Minister- Harold Dalson says while the Pigeon Island upgrade started with good intensions, it has since fallen way short of its goals.

Minister Dalson says the project was a little over fifty percent complete with a large sum of money already spent towards its completion.

There is also the puzzling issue of outstanding amounts owed to contractors. Minister Dalson says the main objective of the ongoing audit is to justify the outstanding payments still owed.

Discussions have also been held with the Gros Islet Town Council in relation to management of the new facility.

The Social Transformation Minister says the initial project made no allocation for its management.

The project, six years in the making – must now await the results of the audit to know its fate.

It was the second meeting of the Parents Association of Nursing Students in Cuba; another one to discuss three lingering issues.

Spokesperson Nathanial Reynolds says these began when the students were first selected to study in Cuba.
The close to 150 students left Saint Lucia for the Spanish republic in 2006. Reynolds says while other Caribbean countries like Jamaica and St Vincent have moved to resolve at least one of these matters – the Saint Lucian government has an agenda that does not include discussions with parents or students.

But while Reynolds is focused on matters of principle – loved ones are concerned with the immediate issue of getting the students home.

Valentine Moise says students – now down to 94 from 149 – graduated on July 16th. He says they remain in Cuba because the government has refused to pay their airfare to return home. A frustrated Moise also made this comparison.

Marina St Rose is equally adamant her daughter needs to be returned home. The Cuba nursing program – which began under former SLP Health Minister Jon Odlum has been wrought with problems from its inception.

St Rose says students and parents have endured a lot for educational advancement and now it is time for the government to make good on its promises.

The meeting was held on Thursday afternoon at the Castries Town Hall.

The press release came in a little after 2AM on Thursday. LUCELEC through its Corporate Communications Manager sought to address what had become the topic of the day on at least one local talk show and newscast.

The island’s lone power company stood accused of dismissing one of its managers over her religious affiliation – her unavailability to work due to her Sabbath.

LUCELEC defended its action; characterizing itself an equal opportunity employer who never has and will never engage in discriminatory practices, least of all those that impugn the constitutional rights of employees.

We understand the Union that represents the dismissed employee is claiming just that –accusing the company of violating Section 267, subsection 1 of the Labour Code.

The matter is also said to be before the Labour Commissioner. LUCELEC says its decision to terminate the employment of the employee identified as Andrea Vidal was purely related to a breach of the terms of her contract of employment, her refusal to work when requested to do so, and after all efforts to have her comply were exhausted.

The company also made reference to its responsibilities as an essential service pursuant to the Essential Services Act.

LUCELEC also explained its hiring process stating equal opportunity and fairness is assured in its contracts; that the company does not vary those to accommodate any one person or group and further all offers of employment are free to be accepted or rejected by all.

The government leader says there is no time to apportion blame for the social problem and the situation calls for remedies and solution to carve out a brighter future for the country.

Dr. Anthony lauded the work of the National Skills Development Centre which was tasked with the execution of the project including its conception.
 

Although the government’s goal is to reduce unemployment there are challenges in the current labor market which need attention.

The Prime Minister emphasizes there is a long term need to re-tool and re-train the workforce as rapidly as possible.

He says basic skills will be vital in keeping with the government’s ambition of creating a WIFI society and modern labor force.

Dr. Anthony says once the NSDC has established the training and employment projects the focus will shift to comprehensive re-training programs.

He says although it is a mammoth task it is necessary to develop a modern and efficient workforce.

However Spencer who is the top rated high jumper in the Caribbean was pitted against a highly competitive field of the superb athletes.

She placed ninth in Group two, clearing a height of 1.90 metres. The qualifying height of 1.96 was only attained by one finalist – the remaining 11 qualifying at a time 1.93.

The annual Brian Bernard Memorial Lecture will begin from 7pm at the Bay Garden’s Hotel.

The Brian Bernard Memorial Fund, which was established in honor of the late commissioner of police, was founded as a Donor Advisory Fund on August 12, 2004 by friends and relatives of Mr. Bernard.

The Fund is administered by the National Community Foundation

The 21st annual Miss SLHTA pageant will be held on Saturday 8th September at the National Cultural Centre.

Five contestants representing hotel and tourism properties and industry partners will take to the stage to vie for the coveted title.

The Miss SLHTA pageant has been one of the Association’s most successful community outreach events; supporting deserving charities.

Committee Chairperson Joseph Dubois says the contestants are ready to put on a show that highlights Saint Lucia’s Culture and heritage.  

The contestants were all sashed by the reigning Miss SLHTA, Sannyu James. The SLHTA Queen called the pageant an important part of understanding and appreciating the value of the hotel and tourism industry to Saint Lucia.

The five contestants spoke eagerly of representing their companies and sponsors to the best of their abilities and capture the crown.

Pre show preparation activities for the contestants will include familiarization tours of different properties, etiquette, deportment and speech coaching.

Oneka McKoy captured the Miss Caribbean Culture title when Saint Lucia first participated in the competition last year.

Victor was determined to maintain the island’s recent winning streak in pageantry. She is optimistic about the emergence of talented young contestants from Saint Lucia who will continue the tradition of excellence.

Looking ahead - Victor is preparing to compete in another upcoming beauty pageant in Guyana. She is also vying for pole position in the local leg of the Miss Universe Contest.