Solace Myers says all parties are now plotting the way forward. A number of representatives from both Unions and the water company attended the meeting which was held at the main WASCO office in Lanse Road. Earlier this month – Public Utilities Minister Dr James Fletcher called for patience from the trade unions representing WASCO employees.

Dr Fletcher said the company was insolvent; making it impossible to provide salary increases to workers who have for years been advocating for that and other benefits.

The human rights advocate has continuously stated nothing was being done to bring closure or gain justice in a number of police shootings – she labeled extra-judicial.

Francois started the war of words when he made what Francis felt were inflammatory comments about the human rights advocate.

She subsequently called for an apology and assistance from Amnesty International. On Monday Francois again restated his position on the matter.

Francois says his comments were in defense of police officers who he felt were being unnecessarily criticized.

He also protests the use of the term extra-judicial in relation to the police shootings. The Police Commissioner says contrary to what some human rights advocates espouse, police officers are held accountable for their actions.

The Police Commissioner says public perception the Police is the ones responsible for delays in the inquests into the police shootings are incorrect.

He says the police have done their part which is to conduct thorough investigations into the shootings; anything beyond that he says is the hands of the DPP and the coroner.

Dr Anthony says health resource constraints were made worse during the former government’s tenure.
He has however given assurances new ambulances will soon be deployed.

The president of the St. Lucia Fire Service Welfare Association, Shane Felix has welcomed the news adding resource constraints have been a perennial concern for the Fire Service.  
He says the additional ambulances will enhance the response given by fire service personnel to members of the public.

Felix has also called for additional staffing. He is hoping the present administration can address what he says has been a perennial problem.

Fire Officials are also concerned enough is being done to repair damaged ambulances. During our visit - the Castries ambulance was being repaired.

Felix says emergencies come at any time and the need for adequate, efficient ambulances cannot be overstated.  

Monrose says his Association is now looking ahead to better relations.

Monrose says teachers make a great contribution to national development. He says a harmonious relationship between the Ministry and teachers is therefore a necessity.

A number of Permanent Secretaries were re-deployed during the recent shuffle. And in spite of the move – designed according to the Public Service Minister to address a number of retirements from the Public Service – not all Ministries will have a PS due to various reasons including overdue leave.

Saint Vincent’s Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, may want a speedy commitment from Saint Lucia in relation to its potential investment in LIAT but Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr Kenny says he will not be pushed into making a rushed decision.

The Prime Minister says any such decision must be carefully assessed by his administration before moving forward.

He says the challenges facing Saint Lucia’s economy and indeed that of the region, demand he be prudent.

Dr. Anthony says because the regional air carrier will soon embark on some major decision making, the government would need an indication about what the future may hold for LIAT before taking a decision.
There has been talk of LIAT replacing its aircraft fleet.

Dr Anthony says information must also be forthcoming about LIAT’s strategic plan and how it plans to sustain itself.

The Prime Minister is also concerned about what he says is LIAT’s apparent management issues.

St. Lucia’s Prime Minister says he remains sympathetic towards LIAT, which lost an aircraft, a hangar, and two office blocks in a recent fire in Antigua.

Nonetheless Dr Anthony says he will not let sympathy cloud what has to be a well thought out decision.

And while he admits that the airline plays an important role in facilitating inter regional travel; the government of St. Lucia – he says - must examine all circumstances before making a definitive decision.

Tobierre says the association has decided to revert to the old manner of choosing artistes for the preliminaries.

Interested persons are now required to submit their Groovy and Party tracks for screening. The deadline date for submission of the recorded material is Friday 22nd June.

Tobierre says in reducing the number of performances at the final leg of competition – participants can be guaranteed more prize money.

She says while the issue of prize money is still being negotiated, the association will do all it can with what is available.

Groovy Monarch Preliminaries are set for Wednesday June 27th and Finals on Thursday 12th July. Party Monarch Preliminaries will be held on Friday 29th June and Finals on Saturday 14th July.

Francois has further warned promoters Carnival events held without requisite permission from the police department will be stopped.

Francois says a police team has been assembled to end events which do not meet the requirements of adequate security and consent.

One of the organizers of the event, Marie-Ann Brown is hoping St. Lucians will come out in large numbers. The event is endorsed by the Constituency Representative for Castries South, Dr. Robert Lewis. Brown says the walk is expected to begin on time and will start from the SLP Castries South Constituency Office.