Hon. Lenard Montoute, Mrs. Barbara Montoute and Hon. Edmund Estephane with Dr. Lee Pai-po, Deputy Secretary General of Taiwan ICDF and H.E. Edwin Laurent , Ambassador of Saint Lucia to R.O.C. ( Taiwan)

(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – Hon. Lenard Montoute, Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Mrs. Barbara Montoute and Hon. Edmund Estephane, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, visited Taiwan from August 6 to 10 at the invitation of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The purpose of their visit is to strengthen bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.

During their visit, the delegation called at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Culture, Sports Department and Taiwan ICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) and met with Saint Lucian students in Taiwan.

On August 7, the delegation visited Taiwan ICDF and conducted a thorough discussion on Taiwan’s cooperation projects in Saint Lucia with Dr. Lee Pai-po, Deputy Secretary General of Taiwan ICDF. Dr. Lee explained that Taiwan ICDF has cooperated closely with the government of Saint Lucia in the areas of agriculture, ICT, medical care and education, the achievements of which have been highly appreciated by the people of Saint Lucia. He promised that Taiwan ICDF will continue to introduce modern technologies to Saint Lucia through various projects. On behalf of the government of Saint Lucia, Minister Montoute expressed his deep appreciation for the consistent assistance from Taiwan government and will continue to expand and deepen the mutually beneficial ties between the two countries.

The delegation also visited the Lion township of Pingtung County, the sister city of Gros Islet township, to further enhance exchanges between the two local governments.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – Staff of the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) and Office of the Mayor are now more visible after team members, including managerial and line-staff, were provided new uniforms.

Uniforms were distributed to some two hundred and fifty employees as part of efforts to further enhance the image of the CCC.

Six departments benefitted from the uniforms which showcase corporate branding.

The uniforms include pink and turquoise scrubs for comfort station staffers, polo shirts, button-up shirts and dress pants for Sanitation Workers and Cemetery and Parks Departments employees and business wear for the Market and Administrative Department staff.

Speaking to the new dress code, Communications Manager, Mr. Jason Hullingseed said it will facilitate identification of the staff and help members of the public recognize CCC employees who are posted at their respective work stations.

“It is in keeping with the professional image of Council. This complete process has been about making our employees look and feel the greatest, because we know if you look and feel good in what you’re wearing, you are going to provide even more exceptional service to the public.”

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica. 09 August 2018.

Seventeen influencers who have made outstanding contributions regionally and internationally within their respective fields will be awarded honorary degrees by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) this year.

As is tradition, the honorary graduands represent a cross-section of eminent persons in the arts, sciences and other fields of intellectual endeavour. Their degrees which have been approved by the University Council, will be conferred at The UWI’s 2018 graduation ceremonies and presented by Chancellor Robert Bermudez.

The schedule of graduation ceremonies begins October 13 at the Open Campus in Saint Lucia, and continues on October 20 at the Cave Hill Campus, October 25-27 at the St Augustine Campus and November 2-3 at the Mona Campus. Each ceremony will be streamed live allowing friends, family and well-wishers to view the proceedings. The complete list of UWI honorary graduands for 2018, and each of their nominated honorary degrees follows. Further details will be shared at a later date.

Open Campus

The Honourable Dame Janice Mesadis Pereira DBE from the British Virgin Islands for her work in Law – LLD
Mr Larry Quinlan from St Kitts for his work in Leadership – LLD

Cave Hill Campus

The Honourable Justice Adrian Dudley Saunders from St Vincent and the Grenadines for his work in Law – LLD
Professor Ebenezer Oduru Owusu from Ghana for his contribution as an Agricultural Scientist – DSc

St Augustine Campus

Mrs Paula Lucie-Smith from Trinidad and Tobago for her contributions as a teacher, advocate and pioneer – LLD
The Honourable Hubert Ingraham from The Bahamas for his work as a Politician – LLD
Mr Shivnarine Chanderpaul from Guyana for his achievements in the sport of cricket – LLD
Mr Winston A. Bailey, OBE (Mighty Shadow) from Trinidad and Tobago for his contributions as a Musical Composer – DLitt

Mona Campus

Mr Michael Anthony Holding from Jamaica for his achievements in the sport of cricket – LLD
The Honourable Kenneth S. Benjamin, OJ, CD from Jamaica for his leadership in the field of Security – LLD
Mrs Donette St M. Chin-Loy Chang from Jamaica for her philanthropy – LLD
Mr H. Carl McCall from Jamaica for his leadership in Public Service – DLitt
Dr Shirley J. Thompson from Jamaica for her contributions as an artistic director and educator – DLitt
Ms Grace B. Jones from Jamaica for her achievements as an entertainer, model and global trendsetter – DLitt
Dr Karl Wellington from Jamaica for his contributions as an Agricultural Scientist – DSc
Mr Lloyd A. Williams from Jamaica for his contributions in leadership – LLD
Mr Montgomery Bernard “Monty” Alexander from Jamaica for his achievements as a Musician – DLitt

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Marigot Bay Resort and Marina

(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – Effective today, Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, a luxury getaway situated in Saint Lucia’s coveted Marigot Bay, is no longer associated with Capella Hotels & Resorts.

Now a luxury, independent resort, the property has recently joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, which represents renowned independent properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive and exclusive personal service, and memorable experiences through exceptional dining, entertainment and spas.

In addition, the resort has recently been invited to join American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts and has been acclaimed as one of “The Top 25 Resort Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas” by Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards.

As part of its new look, the owners of Marigot Bay Resort and Marina have also announced an improved management team to lead the rebranding strategy. The team is led by Perle Flavien, Director of Resort Operations, and supported by a strong Saint Lucian team with years of Caribbean, luxury experience.

“As one of the Caribbean’s top luxury resorts, our goal is simple…to provide the finest accommodations, the best service, and the most memorable experiences for our guests,” said Perle Flavien. “Current industry research clearly indicates that high-end independent hotels in the Caribbean region far outperform branded hospitality properties. This knowledge, combined with strong ownership involvement, our sales and marketing partners and dynamic onsite leadership team, will set us up for success as we look towards the future.”

The shift in approach is expected to enhance current reservations. For travel professionals, Marigot Bay Resort and Marina is available to book directly with the resort at www.marigotbayresort.com as well as via Preferred Hotels and on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts “PH” GDS chain code. As a new member of the brand’s LVX Collection, the resort has launched an introductory offer to provide travel agents with a 15% commission for bookings made through October 31, 2018. Repeat guests will see familiar faces and the same dedicated personalized service that they have grown accustomed to.

Marigot Bay Resort and Marina invites travelers to escape to paradise and enjoy personalized service, romantic activities and unforgettable dining experiences. The resort’s 124 guest rooms, including 57 expansive suites, feature spacious balconies and expansive views of the bay or lush tropical gardens, with many offering private hot tubs. Under the direction of Executive Chef Billy Boyle, the resort’s signature restaurant, The Grill at 14°61°, serves cuisine rich in local flavors and ingredients through relationships with nearby farmers and fishermen.

An intimate Rum Cave houses specialty local rums and offers rum tasting classes in a space reminiscent of an authentic distillery. Guests are immersed in wellness at the resort’s award- winning spa, which utilizes indigenous ingredients. Marigot Bay Marina accommodates some of the most luxurious mega yachts in the world, and guests of the resort are able to arrange exclusive charters through the concierge team at the property.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – Invest Saint Lucia was pleased to witness the opening of LUCELEC’s 3 megawatt (MW) solar farm in La Tourney, Vieux Fort on Thursday, 9th August.

Invest Saint Lucia, the island’s investment promotion agency understands the importance of renewable energy. As a small island nation, we are reminded of our vulnerabilities to economic and environmental shocks, and as net importers of fuel, adaptation and resilience, including the introduction of renewable sources of energy, remain a developmental priority.

Consequently, Invest Saint Lucia, recognizing the foregoing, and following negotiations between the two parties, gladly assisted the implementation of this project through the sale of just over 100 acres of land. These lands will support LUCELEC and Saint Lucia more broadly, towards the island’s approach in transitioning to renewable forms of energy and make progress on our energy roadmap for sustainable development.

According to LUCELEC, “it is the first utility-scale renewable energy project on the island and is funded, owned and operated by LUCELEC. Its nearly 15 thousand panels will generate approximately 7 million kWhs (or units) of electricity per year.”

Moreover, “the 3MW solar farm meets about 5% of St. Lucia’s electricity demand and will reduce the volume of fuel purchased by LUCELEC by about 300 thousand gallons per year. LUCELEC uses approximately 20 million gallons of fuel per year.”

Invest Saint Lucia notes the timely implementation of this project, and its ideal location, given the significant development projects earmarked for the south.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – As one of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean’s leading employers, Flow is a major repository of talent and business acumen.

Many colleagues have skills and abilities that extend beyond their day-to-day jobs, whether they work as a retail sales advisor, a dispatcher, or a customer experience agent.

Recently, Flow Saint Lucia’s Human Resource team gave staff the opportunity to see one another’s work and to patronise each other’s small enterprises, through the Employee Grand Market. Hosted at Flow Corinth, this initiative included a total of nine different burgeoning businesses.

There was plenty of food available for sampling and for sale, including Terry Hunte’s T’s Tasty Treats, Yasma St. Ange’s Bread Box cakes and banana bread, Uyssilma Alfred with her cupcakes and muffins, and Shane Evans’ range of Tastey Buds juices and seamoss products.

Another colleague who sells treats is Jelani Jolie of Temptations Gourment, but on this occasion he opted to display his “flashed” products, mainly decorated liquor and wine bottles.

Colleagues were also taught fire eating and limbo dancing by George-Ann Celestin of Stars Incorporated, and exposed to the fundamentals of track and field training through Terry Finisterre and four-time national Club Relays champions, Morne Stars Athletics Club.

Aneurin Edward and Marvin Charles got the chance to show off their photography skills. Marvin did free portraits for members of staff, whilst Aneurin documented the afternoon’s proceedings and showed off his line drawings, which he creates on commission.

Dozens of members of staff visited the Employee Grand Market, and took advantage of the expertise of their talented workmates. It is hoped that this will be an annual exercise, and one that will help promote colleague engagement and create a richer working environment.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – One of Saint Lucia’s best nature trails, Lushan Country Life, is offering Saint Lucians special summer rates to experience a fun and exciting winding trail of lush vegetation on a gently sloping hilltop, located near the entrance to the Fostin Development on the Morne Du Don/Balata road in Castries.

The summer promotion runs from August 1 to September 30, 2018 and is primarily geared at showcasing to local residents and in particular school children, a wide variety of plants with both medicinal and social uses, different species of birds, artifacts and storytelling about Saint Lucia’s history and culture. The tour also provides sampling of fresh local fruits and juices.

The special summer rates are, adults 12 years and older – EC $12; children 6 to 11 years – EC $8 and toddlers 3 to 5 years – EC $5. This tour is not only educational, but also fun for persons of all ages and the Lushan Country Life team looks forward to welcoming Saint Lucians to the hiking trail, which truly connects one to nature.

To experience the nature trail, contact Lushan Country Life via telephone number 451-6091 or email lushancountrylife@gmail.com.

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Prime Minister Chastanet (second from right) cutting the ribbon, flanked by Clinton (right) and Figueres (far left) and Leader of the Opposition Philip Pierre.

(SNO) – Saint Lucia’s first solar farm was officially opened yesterday, Thursday, August 9, 2018, at La Tourney, Vieux-Fort, with the various speakers at the ceremony, including former US President William Jefferson Clinton, lauding the Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) and the current and former administration for making the project a reality.

The project, which costs about EC$20 million, and occupies about 15 acres of land, is funded owned and operated by the LUCLEC. It will form part of a power complex which LUCELEC is proposing to develop.

The Clinton Climate Initiative, an initiative of the 42nd US president’s Clinton Foundation, provided technical assistance during the procurement process for the project.

The momentous occasion was also graced with the presence of a number of government officials, officials of LUCELEC, a member of the Rocky Mountain Institute, and other foreign dignitaries and members of the former administration.

Managing Director of LUCELEC, Trevor Louisy, in his address, said: “As we officially open the first utility scale renewable energy system in Saint Lucia, we are adding another page, another chapter in the history of LUCELEC, in the history of power generation in Saint Lucia, and in the history of Saint Lucia.”

Louisy

According to Louisy, some of the impetus for the integration of renewable energy came with the approval of the National Energy Policy by the Government of St. Lucia in 2010, with targets for renewable energy penetration.

“In 2013, LUCELEC completed the feasible study on a 3MW utility scale Solar PV system and worked on a Request for Proposals [which] was started in 2015 with the support of the Rocky Mountain Institute, Carbon War Room and DNV GL. The RFP was issued in 2016 and attracted over 40 bidder from all over the world for the mandatory site visit that form part of the project,” Louisy said.

He said the solar farm will reduce the volume of fuel purchased by LUCELEC by 300,000 gallons “a very small amount, when you consider we use approximately 20 million gallons of fuel per year”.

“LUCELEC anticipates making further contributions to renewable energy development in Saint Lucia,” Louisy said.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said climate change is having a devastating effect on the island, adding that “we are not going to solve the problem alone”.

“This region must come together with one voice in order to determine how we are going to move forward…We can’t solve this crises by ourselves,” Chastanet, the lead prime minister for sustainable development in the region, said.

According to the prime minister, the OECD continues to classify us as a middle income county, and as a result, we don’t have access to development funds.

Dr. Kenny Anthony, former prime minster and district representative for Vieux-Fort, South, said: “In celebrating the event, we must not forget the vision and hard work that got us here. The journey started by a promise of my former administration when we assumed office in 2011, to increase the penetration of renewable energy…. In making that pledge we were told that we are going into un-chartered territory.”

Jose Maria Figueres of the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) said Saint Lucia was one of the first islands to step up to the challenge as it relates to the transition towards sustainable energy, adding that it first began with conversation with the former minister of sustainable development under the former administration, and officials of LUCELEC.

Figueres

“Many have contributed to us being here and enjoying this momentous occasion,” Figueres said.

He said the project is a shining example for the rest of the Caribbean islands and other regions above and beyond, adding that it is the largest solar project in the entire Eastern Caribbean.

“It’s the beginning of a journey to stop carbon emission and to cut energy cost in Saint Lucia,” he said.

Clinton applauded the current and former administration for the roles they played in the project.

“This is the beginning of a comprehensive, determined… effort to make Saint Lucia and other islands in the Caribbean stronger and safer….” he said.

Clinton said seal levels are rising, storms are growing in intensity, and that “one of the reasons we have the support we have today, in doing what needs to be done, is because we know what is causing the sea levels to rise”.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – The Inaugural Gros Islet Lilèt Awards is an exciting, new initiative of the Parliamentary Representative.

The Awards ceremony will take place on 29 July 2018 and will be hosted by the Gros-Islet District Awards Committee in collaboration with the Gros-Islet Constituency Office.

Residents of the Constituency of Gros Islet will be awarded Medals of Recognition for excellence and long service in various disciplines. It will be a celebration of excellence!

The Gros Islet Lilèt Awards committee seeks to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of residents and to continue to motivate residents to strive for high standards of personal and community development. The committee’s mandate is to encourage and reward the successes that come from hard work and perseverance.

The objective of this celebration is:

– To pay homage to the residents who have excelled in the various award categories; and

– Create a motivator for residents in Gros islet to excel in all endeavours.

All clubs and organizations within Gros Islet will be asked to identify and nominate persons who, based on specific criteria, they believe are worthy of the Lilèt award in its various categories. A Selection committee has been formed to select the individuals or groups to be awarded. This Selection committee will consist of community leaders and sports enthusiasts.

Awards Categories

All awards sub-category will be further divided into two groups:

Veterans (35+)
Youth (below 35)

Sports Awards

Football
Netball
Cricket
Swimming
Volleyball
Basketball
Rugby
Golf

Youth Development Awards

Business Awards
Entrepreneurship Awards
Community Service Awards
Politics Awards
Visual, Performing and Literary Arts Awards
Entertainment Awards
Lifetime Achievement Awards

We anticipate the nominations of many deserving residents and look forward to celebrating with them at our Inaugural Lilèt Awards Ceremony!

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – The St. Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA) would like to inform its members that our negotiating team will meet with the Government Negotiating Team on Thursday August 16, 2018 to discuss the non-financial terms and conditions of employment in respect of the General Service and on the following Thursday August 23, 2018 for negotiations in respect to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

Following those meetings CSA will call out members to a special general meeting to provide an update of the negotiations and to make plans for the next stage which will involve wage and salary negotiations.

Please note that CSA remains ever vigilant and will continue to provide quality representation for all of its members.

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Dr. Anthony

This post appeared on the Facebook profile page of former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony one week ago (August 5, 2018 – better late than never, right?). The post highlights the challenges faced every day with regional travel.

“I really do hope that circumstances do not compel me to travel on Caribbean Airlines in the near future.

“Recently, on a trip from Havana, Cuba, I took a connecting flight on Caribbean Airlines, BW 434, from Trinidad to Saint Lucia.

“My bag weighed 27 kg, just 4.3 kg overweight. The allowable weight, I am told, is 22.7 kg, roughly 50 lbs. I was charged US $75.00 for an extra 4.3 kg weight from Trinidad to Saint Lucia. In my opinion, this is nothing less than extortion.

“This is not the first time that I have suffered this fate at the hands of Caribbean Airlines. I do not object to the payment of extra weight, but to pay US$75.00 for 4.3 kg extra weight from Trinidad to Saint Lucia is unfair, unjustifiable and abusive.

“For the record, the Saint Lucian staff at George Fl Charles are absolutely superb in their handling of passengers to Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Airlines would do well to send its staff in Piarco to Saint Lucia for training in handling passengers on its flights.

“Something has gone terribly wrong at Piarco Airport in Trinidad and Tobago. Piarco is no longer the hospitable place it used to be for Caribbean travellers.”

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – Bay Gardens Resorts in St. Lucia is giving its guests more bang for their bucks with a new summer sale which offers deep discounts and complimentary all-inclusive nights.

Sanovnik Destang, executive director of the family-owned and -operated resort group announced that through August 31, 2018, visitors can enjoy rates as low as US $110 per night and experience free additional all-inclusive nights during their three- or six-night stays.

Guests with a three-night booking in select room types will earn one all-inclusive night as part of their stay, while visitors who book for six nights will earn two all-inclusive nights.

“We believe this travel incentive is exactly what Bay Gardens guests are looking for as they revive and rejuvenate themselves in the Caribbean and save big on their vacation,” asserted Destang as he announced the new sales incentives.

This sale is available until Friday, August 31, 2018, for travel through December 19, 2018, at three of the four hotels in the Bay Gardens Resorts family: Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn.

Included in the all-inclusive offer are all meals and house brand drinks at award-winning restaurants, unlimited access to non-motorized water sports, free property-wide WiFi, and access to Bay Gardens’ popular Splash Island Water Park.

For more information on booking this limited-time Caribbean getaway deal at Bay Gardens Resorts, visit: https://www.baygardensresorts.com/specials/upgrade-to-all-inclusive-sale.

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Did you ever have your own concept of a ‘superwoman’? For some it may be a high-powered lawyer, for others it may be that ‘tough as nails’ teacher, but for us she’s dressed in paisley leggings and green water boots.

Yes, we know it’s off from what you’d normally expect but when we met Ms. Wilbertha Wilson, it was the only word that we could come up with. Here’s our justification for why the short-haired beauty is our version of a comic book ‘shero’.

She grew up in a house of six children with no father around and though surrounded by trees, she noticed very early on that money didn’t grow on them. Being the eldest, she started making and selling guava-cheese at the age of sixteen and would share the earnings of her sales to her mother and five other siblings.

She decided to get a 9-5 job, thinking that the salary would help to elevate her financial situation but it still did not help to make ends meet. Always being able to find a solution, she found herself waking up a few hours before going to work, to farm and make confectionery, and ran home after work to sell it.

A few years later, she started a family (two children) with a farmer and continued her farming and confectionery on top of being woman of the house. It wasn’t long after that she realised she was the main breadwinner. Unfortunately, the relationship ended and she became a single mother.

During the separation, it dawned on her that from a child she was always dependent on herself, and from there, Ms. Wilson decided to branch out into net-fishing. Even hiring another single mother to not only aid with her net-fishing business but to also support another single-mother and her family.

Should we go on or are these enough to qualify her as having super-human strength? (Plus she’s the fastest person we’ve ever seen climb a golden apple tree).

Her advice to other women who may have been in similar situations “Put the dirty pride aside, do what you can with your hands – whatever craft that may be – and you will find a way.”

P.S if ever in need of a sweet fix, you can find Ms. Wilson in La Haut (quarter of Micoud located near Furniture City). Call 758-723-7989 for deliveries.

– Keithlin Caroo, Helen’s Daughters

*This is part of the #HerStory series from Helen’s Daughters. Every month, #HerStory will feature women involved in agriculture or agri-tourism ventures.  Helen’s Daughters is a St. Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques and capacity-building. Helen’s daughters was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program.  

To learn more about the initiative, you can visit: 

Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/helensdaughters.slu/),  

Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/helensdaughters.slu/)

Website (http://helensdaughters.org/) 

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – One of Saint Lucia’s best nature trails, Lushan Country Life, is offering Saint Lucians special summer rates to experience a fun and exciting winding trail of lush vegetation on a gently sloping hilltop, located near the entrance to the Fostin Development on the Morne Du Don/Balata road in Castries.

The summer promotion runs from August 1 to September 30, 2018 and is primarily geared at showcasing to local residents and in particular school children, a wide variety of plants with both medicinal and social uses, different species of birds, artifacts and storytelling about Saint Lucia’s history and culture. The tour also provides sampling of fresh local fruits and juices.

The special summer rates are, adults 12 years and older – EC $12; children 6 to 11 years – EC $8 and toddlers 3 to 5 years – EC $5. This tour is not only educational, but also fun for persons of all ages and the Lushan Country Life team looks forward to welcoming Saint Lucians to the hiking trail, which truly connects one to nature.

To experience the nature trail, contact Lushan Country Life via telephone number 451-6091 or email lushancountrylife@gmail.com.

For more information about Lushan Country Life, visit www.lushancountrylife.com.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – In the wake of the much-anticipated opening last year of Cuba’s first luxury five-star hotel, Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, Kempinski continues expanding selectively in the Caribbean with luxury developments in Cuba and Dominica, including the upcoming Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica.

Set to open in 2019, this luxurious island hideaway is surrounded by Cabrits National Park in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism, Dominica is located in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean, and is home to 365 rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica has been designed to preserve the natural balance between land and the sea, whilst ensuring a modern contemporary guest experience.

Kempinski has appointed Michael J. Schoonewagen as General Manager of Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica. Michael is an experienced and passionate hotelier with some 30 years of experience and deep expertise in luxury resorts, honed in missions across Europe, the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean with renowned luxury brands. Michael will lead the team to open this first luxury resort for Kempinski in Dominica, working closely with partners, Range Developments, to position the island as the new go-to luxury travel destination in the region.

Commenting on this appointment, Xavier Destribats, COO The Americas, says: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the Kempinski family. With his successful trackrecord of managing luxury resort properties in pioneering destinations, and his focused expertise in the luxury segment, I am confident that Michael will build on our considerable momentum in the region with the opening of Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica next year.”

Michael J. Schoonewagen adds: “It is a great privilege to join Kempinski and lead this exciting development in Dominica. I have long admired the pioneering spirit and cultural empathy of Kempinski as a luxury heritage brand, and look forward to building on these roots to create the ultimate luxury destination in the Caribbean.”

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(SNO) – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has disclosed that former United States President Bill Clinton visited OJO Labs, the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven company headquartered in Austin, Texas with a branch in Vieux Fort.

President Clinton arrived in Saint Lucia on August 9 to participate in the official opening ceremony for the solar farm of the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) in La Tourney, Vieux Fort. CLICK HERE RE THIS STORY

However, he also took time out during his one-day trip, to visit OJO Labs which is employing many Saint Lucians in the south of the island.

Chastanet, in a Facebook post, expressed his gratitude to Clinton for meeting with staff and management at OJO Labs.

“I am extremely grateful to President Clinton and his team for taking time out during his trip to Saint Lucia to visit our innovative and talented team at OJO Labs,” Chastanet wrote.

He added: “As you may be aware, OJO Labs is currently hiring over 20 new Saint Lucians every month commencing this summer and it is anticipated that they will employ about 700 Saint Lucians by the year 2020. Not only are these young people being taught IT skills but their knowledge of the Real Estate market and selling internationally is being greatly enhanced at this state of the art facility.

“Thank you to President Clinton for sharing some valuable advice and connections to help strengthen this programme.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT OJO LABS

BELOW ARE MORE PHOTOS OF CLINTON’S VISIT TO OJO LABS, PUBLISHED BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON FACEBOOK

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – This Saturday, August 18th Carib Beer will light up the “Bay” starting at 10 am with a special CPL promotion press event at the Ultra Lounge in Rodney Bay.

Throughout the day several of the bars and restaurants on the Rodney Bay strip will be running Carib specials and promos in recognition of the 2018 CPL T20.

“The theme for the Carib CPL T20 promotion is “Live in our World,” and I can assure that fans will be in for an amazing treat from us at this year’s CPL,” Germaine Serieux, brand manager for Carib Beer at Peter & Company Distribution says.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 is delighted to welcome Carib Beer as the Official Beer of the biggest party in sport once again. And, as the brand has become renowned for, Carib Beer will be adding to the electrifying potpourri of Caribbean flavor, merging the Carnival atmosphere with the most thrilling format of the game of cricket.

Peter & Company Distribution (PCD) local distributors of the Carib Brewery Line Products which include Carib Beer, has embarked on a robust promotion around the CPL T20 matches, which is sure to capture the imagination of Saint Lucian consumers and fans.

Carib Brand Manager Germaine Serieux says: “We at Carib recognize the importance of cricket to Caribbean people including of course Saint Lucians. And with the CPL T20 being the most exciting form of modern day cricket, it gives us great pleasure to come on board as the Official Beer and to stamp our flavor through the amazing promotions we have lined up for this year’s event.”

The Carib promotion for the CPL T20 2018 will see consumers winning free tickets to the games as well as VIP exclusive passes inclusive of tickets to the VIP stand, cases of Carib Beer and other paraphernalia.

Headquartered in Trinidad, Carib is established across the Caribbean and overseas and will work together with the tournament’s marketing and sponsorship team this summer to deliver outstanding fan-centered events around the various stadia.

The 6th edition of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is scheduled to be played from 8th August to 16th September 2018.

Home games featuring the Saint Lucia Stars will be held at the Darren Sammy Stadium August 16, 17, 24, 25 and 30.

The CPL T20 Carib Beer Partnership which is expected to run for the next three years is expected to boost the mass appeal of the Biggest Party in Sport to the fans of the games, like no other.

Enjoy Carib Beer Responsibly!

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – APAEI – L’ Association des Parents et Amis des Enfantes Indaptes (The Association of Relatives and Friends with Children with Disabilities of Marie Galante, Guadeloupe remains committed to its partnership with the St. Lucia Crisis Centre.

The APAEI signed on an Agreement with SLCC in 2017. Through the French Organisation’s strong involvement and commitment to serving the public’s interest APAEI has donated the sum Euro$5000.00 (EC$14,422.35) to support the programmes of the SLCC as it strives to fulfil its mandate.

Members of the APAEI and SLCC has embarked on an exchange programme and conducted Training Workshops for members and clients to provide capacity building and enhance the work of the Centre.

As part of the support being provided by the French professionals through the St. Lucia Crisis Centre, a team of special needs children from the Dunnottar School made a successful visit to a similar School in Guadeloupe.

The Director of the APAEI (Association des Parents et Amis des Enfantes Inadaptes) Madame Nadine Pelage will make a courtesy visit to the St. Lucia Crisis Centre on Friday August 10, 2018.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – On August 17th and 20th, 2018, the Office of the Immigration Department in Castries will be closed in order for Caribbean Bank Note- CBN to undertake installation of new equipment on the passport issuing system. During this time passport applications cannot be processed neither printing of passports.

The department deeply apologizes for any inconvenience that the closure will cause to the public at this time of year. Work will resume on Tuesday 21st August,2018.

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(PRESS RELEASE VIA SNO) – The 2018/2019 Budget places much of it hope on Government’s executing a large, extensive and ambitious capital works program.

Road rehabilitation across the island and a 28.6milion sterling, West Coast Road and Millennium Highway rehabilitation plus the Hewanorra International Airport Re-development are all set to commence this year.

The above, among other initiatives, were announced in the 2018/2019 Budget. The stimulus such an expansive program can have on the economy cannot be over emphasized and this is the context within which the Minister of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour will address the Chamber Membership on August 30th at its Quarterly General Meeting.

Honourable Stephenson King will highlight the status and timing of the extensive capital works which falls under his purview. Moreover, the Members of the Chamber will be able to engage the Former Prime Minister on how these programs will impact the unemployment situation and of even more direct interest, procurement opportunities for goods, services and equipment from their businesses.

The Quarterly General Meeting will also provide the Chamber Members with an opportunity to hear from the Ministry of Health on the National Health Insurance Program being developed by Government. At the Chamber’s last Quarterly Meeting held in May, a number of pertinent questions were posed and were formally submitted in writing. During this QGM, the Ministry will be providing updates and answers to the Chamber.

The Quarterly General Meeting is an important connecting point for the Chamber Membership as they have an opportunity to interact with the Board of Directors of the Chamber and engage key stakeholders on critical issues.

The Chamber anticipates the participation of all members at this important meeting.

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