Alfred says by now she would have hoped most if not all Saint Lucians would be fully aware of the work the NCF undertakes.

She says anyone with an appreciation of the amount of service the NCF gives to the community could not have committed such a thoughtless act.

Alfred is urging all Saint Lucians to call the nearest police station if someone attempts to sell them something which they believe may be a stolen item from her operations.

Alfred says the Foundation believed in the past that given the nature of its work there was no need for stand in security.

That opinion she says has now changed. The NCF provides scholarships and medical assistance to those in need in addition to a wide range of charitable initiatives. Police are currently investigating the break in.

Our sources say she will be moved to the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. The Ministry of Health will also lose its current PS  while a current DPS will be moved from his Ministry and promoted to PS in another.

an injury that was discovered after he fell on Wednesday afternoon on his way home from school.

Eyewitness – who claimed not to have heard gun shots - said Shervon Poleon collapsed as a motorcycle rode by. The incident occurred in the community of Anse Ger. We spoke to the victim’s sister Sherma Poleon who was demanding answers.

Sherwin Poleon who is listed in critical condition is fighting for his life; he has reportedly not opened his eyes since he fell to the ground.

Police say Poleon was walking along the Anse Ger road when he slipped and fell onto the road. At the time he was said to have been carrying a piece of metal which got lodged into the back of his head.

Personnel at the fire department were summoned and the victim was subsequently transported to St. Jude’s hospital via ambulance. He was treated and is currently admitted in critical condition.

support to the airline following the disastrous fire. According to LIAT, its hangar, a plane, twooffice buildings and important documents were destroyed by the fire and plans for summer flights were also jeopardized.

In addition to destroying the dash 8-300 plane, the fire also ruined a few engines, spare parts and tools and affected quality assurance and technical records.

FATCA is primarily aimed at detecting, deterring and discouraging tax evasion by US citizens who have substantial assets and accounts in offshore financial entities commonly referred to as “Tax Havens”.

US agencies like the IRS and the Treasury Department are soliciting the assistance of these financial institutions in ensuring the account holders meet their tax liabilities.

Greenidge indicates non-compliance has some serious draw backs that include being slapped with stiff penalties.

Foreign financial institutions have to register with the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) in the US by June 2013.
The response has been admittedly slow despite there being certain obligations which have to be met before the cut-off date.

General Manager of the Caribbean Association of Banks, Mary Popo explains these requirements include the identification of off shore accounts held by US citizens including Saint Lucians who possess Green Cards.  

FATCA was enacted by the US in 2010 and under the law certain U.S. taxpayers with financial assets outside the United States must report those assets to the IRS.

According to the IRS “Foreign financial institutions must report directly to the IRS certain information about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which U.S. taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest.”

pamg@yahoo.co.uk.

President of the St. Lucia Manufacturers Association, Paula Calderon hailed the inaugural product exhibition a great success.

The initiative showcased the island’s locally produced goods and services. The exhibition also gave manufacturers, retailers and producers the opportunity to showcase their goods while also encouraging the purchase of local products.

Calderon says the initiative is a strategic move designed to increase sales and encourage the sale of local products among the Hotel and construction sectors.

Calderon further added buying local will reduce the island’s high import bill and reduce unemployment.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Regional Director of Sandals Resorts International, Jeremy Jones.

Communications and Marketing Manager of St. Lucia Distillers, Jennifer Gaston believes the exhibition educated and informed the general populace about locally produced goods.

The idea for the initiative dubbed ‘Expose Local’ came from a meeting between the President of the St. Lucia Manufacturers Association- Paula Calderon and Regional Director, Sandals Resorts, International, Jeremy Jones. The expo was held on Wednesday at the Sandals Grande Ballroom from 3PM. 

Those present were divided into two categories, buyers and sellers. The sellers were allowed ten minutes during Thursday’s session to lay down an elevator pitch which would interest the seller.

Leo says linkages between local companies help reduce outsourcing.

And while the sellers are not guaranteed a sale on the day, it will inform buyers of the services available.
The activity was held at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Rodney Bay.

Expressing concern over the island’s chicken import bill – the Minister believes there is need to encourage St. Lucians to consume more locally produced meats.

Jn Baptiste added his administration is dedicated to creating an environment for farmers to thrive.
In that vein - legislation will soon be enacted to help boost the island’s poultry industry.

Jn Baptiste further disclosed the government’s new policy to guarantee broiler producers 30% of the local market.

Former politician Peter Josie penned Shattered Dreams, a publication he dubbed a political odyssey of Saint Lucia.

He says the book was dedicated to his parents who guided him with love throughout his life. Josie challenged those reading the book to learn and benefit from what they may see as his flaws.

Author Father Linus Clovis also donated his publication entitled “A Biblical search for the Church Christ founded”

The book Helen and her sister Haiti was written by J Lambert St. Rose. It explores parallels between Saint Lucia and Haiti.

The three books are on sale at all local books stores. Thomas has encouraged other Saint Lucians to donate material of historical value to the Nationals Archives for posterity.

He is promising a quality production during the shortened season. The Ambassadors Calypso Tent is scheduled to commence at 8PM on Friday June 15th at the National Cultural Centre. Admission is $25 Dollars.

St. Louis says the seminar followed several requests for insurance from contractors. St. Louis lamented the small attendance at Thursday’s session. She was especially concerned because contractors generally do not pay attention to insurance.

St Louis says the Insurance Council hopes the few contractors and who did attend would inform their collegues.

The seminar was facilitated by the Vice President in Technical Operations of the Beacon Insurance Company Limited in Trinidad- Derek Kanhai. It was held at the Palm Haven Hotel.