A brief ‘study’ done by a team of STAR reporters was compiled this week and the findings were startling. According to the study, the average of the prime minister’s late attendance over the last week, if you invited him to a function, could be anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and a half late. The study also found that it didn’t matter whether you were the Taiwanese ambassador or a bunch of primary school kids, the prime minister was consistently tardy for the party.

Last Wednesday, the Taiwanese ambassador himself showed up at the Mental Wellness Centre at 2pm in preparation for the media site visit at 2:30pm. It was a most important event for the Taiwanese. The Mental Wellness Centre is one of their biggest social investments in St Lucia.

Two-thirty came and went, then three o’clock. It was almost three thirty and everyone was getting restless. But this is the way it is with the prime minister.

They may have been singing out of tune and out of time with each other but the prime minister had ensured that everyone was singing the same tune: “Oh where, oh where has our Stephenson gone, oh where, oh where can he be?”
“He was in another meeting that ran overtime,” one of his many political and communications advisors told reporters.
“He just had to stop to get a bite to eat,” said another.
“He’s three hundred pounds!” one reporter joked. “You think he could miss one meal for something this important!”
The media core was in stitches. But the Taiwanese were not laughing.
“Time is very important in our culture,” one of the ambassador’s advisors told reporters as kindly as possible.
Time is very important in any culture.

In modern and post-modern times, it has become common knowledge that time is the most essential and primal resource in the universe. And the St Lucian prime minister has given himself a reputation for wasting other people’s time. This is more dangerous than any of his advisors realize.

Stephenson King, by making a habit of tardiness, is at risk of becoming the butt of jokes about how much trouble it is to move that much weight around even in a V-6 engine. His lateness might yet become a platform plank of the opposition.

You can almost see Labour’s comedians drafting arguing about what sounds better: “Stephenson King is a big waste of time,” or “Stephenson King wastes more people’s time everyday than all the rest of the civil service combined.”

To be fair, the prime minister’s lateness has several advantages.

It could be a ploy by his close circle of super-intelligent advisors to ensure that people relieved, if not happy, every time they see him. After waiting for him for an hour and some minutes, it doesn’t matter whether you are Flambeau or Labour, you are happy to see King, because it means you are one step closer to going home and putting your feet up.

Also, his most vociferous critics are put off by his lateness and forget the subtle points of debate they want to bludgeon him with, trading them in for impatience and hot headedness.

But his advisors must also consider that while this may work for him politically, it is making him out to be something of a killjoy, which, in reality, he isn’t. Stephenson King is a great facilitator, doing everything in his power to make everyone happy, as long as it does not interfere with his meal times apparently. On the best of days, he’s a party and on the worst of days, he can still manage a smile. But his timing makes him a party pooper, not to mention, it leaves everyone else so impatient, hungry, thirsty and ready for a bathroom break, that there is hardly a person in the island who can listen to a King speech anymore, unless it is on television.

In his three years in office, Stephenson King has kept so many thousands of people waiting for him at so many hundreds of events, wasting so many precious minutes, that he must expect that he is eventually going to be held responsible for wasting people’s time. (Just imagine a Commission of Inquiry where King is condemned for his lateness and the attorney general files suit against him for a recovery of the time lost waiting for him to show up at official functions.)

Further than that, if King does not start to deliver on some of his party’s most reasonable election promises, he might soon find that events might start without him. He has to start thinking that perhaps people will grow weary of him and begin to consider him a waste of time.

Worst of all, people might stop inviting him to events at all and just get on with their business. Then, what would the PM have for dinner?

Editor’s Note: In our Saturday February 27 STAR Maryanna Williams took the Prime Minister to task for his lateness at the Independence Day activities. The government press secretary responded in last weekend’s issue saying that the Prime Minister was not to blame for the late start of the event and called on Maryanna Williams to apologize. The above story brings to light the bigger issue of lateness by our PM. It was first published in the November 7, 2009 STAR.

Guy Mayers is making some serious promises to the police force but you know what they say about promises . . . and what about those other commitments made to the police by previous and the present government?

As the crime situation in the country escalates, various agencies have been speculating on strategies to eradicate so called rotten apples. Recently 98 recruits graduated from the Police Training Academy to join the ranks of the Royal St Lucia Police Force and the Bordelais Correctional Facility; 58 and 40, respectively joined each agency.

At the Passing Out Parade on March 5, the recruits heard from their instructors and their new generals, all encouraging them to stay on the straight and narrow.

To add even more pressure, Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis said: “We are facing very challenging times right now. We are facing a new breed of criminals. Criminals persons like myself did not experience in our formative years on the force. But I’m confident that you, being the new breed of police officers, you are up to the task and you will overcome the challenges that the new breed of criminals pose to our society. The future of the force rests on your shoulders.”

The question remains: How are they supposed to do it? If the veterans haven’t figured it out as yet, how are the rookies supposed to go into battle, with the same resources, and be expected to accomplish the mission?

Minister of Home Affairs and National Security, Guy Mayers, was on hand to answer some of the burning questions.

“The vision of the government is to ensure that St Lucia is a safe and secure place for all. We want a society where all our citizens and visitors alike can be confident that they can pursue their daily activities without having to worry about their security or safety. It is against this background that the government took a conscious decision and approved my request for the recruitment and training of one hundred officers of the Royal St Lucia Police Force and the Bordelais Correctional Facility last year.”

Following this, the minister announced that plans are underway for an additional 60 recruits. Warning that Bordelais and police officers are always under the microscope, Mayers urged the neophytes to adhere to the principles taught at the Academy. Dropping another load to their already heavy burden, Mayers said: “You owe it to yourself and the country which has invested its resources in preparing you for this role, to ensure that our society stays safe. As officers you have to uphold the law and ensure those who break the laws are dealt with appropriately.”

His motivation to the potential police officers was: “I want to take this opportunity to challenge you to become St Lucia’s best cop. Interact with your community, get to know those who are the leaders in your community, manage those relationships well and in the discharge of your duties, be passionate but be firm and professional, seek first to understand and self improve and strive for excellence in all you do.”

Advising the recruits, Mayers urged: “I know for a fact there will be many obstacles in your way. But as you pursue your goal of being the best, learn yourselves and fight the good fight. If you want to succeed, you will but it will take hard work and commitment and a lot of sacrifice.”

How does this really help the recruits fight the good fight? There are many hardworking, true blue police officers but what can they really do on their own?

Mayers offered: “I want to assure you that the government of St Lucia is committed to ensuring that the national institutions have the capacity to deliver on their mandate and in addition, to building on the manpower resources that we need.” Continuing, he said “In these hard economic times, it is proving very difficult but we are committed. In the exercise of your duties, you have to abide by certain rules and regulations. Not so for the criminals. They do not have to prepare and adhere to an annual budget and they don’t have to adhere to any rules and that is what puts us at a big disadvantage. But we must persevere and we must do what we have to do to maintain law and order in our country. Therefore, in addition to building our human resources, we are working on the following . . . ”

Outlining a few of the new measures, the minister revealed the installation of CCTV cameras is nearing completion at the Bordelais Correctional Facility and more cameras will be mounted “at strategic locations around the city and other areas.” Surveillance for “our poorest borders” is hoped to enhance the work of the marine police. Mayers promised to continue upgrading the equipment of the police force and at Bordelais. He reminded the gathering that the Forensic Lab will soon be operational and believes it can assist with the crime fighting effort. In lieu with crime fighting efforts, the minister spoke of a Witness Protection Programme and also about improving the virtual facility for witnesses to give evidence without actually having to face the accused in a matter.

Moving to more structural news, Mayers announced the relocation of the Police Band and the Special Services Unit (SSU) to the recently vacated Golden Hope Hospital. The premises of the former mental health institution is booked for renovations to suit the needs of the two departments. Further to that, a “modern police station” in Gros Islet and Babonneau will also be joining the club as a site has been earmarked for a police station because of the rate at which the community is expanding. As the minister revealed, Police headquarters in Castries has been marked for redevelopment. Mayers made it clear the government understands the troubles facing the force and it is working to iron out the wrinkles in the protocols and procedures that hinder officers from carrying out their duties.

“We are mindful too that the Royal St Lucia Police Force and the Bordelais Correctional Facility currently operate under the rules governing the public service. We are also mindful that we are in the business of dealing with emergency service and as such, you must be given the ammunition and latitude to operate within a framework that allows you to be more proactive and more effective in the dispense of your duties. I want to assure you of government’s commitment to ensuring that the best provisions are made to facilitate the work of the national security institutions. We hope that you, the officers, in return, will deliver without fear or favour in making our country a safe and secure place for all to enjoy.”

There have been some adjustments to the course taught at the Academy. With the help of Monroe College, the curriculum was expanded to include psychology and sociology and in the case of the corrections officers, the Venezuelan Embassy provided classes in basic Spanish.

Although the minister’s intentions appear genuine, one must question the support given to law enforcement. Where are the breathalyzers and non-lethal weapons (stun guns)? They are here but cannot be used because certain legislation is not in place. At what stage is the legislation for these tools of the trade? Currently, pepper spray is illegal but high ranking sources within the police force revealed that in January 2010, pepper spray was supposed to be legalized and those wishing to carry it would need to obtain a license. What happened? Try calling the Attorney General’s Chambers. Not only will you be passed around, but you may very well end up on hold as someone tries to figure out how to get you off the phone. The last the STAR heard about any legislation to make the lives of law enforcement personnel easier was that it was filed away in a Cabinet and would take some time to retrieve.

In this regard, Haiti, a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), will exhibit at the global tourism trade show, ITB in Berlin, Germany, this week.

Its participation is being facilitated by CTO, along with other partners, including ITB Berlin.

During the 10-14 March event, described as the world’s leading travel trade show, Haiti will have a booth in the CTO-organised Caribbean Village, manned by representatives of the country’s German embassy. The city mayor, Klaus Wowereit, is scheduled to meet H.E. Jean-Robert Saget, Ambassador of Haiti to Germany, at the Haiti stand in the Caribbean Village on Wednesday morning.

The final rose ceremony was held at the award winning Jade Mountain.

On average, the 14th Season of “The Bachelor” generated the biggest overall audience for the franchise since fall 2003, with Monday night’s airing winning the 8pm and 10pm EST time slot with approximately 15 million viewers. “After The Final Rose” dominated the 10 o’clock hour with some 14.3 million viewers who watched the offer to Jake Pavelka, the Bachelor and his newly chosen lady Vienna of a return vacation to Soufrière’s Jade Mountain, which along with Saint Lucia’s famous Piton peaks served as the backdrop for the emotional season finale.

“Saint Lucia has received unparalleled exposure from this television series and we look forward to converting this into more bookings to the island,” said Director of Tourism, Louis Lewis. “With the launch of our Red Rose Romance Promotion—which offers special romantic getaway packages—along with other opportunities which have been presented to us following the telecast, we are encouraged,” he added.

Jake and Vienna swam to a beach after their romantic cruise on the Brig Unicorn.

Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Jade Mountain, said the exposure for the island, as well as the resort, has been phenomenal. “We had over 15,000 website hits for Jade Mountain during the night of the season finale,” said a thrilled Troubetzkoy, whose Jade Mountain is regarded as one of the most sought-after resorts on the planet. The property is famed not only for its three-walled suites but also for its “green” construction which, at owner Nick Troubetzkoy’s request, uses, among other things, recycled glass, plastic, wood and water.

At Jade Mountain, Jake Pavelka, the Bachelor, ended his own bid for true love, making the difficult choice of 23 year-old marketing representative Vienna over 25 year-old college admissions representative Tenley, from among 25 beautiful bachelorettes who sought his attention.

Author Betty Peter, who spent her childhood in St Lucia, gives a historical lesson in a unique story.

Speaking ahead of her visit here author Betty Peter said that 75 percent of her story encapsulates the early life in the colonial era in St Lucia, adding that the book documents a part of St Lucia’s history never before documented for young readers.

“Brown Sugar an Spice accurately recounts major events which took place in St Lucia during World War II. It is a social commentary of St Lucia during Colonial times, that illustrates and describes architecture which is slowly disappearing from the island,” Peter said.

“It describes landmarks in St Lucia as seen during the first part of the 20th century example the port of Castries, Columbus Square, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Vieux Fort. and St Lucia’s landscape as seen during Harriet’s escape journey from Castries to Vieux Fort. The Pitons are also mentioned in this book,” she added.

The actual book signing will take place at the Sunshine Book Store at JQ Mall at Rodney Bay from 5pm. This will follow three readings at the Bonne Terre Prep School at 10.30am and Tapion School at 1.30pm on Thursday and the International School at 10.30 Friday morning.

The children’s publication, “Brown Sugar and Spice” which will have separate launchings in Grenada, Barbados and St Vincent is intended to encourage Caribbean children to read more and learn about their own history at the same time.

Having spent most of her early years in St Lucia, Betty returned as a young adult and served as governess to the children of the Administrator, Sir John Thorp.

On Friday she says will have the distinct pleasure of inviting St Lucians of all ages to visit the Sunshine Bookstore in the Rodney Bay Mall to obtain a signed copy of her latest offering.

The release of “Brown Sugar and Spice” coincided with this year’s 10th anniversary celebration of Toute Bagai Publishing Company of Trinidad and Tobago, publishers of the popular MACO line of magazines.

Managing Director Neysha Soodeen the original producer of St Lucia’s Food and Rum Festival says the company believes the time has come to play a role in the education of Caribbean children.

“I am very proud of this book and of its author Betty Peter for finally giving us in the Caribbean, a book which delves into our colonial days and allows the reader to experience these times through the eyes of a child,” said Soodeen. “This is an inspirational book filled with historical facts which makes learning fun for our Caribbean youth.”

“Brown Sugar and Spice” is a “riotous romp” through colonial days during World War II as seen through the eyes of young Harriet. One may imagine that the war had no impact on Harriet’s life—but it did. One may think there was no turmoil or terror on those tranquil islands—but there was. And yet, despite these uncertainties, life went on.

Readers are assured to laugh out loud at Harriet’s hilarious antics as she moves among various islands in the West Indies. In this lively tale, she experiences malaria, wards off evil spirits, awakens to a German attack, builds a tree house village, terrorizes teachers, spies on adults, captures thieves and ultimately saves the day.

“Deciding on whether or not to publish the book was easy . . . there is not only a real need for our Caribbean children to read about their history, but also to be proud of it. This is a book which should soon make every school’s required reading list as there is simply nothing out there like it,” said Soodeen.

“Brown Sugar and Spice” will available at all most leading book stores on the island. The book will also be available across the region.

Mary Lewis got a magical package from Digicel.

This innovative promotion promised to revitalize and rejuvenate all senses of the winner. A weekend for two at Sandals Grande, two Full Body Massages compliments Shawn’s, His and Hers Tissot watches, His and Hers Nokia Handsets, A Helicopter ride and $500 credit was the crown jewel of prizes being given away all compliments the Bigger, Better Network.

Digicel customers had the opportunity to be completely spoiled with the absolute best in handsets, resorts, watches and so much more just by simply topping up $15 or more for a chance to win Big! Digicel showed love to all its customers with this phenomenal promotion but in the end one lucky customer emerged the winner and will have the opportunity to share this fantastic prize with someone special. Mary Lewis, a dedicated school teacher was the grand winner of this magnificent promotion and is excited to share her wonderful winnings with her partner.

Marketing Manager Kerchelle Jn Charles says “Being able to provide our customers with these lavish prizes this Valentine’s was exciting for us. These magnificent prizes will not be enjoyed by only one person, but the Bigger Better Network has made it possible for the winner to share this magnificent prize with someone special.”

Digicel was happy to have Mary Lewis Feel the Magic and the love with the Bigger, Better Network!

La Place Carenage’s Susanna Isaac.

“Music, Art, Heart is our theme for this year’s event— music for the pulsating rhythms that will emanate from the mall, Art for the Desmond Skeete Animation Center which will be a key feature of Tea Time Jazz 2010 and heart for the love of our many sponsors and patrons who have so vigorously supported us over the years” said Susanna Isaac, Manager La Place Carenage.” In addition, we will continue our Affordable Luxuries campaign where the shops within the mall will present their usual in-store promotions and we will again offer our amazing 50% off tickets to the Animation Center. We are definitely “pulling out all the stops” continued Ms Isaac.

Presenting sponsor, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) will continue to support Tea Time Jazz. “In addition to being a fantastic event, SLASPA also sees Tea Time Jazz as an excellent avenue for the showcasing of local talent” said Dona Regis, Director of Marketing and Product Development. “We continue to support this event as part of our mandate for social and economic development of St. Lucia. We believe that supporting our local Musicians is an important aspect of this development” continued Ms. Regis.

Tea Time Jazz will be held from May 05th–6th 2010 from 3pm at La Place Carenage. The Line-up will be officially announced at the Launch event carded for April 2010.

Guests trying out the baby grill at the launch last Thursday.

Bringing the concept of “grilling your own food”to Fire Grill is infamous culinary master, Chef Bobo Bergstrom, whose culinary accomplishments are known world wide, particularly in Europe and the Caribbean. Some of Chef Bergstrom’s numerous achievements include nominations for Sweden’s Chef of the Year championships, the title of Caribbean Chef of the Year in 2003, and he is also a Gold medallist with the Saint Lucian Culinary Team, just to name a few. Chef Bobo is also the executive chief and founder of The Edge Restaurant and four year running sushi bar located at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay, St Lucia. It has been recognized for its “excellent service, exquisite food which is beautifully presented and its perfect location on the water’s edge.” The Edge’s innovative “Eurobbean” cuisine and notable wine list have won Chef Bobo rave reviews.

Chef Bobo got the idea for baby grill from other restaurants around the world with similar grill your own food and infused it with the West Indian love for grilled and barbequed food. Depending on the set up Chef Bobo will use, baby grill allows for more interaction between people, adds more excitement to the dining out experience and is in fact generally fun.

Patrons can either pick one of the skewer combination menus or combine their own five skewers from a selection of beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, fish and vegetables. All choices include one side order, some of which are potato gratin, onion rings, grilled vegetables, and Caesar salad to name a few, all at reasonable prices. Customer choices of meat, seafood or vegetables will be served raw to your table and your grill filled with hot coals.

What’s more fun than grilling your own food!

Fire Grill is a casual restaurant where both locals and visitors alike can meet and socialize over a freshly grilled fish, a perfectly grilled steak or just a refreshing cocktail in a relaxing lounge bar with friends and family. They offer their guests the highest quality meats, fish and seafood grilled over char grills and served in a casual, family friendly environment.

Lawyer Al Elliot is hoping to have his client’s crime reduced to manslaughter by a higher court.

In handing out the sentence on Monday March 8, 2010, High Court judge Justice Kenneth Benjamin told Joseph he got a fair discount. Joseph had already served five years in prison while awaiting his trial and he now has an additional fifteen years before he can be considered fit to return to society.

At his trial, Joseph admitted stabbing Clifford “Jack” Dalson of Cantonement, Vieux Fort on November 20, 2004 sometime after 4pm but was adamant he was provoked to react.

Joseph claimed that on September 26, 2004, he was at a dance in Augier at a place called Rose about 10pm. He said he left the dancehall and saw three men hanging around outside and they told him they “wanted his stripes.” In his interpretation, James took it to mean they wanted his blood. He told the court he responded to the men, two of whom were known to him and were formerly his friends, saying he had no stripes to give. One man had a bottle, Joseph claimed, and the other two had small knives. In his Statement Under Caution to the police after Dalson’s death, Joseph reported one man was in possession of a chopper. On the night at Rose, Joseph said the men attacked him. The bottle was thrown and dealt an injury to his head and he received a wound to his neck from the third man present who, until November 20, 2004, he knew by face alone.

Joseph told the court after the incident he met his uncle who took him to the St Jude’s Hospital to have his injuries taken care of and on the next day he went to report the incident to the police station but declined to take any further action.

The altercation allegedly ensued over money owed to someone in the area, according to Joseph.
Further, he told the court some two months after, in November, he went to Cantonement to watch a football match with his friend Ryan Albert who lived in the area. It was then the problem “came back.” The defendant said he was drinking alcohol with Ryan and watching the match when Jack told him to leave his area. Joseph reported that Jack taunted, teased and ridiculed him and began “playing his hand” in his (Joseph’s) face. Joseph said Jack called him names and said “after I chop you already and you never do nothing.” Joseph said after he refused to leave, Jack rushed him and he feared for his life because he had already received an injury from this man. As such, Joseph said he had his knife and he stabbed Dalson.

Evidence brought by Deputy Director of Prosecution, Robert Innocent, painted Joseph as the aggressor. Several of the Crown’s witnesses either saw Joseph intervene in an argument between Dalson and Ryan Albert, Joseph’s friend or initiate it himself. They testified they saw Joseph interfere with Dalson, pull out a knife, stab him, wiped the weapon, re-holster it and leave with Albert. Innocent stuck to his argument that Joseph was out for revenge after the incident at Rose. Under cross examination by Innocent, Joseph admitted he was still angry at the occurrence.

Raymond ‘Java’ Emmanuel of Augier knew everyone involved. He was the only other person to speak of the incident on September 26, 2004 at Rose in Augier. He said he and another man confronted Joseph for $20 worth of marijuana that Joseph owed. Joseph told them he didn’t have any money so “take it on my skin.” He told the court Joseph then drew a knife from his waist and he reacted by hitting the defendant on the head with a bottle. The other man then pulled a knife and struck the defendant twice in the neck area. Emmanuel denied that the other man with him was Clifford Dalson.

Elliot intends to appeal the ruling, hoping to get the charge reduced to Manslaughter.

The Aquatic Centre is celebrating ten years and is inviting you to join them!

The meet will showcase Masters alongside age group swimming over the four days of competition. More than 200 participants from Grenada, Barbados, St Vincent, and Antigua will compete alongside St Lucia’s own swim clubs RACERS, Sharks, Seajays, Southern Flying Fish and Seahawks (Masters). A total of 175 events will be swum. According to the Managing Director of RHAC, Dr Diane Worrell, this year St Lucia will have a host of new swimmers participate in every category, many of the novices coming out of RHAC’s schools’ swim programme.

Other plans for RHAC’s 10th Anniversary celebrations include a “Swim Campaign” to showcase the benefits of swimming, plus a drive to enable St Lucians of all walks of life to see swimming as a normal recreational option.

The Swim Meet is open to the general public. Admission at the gate will be EC$5 for adults; EC$3 for children for each session. Each day will have a morning and an evening session.

All are invited to come and support this effort to raise the awareness of swimming in St Lucia and to support your favourite swimmers. For information contact the Aquatic Centre at 450-7946.