Food Establishments Unsafe
Story By
Clinton Reynolds

Claudius Prospere – Senior Environmental Health Officer

The Environmental Health Office says the violations are multiple and varied. Prospere says those range from lack of equipment to improper attire for food handlers. But why doesn’t the Ministry of health go after the perpetrators with more force. The CMO says with a few inspectors and over fifteen hundred establishments, the task is daunting. And the reasons those violations continue – the Department thinks some operators are not health conscious, others can’t afford the equipments, and still others just don’t care.

The Head of the delegation is new and has the challenge of addressing what Government Officials say is a long outstanding problem – accessing funds. Although the European Union is St. Lucia’s most significant aid donor – Government officials say many Ministries have problems accessing that aid. This was one of the major problems discussed with the EU delegation Tuesday. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning Donovan Williams says it is a concern that needs addressing. The Ministry of Agriculture is the Government Department most challenged by the slow access to approved

The compulsory shareholders meeting broke down prematurely, as the Chairman of the Board had to be escorted out by armed police. But, Eustace Monrose says whatever transpired after he and other members of his Board exited the building was illegitimate. His nemesis – Elias Amorsingh was installed as Chairman and continued the meeting, but Monrose says that does not count.

The Legal representative of the SLBC concurs. Peter Foster says the bye-laws prevented the shareholders, or a particular faction from doing what they wanted to, because none of the members would qualify as board members, due to a WIBDECO injunction.

WBDECO terminated its purchase contract with the SLBC which means, at present, none of the Corporation’s shareholders are engaged actively in trading with it. Monrose says there is a conspiracy to destroy the SLBC by other banana organizations. He says pronouncements by WIBDECO that it paid over three and a half million dollars to the SLBC are misleading. That’s why the SLBC Chairman says a thorough investigation of finances will be commissioned.

But the Corporation’s Attorney was troubled about what transpired on Sunday and, according to him, so were Electoral Office official who came to supervise the vote. Monrose says many shareholders were turned off by what happened at Sunday’s meeting, and that situation might have given rise to the creation of more factions in the SLBC.

The Saint Lucia Association of Recognized Tents also received complaints about Pep’s inclusion. START held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss Pep and other calypsonians their members feel were pushed through the semis. The Association Chairman – Fulgence St Prix - says despite some irregularities, START stands behind the judges. St Prix is also distancing himself from any statements made by Tricky.

Pep’s writer Rohan Seon says people like Tricky are simply exercising their right to speak. He says in a two song competition like calypso – one solid round like the one experienced by Pep can qualify you if the second round is not as strong. According to the writer – Pep scored heavily in his first round performance. And although he won’t admit to any stumble – he says that first score could have made up for a weak second round.

The USS Simpson came bearing gifts. While in the Castries port preparing for a Fourth of July reception, the US Navy crew will also engage in several social and community development activities. The crew will donate over one hundred books to the Methodist school and will also assist in the renovation and upgrade of the institution.

The vessel’s captain Commanding Officer Edwin Kaiser says the crew will also work with the island’s Marine Police as part of an Expert Exchange Programme.

Kaiser says the programme will also assist in strengthening regional security. Command Master Chief Joe Clark says the support for the island is in keeping with the mandate of the US government to assist with community and social development. Clark says the US is particularly committed to assisting small developing countries.

The visit by the USS Simpson follows the resumption of operations by the United States forth Naval Fleet in the Caribbean since 1950. The patrols are intended to build regional confidence by focusing on humanitarian assistance, as well as supporting anti-drug operations.

While on the island the team from the US Navy will also make donations to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The vessel Commanding Officer says the fire department is also earmarked to receive support in areas of triaging and paramedics. The USS Simpson is backed by a two hundred and twenty five member crew from various backgrounds.

Sinanan says the school has since been granted temporary accreditation. He expects a written status to arrive by mail soon. The Dean is also defending the legitimacy of the degrees handed out at the campus. Monroe will host its first graduation exercise in August. Fifty grandaunts with Bachelor degrees will be turned out. Sinanan says this was made possible by a number of factors including student transfers.

Monroe College opened its doors one year ago at its Barnards Hill campus. That school will be expanded in September to include three additional degrees and one more building. Entry requirements to Monroe include 5 CXC’s and two letters of reference.

Monroe College St. Lucia is poised for expansion – in both its physical structure and degree programs. The College opened its doors locally just about one year ago – but says demand necessitates additional programs and space. College Dean Ramesh Sinanan says the expansion also includes a full time day schedule to commence in September. There will be two additions to the Bachelor Programs - Public Health and Information Technology. Dean of Monroe’s School of Allied Health Dr. Jerry Kostroff says the Public Health degree is particularly relevant as it focuses on preventative medicine. Dr.

Kostroff says St. Lucia’s astounding rate of amputations due to diabetes will benefit from this program. The Dean of Monroe’s School of Information Technology says the IT degree is a response to the growing demand for qualified Information Technology students in St. Lucia and the Caribbean. The establishment of Monroe’s St. Lucia campus has sparked the interest of students throughout the Region. The School has welcomed students from islands like Trinidad, Dominica, Guyana and Antigua. Students from other islands, as well as international students are expected to begin studies in September.

Construction” programme organised by the Basic Needs Trust Fund is evidence of interest in these fields. Augustin says the Ministry will conduct training for women in non-traditional jobs, including construction and auto repair. Recruiting women for nontraditional jobs can be challenging. A substantial number of women, like men, are interested in trade and technical jobs, but women are not yet equally represented in these jobs. Augustin hopes with a new thrust in these fields, the number of independent, skilled women in St. Lucia will improve greatly.

Kaiso Headquarters is more that just a regular calypso show. The activity is designed to bring police officers and the public closer together. Kaiso Headquarters Chairman ACP Vernon Francois says the activity comes at an opportune time as the Force is going through some tough times. ACP Francois says the event will benefit both the public and law enforcers.

Acting Police Commissioner John Broughton says the event forms part of the Force’s annual strategic plan for community policing to create a safer environment for all St. Lucians. He says strengthening the relationship between police officers and the public is essential to improving the island’s crime-fighting capabilities.

Kaiso Headquarters is now into its third year. Inspector Eddie Monlouis says the activity will enhance the public confidence in the Force and will engender a more fruitful relationship between the two groups. Reigning Soca Monarch – Kakal is a product of Police Calypso. Thirteen officers are down to participate in the annual Kaiso Headquarters competition. The event is endorsed by the Cultural Development Foundation and supported by the Police Credit Union, First National Bank, Digicel and many other sponsors. The activity is scheduled for Friday July 11th.