P.M. Reacts To Mass Killings

Image: St Vincent: Prime Minister Ralph Gonzalves

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Dec 2, CMC – More than two weeks after four people were killed alleged by an 18-year-old youth, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has broken his silence on the matter. He told reporters that while he could not comment on the November 13 incident in which the four people, including a mother and her son, were killed by the youth, who has a history of mental illness, killing sprees should not be something occurring here.

Red Cross D.G. Concerned – Bring Back H.I.V. Hype

Image: Prime Minister Allen Chastanet set the example for the rest of the nation on Thursday by voluntarily taking an HIV test.

THE Director General of the St. Lucia Red Cross Terrencia Gaillard has expressed concern about the serious lack of education and awareness of the HIV/AIDS that continues to claim thousands of lives across the globe. Gaillard spoke exclusively to The VOICE, expressing her dismay and frustration over the glaring fact that the topic of HIV/AIDS has seemingly become a dormant issue to the respective bodies and institutions charged with disseminating information and educating the masses about it..

Christmas Festivals Are Here!

Image: Lanterns depicting relevant issues of the day

THE month of December is here which means that the Cultural Development Foundation is making final preparations for the festivals which form part of the annual end of year celebrations. The December Festivals are a series of three traditional and historical events which bring Saint Lucians together in the spirit of community through the showcasing of artistic creativity, with light at the core; the Lantern Festival, the Festival of Carols and the Festival of Light.

The Speed Is Not Enough

IT was surprising to watch the televised obituaries a few days ago, partly because there seemed no pause between one deceased person’s information before the next obituary started. While it was useful to have the obituaries shown in quick succession, it seemed too quick, even jarring to the senses. Definitely disrespectful to the dearly departed! Although the local TV station could be forgiven for shaving the time between successive obituaries, it raises the issue of appropriate speed. Specifically, when is speed not enough, and other factors should affect the display of information.

Alzheimer’s – Its Impact On Women

Q: REGINA, tell me, how many people in St. Lucia actually have Alzheimer’s or this dementia? A: I do not know. However there was a prevalence study in 2010 that had a projected calculation in 2013 of approximately over 1600 persons in St Lucia were living with dementia. This is just counting persons over 65 years of age. This is not including people younger than 65 that are living with the condition or people that are not diagnosed and yet living with the condition.

Ruby Baptiste – A Ruby Among Gems

Image of Ruby Baptiste

THERE are many difficult jobs in this world, and the list is seemingly never-ending; however, I think it is inarguable to say that looking after tiny tots is one of the toughest jobs there is. Today’s FITC, Ruby Baptiste is the Administrator of the Ciceron Daycare Centre and has been for just over one year; however, she almost let fear stop her from grabbing the opportunity to do what she loves.

‘Pearl’ To Transform The South

Image: Sod turning: Chairman of DSH Caribbean Star Ltd and China Horse Club, Mr. Teo Ah Khing, Prince Harry and Prime Minister Chastanet break ground for the project.

SAINT LUCIA is poised for significant advances in its tourism product and business environment thanks to the “Pearl of the Caribbean” project which is expected to commence construction in 2017. The southern-based project, estimated to cost about US$2.6 billion, is a fully integrated equestrian oriented development which will encompass the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club and its expected world class horse racing, and related entertainment, leisure and accommodation amenities.

Rain Mars Barbados’ 50th. Party

Image of Stuart

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Nov 30, CMC – Barbados is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its political independence from Britain despite the inclement weather that has forced the postponement or cancellation of some of the activities to mark the occasion. Britain’s Prince Harry, who arrived here on Tuesday, is the highest profile guest for the celebrations that includes the “Reveal of the 50th Anniversary of Independence National Monument “at the famous Garrison Savannah later on Wednesday night.

OECS Nationals End Chile Study Tour

Image: The OECS nationals who went on the tour.

A 13-MEMBER delegation from the Organissation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has ended a study tour to Chile as part of the Multi-Dimensional Approaches to Poverty Eradication initiative. The delegation was hosted by Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AGCID) and the Ministry of Social Development through the Solidarity and Social Investment Fund (FOSIS).

Castro’s Ashes Taken on Final Tour

Image: Cubans line streets as Castro’s ashes begin journey across country

HAVANA (AFP) – The ashes of Fidel Castro began a four-day journey across Cuba Wednesday to his final resting place, retracing the late communist leader’s revolution victory tour of 1959. The “caravan of freedom” will leave from Havana, making symbolic stops along the 950-kilometer (590-mile) trek that will end in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba over the weekend.