On Friday 22nd June at about 6pm, officers attached to the traffic department while conducting a traffic check along the Bexon highway intercepted a black motor cycle registration number PB 832 driven by 32 year old martin Shortie of La Caye, Dennery. At the time he was accompanied by pillion rider, 15 year old Marlon Lewis of the same address.

A search was conducted on both individuals. A quantity of marijuana was found strapped to the body of shortie and a separate quantity was discovered in a back pack carried by Lewis.

On Sunday 24th June, both individuals were charged for the offences of possession of a controlled drug and possession with the intent to supply a controlled drug. They are expected to make their first court appearance on Tuesday 26th June.


Drug eradication

On Tuesday 19th June, a joint eradication exercise was conducted by the special services unit of the northern and southern division of the island on a marijuana plantation at the Des Cartier rainforest in Micoud.

A total of 226 grown marijuana plants were destroyed in addition to 130 seedlings. Also recovered in a wooden hut on the plantation were a .25 pistol and 45.4 kg of dry cannabis which was seized by the officers. No one was arrested during that exercise.

Following its decision to grant exclusive broadcast rights to Media Zone – the Committee says it has attempted to mollify its challenger by offering first community carnival events and then that in addition to one national event.

Both offers were rejected and a notice of legal action served against the body tasked to oversee Carnival 2012.

Media Expert Jerry George says as long as the process of awarding rights was fair and transparent – there really is no cause for concern.

George is also speaking on the parameters allowed under the exclusive rights agreement. He has warned other media houses that cover Carnival must not be denied access to events.

The Select Committee says it “has acted at all times in a transparent and open manner in the sole interest of Carnival in accordance with its mandate.”

And according to the press release issued by the body on Monday afternoon – the decision over who should be granted rights to Carnival was made on June 9th.

The release ends with this expressed hope, “the Committee looks forward to working with all parties dedicated to a successful carnival, in a cooperative and reasonable spirit. Carnival does not belong to media houses, service providers or even the Committee; it's the patrimony of the entire nation and everybody should respect this and place carnival first.” HTS has no statement at this time.

A semi-finalist in this year’s groovy competition with his “Bodyguard” – Alpha says the issue is more relevant today than it ever was. He has called on organizations that represent local artistes like ECCO and the Calypso Association 2009 to represent their interests in this matter. Female soca artiste Melissa “Q-Pid” Moses agrees.

She says far too often artistes are given last consideration in designing the price structure in competition.
For her it’s a question of fairness.
 
The Carnival Stakeholder Committee has granted the exclusive rights to broadcast its national events to Choice TV.

He maintains poor working conditions at the St. Lucia Marketing Board are posing a major health risk to employees and should be rectified as soon as possible.

Demarque maintains employees will not return to work unless their concerns are addressed. He called on the Ministry of Health to make the environment conducive for workers.

Meanwhile - employees at the Electoral Department are continuing the strike they began last week Thursday.

Employees walked off the job over a number of issues inclduign salary and retirement. A meeting has been convened between the Ministry of Public Service and the CSA to discuss the matter.

The Civil Service Association understands the Ministry of Health will relocate the St. Lucia Marketing Board soon. Nevertheless the Civil Service Association maintains immediate action should be taken.

Felix added there are plans to build another forty two housing units in the Monchy community to relocate over forty residents.

Felix further added the relocation provides a great opportunity for property ownership; allowing owners to develop more productively. One resident who will be relocated says he is elated over the move.

Close to thirteen houses were destroyed in 2004 Conway way/Barnard Hill fire. Felix has assured plans are underway to relocate more residents who suffered as a result.

The list is rounded off by Marie-anne, Ambi, Alpha and Ronald Darius. Caron Tobierre of the Select Committee of Stakeholders for Carnival says plans are coming along smoothly for the competition which will culminate on July 12th.

The Party Monarch contest also jump started on Monday. Reigning Monarch Ricky T will face 14 competitors in the final which will be held on 14th July.

The groovy soca preliminaries will be held from 5:30 pm on Wednesday at Spinners – door fee of $20 will be charged.

Piton Beer is the official beer for Lucian Carnival Once Again. In fulfillment of that commitment - on Monday 25th June Piton presented sponsorship cheques to various bands, tents, fetes and communities.

Piton Beer and St Lucia Carnival share a long history; with the brand sponsoring many Carnival events over the years.

Piton Brand Manager, Rohan Lovence, says the Piton brand is

pleased to continue its association with St Lucia Carnival. Piton will for this carnival sponsor four carnival bands. As has become customary Piton will also sponsor a contestant in the National Carnival Queen competition.  

The company will also sponsor the Stakeholder Committee responsible for Saint Lucia Carnival. Piton beer is a Windward and Leeward Brewery brand.

The SLHTA Culinary Team for the CHTA Taste of the Caribbean Culinary Competition has won a total of eight medals and two awards – gaining recognition in every category entered.

The competition was held this past week-end at the Hyatt Regency in Miami. Saint Lucia’s team is made up of seven chefs and one bartender and according to a press release from the SLHTA they “stole the show and made our island proud last night at the Awards Ceremony.”

The awards are as follows – Gold Medal – Chef of the Year Competition – Elijah Jules – Jade Mountain
Gold Medal – Best Use of Cheese Competition – Emmerly Gerald – The Landings Resort
Silver Medal – Junior Chef – Paulyn Eugene Windjammer Landing
Silver Medal – Pastry Chef – Dulish Perera BodyHoliday LeSPORT
Bronze Medal – Seafood Competition – Delroy Fred Coconut Bay
Bronze Medal – Beef Competition – Odeen Martin – Fire Grill
Bronze Medal – Bartending Competition – Barkus Henry – Sandals Regency
Bronze Medal – Team Competition – Saint Lucia Culinary Team
Special Award – Best Use of Chocolate – Dulish Perera – The Body Holiday Le SPORT

Monroe College will host an open day for potential students this coming Tuesday June 26th. Director of Outreach Jerry George says the event is open to all interested persons.

He has also recommended everyone come to the Monroe College campus located at Barnard Hill with the certificates and other documents they might need to enroll in courses.

To make applying for the school even more attractive – Monroe College will waive its usual application fee for anyone who registers during the Open Day.

George has advised Saint Lucians to take advantage of the opportunity afforded by the local campus of the US based university.

June 25th has been recognized as the International day of the Sea Farer. On that day the invaluable contribution of sea farers make to International Trade and the world economy is recognized.

Seafarers are individuals who work in the Maritime community. Director of Maritime Affairs at the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority, Christopher Alexander says the contribution made by seafarers is extremely important

and it is therefore vital to make the public aware of their significance. A shipping safety seminar is expected to be held in Vieux Fort on July 4th to increase safety measures by maritime workers.

The event is being held as part of activities for International day of the Sea Farer. First celebrated in 2011, the occasion follows the establishment by resolution adopted by the Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training and watch keeping for Seafarers.