Dr. Fletcher says world heritage status does not preclude but sets parameters and guidelines for development in the vicinity of the site.

As part of a proactive approach, a moratorium has been imposed on new developments in the area pending the outcome of the limits of change study.

The government will meet with land owners and property developers soon to articulate this position.

The suspension of new developments does not mean existing properties and structures in the PMA cannot undergo repairs and refurbishment barring any changes to the landscape.

With that said Dr. Fletcher says the Jalousie Plantation Resorts can proceed with a major redevelopment project.

Likewise Ladera Resorts ravaged by Hurricane Tomas has been given the nod to carry out renovations.

The incumbent SLP government says the PMA’s heritage status was imperiled after the former UWP administration went back on its word and approved 5 new developments near the protected area.

Dr. Fletcher says the lobbying effort in Russia was not a technical exercise but was aimed at restoring the credibility of the government of Saint Lucia.

The money was expected to assist parents in the purchase of vital school supplies like uniforms and shoes.
According to Education Minister Dr Robert Lewis, a system has been identified for the assessment of applications and subsequent disbursement of funds which will be done well ahead of the start of the new school year.

To be eligible for the bursary, the following criteria must be satisfied by the applicant: the student wrote the Common Entrance Examination; the student will be attending a Secondary School; and the student has applied for the bursary.

While the bursary is available to all parents, some may choose not to access it; hence the application process becomes necessary.

Any student who returns to Grade 6 will not be eligible for the bursary. The application forms will be available at all district education offices immediately after the launch of the programme which is expected to take place in the form of a press conference by the Minister for Education next week.

HTS news caught up with Teddyson John on Friday afternoon – hours after his eight point defeat of the defending Monarch.

The 2011 Groovy Monarch defended his crown at number ten with his song entitled “Mosquito.”

And although the Soca Superstar appealed to the masses, the song was only enough to award him second place.

And for the first time in Saint Lucia, two brothers have placed in the top three in a Soca Competition.
Up and coming soca star- Ambi performed his ‘Roll’ right into position number three.

John won the prestigious title with his ‘Land of Whine’, produced by Precision Production out of Trinidad and Tobago.

Along with the cash prize of ten thousand dollars, John will also have a music video sponsored and produced by the Ministry of Creative Industries.

Calderon went on to appeal for the assistance of corporate sponsors for future panorama events.

He believes enough funds are not being injected into the art form.   Sponsors for this year’s Panorama Competition include, Telecommunications Company Lime, Bank of St. Lucia and St. Lucia Insurances.

Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra is the defending Panorama champions. Busta Emerald Steel, Leverage North Stars, Akika Steel Pan and Lime Diamond Steel are hoping to capture this years Panorama title.  

Late starts in previous years resulted in some bands being judged only on the second day. The parade will start from Caribbean Cinemas on the Chock highway from 9AM.

On Carnival Monday July 16th  Cozy Guzzlers will start the Parade of the Bands followed  by Royalites Extreme, Rituals, Just 4 Fun, St Lucian Spirits, Red Unlimited, Toxic Nation, Lushan TNT Connection and finally Looshan Revellers.

Carnival 2012 will climax on July 17th with the second day of the Parade of the Bands. The time for the annual parade of the band has been extended to 7pm.

Furthermore, bands will be allowed to go up the highway once they have crossed the stage.

Police Commissioner- Vernon Francois says the brochure is meant to alert persons about what they should be aware of. The brochure covers two main areas, burglaries and robberies.

Francois says combined use of the brochure and community patrol teams can make a difference in these matters.

This is the second year the brochure will be distributed to the general public. The brochures are available at Police Headquarters on Bridge Street, and will also be distributed by police officers patrolling the streets.

The OECS hosted an inaugural workshop for the OECS Land Policy Project. It was initiated by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean states and is supported by the UN Habitat and the University of the West Indies.

Director of the Caribbean network for urban and land management, Asad Mohammed, was the facilitator of the workshop.

He says the project will look at land use and land management. Mohammed says the project is one of great importance and will affect all OECS citizens whether directly or indirectly.

Jn. Baptiste says the activity is usually accompanied by a dance and poetry production which was absent this year due to the early release of common entrance results.

She says the students are normally very receptive to that activity. The activity was held at the Ave Maria Primary School and was opened to parents and the public.