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Schools to improve disabled access

Disabled Access in Schools
Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, speaking during the launch of the Abilities Foundation’s Beauty Services Unit on November 28 at the Abilities Foundation’s Constant Spring Road address in Kingston.

Schools being retrofitted to improve disabled access.

Work is under way to retrofit all primary and secondary schools across the island with lifts and ramps to improve access by persons with disabilities.
The initiative is being undertaken at a cost of $50 million by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information in collaboration with the Digicel Foundation.
“It is in the budget for the next five years,” said portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid.
“The allocation will make sure that within the next five years, every single public education institution will have either lifts or ramps, so that our children with physical disabilities will have access to these institutions,” he added.
He was speaking during the launch of the Abilities Foundation Beauty Services Unit on November 28 at the entity’s Constant Spring Road address in Kingston.
Senator Reid reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting State-owned and -aided special education schools and units across the island, in keeping with its mandate to strengthen services to children with special needs.
He called on mainstream schools to develop structures and practices that would allow them to respond fully to a diverse student population.
Senator Reid said emphasis is also being placed on integrating the special needs community into the Government’s thrust to develop a national information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.
“We have been exploring how best to integrate persons with disabilities into a system that is increasingly dependent on ICT. Children with disabilities don’t all go to institutions specially designed for them. Sometimes, those with challenges are very much part of the general population, and we have to expand avenues of access for them as well,” he said.

SLTA opens the Tourist Season

SLTA

SLTA opens the tourist season with a powerful new marketing push.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has undertaken a revised marketing strategy in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Since the passing of the hurricanes, the Region has experienced a decline in holiday bookings and therefore the SLTA has been working fastidiously with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization to promote the destination’s readiness to receive visitors. Over the last few weeks, the SLTA has sent notifications to tour operators, press releases, and increased engagement over social media.
To further complement these efforts and to increase destination awareness and reinforce Saint Lucia’s open for business message, the SLTA has ramped up its fall and winter campaigns with an “always on” marketing strategy. Additionally, the SLTA will continue its utilization of digital media, Search Engine Marketing and Social Media across all platforms.
The message of DISCOVER YOUR ESCAPE THIS FALL will now change to subtly inform persons that Saint Lucia is open for Business. The entire campaign will be repurposed under the banner of “THERE’S NO TIME LIKE NOW TO BOOK SAINT LUCIA”. The promotion will be extended to the end of November, which will immediately be replaced with the Winter Campaign to support our “always on” marketing strategy.
Chicago Tribune Takeover
As Saint Lucia prepares to welcome the return of United Airlines weekly nonstop flight from Chicago, The SLTA has taken steps to ensure the market is aware and incentivized to travel to Saint Lucia. The SLTA has taken over the advertising space on the Chicago Tribune’s travel page and banners on the main page. This advertising take-over features the destinations new logo and the promotional offer reminding consumers that an early booking can save them up to 65% on hotel stays. The SLTA has also backed up this digital takeover with traditional billboard advertising along highway 294, 94 and billboards within downtown Chicago. The takeover campaign runs for 8 weeks and will be extended if needed.
NBC6 MIAMI Takeover
Building on the partnership with NBC Miami and as part of the continued marketing drive The SLTA took over the www.nbcmiami.com webpage on November 27,2017. The Monday after the thanksgiving weekend, called “Cyber Monday” averages an increase internet user traffic of 122 million. NBC6 provides idea digital real estate and the marketing offer of up to 65% off, presented bargain hunters with a great opportunity to book a Saint Lucian holiday. The SLTA used the takeover to increase the market visibility pushing the message that the island is open for business, with the THERE’S NO TIME LIKE NOW TO BOOK SAINT LUCIA” campaign.
Travel + Leisure Co-op
The SLTA embarked on a cooperative marketing push with the islands hotel partners in the November issue of Travel + Leisure Magazine. The two page spread features highlights the island as the perfect destination and eight properties have joined in to accentuate the island’s offering. Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s foremost consumer travel magazines with 6.3 million subscribers in print and 7.8 million unique visitors per month. The media push emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the destination including luxury, romance, rejuvenation, fun, peace, and natural beauty all forming the perfect escape for the discerning traveler.
Social Media Revamp
The SLTA has engaged the services of NJ Global Media, a niche PR and Digital Media agency offering premium lifestyle experiences. The agencies goal is to redesign the destination’s social media accounts to tell the story in a unique and authentic voice while cultivating a strong ‘Saint Lucia’ following on all platforms. NJ Global Media plans to promote Saint Lucia as a safe destination to prospective travelers with a specific target on the U.S, Canada and UK markets. The SLTA will be hosting a Facebook giveaway throughout the holiday season titled #LetHerinspireYou. The Giveaway will be hosted on Facebook and promoted through all social media channels.
Recommend Magazine
The SLTA has secured a full-page advertorial in Recommend magazine for the Prime Minister’s message post hurricane. The ad space provided an opportunity to express solidarity and provide a clear message to the trade that Saint Lucia is open for business. The SLTA will also be using the magazines extensive travel agent database to send E-blasts and has secured space on the webpage for banner advertising. Recommend Magazine has been helping travel agents sell travel by providing them with in-depth destination and product information for over 50 years.
Direct Electronic Marketing
Over the course of the next month the SLTA will be using the travel agent database of key trade publications, the goal is to aggressively target travel agents, increase their awareness of the island as an available Caribbean destination, grow the Saint Lucia Specialist Programme and increase bookings to the Island.
SLTA winter campaign will be launched in early December and the intention is to continue with the campaign platform THERE’S NO TIME LIKE NOW TO BOOK SAINT LUCIA”
In addition to continuing the fall marketing activities, we will incorporate television advertising, as well as undertake trade blitzes in our major source markets.

Breast Cancer dollar for dollar drive

Breast Cancer Awareness

A dollar for dollar drive was launched as part of the initiatives for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The aim was to encourage employees in various business enterprises to contribute one dollar towards the fight against breast cancer and the company would match every dollar given.

The event which was launched at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort was also the venue for the handing over ceremony to the benefactors the National Community Foundation (NCF) and the St. Lucia Cancer Society. Three organisations participated in the handing over ceremony.  The National Insurance Cooperation and The Ministry of Health and Wellness presented their monitory contributions to the NCF.
Alison Isebert from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and Linus Bernadine from the National Insurance Corporation presented their contributions to the Executive Director of the NCF, Michelle Phillips.
Managing Director of Sandals St. Lucia, Winston Anderson made their presentation to Dr. Jacqueline Bird who represented the St. Lucia Cancer Society and pledged a closer working relationship between Sandal St. Lucia and the St. Lucia Cancer Society.
The Ministry of Health also took the time to recognize Ms. Kenaz Francis, Mr. Winston Anderson and Exelsign Ltd. for their tremendous contribution to the success of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2017​.
Breast Cancer Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness

Caribbean Grains spreads the fine art of baking

Caribbean Grains Ltd
Bakers Michael and Ali with students from Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School

Castries, Saint Lucia (November 30, 2017) – Caribbean Grains Ltd, which operates a production mill in Vieux Fort, considers itself more than just a manufacturer of flour. The Company, which has been here for more than a year, sees itself as an ally of the present and future generation of bakers.

During the month of November, the Company has been conducting training sessions aimed at equipping bakers with new techniques in the areas of bread and pastry production.

Caribbean Grains Ltd
Baker Ali with students from the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School

The latest training sessions were held on Thursday, November 16th and Friday, November 17th at the Caribbean Grains facility in Vieux Fort. A session with students of the Beanefield Comprehensive Secondary School, together with local bakers from the south, was conducted on day-one. Day-two was devoted to students from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS). The training sessions were conducted by two bakers from Guadeloupe and Mustique.

Managing Director of Caribbean Grains Ltd, Arnaud de Moussac said such training is very useful because it allows the Company to interact with bakers while they prepare various products made from flour from the Company.

“What we are aiming at is giving a consistent product every time the baker is starting his process, helping them to rationalise and practising economy, mostly by weighing the product because, at the end of the day, not weighing products can make a big difference in terms of earning and losing. And no one knows that you are winning when you are getting a little heavier product, but your bottom line will know it. So, we are trying to get the same cause and effect from these training sessions.”

Caribbean Grains Ltd
Baker Michael with Coconut Bay Resort’s Chef David and students from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

 The Managing Director added that Caribbean Grains is a new Company which must prove itself to its customers. He described the level of business with local bakers as “good” and “picking up.”

“The people have a better response to our product. We are very happy with the way they are willing to re-assess us. Nobody likes to change, but the change is welcome, and more and more we hear people saying that they want to buy Saint Lucian products because it generates Saint Lucian employment.” 

 Bakers were given an opportunity to learn and improve their skills in the areas of French and local bread products, as well as in baked goods such as pastries, cakes, croissants and pizza, using local flour manufactured by Caribbean Grains.  Sessions with the students are part of a practical training programme that Caribbean Grains conducts every other month with local bakeries and bakers.

Caribbean Grains Ltd
Baker Ali with students from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

Chef at Coconut Bay Resort, David Serieux, who has been a baker for 18 years, said he emerged from the training session with knowledge of how to refine his baking skills.

” Well, to be honest, it’s not something I never did before, but the techniques and the process I saw here seem much better here because of the equipment, such as the proof-box, and the way the oven works is amazing.”

Other bakeries represented at the training sessions were Bonne Baguette Bakery, the French Bakery, Mannee’s Bakery, and Kaision Bakery.

Caribbean Grains Ltd
Baker Ali with students from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

 Participating students expressed gratitude to Caribbean Grains for exposing them to various techniques and opportunities in the field of baking.

 

LUCELE to undertake major electrical works on west coast

LUCELEC excavation works

Castries, November 30, 2017 – St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited ( LUCELEC) would like to inform the general public that from Monday, December 4, 2017 the company will commence excavation works on the West Coast road from Soufriere near the Quatre Chemin junction.

LUCELE to undertake major electrical works on west coast 1

This is to allow LUCELEC to install ducts and run 66kV cables (high voltage lines) underground from the Bouton junction stretching approximately 400 meters north towards Belvedere. The lines are being placed underground to relocate them from an area under threat from land slippage. Relocating the lines underground along with other planned improvements will make the electricity supply for customers from Canaries to Vieux Fort even more reliable.

The excavation works will be undertaken over a three week period. Heavy equipment, machinery and personnel will be on site from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily. Motorists using this route are asked to proceed with caution in the vicinity of the works.

LUCELEC deeply regrets any inconvenience which the road works may cause and wishes to thank the general public for their patience and understanding.

LUCELE to undertake major electrical works on west coast 2

De Jeunesse wins top $5,000 USD prize

De Jeunesse Wins

De Jeunesse Bath and Body Products wins top $5,000 USD prize at LINK-Caribbean Pitch Competition.

De Jeunesse Bath and Body Products, a company that manufactures high-quality, natural bath and body products, earned the top prize at the launch of the LINK-Caribbean Pitch Competition held November 21 at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago.
They wowed the judges with their pitch from a field of five competing firms and walked away with the coveted $5,000 USD prize. Chief Executive Officer Shenelle Hills-Fife said, “We are overjoyed but we also realized that it does not matter what kind of company you have. If you show your passion, demonstrable evidence that the business can work and get feedback from customers, then you are in business — if not, it is a hobby. We plan on using the funds to purchase equipment that will triple our current production capacity.”
Like many start-up founders, Hills-Fife juggled full-time work with developing a business, but quit her day job earlier this year to concentrate fully on growing her business. “This is only the start. We intend to apply for the $25,000 USD LINK-Caribbean Investment Readiness Grant and even the Co-Investment Grant given the increased interest of investors in our company,” she said.
The 5-5-5 Pitch Campaign is the latest initiative of LINK-Caribbean in an effort to find more investable businesses, or “deal flow” for the region’s Angel Investor networks. The competition allows five entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses to a panel of five investors, with the top successful business selected to receive a $5,000 USD cash award.
De Jeunesse Wins
“We decided to run this initiative to raise greater awareness around the LINK-Caribbean programme and to ultimately spur a more buoyant angel investment ecosystem within the region,” explained Chris McNair, manager of Competitiveness and Export Promotion at the Caribbean Export Development Agency. The LINK-Caribbean pitch campaign will continue in the Bahamas, Grenada, and Saint Lucia in 2018 and all interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit applications via the website www.link-caribbean.com.
The World Bank Group, together with the Caribbean Export Development Agency, launched LINK-Caribbean in September 2016, funded by the government of Canada. This investment facilitation program aims to enable early-stage Caribbean entrepreneurs to raise capital from private investors, particularly business angel investors.

Edith Dalton James High Gets Walk-Through Metal Detector

Metal Detector
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (left), tests the metal detector at Edith Dalton James High School that was officially commissioned into service on November 29. Observing is President, Edith Dalton James Past Students’ Association, Earle Roberts.

The Edith Dalton James High School in Kingston has been equipped with a walk-through metal detector, which will provide greater safety and security of students and staff.
The device was provided under the US$4-million Improved Safety and Security in Schools Project, which involves collaboration among the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information; the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); and the National Education Trust (NET).
Launched in October, the initiative is aimed at reducing the crime level among youth between the ages of 10 and 29 years, and will target 981 primary and secondary schools and 50 communities.
On November 15, the USAID handed over 130 handheld metal detector wands and five walk-through scanners to the Education Ministry for schools worst affected by violent and antisocial behaviours.
Education Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, in his remarks at the commissioning of the scanner at Edith Dalton James High on Wednesday (November 29), said the installation of such devices “is really a tool to reinforce the values of discipline, the values of non-violence, the values of respect and love for each other”.
“This is a message that must resonate, a message that every person in Jamaica, every adult also needs to impart; so we want parents to display love and care towards their children,” he noted.
Minister Reid said he is pleased with the results of a recent study done by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), which shows that there has been a decrease in violence in Jamaican schools.
“I’m happy to have learnt of the survey recently… where they have seen a positive trend downwards in our schools in terms of violence and conflict,” he said.
Acting Chief of Mission, United States Embassy in Jamaica, Maura Barry Boyle, said the commissioning of the walk-through scanner at Edith Dalton James “is one more step forward in achieving our ultimate aim of reducing violent incidents in our school communities”.
“We are not aiming to turn our schools into security facilities, but we must recognise that when we reduce the number of weapons in our schools, we gradually reduce the number of deadly and violent incidents,” she pointed out.
Edith Dalton James Principal, Orlando Worges, said he is happy that his school was chosen to receive the equipment, coming out of a recent stabbing incident in which a student lost his life.
“I believe every school in Jamaica should have one of these devices,” he said, noting that the students have been cooperating fully.
“It is something that we welcome because of the potential that it has, and not just for our students but anyone wishing to enter our school,” he added.
Some of the objectives of the Improved Safety and Security in Schools Project are to reduce violence, critical incidents and antisocial behaviour among youth; engage parents and communities in behaviour-change processes; and provide co-curricular activities, such as youth clubs and uniformed groups, so as to reduce antisocial behaviour.

See and Taste Belize 2017 Fundraiser

See and Taste Belize

See and Taste Belize 2017 Fundraiser Attended By Hundreds.

The See and Taste Belize fundraising event, which was hosted by the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Mrs. Kim Simplis, and by the Consulate of Belize in Florida and its partners, BTB, BELTRAIDE and NICH, was attended by hundreds of people. Mrs. Janine Sylvestre, Hon. Consul General of Belize in Florida said when interviewed about the event, “I’m very happy with the turn out of people attending.
See and Taste Belize
The joy of hosting this event is seeing everyone enjoy themselves while celebrating Belize and all the wonderful things they love and miss about it. Belizeans have so much talent and we have so much to offer and its nice to be able to share this with others.” The event, which was a fundraiser for the Inspiration Center in Belize that helps disabled children free of charge and it is anticipated that the event raised over $80,000.00 US for this cause.
The event featured Belizean Chefs and Artists who came from Belize to share their culinary and artistic talents. Also participating were export ready food and art vendors. The highlight of the event, no doubt was the Garifuna Collective, from Dangriga in Belize who perform around the world. All who came had the rare opportunity to hear first hand their tunes (including songs by the iconic and late Andy Palacio who started the band) and dance the afternoon away while sampling traditional Belizean dishes like Sere, Panades, Rice and Beans with a Belikin or Belizean Coke in hand. The venue for the event was the Kovens Center at Florida International University North Campus in Miami, Florida.
The location was beautiful with a view of Biscayne Bay and the weather was a clear and sunny “Belize” day. Along with the Special Envoy for Womena and children, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, visitors also had the chance to spend time with the Governnor General of Belize, Sir Colivile Young, the Deputy Prime Minister, Honorable Patrick Faber and the Minister of Tourism, Honorable Manuel Heredia. Visitors came from all over the U.S. to be a part of this momentous occasion.
See and Taste Belize
The event began at 10 a.m. and finished at 6 p.m. and was followed by “Bite of Belize” a fundraising reception hosted by Turtle Inn, the Family Coppola Hideaways, featuring their Chef, Irwin Mai at the beautiful home of Natasha Dubarry on the Venetian Island of Miami Beach. Martin Krediet, General Manager of Turtle Inn hosted this spectacular reception, also rasing thousands for the Inspiration Center.

Police Officers commended for their hard work

Police Officers

Police Officers commended for their hard work and dedication at award ceremony.

The Police Week of Activities 2017 kicked off with honouring the hard working members of the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force at the Police Awards Ceremony held at Government House on November 25, 2017.
“All year around we are consumed with the duties and activities geared primarily towards the safety, security and happiness of others,” said Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley, while noting that the career in law enforcement is one of many challenges, and awarding police officers for their outstanding service in the federation is necessary.
He explained that being in the Police Force is not for everyone as it takes a lot of sacrifice, courage and dedication to be successful in this field. He also stated that the organization continues to find ways “tangible and intangible to reward the officers who have aligned themselves with [the Force’s] goals and objectives.”
Commissioner Queeley praised the officers for their hard work and dedication to their jobs by stating “your service and sacrifice have not been forgotten and have been very much appreciated and have not also gone unnoticed.”
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, also lauded the officers for the “strenuous efforts they are making to provide a peace dividend.”
“I want to thank you on behalf of the country for having stepped up to the mark and for having played your part because without your support we could not have achieved what we have obtained thus far,” said Dr. Harris. .
Dr. Harris explained that law enforcement plays an important role in shaping tranquillity and peace within the communities, while providing role models to craft “children of promise rather than children at-risk.”
The week of activities started off with two other key events following the award ceremony. These events were the Church Service/ Parade held at the Wesley Methodist Church on November 26 and Commissioner’s Parade in Basseterre on November 27.

Prime Minister presented with Stamp Issues

Stamp
Post Master General, Margaret Ashby presenting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart with the commemorative stamp issue ‘Centenarians of Barbados’ at Government Headquarters today. (B.Hinds/BGIS)

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart this morning received two framed stamp issues from the Barbados Postal Service on the occasion of Barbados’ 51st anniversary of Independence.
The stamp issues – 50th Anniversary of Independence 1966 – 2016 and Centenarians of Barbados – were presented by Post Master General, Margaret Ashby, and Marketing Officer, Deborah Small.
Mrs. Ashby explained that the Golden Jubilee commemorative stamp issue pays tribute to Barbados by highlighting its growth and development in the key sectors of education, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and sports over the 50 years of Independence.
Centenarians of Barbados honours men and women, from every parish and all strata of society. Barbados is recorded as having the second highest percentage of centenarians in the world, proportionally, behind Okinawa, Japan.  In 2016, that number stood at 114 – 103 women and 11 men.
The Post Master General described Barbados’ stamps as “silent ambassadors”, noting that they were highly sought after on the international market.
She said: “They provide a visual snapshot of our history and enhance the country’s visibility internationally, as they contribute to the daily flow of tourists to our shores. This is attested to by visitors calling at the Philatelic Bureau and revealing that their interest in visiting Barbados was heightened through our stamp productions.”
Prime Minister Stuart thanked the Postal Service for the gifts, revealing that he had an interest in stamp collecting.  This had been awakened during his stint as Minister of Home Affairs, which included responsibility for the Postal Service.
He congratulated the department on “the excellent work” they were doing, while acknowledging the challenges posed by technological changes.
He stated: “I know technological changes are putting pressure on the postal business, as people text and Whatsapp rather than write letters. It is an old business, which will survive by adapting.
“The Barbados Postal Service is doing a great job adapting to new circumstances and I think that the human capital and resources that it has been able to attract over the years are the best guarantee of its continued survival.”

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