Police Press Relations Officer Constable 702 Innocent confirms on Monday 23rd July Howard Earle was charged with the offences of practicing medicine without a license and practicing medicine without being a holder of a medical certificate.

On Wednesday 25th July additional charges were proffered against the accused in relation to allege abortions. Police say the Guyanese National was also here in Saint Lucia illegally.

Police have also apprehended another suspect in connection with the closure of the medical complex.
The suspect is reportedly a professional nurse.

Law Enforcement officials say they are actively pursuing investigations into all the matters.

Chairman of the Fire Service Association, Shane Felix says the industrial action was averted after members of the association responded positively to a proposal made by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.

However the Association has expressed disappointment with the outcome of a probe into the conduct of the Fire Chief which was disclosed at a meeting attended by government officials, the head of department and the association on Wednesday.

The long standing issues within the Fire Service were brought under the microscope following threats of protest action if the Public Service Ministry did not move speedily to address the festering problems at the department.

Chester King is 25 years old from La Clery, Castries. He is about 5ft 9 inches tall, brown skin in complexion and possibly wears his hair in an afro. King is wanted on the charge of wounding. He is also believed to be armed and dangerous. If sighted, citizens are advised to please approach him with caution.

Anyone with information pertaining to the whereabouts of this individual is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 456-3758, 456 3817 or the nearest Police Station.

Barnard Hill man charged for Carnival Tuesday Murder and Attempted Murder

On Tuesday 17th July, 2012 Officers attached to the Major Crime Unit arrested 26-year-old Garvin Andrew also known as Pan, of Barnard Hill, Castries for the murder of 27-year-old Leevy Wilson of Patience, Mon repos and the attempted murder of 20-year-old Yannick Sylvester of City Gate, La Clery.

Andrew was taken before the court on Tuesday 24th July, 2012 on the said charges and was remanded in custody until August 2nd, 2012, where he is scheduled to make a court appearance.

Leevy Wilson and Yannick Sylvester were both shot on Tuesday 17th July, 2012, about 5:30 pm, while assembled at the intersection of St Louis and Chisel Street.

Former Chief Medical Officer and Health practitioner, Dr. Stephen King is adamant there should be a zero tolerance towards all form of substance abuse.

When debate arises about the leading causes of death on the planet, alcohol abuse is not one of the first things that come to mind.

But the statistics are bone chilling. International research states that alcohol kills more than 2.5 million people annually. 

Dr. King says that the ramifications of alcohol abuse are serious. He believes laws should be enforced to curb excessive drinking especially among teenagers.

Health officials contend the World Health Organization should regulate alcohol at the global level. They call for enforcement of regulations such as a minimum drinking age and zero tolerance when it comes to drunk driving.  

Manager at the Comfort Bay Senior Citizens Home, Sharmain Hippolyte asserts the significance of senior citizens in society cannot be overlooked.

The key Stakeholders at the conference are the Help Age St. Lucia, the National Council of and for older persons, the police, Managers of the various homes and social workers.

Hippolyte says group discussions have been vital to the conference. The consultation is coordinated the Ministry of Health, Human Services and Gender Relations in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization.

In an effort to implement safety nets that specifically target people at the lower spectrum of the socio-economic ladder, the government of Saint Lucia has implemented Step Up.

Step Up is an initiative administered by the Ministry of Social Transformation through the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund.

The initiative was a campaign promise of the Saint Lucia Labor Party.

The Prime Minister was on hand for the launch of Step Up, he said he hoped that the promise kept shows there are still earnest politicians who will follow through on election campaign pledges.    

Member of Parliament for Anse la Raye/ Canaries Dr Desmond Long expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative. He also implored the residents of his constituency to use the Step Up program to enhance their lives in a meaningful way.

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund SSDF says the Step program has so far touched the lives of at least 8000 people adding that government has allocated an estimated 15 million dollars towards social safety net programs.

These social interventions include the STEP and the Koudemain programs. Step Up will provide employment for over 200 people in quarterly cycles.

The Saint Lucia air and seaports authority is enhancing the operations of the fire service station at the Hewannora international; airport.

The government of Saint Lucia has procured a new fire appliance and improved the working conditions at the facility.

The National Trust’s Youth Environment Forum which began on Monday has been dubbed a success thus far by the young participants.

The five day session focused on protecting the environment through different methods such as recycling and conservation.

Communications and Advocacy Officer, Karetta Crooks Charles says during Thursday’s session students were taught how to create different items out of plastic bottles.

Charles hopes students will convey the lessons learnt to family and friends.

Charles says students were given insight into the Photovoltaic system which is currently being used at the National Trust.

The trust is hosting two separate forums in the north and south of the island and Charles says the level of enthusiasm displayed by the young participants has been very encouraging.

Participant, J’Hymani Joseph says the activities inspired her to make some lifestyle changes.

The St. Lucia National Trust is promoting the idea of hosting summer camps to keep youth active

The National Refrigeration and Air Condition Association undertook its first training session for the year.

The session is the third since the association was formed and focuses on certifying their members.

Second Vice President- David Charles says Technicians from around the island attended Thursday’s session facilitated by Jamaican Tutor- Professor Horris Nelson of the University of the West Indies.

Speaking on the importance of such an association, Charles says technicians will now become registered and qualified through various training sessions.

He says perks, such as waivers on customs duties will also be available to registered technicians.
The association also guarantees the public its members are highly qualified.

Thursday’s session was held at the Bay Gardens Hotel and provided the technicians with certification.