Latest on injured police Story by Winston Springer htsslucia.org
President of the Police Welfare Association, Martin James is troubled by the recent shooting of a police officer outside a Rodney Bay night club.
The Law man identified as Police Constable 412 Starzwin Dantes was wounded in the abdomen during a drive by shooting.
A gun man in a white and grey Diahatsu Terios SUV registration number 6888 reportedly opened fire on the officer and a group of people.
18 year old Manducichi Mangal of Bonne Terre, Gros Islet was also shot and wounded in the incident.
Sources tell HTS news the police who received a tip of potential gang retaliation in connection with an earlier shooting were staking out the night club to head off any violent incidence.
Police deployed two vehicles – a marked and unmarked. The attack occurred after the marked Police vehicle left the scene.
A Gold Nissan 4 door pickup registration number PE 7176 attached to the Gros Islet Police Station which was parked on the side of the road was riddled with bullet holes.
The vehicle used in the shooting was recovered in the Gros Islet area Thursday. According to police the owner had reported the SUV stolen between 6:00 pm Wednesday December 12th and Thursday 13th December 2012.
He is currently assisting police in their investigations. Police say no one has been arrested in connection with this incident.
However the Major Crimes Unit is conducting an investigation into the matter. Law Enforcement is also appealing to anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456 3754/56 or the nearest police station.
Shooting in Castries Story by Carmy Joseph htsslucia.org
One single spot of blood in an alleyway along La Toc Road was the only evidence of a shooting that reportedly occurred at 4:40 on Friday afternoon.
One man, who has only been identified as “Vince” is at the Victoria Hospital recovering from the injury he sustained.
The area was cordoned off by Police Officers who were processing the scene when our cameras arrived.
Residents as well as curious onlookers were standing behind the yellow Police Tape trying to themselves figure out what happened.
We will follow up on this story and keep you posted on any new information we receive.
Fire at primary school Story by Sarah Peter htsslucia.org
Students of the Reunion Preschool in Choiseul may not be returning when the school term opens next year.
This is due to a Friday morning fire which totally engulfed the 41 by 26 inch wooden structure which has been in existence for over 20 years.
Preschool Owner, Cherry Ann Joseph says a resident of the community alerted her about the fire.
Joseph says what hurts most is nothing was saved from the blaze. She says items such as pictures and cherished pieces from parents meant a lot.
Joseph expressed gratitude to everyone who has offered her assistance during the ordeal. She further expressed optimism the preschool will be reopened in January.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Investigations are continuing.
Negotiations reach stalemate Story by Winston Springer htsslucia.org
After almost three weeks of intense dialogue the labor unions and government negotiation team have not made much headway on wage talks for public sector workers.
President of the Trade Union Federation, Julian Monrose emerged from the latest sit down disillusioned with the government negotiation team’s defiance on its original proposal of a lump sum payment for the 2012-2013 Triennium.
Although the union representatives were offended by the perceived intransigence, Monrose says mindful of the plight of its members the unions were prepared to make concessions by adjusting the initial offer.
However the government negotiators were unmoved.
Monrose says the GNT explains it had no mandate to make changes to the wage proposal and had to report back to the Cabinet of Ministers for further instructions on the union’s new offer.
Monrose says the representatives follow the dictates of the union membership and will meet with the general body following a response from the government negotiating team next week.
From the outset the TUF was optimistic the wage talks could have been concluded by December 12th way before Christmas.
Although that timeline is impossible he warns the talks cannot go on indefinitely. The union leader says the outstanding matters must be rectified as soon possible.
Assou square in doubt Story by Sant Justin htsslucia.org
The annual Assou Square activity has for generations been the way Saint Lucians ushered in the New Year.
The activity, a fair – had rides, games, eats and drinks for the entire family.
Some say ‘Square’ as it is often called lost some of its value after rides such as the Ferris Wheel were no longer featured.
Still, the activity continued to draw bumper crowds for the two or some times three day activity.
Organizers are currently contemplating if there will be an Assou Square 2013.
Acting Town Clerk at the Castries Constituency Council- James Perineau says talks are set to continue between the two organizing bodies, the Cultural Development Foundation and CCC.
Executive Director of the Cultural Development Foundation- Kennedy “Boots” Samuel says while not much can be said on the subject, issues to be discussed have carried over from last year’s event.
The Castries Constituency Council says where the event will be held is also up for discussion. Assou Square has in the recent past moved from Cul De Sac, to the Beausejour Promenade and then to the John Compton Highway where it was held for years.
The Constituency Council also expressed confidence the activity will be staged this year.
Road works in Castries Story by Sarah Peter htsslucia.org
The Castries road network is expected to receive a major face lift from a number of ongoing projects.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Iva Daniel says the Ministry is working assiduously to have a number of streets in the Capital paved before Christmas.
Daniel says the project will eliminate some of the terrible road conditions that currently exist in the city.
The DPS added the initiative will reduce operation costs for drivers. The road works are expected to address the roads that were severely damaged by Hurricane Tomas. The hurricane hit Saint Lucia in 2010.
Road works are presently being undertaken in Castries, Vieux Fort and Soufriere. The Ministry is hoping all road works will be completed at the end of the month.
PM message to Chavez Story by
Carmy Joseph htsslucia.org
Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony who is also the Chairman of the CARICOM Community – CARICOM – has extended “speedy recovery” wishes to His Excellency Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, following his recent surgery.
In a letter, the Prime Minister stated, “the Community has noted with keen interest the official reports indicating this latest operation has been lauded as a success, and this is indeed welcoming news.
We are also acutely aware the post-operative process will be complex and challenging.” Dr Kenny Anthony continues, “Although your road to full recovery may be long, we in the Caribbean Community are confident your determination, the prayers and well-wishes of the People of Venezuela as well as your friends in the international community, including CARICOM Member States, will provide you with the necessary faith, courage and strength to overcome this adversity.”
The CARICOM Chairman ends by wishing the Venezuelan President who underwent surgery for an unknown cancer earlier this week, telling him, “We continue to pray for your speedy recovery.”
The new Landings Story by Winston Springer htsslucia.org
Business at the once financially troubled Landings Resorts is on the upswing. Corporate Management and home owners at the villa hotel are promising no more lay-offs with the upscale hotel looking forward to a bright future.
General Manager Lyle Pauls admits the property had fallen on hard times. While he was not at liberty to divulge much information at a meet and greet with the local press, he concedes
the down turn can be attributed to irresponsible spending. However Pauls says the company which has parted ways with US based management firm “Rock Resorts” has managed to turn the tide by growing its revenue streams.
The new manager is also working to reshape the property’s image as a high end resort that only caters to people with deep pockets.
He says contrary to belief the hotel is drawing more locals through a series of special events including its popular “Landings Sunday Brunch”.
The AAA Four Diamond Award Winner also plans to engage the wider community and is extending the welcome mat to the local population.
In preparation for the 2013 Winter Season the resort is also opening up an additional 25 villa suites to increase the inventory available as a result of increased demand. 160 people are employed at the Landings located on the Pigeon Island Causeway.
Nutritionist advice for the season Story by Sarah Peter htsslucia.org
The festive season is in full swing and for many the first thing that comes to mind, is the delicious Christmas food that will be available.
For many it’s a time to indulge, in turkey, black cake, ham and alcohol. While the over indulgence can lead to an expanding waist line; it doesn’t have to be that way.
Especially now that a global based study from Lancet magazine says more of the world’s people are dying from obesity.
Fitness Coordinator, Thierry Augustin says one of the main reasons people gain weight during the festive season is because they pay absolutely no attention to their diet.
Having a beverage or drink will help one feel fuller more quickly. Water can also be used to aid digestion and ward against feeling bloated and tired after eating.
It also helps to pick and choose which foods to indulge in. Augustin also suggests skipping snacks and eating only main meals. The initiative has to come from the individual.
LUCELEC customer service Story by Sant Justin htsslucia.org
The islands lone power company is making strides to improve its customer service.
Customer Service Manager and Project Director- Jennifer Flood-George says the company has since Monday implemented a new system designed to improve the company’s efficiency.
George says the old system which existed for some time, had its limitations.
George says through investing in the new system, the company is fulfilling its mandate to deliver excellent customer service.
The computer generated program is Windows based and customer friendly. George says it allows flexibility and efficiency on the part of customer service reps, while also providing new benefits.
George says online payment capabilities will be available in the near future. Meanwhile the company has already begun to enjoy the benefits of the new system.
George says the new system will assist in eliminating errors and long service lines.
Reggae concert Story by Sant Justin htsslucia.org
Vintage Promotions is a new company focused on the promotion of reggae in St. Lucia.
For its first show, the new entity will host a show called Night of Grassroots featuring a number of vintage artistes.
Organizer and well known Reggae artist- Daddy Twan says the concert will feature both vintage and new age acts out of Jamaica and St. Lucia.
This weekend’s line up includes popular Jamaican artiste Admiral Tibet. He started singing professionally in 1985.
Donovan Joseph, who turned professional in 1980, has recorded a few hit songs. His most recent was recorded with Daddy Twan.
Dignitary Stylish will be another featured performer. He says his music is always empowered with a message.
The vintage artistes will take the stage on Saturday alongside national acts such as Daddy Twan, Benji and Kayeh, Perri B, Jah Diamond, Zionomi, Toti and Alley Kyatt.
The Night of Grassroots concert will be held on Saturday December 15th at the Phoenix Night Club in Vieux Fort.
Youthfest on for Sunday Story by Sant Justin htsslucia.org
The annual talent expose held in the south of the island is all set for another round of competition.
After undergoing qualifying rounds held in the north and in south of the island, finalists will represent their community at this weekend’s event.
Coordinator- Jeff Jeffrey says all is set for the activity. Jeffrey says the show will this year include a dance competition.
He says there will also be side attractions including cultural acts such as the Tropics band. Part proceeds for Youthfest will be used to assist in community development.
The organizing committee says patrons will also have chances to win prizes.
The Trade Union Federation, a body comprising public sector unions like the Police Welfare Association, Civil Service Association and Saint Lucia Teachers Union began wage negotiations with the Government Negotiating team on Wednesday. The talks are part of negotiations for the triennium 2010 to 2013.
It comes days after the TUF wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking his intercession on negotiations they say was being stalled by the Government Negotiating team. While most parts of the agreement, had been ironed out, it was the wage talks they were most insistent had to begin and end before December. Civil servants have not stated the percentage wage increase they are pursuing – however government has indicated this is not the best financial time to increase salaries. This as the main Opposition contends the government wants to give workers a 3% increase over the next three years; a charge the government has denied.
Do you think a wage increase for civil servants is justified at this time?
