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Ban on Styrofoam and plastic containers

Styrofoam ban

Statement by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development on the control of plastics and Styrofoam containers

The Government of Saint Lucia is committed to improving the health and environment of the nation. As I indicated in my announcement in August 2018, and as studies have shown, food service containers made from Polystyrene and Expanded Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, along with Plastics have continued to negatively affect the health of citizens and the cleanliness of our environment.

In this regard, the Department of Sustainable Development in partnership with other key agencies such as the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority, the Department of Economic Development, Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Finance and the Customs and Excise Department have over the last months worked towards the development of a suitable strategy to eliminate single use plastics, polystyrene and expanded polystyrene from our market and environment.

To further demonstrate the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and environment of our island, I wish to announce in keeping with a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, that Saint Lucia will be implementing a ban on the importation of Styrofoam ® and selected Plastic food service containers as of June 1, 2019. Therefore, any Styrofoam and the selected plastic food service containers landed after May 31, 2019 will not be released by the Customs and Excise Department. These items will be phased out over a one year period commencing June 1, 2019 until May 31, 2020.This approach will allow all stakeholders a chance to exhaust their current stock of Styrofoam® and the selected plastic food service containers and to source environmentally friendly alternatives. The importer will bear the associated costs for disposal of any seized items.

In the first instance, the Government will be phasing out the importation of:

  1. All Styrofoam® food service containers including cups, plates, and hinged
    take-away containers and
  2. Other selected Plastic cups, plates and containers.

Thereafter, a ban on the use of these products will become effective immediately on June 1, 2020.

As a country, we can only successfully achieve our goals if we work together. I therefore invite the private sector, non-government organizations, schools, the media, faith-based organizations and residents to give full support as we endeavor to preserve our fragile environment for ourselves and future generations. I encourage us to make choices that will be safer for our environment. The Department of Sustainable Development along with the other agencies, with whom we have collaborated thus far, will continue efforts to educate and sensitize the general public on the options available to them.

Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka

Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka

Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, has on behalf of the Heads of Government of the regional grouping of eleven nations, offered his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in the recent Sri Lankan terrorist attacks.

Prime Minister Gonsalves said the OECS stood in firm solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka as they come to terms with the horror from the series of coordinated bombings of innocent Christian worshippers at Easter masses and of other faiths in nearby hotels.

“We are profoundly saddened by these heinous and indiscriminate attacks which has claimed the lives of both Sri Lankans and non-nationals at a time of hope, peace and joy. 

“To the people of Sri Lanka and other affected nations we stand with you now and for all days to come.

“The OECS joins all Governments and people of goodwill in thoroughly rejecting these senseless acts of violence and we will continue to work with international authorities to support the global effort to overcome militant terrorism. 

“While words can do little to ease the pain and suffering we offer our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  

“Let us be heartened that the hope and peace found in our Saviour’s resurrection will prevail over the hatred and malevolence in which these innocent lives were taken” said Prime Minister Gonsalves.

Fuel Price Adjustments – April, 2019

Fuel Price April 2019

The Public is hereby notified that in keeping with changes in international oil prices and Government’s application of the modified market pass-through petroleum pricing mechanism, the retail price of gasoline, diesel, kerosene and LPG 20, 22 and 100 lb cylinders has changed. The price changes take effect from Monday April 15, 2019:

  • Gasoline increased from $2.94 to $3.04 per litre or $13.35 to $13.81 per gallon
  • Diesel increased from $3.04 to $3.05 per litre or $13.84 to $13.87 per gallon
  • Kerosene increased from $1.81 to $1.87 per litre or $8.21 to $8.51 per gallon
  • 20 Pound Cylinder (9.07 kg) increased from $32.30 to $32.33 per cylinder
  • 22 Pound Cylinder (9.98 kg) increased from $35.82 to $35.84 per cylinder
  • 100 Pound Cylinder (45.36kg) increased from $205.39 to $205.48 per cylinder

The Public is informed that the next adjustment of the retail price of fuel products will be on Monday May 06, 2019.

Statement on Venezuela by Min. for External Affairs

Gustavo Tarre as the National Assembly of Venezuela’s designated permanent representative to the Organization of American States
Gustavo Tarre as the National Assembly of Venezuela’s designated permanent representative to the Organization of American States

Statement on Venezuela by Honourable Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Minister for External Affairs

Minister with responsibility for External Affairs, Honourable Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, confirmed that Saint Lucia recently voted in favour of accepting the appointment of Mr. Gustavo Tarre as the National Assembly of Venezuela’s designated permanent representative to the Organization of American States, this pending new elections and the appointment of a democratically elected government.  Saint Lucia has been on the record as stating that the National Assembly is the only democratic institution presently in Venezuela.

While Saint Lucia continues to advocate for a peaceful, democratic and Venezuelan-owned solution to the crisis that grips that country – a solution that includes dialogue and excludes the use of force, and one that includes the holding of free, transparent and credible elections – the government is concerned that the regime in Venezuela continues to stifle democracy.  The recent effort to “disqualify” the President of the National Assembly from holding public office for 15 years – this without regard to due process – is an example cited of the lack of an open and transparent judicial process.

“We should not be quiet to unconstitutional efforts to maintain an illegitimate grip on power – despite the loud clamoring of a country’s people and the international community for new and open elections.  Importantly, the government is concerned that the people of Venezuela will be denied the access to the protections of the Inter-American system, if that country is to depart the OAS,” stated Minister Sarah Flood-Beaubrun.

While the Government of Saint Lucia’s position is that there must always be an openness to dialogue, we lament is that the regime in Caracas has chosen to ignore all serious efforts at outreach, including those by the Caribbean.  There is particular concern at the increase of external actors being welcomed into the region’s zone of peace.

According to the Department of External Affairs, the OAS vote highlights that taking a stance in support of the people of Venezuela is important and inaction is not an option for Saint Lucia within international fora.  Saint Lucia’s recent vote at the OAS carries the message that Saint Lucia will not be complicit in efforts by regimes to keep their people repressed.

Caribbean Animators Learn, Earn and Display

Caribbean Animators

Caribbean animators had the opportunity to showcase their skills to an audience of local, regional and international players in the content and technology industry and access seed funding for their animated concepts thanks to the KingstOOn 3 Animation Festival which was held in Jamaica April 5 -7, 2019.

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) supported the participation of three animators: Barbadian Joshua Clarke, Alain Bidard from Martinique and St. Lucian Tevin Loctar.

During the three – day event, attendees engaged with global industry leaders and were better able to understand the global animation pipeline, pre-qualified individuals were paired with potential content and Afro-descendant animated content from around the world was showcased.

Caribbean Animators Learn, Earn and Display 1
Alain Bidard (Martinique) – Best Caribbean Short Film for ‘The Flight’
Matic Grgic (Slovenia) – finalist in the KingstOOn International Animated Film Competition
Peter Chanthanakone (Thailand) – Best (International) Short Film for “Midnight Story”
Claye Edou (Cameroon) – Best (International) Feature Film for “Minga and the Broken Spoon”
Margery Newland (Jamaica) – Project Manager, Youth Employment in the Digital & Animation Industries (YEDAI) Project, Office of the Prime Minister.

The KingstOOn3 Animation Conference and Afro-descendant Film Festival included expert animation panels and keynote presentations, workshops, a film festival and three animation competitions. Alain Bidard, whose participation was supported by Caribbean Export won Best Caribbean Short Film with “The Flight” in the Emerging Animated Content Competition. Also, of note was the Pitch Bootcamp and Competition which allowed four selected finalists, of five team members, to refine their pitching skills and concepts under the guidance of world-class experts in the animation industry and to be assessed by a panel of executives from major studios.

Caribbean Export remains committed to the development of the Caribbean animation community and was happy to collaborate with the organizers of the 3rd edition of the KingstOOn event to ensure that it was a resounding success.

Business Climate by Strengthening Procedures

Business Climate

Workshop on Improving the Business Climate by Strengthening Procedures to Start a Business in the Caribbean

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA), has set its sight on improving the business climate in the Caribbean with a focus on strengthening the procedures to start a business in the Region.

The Agencies convened a two-day workshop at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel in Barbados from 9-10th April 2019) to discuss the region’s business climate.

“Our focus will be 3-fold,” notes Suzette Hudson, Snr. Advisor of Investment promotion at Caribbean Export. “We want to assess the current procedures, cost and time to start a business in the Caribbean, guided by the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report, review global best practices with a focus on Jamaica and finally, develop action plans or next steps for that will be implemented in the near-term.”

Jamaica ranks among the top 10 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report for Starting a Business. “It is hoped that in the future we can continue to work with CAIPA to tackle other hurdles that are negatively affecting or may negatively affect the attraction of investment into the Caribbean.”

Participating countries included: Antigua and Barbuda; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Trinidad and Tobago. From these countries 32 stakeholders, the investment promotion agencies, attorneys who assist foreign firms in incorporating their companies, registrars of companies and other private sector interested parties participated.

Commenting during the opening session, Ms. Evelyn Wayne, the Director of Economic Policy and Development, of the CARICOM Secretariat noted that “This initiative is directly aligned to the commitment to adopt a Community Investment Policy for CARICOM States, which, among other things, addresses the modernization of the role of public authorities, to improve investment facilitation procedures.”

“Creating an enabling environment to facilitate investment through regulatory reforms is critical for small States with limited ability to offer incentives for FDI attraction “noted, Ms. Opeyemi Abebe, Trade Advisor with the Commonwealth Secretariat. “At the Secretariat, we are committed to helping the developing and small member States of the Commonwealth address challenges faced in facilitating investment and building that capacity to implement some key interventions that Governments can execute to improve the business climate for attracting investment.” The Commonwealth Secretariat is the international donor, funding the execution of a study to develop action plans to strengthen the procedures to start a business in the Caribbean. The funding from the Secretariat also covered the hosting of the regional workshop.

Our fight against crime is a collective one

fight against crime

Our fight against crime is a collective one PM Mitchell tells 20th CARICOM CONSLE

Chair of the 20th Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Council for Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell, emphasised the necessity for a collective approach to effectively address security in the Region, when he spoke at the opening of the meeting on 12 April  in St. Georges, Grenada.

“We need each other as our fight against crime is a collective one”, he said. “As small fledgling economies we are also unfairly subjected to international assessments that sometimes result in blacklisting”, he continued.

Dr. Mitchell noted that “security could never be over-emphasised”. “Without security nothing else works”, the prime minister who is also the Minister of National Security said, drawing attention to among other   matters, the issue   of border security. He emphasised that there should be unified positions, given the nature of our borders. “The relevance of border security at the regional level takes on even greater significance because of the porous nature of our borders”, he said.

Zeroing on the current situation in Venezuela, and its impact and potential impact to affect our countries, he called for regular discourse on security and for the” the adoption of regional positions that give consideration to what is best for all concerned. “

“… each country’s security is correlated with others…[and], we have to accept that”, he said.

The prime minister reiterated that “crime is an escapable reality “that must be faced.

“Some of our neighbouring countries right here … are classified amongst the most violent in the world by virtue of the number of homicides to population ratio”, he said.

“…new and emerging threats in the domain of cyberspace” brought on by significant technological advances have been moved from being at our doorsteps to the status of fast becoming a pervasive threat, as our new virtual world often provides the cover of anonymity to many who wish to ply their nefarious trades within our borders”, he continued

This 20th CONSLE   will, among other matters, review the management framework for crime and security; the regional single domestic space and the requirements for same. In this last context, matters such as the movement of persons within a harmonised framework for entry and a harmonised visa regime will receive consideration.

The Caribbean’s resilience agenda and its implications for hard security and diplomacy is another policy issue on the table, given the Region’s vulnerability to natural hazards, geological and climate/weather related, as well as crime and security threats with their potential to amplify the impact of climate change and the after-effects of natural hazard events, poses serious challenges.

Geo-political issues affecting security in the Region, and in this context, the implications of the Framework for Migrant Health on the security sector including the nexus for health security; implications of the non-hemispheric military presence in Region, counter-terrorism in the Region and what programmes have been put in place to respond to this challenge are included in the matters to be discussed.  

Crime and security is the fourth pillar of the regional integration process and the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) coordinates security and law enforcement arrangements across the Community.  The Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019identifies Enhancing  Citizen Security and Justice  as a strategy of its Social Resilience Strategic Priority.

SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2019 – 2020

SCHOOL REGISTRATION

The Department of Education would like to inform parents and guardians, who registered their child/ward for Kindergarten for the Academic Year 2019/2020, to report to District Two or District Three Education Office, to obtain the results of their child’s/ward’s Kindergarten placement from Wednesday 10th April to Friday 12th April, 2019 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for the following schools:

Ave Maria Girls’ Infant
Anglican Infant
St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant
Vide Bouteille Combined
Camille Henry Memorial
Gordon Walcott Memorial

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations wishes to thank parents and guardians for their patience and cooperation.

Caribbean Banking Professionals to receive social media training

Caribbean Banking Professionals Social Media Training

A total of 22 Caribbean Banking Professionals from 12 organisations in six different territories are taking part in a training session hosted by the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) Inc.

The two-day workshop, entitled Social Selling Re-Invented, will prepare participants to more effectively connect with potential clients via social media, and to more readily use Web 2.0 tools for sales and marketing.

The two-day workshop, entitled Social Selling Re-Invented, will prepare participants to more effectively connect with potential clients via social media, and to more readily use Web 2.0 tools for sales and marketing.

Registrants from Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Suriname convened at the Coco Palm Resort in Rodney Bay Village, Saint Lucia for two days, 8-9 April 2019. Under the guidance of facilitator Mr. Paul Watts they are learning how to realise the power of the world’s most influential business-to-business online selling tool, LinkedIn. They are being taught how to leverage social media to promote their company’s products and services. And they will be better able to become their customers’ business partner, and optimise profitability.

Mr. Paul Watts, Base Over Apex, Facilitator of Social Selling ReInvented

Mr. Paul Watts, Base Over Apex, Facilitator of Social Selling ReInvented

Mr. Watts is a sales performance coach and podcast host, the founder of Canadian-based sales training company, Base Over Apex Inc. Also the host of the Sales Reinvented Podcast, Watts was directly involved in corporate sales for 17 years. During that time, he excelled in the field of new business development and lead generation, deriving critical learnings that he is passing on through his coaching.

The workshop includes marketing, relationship, HR, personal banking, and customer service leads from 1st National Bank St. Lucia Ltd., Amicus Legal, Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Montserrat, Bank of Saint Lucia, the Caribbean Association of Audit Committee Members, Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank, Innovative Business Solutions Inc., National Bank of the Virgin Islands, National Bank of Dominica Ltd., and Republic Bank Suriname.

Facilitation of industry-specific education and training is one of the pillars on which the CAB was founded. The CAB offers members a Chartered Banker Scholarship, and banking professionals can access the Credit Skills Academy (Foundation and Advanced) on the association’s website. The CAB also partners with organisitions like ComplianceAid, the FIBA Institute, and Florida School of Banking for training and education.

CARICOM vital to regional development: Grenada’s new envoy

Arley Gill
Grenada's new Ambassador to CARICOM H.E. Arley Gill presents his Letter of Credence to CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

CARICOM has been an indispensable force in the development of the Region, the new envoy of Grenada to the Caribbean Community said Thursday, as he submitted his letter of credence to Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

During a brief ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat headquarters, Georgetown, Guyana, Ambassador Arley Salimbi Gill assured the Secretary-General LaRocque that Grenada “will remain steadfast to the ideals” of regional integration and support the work of the CARICOM Secretariat.

In welcoming Mr Gill to the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors, Secretary-General LaRocque apprised him of his role in ensuring that integration has a greater impact on the lives of CARICOM people.

“As a member you will be expected to assist in advancing the implementation of Community decisions at the national level… providing the necessary link between the regional and the national,” the Secretary-General stated.

Secretary-General LaRocque applauded Grenada’s strong commitment to regional integration, exemplified, he stated, by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell’s dedication as Lead of Head of Government for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.  Prime Minister Mitchell has also been an advocate for Statistics in the sustainable economic development of the Region, the SG noted.

Mr Gill asserted that Grenada’s role and influence in CARICOM has been “distinct and unambiguous”, crystallised by the 1989 Declaration of the Grand Anse Work Programme of the Advancement of the Integration Movement that paved the way for the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

He told the Secretary-General that the vision articulated by Heads of Government in 1989 was still relevant today, to which Grenada remained resolute.

“In Grenada, we continue to see CARICOM as a channel through which Member States are bolstered in the regional and international community by the positions we take and have taken as a collective on matters of tremendous importance to our development,” the Grenadian envoy stated.

He underscored the need for ordinary CARICOM citizens – the coconut vendor on the streets of Roseau, the doubles vendor in Port of Spain, the water taxi operators that ply their trade on Grand Anse beach – to feel the impact of the decisions made in trade, free movement, and climate change.
“It is our duty to keep them informed and engaged in our deliberations and decision making, so that they do not feel marginalised by an institution which was established in the first place to benefit them.” Mr Gill said.

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