Emergency response personnel were summoned to the scene but they were unable to revive the young man who was later pronounced dead at the Victoria Hospital. His mother Lucretia Houson is in agony and admits she is struggling to cope with the loss of her son. She remembers vividly the last moments with him Sunday morning before he left his Desbarra, Babonneau home never to return. Houson has fond memories of her son.
She describes him as easy going, kind and loving.

The picturesque Grande Anse beach is located in the north western region of the island. The scenic bay belies the inhospitable nature of the raging Atlantic waters. Authorities have discouraged bathing in this area for years because of the dangerous and unpredictable Ocean Police are investigating the incident - .an autopsy to determine the cause if death will be conducted soon.

An alleged assailant has since been charged for the offence. Mathurin – meanwhile - was taken to the Victoria Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.  Investigations into the matter are continuing.

not an overnight phenomenon. He says prior to the drought the illusion that water was in infinite supply led to wasteful conduct. Additionally - years of the rampant pollution and unsound agricultural practices were detrimental to the natural environment and complicated the battle against the drought Scientists at the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute agree the water difficulties in the region to some extent have been self-inflicted.

The agencies responsible for safe guarding water resources intend to raise public awareness about the socio-economic impact of climate change and the importance of water conservation and environmental protection. Low precipitation could spell trouble for the agriculture industry with projected declines in production and crop yields because of the scarcity of water for irrigation and farming.

The Caribbean Environmental Health Institute is assisting St. Lucia and other CARICOM nations by formulating crisis management measures and broad long term plans. The drought will also top the agenda when regional heads meet for summit in Dominica later this week.

It was also a political stump for the Babonneau SLP candidate – Alvina Reynolds. The first female thus far on the SLP candidate list – Reynolds used the opportunity to introduce herself to the people she hopes to represent. The candidate went on to express frustration with a range of issues including tourism, crime and education. She also called for the enactment of the Labour Code – a plea often made by her Political Leader.

The rally was also the official come out party for Flavia Cherry – a woman well known for her defense and champion of women. Cherry is the local representative for the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action. Professor Rose-Marie Antoine was the featured guest speaker. While bemoaning the economic reality facing Saint Lucian women – she also made a case for the minimum wage.

Dr Antoine says because women still get paid less than their male counterparts – regardless of qualifications – that system is the ultimate leveler. Alvina Reynolds is one of ten SLP candidates that have been endorsed to contest the upcoming general elections constitutionally due in 2011. She will do political battle with UWP Babonneau MP – Ezechiel Joseph.

Division Director – Charms Gaspard – says it also allowed for a partnership between the division and a group of female agriculturalists from Babonneau. Gaspard says it is also an opportunity to reflect on the many issues still facing women. They include social and economic concerns as well as crime. The Division Director says other activities have also been planned – the public will be informed of those when are finalized. International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th.

impact of these educators cannot be underestimated.The highly decorated teacher touted Monday’s award as one of the proudest moments in her long and distinguished career.  The educator had some sage advice for the next generation of young professional women. She deplored the use of sex as a method of promotion and instead promoted hard work, intelligence and moral values as pillars of a successful career. The theme for the SLTU’s observance of International Women’s day was “Women: the nucleus in effecting change in society”.

Two sponsors started with and are still part of the band – Piton and SMJ Beverages. Band Leaders Andy Delmar and Veil Tobierre presented representatives from both brands with plaques as a show of appreciation.
Piton Brand Manager – Gaius Harry – also spoke of the reason for the continued partnership. The band has big plans for its 10 year anniversary. They include a reveler guide and expansion into more sections and revelers. Just 4 Fun feted all its main sponsors including LIME at Stony Hill in Monchy. Carnival 2010 will officially kick off in May and culminate with the two day street parade in July.