was being led form District Court to the Criminal Investigation Department when he fled heading in the direction of the Dairy.

Witnesses For Haiti
Story By
Carmy Joseph

Jehovah’s witnesses are actively providing local and international assistance for victims of the massive earthquake that struck Haiti on the evening of January 12. In cooperation with local authorities and other relief agencies, the witnesses organized to help meet the immediate needs of their fellow worshippers and other victims in Haiti and care for them. Additionally, the witnesses’ branch office in the Dominican Republic quickly sent six tons of food and medical supplies to the branch office in Haiti.

These supplies were received the morning after the disaster. Witnesses at the Haiti branch office then prepared 700 bags with basic necessities. These bags, weighing 10 kilograms or just over 22 pounds each and providing 2,800 meals, were transported to kingdom halls of Jehovah’s witnesses that were designated as relief distribution centers. From the first shipment, three-day rations were distributed to 4,700 people.

This was followed by twice-daily shipments of relief materials, including boxes of clothing. Arrangements were also made to send fellow witnesses who are medical professionals from the Dominican Republic to Haiti to assist in rendering urgently needed care. An assembly hall of Jehovah’s witnesses remained intact after the quake and is now serving as a temporary clinic and medical center for the injured. Three different kingdom halls in the affected area are being used similarly, with local Haitian witnesses who are doctors providing medical attention.

Dr. Daniel says the applications of this technology are limitless. The nuclear scan offers a better analysis of possible bone disorders, stomach, heart and kidney conditions as well as tumors. The Tapion Hospital has been working on this project with a privately run service based in Trinidad. Director, Anthony Archibald says the company - was interested in expanding its services in the Eastern Caribbean was impressed with the Tapion Hospital in Saint Lucia.

Dr. Romel Daniel says the addition of this state of the art service means Saint Lucians can get another quality life saving medical service here on the island. Patients from all over the OECS are expected to visit the island for the cutting edge test that within the OECS is only available in Saint Lucia.

WIBDECO Wins Round One
Story By
Winston Springer

The wrangling over the legitimacy of the board of directors of the St. Lucia Banana Corporation may be simmering down. The board was installed by a group of disillusioned members in January 2009 but recent elections were not held in a timely manner. A committee of concerned shareholders was installed to run the affairs of the SLBC. According to Attorney Oswald Larcher says the all sides in the matter have reached an understanding and a consent order for fresh elections will be submitted to a judge on Monday. The consent order indicates that elections should take place within the next six to eight weeks. The decision is expected on Monday morning at 10 O’clock.

But it was not all smooth sailing for the agencies involved in the drill. The Port Police say there were a few minor hitches that were eventually ironed out. Officials say the exercise was conducted in accordance with the rules of the International Ship and Port Facility Security or ISPS Code. It mandates governments and shipping companies to detect and counter security threats to ships at international port facilities.

The cruise tourists were not informed of the exercise to avoid panic on the vessel. Instead the ship’s crew of 850 members played the role of endangered passengers and the local response agencies were activated to respond to the fake emergency at Pointe Seraphine.

poetry readings, dramatizations and displays of local art and literature. The Arts and Craft Exhibition continues until Saturday at the Derek Walcott Square – the shared birthday of the island’s two Nobel Laureates, Sir Arthur Lewis and Hon. Derek Walcott. Participants are expected to assemble at the market and make their way to the Square where dramatic presentations and exhibitions will be on display.

New product launch
Story By
Carmy Joseph

The Ministry of Commerce this week launched another small business into the Saint Lucian landscape. Commerce and Industry Officer – Nancy Francis-Charles – says similar can be done for any Saint Lucian with a business idea. She says the Department is there to turn ideas into reality – just as they did for Dahlia Torrington – the Managing Director of Dahlia’s Baby Softness.

Dahlia Torrington has been operating her business for just over one year. During that time – she has experienced steady sales from exhibitions and events like Saint Lucia Jazz. Torrington says she designs and sells a range of comfort soft world products including diaper bags.

The launch was held at the Ministry of Commerce. Torrington will be in the Castries Boulevard this coming Saturday and the next to showcase and sell her products to interested members of the public.

Digicel’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ promotion where one lucky customer will win a car, cash or land will end on January 31st.

RBC Assistance For Haiti
Story By
Winston Springer

Vice President of the Royal Bank of Canada in the Eastern Caribbean, Roxanne Solomon says the financial institution chose to partner with a reputable humanitarian organization to ensure the monetary donations reached the victims of the disaster. Solomon says the Royal Bank of Canada sympathizes with the people of Haiti and will contribute wholeheartedly to the relief effort. Members of the public can make monetary donations to RBC account number 1008424 and RBTT account number 18003-000-000-32032.

Government wants an organized and coordinated response to the earthquake in Haiti. It will be one framed within CARICOM as Haiti like Saint Lucia is a member of the regional organization. Earl Huntley is the CARICOM Ambassador to Haiti – the Director of the CARICOM office there. He says to date all members of that office have been accounted for save for the receptionist. Huntley will leave for the earthquake ravaged country on Friday as part of a CARICOM team that will include CDEMA.

Press Secretary Darnley Lebourne says this disaster in Haiti has again highlighted the need for an emergency/disaster fund for the Caribbean region. Lebourne says although Caribbean countries can presently access the Trinidad government funded Petroleum Fund in time of such crisis – there needs to be a fund that is specific to this type of need. It is a call supported by Huntley.

The government has also called on Saint Lucians to provide generous assistance for Haiti. Already one local firm has donated financially to the relief effort in Haiti. Senior Manager – Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager – Maria Fowell – says the company has also facilitated monetary donations through one of its subsidiaries.

Hundreds of thousands of people are feared dead following a Tuesday earthquake in Haiti. The 7.0 disaster left immeasurable damage in the capital Port-au-Prince including to the airport, road and telecoms network.

The government is inviting donations to the Haiti Earthquake Aid Appeal Fund.
Issued through NEMO – that fund will facilitate monetary donations to for earthquake relief in Haiti.
It can be accessed at six banks – Bank of Saint Lucia Account # 901029840 – First National Bank Account # 6002153 – RBTT Account # 7076300 – First Caribbean International Account # 02-1804460 – Royal Bank of Canada Account # 1002005 and Bank of Nova Scotia Account # 2001483.
The government is urging a national approach for all monetary donations to facilitate the money getting to the people of Haiti.