But what lead to the violent confrontation? Earlier in the morning vendors had expressed dismay over what they claim was the exorbitant rental fee for the New Year’s Day booths which was implemented in 2011.
They also unhappy with the late arrival of CCC officials to facilitate the payment plan.

A number of other vendors shared the same sentiment as Solomon. Many of them say they arrived at the Constituency Council early Thursday to beat the expected rush at the scheduled 9am time allotted for registration.

Angry vendors decided to defy the $450 rental fee by signing a petition. However they quickly abandoned the cause when CDF personnel arrived on the scene to begin the registration process.

Prior to the uproar the Cultural Development Foundation, speaking to HTS Newsforce insisted the vendors were the most important stakeholders in the annual event.

The registration process is expected to run from 9am to 2pm on Thursday and Friday. The New Years Day celebration will be held from Midday to Midnight on Tuesday January 1st, and Midday to 10pm Wednesday January 2nd on the John Compton highway.

Andy Lubin says Jasma had left his house Christmas day returning on the Christmas holiday morning. He says his search for the truth regarding her whereabouts on Christmas night ended in tragedy.

Lubin’s neighbor says she was taken aback by the sight of Jasma’s lifeless body but says she quickly sprung into action to try to resuscitate the teenager.

Meanwhile police say a note from the deceased to her loved ones was found at the scene and that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Eugene says it was important to host the de briefing sessions for members of Lubin’s team. She says this is to ensure that friends and students who may have suffered any psychological trauma get help.

The Vieux Fort Secondary School remains closed until January when schools are set to reopen on the 7th.
The school has a full time counselor on staff who will be available to provide any support to students and faculty.

He hints at a possible return to the “Simply Beautiful” tagline popularized years ago as Saint Lucia’s main catchphrase for the sales pitch as a destination

The Ministry of Tourism is on course with plans for the appointment of a special officer dedicated to the task of overseeing visitor safety and security.

Over the years, the island has been bedeviled by negative publicity stemming from attacks on tourists and criminal offenses perpetrated against visitors.

Recent copious awards and accolades are being touted as evidence of Saint Lucia’s status as a premier holiday destination.

However, the minister believes citizens must jealous protect and maintain the island’s world class ranking.

The main opposition UWP has vehemently railed against the decision to change the current tourism the current tagline “Live the Legend” which was coined during the reign of the Stephenson King Administration.
They argue the change is too costly and unnecessary.

He urged Saint Lucians to be mindful of their less fortunate fellow countrymen. While the leader of the opposition made a plea for less rancor and victimization he vowed to exert pressure on the incumbent to ensure the completion of many projects started in his constituency during the former administration.

The Castries North MP who expressed appreciation to the electorate in the district also alluded to the construction of facilities and infrastructural developments made during his tenure in office.

Fletcher who also has responsibility for “Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology” says the water sector in particular the beleaguered utility “WASCO” will also receive top priority in 2013.

Dr. Fletcher is aiming for advancements in diversifying the island’s energy portfolio. This will include reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and more importantly the cost of energy.

In addition to clear energy policy, the Minister is looking at ways to increase public awareness on the risks posed by climate change.

He believes the phenomenon is not only a threat to the country’s economy but its way of life and existence.

The Minister readily admits 2012 was a daunting year. However despite the anticipated challenges in 2013, he is eager to give impetus to the broad process of reform within his respective ministries.

As tradition, the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force has put together a traffic management plan to guide motorists through the City during the annual Assou Square activities.

The plans are intended to ensure safety, while reducing congestion and confusion while entering or leaving the City of Castries.

Inspector Attached to the Traffic Department, Benson Deterville

says the strategy includes the closure of a number of roads in the Vigie and Sans Souci areas. Inspector Deterville says there will be no access to Vigie or La Clery from the Waterfront Round about.

Police say exceptions will be made to authorized vehicles and Taxi cabs which will be allowed to travel down the waterfront and onto the Point Seraphine Shopping Complex.

Traffic will not be allowed through Sans Souci onto the John Compton Highway or Sans Souci through Lance Road.

The senior police officer says parking will be allowed in the City of Castries.

The Royal St. Lucia Police Force has assurances of the safety of vehicles which will be parked in around the City circuit. There will also be increased patrols in the capital.

Social Worker at Comfort Bay, Nadia St Ange, expressed gratitude for the donation. She says the institution has established good ties with corporate entities and donors.

Comfort Bay Senior Citizen’s Home was opened earlier this year in Black Bay.

Laurencia Cadette, head of marketing says the gift of LIME Cable service is one way of saying thanks to seniors for their hard work in laying the foundation for today’s generation.
Laurencia Cadette

The Member of Parliament for the area Alva Baptiste thanked LIME for the gesture noting the significance of cable television in the lives of persons who need to be informed and to discuss global issues as they develop.

The staff of Comfort Bay have welcomed the gift from LIME as timely and critical to residents who, like everyone else seek entertainment and information daily. For the Manager of Comfort Bay, television is helps residents cope with daily challenges.

Ms. Hippolyte praised LIME for its quick response and looked forward to residents making the best of the new cable service they have been gifted.

Clavier says the organizing committee is seeking to make changes to the annual event. Clavier says the festival will seek to host a festival in each community, focusing on that community’s strong point.
He says another new feature includes an “Artist Market”.

Clavier says the event will culminate with a grand weekend at the National Cultural Center. Activities for the 2013 National Arts Festival are expected to be held between the months of February and April.

Interested people are asked to visit www.cdf.org to register, call 452-1859 or visit the offices in Bernard Hill Castries.

explains the competition which included nine entries from all over the island was very stiff. The theme for the competition was, “the green economy, does it include you?” The youth environment forum focused on enlightening three hundred students to become advocates for the environment.
Charles says sensitizing youth on sustainable development is noteworthy endeavor.
  
Each participant was awarded a certificate of participation. Judges for the competition included St Lucia National Trust Director, Bishnu Tulsie, Mr. Lyndale James of the same organization and Mr. Ted Sandiford of Acid Creations.

Junior Ray Frederick of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Rohan Alfred of the St Mary’s College were the second and third place winners respectively. Prizes included a desktop computer and cash.
Lucelec and Digicel were the main sponsors of the event.

The government minister says he was pleased to accept the generous donation. He says the donation exemplifies the company’s commitment to community development.

The brief handing over ceremony of football gear was held at the Windjammer Landing Company at Trouya, Bois D’ Orange, Thursday morning.