Sandiford and Jobe Edwin both of Dennery were abducted and tortured by a group of men in Robert Martinique last weekend. Alpheus Sandiford who was shot by a group of angry assailants in Martinique last weekend died from injuries sustained in the barbaric attack.

His fellow Saint Lucian Jobe Edwin was treated at hospital and returned to Saint Lucia on Wednesday.

Saint Lucia’s Consul General to the French department Keats Compton says the consulate has been in close contact with the families of the Saint Lucian victims.

Relatives of the deceased man who first spoke to HTS news on Wednesday are demanding answers.

But the Consul General explains Sandiford’s mother who resides in Martinique and the consulate have been in constant dialogue and are making arrangements to return his remains to Saint Lucia for burial.

Compton says he was present when the surviving victim Jobe Edwin departed Martinique on Wednesday via boat bound for Saint Lucia.

While details surrounding the horrendous crime are still emerging, Edwin who spoke to French media claims an angry mob of men abducted the two Saint Lucians and attempted to coerce them into revealing the whereabouts of an individual they allege stole their property.

Compton says Edwin gave the same account to him last Sunday.

The Consul General says the crime has been widely condemned in the French department and the authorities there including prosecutors are sparing no effort in the pursuit of justice in the case.

The Deputy French Ambassador to Saint Lucia gave assurances the matter is being investigated thoroughly and ties between the two countries remain strong.

Four suspects were arraigned in Court on Sunday in Martinique in connection with the crime.
Police are reportedly searching for a fifth suspect.

That same media story stated La Corbiniere and Francois had denied comment when asked about the transfer.

We spoke to the Acting Commissioner and National Security Minister who said they had not been contacted by any news organization in relation to this story.

On Wednesday evening – La Corbiniere said the government was dealing with the US visa revocation matter delicately and in accordance with the law and set protocol.

The Acting Police Commissioner was the first to confirm the US had revoked the visa belonging to a senior member of the Police Force.

Francois also said while he had spoken to the officer on the matter he did not know why the US had taken such action.

Similar was said by the National Security Minister who admitted meeting with the officer in question over the matter.

Meanwhile – the government is expected to announce who will lead the Police Force on Friday.

This follows the expiration of Francois’s fourth acting appointment and a court order demanding the immediate reinstatement of Commissioner Ausbert Regis.

First Citizen’s Investment Services’ General Manager, Jason Julien cautions the global outlook is worrisome and warrants close attention from Eastern Caribbean economies.

One such global market development is the Eurozone debt crisis. Julien says if the European grouping is not able to get a handle on its affairs and suffers a massive series of defaults - it will significantly impact the Caribbean.

Julian says Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union – ECCU - need to make strategic decisions aimed at minimizing the impact of any Eurozone crisis.

The ECCU region he says has its own challenges which need to be addressed; many of those can negatively impact investor confidence in the Eastern Caribbean grouping. Julien says – like the EU - there are some strong and promising economies in the ECCU grouping which will for now have to carry the weight of weaker ones.

The First Citizens Investment Services General Manager says there needs to be deliberate and coordinated efforts to ride out the challenges.

He says some tough decisions will have to be taken to steer the ECCU grouping on a path of recovery and growth.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 54th Meeting of the OECS authority here in Saint Lucia last month, Chairman of the OECS Authority - Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony also expressed concern over the challenge of reducing debt to GDP ratio while spurring economic growth to create jobs and economic recovery in the sub region.

The Prime Minister said heads of government in the region are exceedingly concerned about how to deal with high fiscal debt and slow growth amid global economic challenges.

The banana hybrid has been described as a middle and short term solution to the problem.
It is still uncertain whether the hybrid will replace the more commonly known local banana. Eradicating Black Sigatoka is a top priority for the Agriculture Ministry who described its prevalence in Saint Lucia as a national crisis.

The ministry has and continues to seek assistance in eradicating the fungus which has blazed a path of destruction on local farms.

One such partner was a French research center called the Center for International Research related to Agronomy and Development (CIRAD).

CIRAD first implemented an EU funded project aimed at battling the disease in 2010. Co-operation Officer- Simon Fournier says the Interregional project consists of a number of methods including introducing a Banana Hybrid created by CIRAD.

Fournier says once it is proven the hybrid can withstand our climate and the Black Sigatoka- it will then be introduced to the general public.

The Co-operation Officer admits the hybrid has a different taste and size that traditionally grown local bananas.

However – he believes once it is accepted by the public- it could possibly be exported.

The hybrid is said to be a middle and long term solution to the problem of Black Sigatoka. Fournier says the French are also meeting with farmers from around the region to introduce other methods of fighting the disease.

The hybrid has also been introduced to other countries in the region such as Dominica and St. Vincent where it is also being evaluated.

The economist, speaking on the weekly discussion program, New Perspectives with Teddy Francis claims a development strategy must be based on basic economic philosophy.

However he says inspirational leadership which espouses core values or beliefs required beyond just tangible economic results is also required.

Andrew argues the island also needs to alter and redefine its development strategy which he believes is based on an economic model that has run its course.

Former Prime Minister Stephenson King’s handling of the revocation of the US Visas belonging to then Housing Minister Richard Frederick is back in the spotlight following news the US has also revoked the visa of a senior police officer.

While Frederick resigned under public pressure –the current government has said is weighing its options on how to best handle the matter.

The statement also follows a United Nations report which concludes that increasing crime rates in the region is threatening economies and livelihoods in the Diaspora. While not commenting specifically to the report, Francois maintains capital punishment would serve as a significant disincentive to crime in the region. Acting Police Commissioner, Vernon Francois is adamant individuals convicted of capital murder should face the death penalty.

His statement follows the launch of a campaign spearheaded by a senior minister in Trinidad and Tobago for the enforcement of capital punishment.

The development comes in the wake of a UN report which notes that a high crime rate is threatening economies and livelihoods in the Caribbean region.

According to the alarming study, although the Caribbean and Latin America are home to only 8.5 percent of the world’s population, the region accounts for 27 percent of the homicides across the globe.

Francois for his part believes the death penalty would serve as a deterrent.

However, Amnesty International, a global organization dedicated to defending human rights, has called on governments to abolish the death penalty.

The organization advocates rehabilitation methods to tackle crime Francois noted however that many wide ranging initiatives are already being undertaken to combat the scourge.

He also commended local police officers for their efforts.

The United Nation’s report called on Caribbean governments to implement youth crime prevention educational programs as well as provide job opportunities that target the marginalized urban poor.

The UN report is based on extensive research in the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia.

current moral crisis facing the country. In the document titled “Use Your Body for the Glory of God” the head of the church here explains why based on doctrine and beliefs the church strongly opposes calls for decriminalization of prostitution.

The debate was sparked by Independent Senator, Pathologist Stephen King who believes the move would allow greater access to quality health care for vulnerable and at risk sex workers.

In an appendix to the letter the church claims in the case of prostitution there is no distinction between legalization and decriminalization.

Archbishop Rivas argues to legalize prostitution is to condone and approve immorality and open the door to many human abuses over which society will have no control.

The letter outlines what the Church perceives as the social implications which include human trafficking and the spread of STD’s like HIV

In the letter Archbishop Rivas argues the gift of sex was intended for marriage and legally recognizing prostitution would undermine family values.

The church vehemently opposes the use of contraception and espouses abstinence before marriage and fidelity within matrimony as the cornerstones of HIV/Aids prevention programs.

Archbishop Rivas believes prostitution will exacerbate and not ameliorate the rate of transmission.

To proponents of prostitution the church counters contemporary Saint Lucian society is in a moral crisis and should return to traditional values.

The letter advocates teaching young people the virtue of chastity, the value of self control and good moral behavior.

Based on these tenets Archbishop Rivas contends legislation should take into consideration faith and moral values of society in the development process including healthcare and employment. .

The church which defended its record on human rights and the right of women calls for deeper reflection on moral and traditional values as the social issues impacting the society.

The institution remains steadfast in its faith and has called on the government and the people to resist any attempt to legalize prostitution.

Traditionally a part of the Ministry of Education and Culture – the entity is now under the Creative Industries Ministry headed by Lorne Theophilus.

Samuel says until an announcement is made concerning his post at CDF his focus is on the work which the foundation has to carryout.

Samuel says while CDF has and continues to come under criticism it has a significant work load and plays a leading role in the development of culture and cultural industries. He says economists don’t always see the value in culture and therefore arts and culture get shortchanged but through no fault of the CDF.

CDF is presently playing an integral role in organizing Independence anniversary activities and at the same time getting set for the execution of 2012 carnival – with a junior pan training program already set for communities and schools.

move the embattled company forward. Reynolds says there are several issues which need to be studied with a fresh perspective to address some of the challenges facing WASCO.

He says a regional perspective is also being sought. The Communications Consultant says other countries within the region are possibly grappling with similar issues or have had successes in similar areas.

The WASCO seminar was hosted at the company’s offices.

local leg of St. John’s new website. Chairperson of the St. John’s Association St. Lucia, Debbie Worrel is pleased royalty will be part of the historic launch.

St. John’s Association St. Lucia has to date certified three hundred first aiders. Executive Officer, Glen Wilson has encouraged becoming a member of the voluntary organization. He further highlighted the significance of the association.

The Order of St. John traces its origins back over 900 years when a hospice was established in Jerusalem to care for the sick and poor of any faith.

Teacher at the Entrepot Secondary- Kensley Howell says the workshop is of great importance to every school graduate who will become a member of the workforce.

Samala Nelson of the Court Diversion Program says the workshop assisted her in working towards her future.

Nelson is hoping to pursue her long term dream of becoming a veterinarian. The workshop was spearheaded by the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce.

The NYC’s list of activities continues Thursday night with the recently released “The History of St. Lucia” book and its writers.

Augustine says a constitutional reform forum in Constitution Park has also been planned for March.

Augustine says the NYC has a proven track record for organizing Independence Day activities. The NYC has also endorsed the theme for this year’s Independence, “One People, One Nation, Limitless Possibilities.”