The Ministry of Education has called for greater water conservation practices in schools to avert a crisis as the prolonged drought continues with no end in sight. At the same time - Education Minister Arsene James says officials have bolstered the water storage capacity at many institutions. He says principals and teachers are also being encouraged to manage the regular supply and reserves wisely.

James says before the drought the Ministry of Education placed water tanks at schools across the island especially at the institutions which were experiencing acute water problems. Since the onset of the dry spell, the authorities are also trucking water to schools on a regular basis. The Minister for Education says conservation is crucial in staving off an emergency given the challenges associated with trucking the commodity and the limited supply of the resource.

It also led to a meeting between members of the media and the Police aimed at forging greater communication between both groups. The Producer of the TCT Daily Major – where Emmanuel works – was determined to see the matter through in the courts. Speaking days after the incident - Natalie Dabreo was also passionate about the rights of the media to perform their jobs without threat. The male individual is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.

Alexander says candidates who wrote the tests must meet certain requirements before receiving the results. The January CXC test is written by secondary school students who decide to take the exams early and private candidates. The examinations are done directly through the Ministry of Education and not a formal learning institution.

So said – so done – the chain was replaced on Wednesday morning. Missing for some time – pedestrians like a woman who was injured after she attempted to do so – were using the gap to dash across the roadway. Jn Baptiste says whether gaps exist or not - such behaviour should be discontinued because it is dangerous. Meanwhile – the Ministry says it is continuing to monitor a dip in that Highway Jn Baptiste says was caused by localized pavement failure. Among the reasons for the damage is the continuing drought. Jn Baptiste says the Ministry will continue to assess and monitor the damaged road. However – he maintains it is not a cause of alarm for pedestrians or motorists at this time.

As such neither he nor anyone should second guess why Mayers – already responsible for reducing crime was given an additional portfolio. Lebourne says the Minister would act in the position – assuming all the responsibilities that came with it. He was doubtful however that it would lead to any major legislative changes. The appointment took effect from March 1st. It was made by Governor-General Dame Pearlette Louisy.

The Marine Industries Society of St. Lucia has lauded the enactment of the legislation. Acting President Bob Hathaway says instituting firm regulations will make the shipping industry more self sustaining and also improve the enforcement of the law. Hathaway says a more organized regulatory regime will also enhance the island’s reputation and lead to more vessel registration under the St. Lucian flag.

Marine surveyor, Christopher Kessel inspects and evaluates boats to ensure they meet international standards and are insurable. He says his task was tricky because of the absence of standardized shipping guidelines here in St. Lucia.

Following the education phase, SLASPA says it will plough ahead with the implementation and enforcement of the laws. The symposium was held at the NIC Conference Room.

RBC Meets Clients
Story By
Winston Springer

Solomon says RBC customers will soon have access to the ATM services of the recently acquired Royal Merchant Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. She says an RBTT branch will be commissioned at the Bay Walk mall in Rodney Bay. The Royal Bank of Canada acquired RBTT in 2007. The merger between the two financial institutions continues with the integration of services.

This female resident could barely contain her excitement at the hand over. She says it is a gesture much appreciated by herself and others in the community. The bridge was commissioned by the Ministry of Communications following numerous site visits to the area. Lenard Montoute is a first time Parliamentary Representative for Gros-Islet. He defeated Julian Hunte in the 2006 general elections. Montoute is also the Minister of Social Transformation, the Public Service, Youth and Sports.

Red Cross Saint Lucia is holding a two day workshop this week as part of its Readiness to Respond Project.
In attendance are members of the private sector and other groups. Disaster Coordinator – Hubert Pierre – says the workshop will expose participants to practical risk assessment with the aim of devising solutions to these risks. It is a vulnerability and assessment officer training program. Pierre says similar sessions are taking place at Red Cross offices world-wide. He says it is part of a new approach to managing disasters that incorporates the entire society. The workshop is being held in conjunction with a number of partners including USAID.
It is taking place at Red Cross Headquarters in Vigie.

Regis says the school has long been in dire need of proper shelving. He reminded students taking care of the donated material would be their personal responsibility as it would benefit them – not the institution. The shelves were accepted by School Principal Shirley-Ann Lubin who thanked Helping Hands for Helen on behalf of the school and its teaching staff. The charity group will celebrate its anniversary on May 13th.

White says the labels and conflicts among the Christian groups have undermined the credibility and world view of the faith. He says the emphasis on differences has also turned away many potential believers. Michael White-a trained economist was involved in many development projects in the region for years. He says he decided to leave his profession to further his work in the Christian church. “The Divided Body of Christ” will soon be available at local book stores island-wide. The publication can also be purchased on the web at christdivided.com.