Enraged Dennery residents want Police to clarify the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting of an area fisherman in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to three men who claim they were accosted by the police, Dalton Greaves fled the scene in fear when law men descended on the fisheries complex during an apparent raid.
It is not clear if Greaves was armed or resisted arrest. Residents further allege the remains of the deceased were transported from the scene and back by EMT – an occurrence Fire Officials say is highly unlikely.
Greaves is reportedly related to former Government Minister and Dennery South MP Damian Greaves.
Although one relative admits the young fisher had a history of trouble with the law – it does not – according to him - justify the use of deadly force.
The authorities have come under increasing pressure from the public and civil society over a number of fatal shooting incidents involving law enforcement officers.
4 suspects were shot and killed by law men in early 2011 during operation restore confidence in what police say was a foiled robbery attempt at an establishment in Vieux Fort.
Despite assurances of thorough investigations and efforts to win the hearts and minds of the public deep seated strictures remain.
Outspoken human rights activists have made vociferous calls for conclusive inquests and more transparency in the investigation of Police shootings.
The police have countered that due process was followed and most probes had reached their logistical conclusion.
So far officials have remained tightlipped about the Dennery shooting saying a combined operation led by the Marine Police was conducted in the area. More details on the fatal shooting incident are expected soon.
UWP judgment Story byWinston Springer
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has ruled on a key aspect of the challenge of the November 28th general election results by two opposition candidates.
In March leave was granted by the high court in Saint Lucia for the petitioners to proceed to the court of appeal to determine a question of law relating to the court procedure rules and the applicability to the cases at hand.
At stake was whether the civil procedure rules 2000 utilized by petitioners or the election act applied to the case. On Tuesday afternoon - the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ruled the CPR 2000 is not relevant to the matter.
Junior Counsel Rene St. Rose who represents the respondents in the case, Alvina Reynolds and Emma Hippolyte explains the implications of the judgment for the overall case which is far from over.
Now the matter has been determined the substantive case will revert to the high court.
The legal representatives for Emma Hippolyte and Alvina Reynolds, the successful candidates in the Gros Islet and Babonneau seats are seeking to have the petitions dismissed by the high court.
The petitioners, Ezechiel Joseph and Lenard Montoute are challenging the election results based on what they claim were improprieties, irregularities and inconsistencies during the counting process of the November 28th election.
However the legal team representing the incumbents argues the petitions do not comply with election rules because they were filed against the SLP candidates instead of the individual Returning Officers in the constituencies and or the Electoral Commission.
Labour code enacted Story byWinston Spinger
Labor Minister Dr. Robert Lewis who earlier this year gave assurances the long overdue labor code would become the law of the land says the implementation of the legislation is an election campaign promise kept.
The realization of a comprehensive law to regulate industrial relations was spelt out in the SLP’s blue print for growth manifesto.
The Labor Minister insisted the labor code would be law before Emancipation day observances.
Dr. Robert Lewis who resolved to have the law enacted to safe guard the constitutional rights of workers says striking a balance between employee responsibility and employer fairness in spite of a recession was imperative.
The implementation of the Labor Code stirred passionate debate among lobby groups including the Trade Union movement which complained over a lack of consultation.
The Employers’ Federation also had its misgivings about the law. But the competing interests appear to have reached consensus on some of the contentious issues.
TUF President Julian Monrose says despite the passage of the law, compliance remains a sticking point and many employees in the hotel sector are still face demanding work schedules.
The government which acknowledges what it calls the invaluable contribution of the ILO urged the Employers Federation and the trade unions to work together in the best interest of workers and the industrial climate.
Construction stimulus package Story bySarah Peter
The Construction Stimulus Package promised by the government will come into effect on August 8th.
So says Government Press Secretary, Jadia Jn Pierre.
During the 2012/3013 Budget Address, Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony indicated the Government would focus on the construction sector to drive the economy.
Dr Anthony stated the priority is to increase investment in the construction sector, directly through Government programmes and indirectly through policies which stimulate private investment.
Jn Pierre says the move is very significant especially in light of the impact of the recent UK APD on the island’s number one economic earner, the tourism sector and the need for more job opportunities in the country.
The construction stimulus package includes the removal of all duties and taxes on selected items including sand, cement, lumber including plywood, steel bars, rods and paints.
Stamp duties will also be removed on loans for commercial and residential building purposes.
Last week Thursday - government officials and members of the Chamber of Commerce met to discuss the impending stimulus package; with a focus on what the business community could expect from the initiative.
Jn Pierre says more information on the list of items included on the stimulus package will be disclosed to members of the public in the near future.
Approaching storm Story byLovely St.Aime Joseph
A statement has been issued by the Hewanorra Meteorological Office on an area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave, located over the Central Atlantic.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA, the tropical wave, located midway between Africa and the Lesser Antilles in the Atlantic Ocean, is embedded with an area of low pressure.
Showers and thunderstorm activity associated with this disturbance have become slightly better organized since NOAA's observations on Monday. As a result - environmental conditions are conducive for some gradual development of this low pressure system to occur over the next few days.
This system now has a medium chance or 30% of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves westward at about 15 miles per hour.
The Saint Lucia Met Services says the system is being closely monitored.
Auguste says no warnings have been issued to the general public since his office is still in a preliminary monitoring phase.
He has encouraged the public to continue paying attention to periodic weather reports to get accurate information on the progress of the tropical wave.
Auguste says while this year’s hurricane season has been forecast as a normal to below normal season, preparations must still be made in the event of a storm, hurricane or heavy showers that may cause floods or landslides.
He has warned members of the public not to be complacent.
Acting Chief Justice sworn in Story bySant Justin
Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court - Sir Hugh Rawlins will begin his retirement on Emancipation Day, Wednesday August 1st.
His last day on the job, the Chief Justice attended the swearing in ceremony of his successor, Hon. Justice- Janice Perreira.
Hon. Perreira was sworn in as acting Chief Justice by Deputy Governor General- Cornelius Lubin.
Hon. Rawlins during his speech expressed much confidence in the new Acting Chief Justice who has been serving the Courts since 2003.
He says she has served with distinction and will receive the full support of the legal fraternity.
Tuesday’s ceremony was also of historical significance since Hon. Perreira is the first woman to assume the post of Chief Justice to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
The new acting Chief Justice says she joined the legal fraternity as a lawyer before serving the courts as a judge.
In an earlier interview with HTS News, Prime Minister- Dr. Kenny Anthony made it clear a new Chief Justice had already been identified.
The Acting Chief was only appointed to facilitate the retirement of Hon Hugh Rawlins.
Foster is QC Story byLovely St.Aime Joseph
Barrister at law Peter Foster has been appointed one of Her Majesty’s Counsel for the Independent States and Colonies served by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
The appointment was based on the recommendation of Chief Justice His Lordship, Sir Hugh Rawlins.
Foster’s appointment as QC was confirmed on 2nd July 2012.
Queen's Counsel are senior lawyers - barristers or solicitors. They lead the legal team in and out of court and may also be appointed to head government inquiries or take on other quasi-judicial roles that require the skills of an impartial arbiter.
Big and complex cases often require a QC (or "silk") that is then supported by at least one junior barrister.
Peter Foster QC follows in the footsteps of his father Kenneth Foster QC.
He says he is pleased to have the distinction bestowed upon him, adding it came with over 15 years of dedication to the legal profession.
Foster says the legal profession remains an honorable one despite unsavory behavior on the part of some attorneys.
He says the Chief Justice has in recent times put measures in place including recently implemented disciplinary rules to ensure a more effective judiciary.
Peter Foster QC has joined an elite group of less than 20 attorneys including his father and Kenneth Monplaisir who are Saint Lucian Queen’s Counsel.
SLBS standards mark Story byLovely St.Aime Joseph
The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards describes its Standard Mark as a value added product for local manufacturers.
It is a demonstration of the quality and competitiveness of products and services produced in Saint Lucia.
The standard mark also serves as a seal of quality.
Head of the Certification Department Dr Xanthe Dubuison describes the Standard Mark as a well respected seal with the integrity of a well administered regime of inspection and testing, one that supports and guarantees high quality products.
She applauded Paradise Springs, Baron Foods Limited and Sunfresh Limited for attaining the mark.
Paradise Springs has over the past ten years re-licensed to use the mark, making it the longest user of the quality standard.
Supervisor of Quality Assurance at Paradise Springs, Rafatati Eugene, says the company is committed to quality and attaining the National Standard.
The Bureau of Standards explains the Standard Mark is in keeping with international standards and is of tremendous benefit to local companies who wish to establish the quality of their products.
Total Quality Manager of Baron Foods Saint Lucia Limited, Frankie Sami, says the company is no stranger to quality standards.
The Bureau is expected to expand its promotion of the mark to encourage wider use. It warns that in an increasing competitive environment the companies that aggressively pursue quality standards will be the ones that survive in markets that demand companies adhere to protocols of health and safety.
Seaweed problem in Dennery Story bySarah Peter
A Dennery Fisherman is calling on the government to address what he has described as a major problem in the island’s fishing sector.
Gilbert Felix says the perennial presence of sea weed in the island’s waters is preventing him and several fishermen in the community from earning a living.
Felix says the sea weed kills and poisons the fishes and is also a major health hazard to people in his community.
He says the awful smell emanating from the substance is causing major discomfort to residents in West Coast communities like his and Praslin.
Felix is adamant the government should do something to address the matter. The Fisheries Department addressed the issue earlier this year – calling the seaweed a regional phenomenon that had already been identified in other countries where it was also posing a problem.
The fishing sector provides valuable income to rural coastal communities. Seaweed has also been spotted in other areas like Cap Estate and Castries.
YEC program Story byHinkson Butcher
Augier on doctorate Story bySant Justin
Local Entrepreneur- Adrian Augier has been recognized for his achievements in the fields of Visual Arts, Poetry, Drama and Economics.
The University of the West Indies recommended Augier for the Honorary Doctors of Letters Degree, which will be handed out in a graduation ceremony in October.
Augier says he was thrilled when approached by UWI for his permission in bestowing the honour.
Augier hopes his achievement can inspire others to excel in a similar manner.
He says persons in positions similar to his should focus on setting good examples for the generations after them.
Augier will receive his educational honour in St Kitts during the graduation ceremony of the UWI Open Campus Division of the West Indies.
Twenty such accolades will be handed out including to Dr. Lennox Edward-Honeychurch from the neighbouring isle of Dominica.
Headlines
Shooting in Dennery
UWP judgment
Labour code enacted
Construction stimulus package
Approaching storm
Foster is QC
SLBS standards mark
Seaweed problem in dennery
YEC program
Augier on doctorate
Subventions from government are paid to all aspects of Saint Lucia Carnival. That means taxpayers subsidize everything from bands, to shows and community events. The cash injection is in addition to the bulk funding provided by government to the entity that manages the festival – for the past two years that has been the Stakeholder Committee and before them it was the CDF. Three Carnival bands including the reigning Band of the Year have dropped out of competition due in part to funding constraints. Other associations like the National Carnival Queen Committee and tent leaders have lamented dwindling sponsorship dollars and the need for government funding.
But is it fair to expect Saint Lucians to pay for a product they ultimately have to purchase in the way of costumes, tent shows and events?
Is it realistic for Carnival stakeholders to expect government to subsidize their contribution to the festival?