1. Art and Diseño

NationWIDE
NationWIDE
THE OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA
WEEKLY
SATURDAY JANUARY 31, 2015
Poised for Growth in 2015!
Saint Lucia continues to be a functioning democracy where people speak freely and
demonstrate freely their feelings. Opposition parties oppose and ruling parties propose.
Trade unions protest. Advocates advocate unimpeded. People agree and disagree. But in
the midst of it all, governments also always have to govern. In the past three years, in the
face of economic adversity, the current Labour administration, under the stewardship of
Prime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony, has managed the economy well enough to continue
paying the government’s bills. It’s introduced and funded increasing social programs for
the most needy. It’s largely repaired the island’s damaged infrastructure. The fiscal gap
is finally being closed. Investors are once again showing confidence in Saint Lucia. And
most (and best) of all, tourism continues along the path of continued record growth. The
island continues to get rave reviews for new initiatives, the latest being US Vice President
Joseph Biden’s ringing endorsement of government’s latest efforts to tap geothermal
energy. The year 2015 has thus started with the nation well poised for economic growth
(See Page 3). In this issue, Nationwide presents a special four-page report on the Farm
Labour Support Program (FLSP) being undertaken by the National Initiative to Create
Employment (NICE) on Pages 4 to7. Also in this issue: full address by Prime Minister
Dr Kenny D. Anthony at the Sir Arthur Lewis Centennial Conference (Page 8) and two
speeches by Deputy Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre at the Corporate Launch of the Walcott
Place Grass Street project and the construction of two brand new jetties on the East
Coast (Page 11). Read on and enjoy this latest weekly update on what The Government
of Saint Lucia has been saying and doing in the past seven days. Happy Reading – and
don’t forget: NationwideTV resumes this weekend on NTN!
n
Sir Arthur Centennial and Laureate Week Reports Page 2
New Volunteer TV Program On The Way - Page 2
PM Assures Fuel Prices Will Go Down Again! - Page 4
Babonneau Awards Night Tonight Page 3
E
Fishing With Climate Change In Mind Page 12
’S
Nationwide News In Brief Back Page
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NationWIDE
Centennial Forum celebrates
work of Sir Arthur Lewis
Page 2
A
s part of the Nobel Laureate Week 2015 schedule of activities, the University of the West Indies (UWI)
Open Campus hosted the Sir
Arthur Lewis Global Centennial Forum.
The UWI Open Campus
played its part in the celebration
of the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate, Sir Arthur
Lewis, by honouring his memory through a global discussion
on his work. The discussion was
held via video conference.
Governor General of Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, said she hopes the
Nobel Laureate’s work will be
introduced to a whole new generation.
“It is our hope that this forum
will revitalize discussions on the
work and contributions of Sir Arthur, and that will be able to build
new networks and new partnerships as we reintroduce him to
new researchers, to policy makers
and to the general public.”
The Governor General remarked also on the vision of Sir
Arthur Lewis.
“The fundamental cure for
poverty is not money but knowledge, so wrote Sir Arthur so
many years ago, before the term
‘knowledge economy’ gained
international currency. Such
was his vision, such indeed was
the interdisciplinary approach
that he modelled for us.”
Participants of the forum included representatives from the
International Monetary Fund,
CARICOM, Princeton Univer-
Nobel Leaureate of St. Lucia
Sir William Arthur Lewis
sity and the University of Manchester. (See Prime Minister’s
full address at the Centennial
Forum on Page 8).
SALCC hosted Night of the Arts
T
he Sir Arthur Lewis Community celebrated Nobel
Laureate Week by hosting
a slew of theatre performances
titled “A Night of the Arts: Tan
Fe Tan, Tan Kite Tan.”
Celebrations included dance,
performances and the play
“Field of Power,” written and
directed by local playwright
Travis Weeks.
Director of Proceedings, Nathalie Jolie-Fannis, commented
on the importance of education
on Sir Arthur Lewis’ work.
“This is a very significant time
and we continue to explore and
interpret the vision that was Sir
Arthur’s. In that regard, the Sir
Arthur Lewis Community College is proud to continue to help
our students develop and appreciate the arts so that we do
not become—in his words—a
cultural desert,” she said.
Jolie-Fannis also unveiled
plans for a panel discussion
which would be broadcast live
Saturday January 31, 2015
Editorial
I
t will be a hard sell, to say the
least, for the United States to
convince CARICOM countries
they should dump the PetroCaribe agreement with Venezuela
and pin all their future hopes on
US natural gas.
Vice President Joe Biden was his
usual frank self when he told the
CARICOM Leaders at the US State
department in Washington earlier
this week that what the US would
most like to see is PetroCaribe oil
replaced by shale gas.
He also warned that the US
would insist on calling the shots
if and when US companies get the
access Washington seeks on their
behalf in the Caribbean.
But the reality of PetroCaribe in
the Caribbean hasn’t dawned on
Washington. All but two CARICOM member-states are on board
the PetroCaribe train, including
every OECS member-state. In all
states party to the PetroCaribe
Agreement, the ALBA-TCP mechanism allows much of the money
spent to return through a revolving
door to fund social programs and
make them more energy efficient.
The PetroCaribe terms are also
too attractive to pass: fuel delivered at world market prices but at
two percent interest over twentyfive years. Besides, in the ten years
T
on the National Television Network (NTN).
“We invite you to tune in to
NTN where we will be hosting
a live panel discussion that you
can participate in with our students who have excelled over
the past year.”
The Sir Arthur Lewis Com-
munity College hosted several
other activities during the week.
These included an assembly
led by the students; panel discussions with local economists,
sociologists and artists; and a
wreath laying ceremony at the
grave of Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis.
he UWI Open Campus Saint
Lucia will on Wednesday,
February 11th, 2015 host St.
Lucia’s contribution to the Magna
Carta Lecture Series at its Morne
Fortune Campus.
The Lecture, entitled “The
Magna Carta and the Notion of
Rights in Post Slavery/Post Independent Countries” takes place at
10 a.m. and is the Open Campus’
contribution to a series of UWI
St. Augustine Campus initiated
lectures taking place across the
region, in celebration of the 800th
Anniversary of the signing of the
Magna Carta.
Delivering the lecture will be
Dr. June Soomer, former History
Lecturer at The University of the
West Indies and current Ambassador to CARICOM and The
OECS with responsibility for Diaspora Issues.
The lecture is part of a series
aimed at deepening understand-
The lecture in session and the lecturer Raul Peck (inset)
annual lecture.
“When Derek asked me to be
the lecturer this year, I did my
homework, I started writing
about storytelling, and none
other than Derek, has done
something as tremendous and
important,” he said.
“We don’t realize the capacity
to tell our own stories, and more
and more, we are losing this capacity.”
Peck also engaged the audience, by screening his own
work, a documentary film titled
“Fatal Assistance” which chronicles the experiences of the Haitian people after the island was
affected by a major earthquake
in 2010.
Ambassador June Soomer
ing of the foundation of the legal
and constitutional principles that
form the essence of the English
Common Law that lies at the core
of the democracies of most Commonwealth Caribbean countries
today. The public is invited.
New volunteer TV series launched
T
F
it’s been around, PetroCaribe
hasn’t been used to economically
colonize any Caribbean country.
Indeed, CARICOM memberstates of PetroCaribe, ALBA and
CELAC eagerly look forward to
the establishment later this year
of the PetroCaribe Economic
Zone to further promote and
deepen the real process of regional integration being forged
through PeuroCaribe and ALBA.
CARICOM Leaders will also
keep their eyes on Washington’s
suddenly-declared latest intents
against Venezuela, while seeking to befriend Cuba after so very
long.
Yes, Vice President Biden will
have as hard a sell to make to the
Caribbean leaders as President
Obama has to convince the Cuban government regarding their
respective declarations of intent.
Wisely, the CARICOM leaders
have cautiously acknowledged
that shale gas can be a useful alternative in the continuing search
for efficiency energy efficiency
sustainability. But the need for
PetroCaribe oil will continue
to be real for quite some time in
these parts, as the USA hasn’t yet
developed the capacity to fuel
vehicles with shale gas, whether
‘fracked’ or refined!
Ambassador Soomer to present
Magna Carter lecture
Haitian filmmaker delivered the
2015 Derek Walcott Lecture
ilmmaker, economist and
former Haitian Minister
for Culture, Raoul Peck
delivered the 2015 Derek Walcott Lecture.
The former culture minister
was grateful for the opportunity extended to him by Saint
Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Derek
Walcott to deliver the esteemed
A Hard Sell!
he National Volunteer Program has launched a new
television series in an effort
to re-energize volunteer efforts on
the island.
The series is titled “Volunteerism with a Difference.”
Coordinator of the National Volunteer Program, Cyril Saltibus, hopes
the series will ignite a spirit of volunteerism especially among the youth.
“We will do so by going on a
journey and inviting different
groups like the Saint Lucia Cadet Corps, the Girl Guides Association, the Lions Club, the Rotary
Club, the Caribbean Youth Council and other regional and international groupings to share their
experiences on how their level of
volunteerism has impacted the
youth of our country,” he said.
Mr. Saltibus further explained
that the series will explore the
experiences of volunteers all over
the region.
“We will also travel to Dominica
where we will meet various volunteer organizations in the Caribbean, and hopefully, we can share
and exchange ideas, adopt best
practices, and discuss how we can
seek funding for projects.
“The only thing we stay away
from is actually using the words
‘volunteer’ and ‘money’ in the
same sentence because we don’t
want volunteers to get accustomed to volunteering for monetary reward.”
The television series is the first
in a series of monthly programs.
Page 3
NationWIDE
Saint Lucia poised for continued growth in 2015
Saturday January 31, 2015
S
aint Lucia enters the new
year poised for continued
tourism growth as the island celebrates an impressive
six percent increase in total visitor arrivals in 2014 over 2013,
with nearly 340,000 visitors.
Equally impressive, the island
reported seven record breaking months - February, March,
April, June, October, November
and December, demonstrating
year round demand for the destination.
The top markets to Saint Lucia each reported healthy gains.
The United States, the island’s
leading market commanding
nearly half—42 percent—of arrivals, saw an 11 percent growth
over 2013.
The second largest market, the
United Kingdom, saw four per-
cent increase in 2014 over 2013;
while Canada, the fourth largest market for Saint Lucia, also
saw a double-digit increase in
arrivals of 15 percent in 2014.
Airlift to Saint Lucia also increased a combined 14 percent
overall in 2014 with 10 percent
from the US, 14 percent from the
UK and 18 percent from Canada, and an expected increase in
airlift in 2015 of 14 percent.
The growing reputation of
the diverse hotels, and the island of Saint Lucia as a soughtafter destination was further
strengthened by the more than
100 awards and accolades received from Travel & Leisure’s
World’s Best List and Condé
Nast Traveler’s Gold List to the
coveted “Caribbean’s Leading
Honeymoon Destination” by
Prime Minister assures fuel
prices will go down further!
P
rime Minister Dr. Kenny D.
Anthony has assured Saint
Lucians that the prices of
petroleum products will be further reduced when the next adjustments are made. The Prime
Minister indicated that the only
outstanding question is the timing of the adjustments.
According to Dr. Anthony, the
Ministry of Finance is monitoring the cost of fuel closely on
the world market, to determine
whether the time period for the
next adjustment will be shortened.
“I want to reassure Saint Lucians that the next time prices
are adjusted they will see a
downward movement again in
the price of both gasoline and
diesel,” Dr. Anthony said.
“It is inevitable because in recent times, there has been no
upward movement in the price
of fuel.
“The only outstanding question, as I indicated in the address to the nation, is whether
we maintain the three-month
adjustment period or reduce
the adjustment period to eight
weeks or even six weeks.
Increased demand drives continued investment in
tourism enhancements.
Lucia’s marketing efforts,” said
Lewis.
“We work closely with our hotel and product partners, travel
agent partners, tour operators,
and airlines to harness ideas
and resources for the success of
the overall destination.”
World-class jetties to be built in
Savannes and Praslin Bays
M
“We will be looking at the figures to resolve that issue.”
He continued, “I wish to assure Saint Lucians, just like
we have maintained our policies which we have announced
publicly, so too will they see a
reduction in the price of fuel in
the weeks ahead.”
The Prime Minister expressed
the view that the decreasing
cost of crude oil is a good sign
for Saint Lucia’s economy.
“This is a good thing not just
for this economy but for developing countries. I am hoping
that the reduction in the price
of fuel will be translated to a reduction also in the price of a lot
of commodities we import.”
Babonneau hosting achievers’
awards show tonight!
T
he Babonneau Constituency will this evening
commemorate Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureates by hosting
an awards show this Saturday,
entitled “A Celebration of Youth
Excellence.”
The activity is being organized
to recognize and celebrate the
diversity and richness of talent
among the youth.
The Babonneau constituency
has produced a number of successes -- like Levern Spencer
who represents Saint Lucia on
the regional and international
scene.
Levern is one whose talent and
contribution is worth celebrating, thus, the awards evening
will focus on categories such as
Arts and Culture, Sports, Entrepreneurship in Commerce and
Agriculture, and Community
Development.
Parliamentary Representative
for Babonneau Alvina Reynolds
said, “Cognizant of the fact that
Sir Arthur Lewis became the
first black professor in Britain’s
university system at the young
age of 33, it is our view that such
World Travel Awards.
Saint Lucia found itself in the
spotlight once again as the finale destination for ABC’s The
Bachelor and as a centerpiece of
Sports Illustrated’s coveted 50th
anniversary swimsuit issue.
Overall, top source markets
to the island reported stay-over
arrivals of more than 340,000
in 2014, a nearly six percent increase over 2013, reported Louis
Lewis, Director of Tourism for
the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.
From acclaimed events and
festivals, such as the Saint Lucia
Jazz and Arts Festival, to investments in new and enhanced hotels and tourism products, Saint
Lucia is poised for continued
growth in the coming year.
“Partnership is key to keeping
the momentum strong for Saint
inister for Agriculture,
Food Production, Fisheries, Cooperatives and
Rural Development, Moses Jn.
Baptiste, last week reiterated the
Saint Lucia Government’s commitment to advancing the fisheries sector in Saint Lucia.
His remarks were made at a sod
turning ceremony for the construction of two new jetties, one at
Praslin and the other at Savannes
Bay, that upon completion are expected to improve the livelihoods
of the fishers of both communities, assist them in securing their
vessels, and attract increased economic activity both in fishing and
in tourism.
“We know how much you have
worked and toiled for many years
so that your operations here succeed,” Minister Jn Baptiste said.
“I want you to know that government is serious about advancing
the development of the fisheries
sector in Saint Lucia. We promised greater support for fuel subsidies and more training for fishers and handlers, and we have
increased that subsidy by 100 percent and have held a number of
training sessions. We also promised to increase the number of fish
aggregating devices in coastal areas and we have done so.
“Now we have all the designs,
the permissions and the materials to commence construction of
the jetties,” he continued. “These
are world class jetties that will be
built, complete with solar panels.
Sorry sights like this will soon be no more at Praslin and Savannes
Bays, thanks to assistance to the island’s fisheries sector by Japan.
The Taiwanese government also
generously donated funds toward
the Fisheries Development Program that includes a component
for infrastructure and repairs.
So you don’t just get a jetty, we
will work with the Ministry of
Infrastructure to assess the existing building and to ensure that
you also get a newly refurbished
building to complement the jetty.”
Minister Jn Baptiste also
thanked the collaborators of the
project and the Government of
China (Taiwan) for the donation.
Taiwanese Ambassador, His Excellency James Chang noted the
improvements expected from the
construction of the new jetties.
“The jetties will facilitate the
landing of marine products by
fishers in the industry. They will
also permit safe and convenient
access to vessels and also pro-
vide safe mooring during times
of rough seas. The sanitation conditions of the area will also be
improved,” Ambassador Chang
said.
“Jetty fishing may be some of
the most productive near-shore
fishing there is. In addition, it will
also assist sea moss farmers. It is
my firm belief that the construction of those jetties has set another good example and will further
the existing relationship between
our two countries.”
The Government of China
(Taiwan) presented a cheque of
EC$824,922.56 for the construction of Savannes Bay and the
Praslin jetties at the sod turning
ceremony. This most recent donation followed a previous donation
of EC$288,986.27, bringing the total funds donated to the project to
EC$1,096,547.80.
Sea moss production standardized
The Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Unit has developed
National Qualification Standards that can be applied regionally.
T
Saint Lucia’s High-jumping
Queen Levern Spencer hails
from Babonneau.
an event can serve as an opportune moment to counter all of
the negativity currently heaped
upon the youth, as we motivate
awardees to continue setting
high standards whilst encouraging others to do likewise.”
The event will be under the
patronage of Her Excellency
Dame Pearlette C. Louisy, and
will be held at the Union Orchid
Gardens from 7 pm.
he Saint Lucia National
Trust has developed new
regulations and standards
for sea moss production.Under
the Caribbean Fish Sanctuary
Partnership Initiative, the project
will train Saint Lucian farmers in
sea moss harvesting techniques.
Program Officer of the Saint
Lucia National Trust, Craig
Henry, said the most important
milestone for the project was the
launch of the National Qualification Standards for sea moss production.
“The Standards document was
produced with input from a number of industry experts, especially
from the Ministry of Agriculture,
while the TVET Unit of the Ministry of Education was in charge
of developing National Standards
that could be used Caribbean
wide,” Mr. Henry said.
It is the hope that the Standards
A producer proudly displaying the natural marine resource, raw materials in her left hand and a full jar of the liquid refined stuff in her right..
document for seamoss production will eventually be utilized
regionally.
“The intent is that the National
Qualification Standards will be
adopted by other OECS or CARICOM nations who have sea moss
producers as a livelihood option,"
he said. "In addition, we also have
important monitoring and evaluation exercises that include biophysical assessments mainly of
protected areas.”
The standards for sea moss production were developed primarily in Saint Lucia.
NationWIDE
Page 4
Saturday January 31, 2015
NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT (NICE)
NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT (NICE)
The Farm Labour Support Program (FLSP)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
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: initiative will
u
ic
The seek
National Skills
was charged of
with food
the responsibility
of
coordir
the younger generation. Moreover
this
to Development
ensure Centre
continuity
production
g
a
the
ulate
nating the training in Crop Production to prepare
the
farmers for CVQ certification.
myoung
ti
s
to
 Babonn d
e
n
eau – Reg
trained a
It was desig
providing
sustainable
employment
opportunities.
y
ion 2
ll
ia
c
Deputy Permanent
Secretary, Minister
for Agriculture and
NICE Project Coe
p
s
 Farm
DeLabour
ordinator at MOU signing ceremony of the
Program
zation of
nnerySupport
li
ti
u
North
e
th
& South – th
ugh
borers”
Mr.
notes “There are certain
inherent
roThomas
la
m
r
fa
“
s
Region 3
serve a
to
l
e
n
n
o
s
r
past
challenges
ofinthis
e
th
skilled peto implementing a program
h
 Praslin
it
w
Desruissea
d to close
e
c
r
fo
ux, Micoud
n
e
e
b
veinstance
nature;
for
accessing farms located in
Region 4
th– at ha
s
m
r
fa
r
o
ing farms
c
u
d
ility of
o
r
b

p
a
il
remote
areas”.
r
a
C
e
v
a
d
a
n
n
n
e
ll
/u
u
e
s to River D oduction,
ctive
orree –
of p
dormant/ina
t
s
o
c
h
ig
R
h
He indicates that as the projects progresses
r due to:egion 5
e
g
n
lo
r
o
months
 Choisaefford skilled
ul to Soufrie
through the initial stages of the FLSP’s
T
h
ileityNatitoonal S
b
re – Regio
a
in
,
r
k
o
il
ls
b
n
6 over a donation of protective wear; IICA Representative, Minister
ere

ve. lopmenIICA
nse LaeRt asyhD
skilled la
a
t CeHanding
chargedA
n
implementation,
adjustments
will become
tre wasof Agriculture, NICE
k
e
r
to
a
Canaries
with the re
Project Coordinator
ck o(fCm
la
r
o
s
p
s
o
s
n
s
lo
co Areas:
the traininagnaries Specific) ibility ofTarget
labor, and
rdinatingthat will need to be addressed in order
– Region 7oevident
in Crop Pr
oduction to• Babonneau – Region 2
 Roseau
young farm
– Region 7 p the • p
reparNorth
Dennery
th&e South
ers to
lo
e
to 3e secure
continuous
improvement
in
v
fo
e
r
d
C
V
Q
–
Region
t
c
h
e
r
g
ti
u
fi
o
c
a
s
ti
on•. Praslin Desruisseaux,
alsofoAgriculture and FLSP Trainees
am
Ministry
m
progofrthe
r
Micoud
– Region 4
fa
s
TheOfficials
agricultural
labor practices. Notwithstanding
a
Criteria fo f youth
• Canelles to River Doree
r
o
f
a
r
g
m
in
w
orkerof
trainsector through the utilization
It was designed to stimulate
s:specially of– Region 5
gto hagricultural
throuthe
r personnel
D
e
n
Soufriere
–
trained
and
skilled
serve as“farm
laborers”
on
dormant/inactive/under
n
cto
e
Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and FLSP Trainees this, tothe
FLSP
in intends to bring about a positive
e
ry
s
T
p pooorl • Choiseul
Havclose
rainerers nesix
entoin
ewin
atrinmonths
u
te
c
Region 6
producing farms or farms that have been forced todo
within
the
past
r
g
e
s
ro
t
te
a
ct
te
iv
d
by Ilabor,
ICA inabilityfatorm
uipmeLant Raye to Canaribute of skilled
ing,e e•qAnse
longer due to: high cost of production,
unavailability
afford
ontr
cmarket
to
e
r
a
s
r
g
u
e
r
change
to
the
island’s
agriculture
sector.
lt
ic
n
ies
(Canaries Specific) –
skilledo
labor,
and
loss
or
lack
of
share.
u
u
w
lture or rin
gfiric
adfarm
e
la
te
n
Region
7
The program also sought to develop the sector through
training
of
youth
as
owne
m
e
o
ld
w
detw
n
a

•
Roseau – Region 7
ers to contribute to current pool
ofn
business
men
and women in agriculture through its
B
e
3 m
T
e
a
rget Areas en the ag
iness
Model Farm
buscomponent.
:
of col-16 Criteria for farm workers:
neneast.formal
o
p
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established
representing
m
o
c
m
r
a
a
n
d
F
l
4
e
5
laboration between NICE andM
the
Ministry
of
Agriculture,
Food
Production,
Fisheries
ye
od
• Have interest in farm and RuralthDevelopment.
rough its  Babonneau – ars
Partners
Region 2
 Saint
L
u
c
ian
Dennery N
orth & Socuitizen with
th
National ID
and valid–N
Region 3
IC
 Must h
a
ve b
 Praslin
Desruisseaasic reading and
ux, Micoud
writin
–
Region 4 g skills
 Canelle
s to River D
oree –
Region 5
 Choise
ul to Soufrie
re
ing, agriculture or relatIt documents the formal collaboration between organizations committed to the wellbeed field
g
in
n
ig
s
ing of St. Lucians: farmers and unemployed individuals. NICE, under a
this
MOU,
OUviews • Between the ages of 16
M
t
y
a
R
its commitment to training as an essential component
to
sethelaprogram as the Project
and 45 years
m is
u and Aofnagricultural
aknowledge
racoupled
e
g
n
o
n
r
o
P
of the opinion that having
the
requisite
production
b
t
a
r
b
o
a
p
B
p
•
Saint
Lucian citizen with
r
u
o
S
f
r
P
u
M enhancement training
abo into an increase in the level of
with productivity
m Ltranslate
arwill
F
National ID and valid
e
th
f
o
y
n
productivitycof
o
emlabour.
erfarm
NIC
According to Mr. Perry Thomas, Project Coordinator of NICE, This Program will seek
• Must have basic reading
to engage the Ministry of Agriculture, in its efforts to promote the concept of making
and writing skills
Agriculture more appealing to the younger generation. Moreover this initiative will seek
• Must reside in a parto ensure continuity of food production by providing sustainable employment opportuticipating Agricultural
nities.
Region.
Mr. Thomas notes “There are certain inherent challenges to implementing a program
of this nature; for instance accessing farms located in remote areas”.
The Farm Labor Support Program

2 5 Dennery Trainees wearing protective equipment
donated by IICA
training in agribusiness.
NationWIDE
Saturday January 31, 2015
Agriculture as a business
Page 5
Components of the Program
NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT (NICE)
In its initial
phase, whereby
unemployed
young persons PROGRAM
with an interest in agriculture
from seven
THE
FARM
LABOUR
SUPPORT
(FLSP)
The project
provides
a platform
youth
(
agricultural
were invited
to apply for training and participation in the Farm Labor Suppo
accept farming
as a regions,
commercial
business
The
various
of the program include orientation, recruitment and selection, lif
• Farmer must be registeredProgram.
the Advisory
Services
of the MOA
venture and with
will
achieve
this components
through two
Criteria for beneficiary farm/er:
• Farmer must be 18 years and older
• Must be a Saint Lucian citizen or legally authorized for employment in Saint Lucia
tional Initiative
to Create
(NICE)evidence
is funded
by the
Government
St. Lucia
• Farmer
mustEmployment
provide documented
of tenure
(freehold,
rented, of
leased
or fam-and is
ily owned) Farm must have accessible road or “well maintained” foot path
ed as a mechanism
which will lead, drive and support the various programs for employment.
• Farm must have toilet facilities and potable water for basic sanitation purposes
• Farm must have
a first
kit
CE Project Management
Unit
hasaid
implemented
the National Apprenticeship and Placement
• Farm should have a changing area. Must be a farmer and a Saint Lucian currently
m (NAPP) for unemployed
person
Acquiring skills and work experience necessary
resident on island
for ainterested
period of 12inmonths;
• Farmer must derive and continue to contribute a significant part of his/her capital to
ome more marketable
enhance their ability to adapt quickly to emerging trends in various
the farm and
enterprise;
• Farmer must contribute and continue to contribute a significant part of his/her labor
.
in work of the farm enterprise.
The National Initiative to Create Employment (NICE) is funded by the Government of
St. Lucia and is designed as a mechanism which will lead, drive and support the various
programs for employment. The NICE Project Management Unit has implemented the
roduction ofNational
the Farm
Labor Support
ProgramProgram (NAPP) for unemployed person interApprenticeship
and Placement
ested in Acquiring skills and work experience necessary to become more marketable and
was crucial
in facilitating the growth and
Farmers Orientation Meeting
enhance their ability to adapt quickly to emerging trends in various sectors.
The
introduction
of the
Labor that
Support Program (FLSP) was crucial in facilitating
ability of the agriculture
sector
forFarm
reasons
s funded by
Government
of St.
Lucia
andsector
is for reasons that include:
thethe
growth
and sustainability
of the
agriculture
Components of the Program
• Creates sustainable employment opportunities;

:
In its initial phase, unemployed young persons with an interest in agriculture from
support the
various
programs
employment.
• The
development
of a shiftfor
in the
mindset of persons working in the agricultural secseven
agricultural
regions, werethey
invited can
to apply
for training
and participation in impact o
tor;
willingness to contribute is matched(7)with
opportunity,
have
a transformative
 Creates
sustainable
employment
the Farm Labor Support Program. The various components of the program include ori• Supports
the view and practice
as a business
ed
the National
Apprenticeship
andofagriculture
Placement
entation, recruitment and selection, life-skills training, technical skills training and job
economic growth and social development.
The project offers an option for youth employment and
opportunities;
placement. The project also included an entrepreneurship component referred to as the
Creating
sustainable
employment opportunities
Acquiring skills
and
work experience
necessary

Model
Farm
Concept.
Following the screening process candidates who met the criteria
 The development of a shift in the mindset of means for youth to improve their quality of through
improved income.
How will we continue to provide jobs for our growing nation and how will we continue
completed 60 hours of life-skills education through the NSDC’s Productivity Enhancetopersons
adapt working
quickly
tonutritious
emerging
trends
to feed them
foods?
We can in
findvarious
answers to both of these questions in agriculin the
agricultural
sector;
ment
Training
(PET)
workshop.
young persons with an interest in agricul small enterprises can result in significant change ture from various communities Unemployed
ture. We cannot deny that micro and
were invited to apply for training and participation in
 Supports in
theagricultural
view and and
practice
agriculture
a business
otherof
sectors.
Young as
people
bring energy, vitality, and innovation
the Farm Labour Support Program.
into the workforce. When their willingness
to contribute is matched with opportunity,

they can have a transformative impact on economic growth and social development. The
Life Skills training
Calling
for aforChange
in Mindset
project offers an option for youth employment
and a means
youth to improve
their
Following screening process candiquality
of through improved
income.
ng sustainable
employment
opportunities
dates who met the criteria completm
As a nation we face the challenge
shifting
mindsets
ed of
60 hours
of life-skills
education
through the NSDC’s Productivity Enwill
we
continue
to
provide
jobs
for
our
d
and behaviors in our youth and
adult
population
hancement
Training
(PET) workshop.
g nation and how will we continue to feed
 Musculoskeletal injuries
The project ensured that the young
at
farmers
developed
only technical
involved in agriculture. We often
find
that not
persons
Choiseul trainees on their practice farm
utritious foods? We can find answers to
 Chemical poisoning or “hard skills” in crop production,
during technical skills training
soft skills to necessary
have a negative perception butofcritical
participation
in to
these questions in agriculture. We cannot
 Burns
address the poverty mindset and engender an overall attitude for employment and suchat micro and small enterprises can result
agriculture whereby they view farming
(and
farmers)
cess. The topics
explored
included ; self-management, self-motivation, positive thinking,
nt
 Heat and cold emergencies
effective communication, critical thinking
and decision making, anger management,
Choiseul trainees on their practice farm during technical
ificant change in agricultural and other
representative of uneducated, personal
unskilled,
physical conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, job readiness
financial management,
skills training
 Snake Bites
and sexual reproductive health.
. Young people bring energy, vitality, and
Orientation
Meeting
TheFarmers
youth
were
also equipped
with first aid training to provide valuable care to an
laborers with extremely low economic
return.
of
injured person using items found around the home and farm. Participants learned
ion into the workforce. When their
• Patient assessment and A-B-C’s
• Musculoskeletal injuries
Calling for a Change in Mindset
Technical
Skills Training
and
Certification
• Chemical
poisoninga more
The program
encourages
our farmers
to adopt
• Burns
e as a business
As a nation we face the challenge of shifting mindsets and behaviors in our youth
Heat andproduction
cold emergencies
business-oriented
and adult population involved in agriculture.
We often find that persons
have a nega- to • food
For the year approach
2014,
one hundred
and sixty-nine in
• Snake Bites
7 tive perception of participation in agriculture
whereby they view farming (and farmers)
y, they can
haveof a
transformative
impact
onprocesses,
terms
of(169)
their
and
productivity.
representative
uneducated,
unskilled, physical
laborers
with
extremely low economic
Trainee measuring plot to prepare beds
young
peopleprocedures
were trained
asSkills
partTraining
of the
Technical
and
return.
Certification
The
program
encourages
our
farmers
to
adopt
a
more
business-oriented
approach
to
t offers an option for youth employment farm
and labor
a
support program.9 Participants of the
food production in terms of their processes, procedures and productivity.
For the year 2014, one hundred
The
poor
image
of
persons
involved
in
agriculture,
especially
in
the
rural
The
poor
image
of communities
persons
involved
in agriculture,
roved income.
and sixty-nine
(169)
young people
program
received
technical
skills
training
in crop
needs to be changed and the youth are the ideal catalyst to promote such change given
were trained as part of the farm la their greater propensity and wiliness to adapt
new ideas, concept
and technology
which
especially
in the
rural
be
bor supportneeds
program.to
Participants
production
at the
levelcommunities
of a Caribbean
Vocational
are all important to changing the way agriculture is practiced
and perceived.
of the program received technical
With technological advances and modern
practices in agriculture,
sector has
be- the
changed
and thethe
youth
are
idealbecoming
catalyst
to
Trainee measuring plot to prepare beds
skills training
in crop production
Qualification
(CVQ).
With
certification
come more than tilling the soil andrearing animals. The
sector today offers
career opporat the level of a Caribbean VocaTrainee measuring plot to prepare beds
tunities in research, environment, financial
management,such
engineering
and other
techni- their
promote
change
given
greater
propensity
tional
Qualification
(CVQ).
an increasingly
important
factor
regionally
and With
cal areas for the youth to explore.
certification becoming an increasThe Farm Labor Support Program seeks to
modifywiliness
these perceptions
the proviand
to though
adapt
new ingly
ideas,
concept
and recognition
important
factor
regionally
globally the
CVQ
provides
the
benefit
of10 regional
sion of holistic training in agribusiness.
and globally the CVQ provides
skills training, technical skills training and job placement. The project also included a
different avenues; namely the Model Farm
entrepreneurship component referred to as the Model Farm Concept. Following the screenin
concept and the promotion of partnerships and
process candidates who met the criteria completed 60 hours of life-skills education through th
cooperatives. While some young people view
NSDC’s Productivity Enhancement Training (PET) workshop. Unemployed young persons with a
agriculture as a dead end career, lucrative
interest in agriculture from various communities were invited to apply for training and participation
careers can emerge with the right investment to
the Farm Labour Support Program.
support entrepreneurs in agriculture.
Musculoskeletal
injuries
The FLSP therefore facilitates
the establishment
Life Skills training
Chemical
poisoning
of successful agribusiness
which
will not only
provide foodFollowing
for St.Burns
Lucia, butprocess
will provide
screening
candidates who met the
Heat
cold
emergencies
criteria completed
60entrepreneurs,
hours of life-skills education
sustainable livelihoods
for and
young
through
the Bites
NSDC’s
Productivity
Snake
creating positive
socio-economic
changes.
Enhancement
Training (PET) workshop. The project ensured that the
young farmers developed not only technical or “hard
Technical Skills Training and Certification
skills” in crop production, but critical soft skills to
necessary
to address
poverty
mindset
engender
For the year
2014,the
one
hundred
andand
sixty-nine
(169) young people were trained as part of the
an overall attitude for employment and success. The
farm labor
support
program.
Participants of the
topics
explored
included
; self-management,
self-
program received
technicaleffective
skills training
in crop critical thinking and decision making, ang
motivation,
positive thinking,
communication,
production atpersonal
the levelfinancial
of a Caribbean
Vocational
management,
management,
conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, job readine
Qualification
(CVQ). With
certification becoming
and
sexual reproductive
health.
an increasingly important factor regionally and
The youth were also equipped with first aid training to provide valuable care to an injured perso
globally the CVQ provides the benefit of regional recognition
using items found around the home and farm. Participants learned
which
supports
the
free
Patient assessment and A-B-C's
movement of skilled workers in
the Caribbean Community. The
Caribbean
of regional recognition
which supports the free movement
skilled workers in the Caribbean
movement of skilled workersof
in
technology whic
Community. The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certificathe Caribbean Community. tion
The framework ensures
are
important to changing the way agriculture i
thatallparticipants follow a course structure
Caribbean
Vocational
practiced
which matches industry
standards, and perceived.
therefore ensuring that participants
Qualification (CVQ) certification
develop the appropriate knowledge
and competence in the skill area.
framework
ensures
that
technological advances and modern practice
Participants
underwentWith
classroom
and field-based training with asparticipants follow a course
in practical
agriculture, the sector has become more tha
sessment by written and
examinations.
structure which matches industry
This is an achievement
to be the
cel- soil and rearing animals. The sector toda
tilling
ebrated as we boast having skilled
Trainees in practical session of animal
standards, therefore ensuring
thatin the agriculture sector,
workers
husbandry
who are certified and now empow-
which
supports
the
Vocational
the benefit
free
Qualification (CVQ) certification
framework
participants
ensures
follow
a
that
course
structure which matches industry
standards, therefore ensuring that
participants develop
the appropriate
participants develop the appropriate
8 ered to offer their labor not only in St. Lucia, but in other CARICOM territories.
The
training component was conducted over a period of four (4) months and
knowledge
and
competence
in technical
the
Agriculture as a business
was coordinated by the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC).
The project provides a platform whereby youth accept
as a commercial
busi- underwent
skillfarming
area.
Participants
Trainees in practical session of animal husbandry
Job Placement
Trainees in practical session of animal husband
ness venture and will achieve this through two different avenues; namely the Model
Following
skills training,
participants
receive contracted
employment on
Farm concept and the promotion of partnerships andclassroom
cooperatives.and
Whilefield-based
some young training
withtechnical
assessment
by written
and practical
examinations.
farms within their respective regions. The pool of laborers are not fixed on one farm
people view agriculture as a dead end career, lucrative careers can emerge with the right
but work with various farmers within the region and are rotated weekly to meet the
investment to support entrepreneurs in agriculture.
demands of the farmers to facilitate farmers varying demands in farm husbandry pracThe FLSP therefore facilitates the establishment of successful agribusiness which will
tices.
not only provide food for St. Lucia, but will provide sustainable livelihoods for young
entrepreneurs, creating positive socio-economic changes.
Continued on Page 6
knowledge and competence in the
skill area. Participants underwent
classroom and field-based training with assessment by written and practical examinations.
11 training in agribusiness.
Page 6
Agriculture as a business
NationWIDE
Saturday January 31, 2015
Components of the Program
NATIONAL INITIATIVE Graduation
TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT (NICE)
In its initial
phase, whereby
unemployed
young persons PROGRAM
with an interest in agriculture
from seven
THE
FARM
LABOUR
SUPPORT
(FLSP)
The project
provides
a platform
youth
(
agricultural
were invited
to apply for training and participation in the Farm Labor Suppo
accept farming
as a regions,
commercial
business
Program.
The various
of the program include orientation, recruitment and selection, lif
FLSP
Supervisors and
venture
will achieve
this components
through two
Continued from
Continued
from Page
Page55
Criteria for beneficiary farm/er:
The identification
and selection
of suitably
qualified
to serve as potential su• Farmer
must be registered
with the
Advisory
Servicespersons
of the MOA
was significant
persons
•pervisors
Farmer must
be 18 yearsas
and
older selected to perform in the position, function as the
the Lucian
Farmer,citizen
the(NICE)
Project
and
the
Ministry.
•link
Must
be a Saint
or legally
authorized
for employment
in of
Saint
tional Initiative
to between
Create
Employment
is funded
by the
Government
St.Lucia
Lucia and is
Farm labor
were employed
under
the program
to manage
and schedule
• Farmer
mustsupervisors
provide documented
evidence
of tenure
(freehold,
rented, leased
or famed as a mechanism
which
willmust
lead,
and
support
the various
programs
forrespective
employment.
the
operations
of have
thedrive
farm
workers.
supervisors
liaise
withpath
the
ily daily
owned)
Farm
accessible
roadThe
or “well
maintained”
foot
Extension
Officers to
provide
to the workers.
Fourteen
•Agricultural
Farm must have
toilet facilities
and
potabletechnical
water forsupport
basic sanitation
purposes
CE Project Management
Unit
has
implemented
thevarious
National
Apprenticeship and Placement
supervisors
have
been
deployed
into the
regions.
•(14)
Farm
must have
a first
aid
kit
The FLSP
hashave
also aproduced
spill
over
benefits
to the National
School
Feeding
ProFarm
should
changing
area.
Must
be a farmer
and work
a Saint
Lucian
currently
m (NAPP) for•unemployed
person
interested
in
Acquiring
skills and
experience
necessary
gram
through
the revitalization
of12
school
gardens.
resident
on island
for a period of
months;
• Farmer must
and their
continue
to contribute
significant
of his/her
capital
ome more marketable
and derive
enhance
ability
to adaptaquickly
to part
emerging
trends
in to
various
the farm enterprise;
.
• Farmer must contribute and continue to contribute a significant part of his/her labor
in work of the farm enterprise.
The National Initiative to Create Employment (NICE) is funded by the Government of
St. Lucia and is designed as a mechanism which will lead, drive and support the various
forLabor
employment.
TheProgram
NICE Project Management Unit has implemented the
roduction ofprograms
the Farm
Support
Farmers Orientation Meeting
National Apprenticeship and Placement Program (NAPP) for unemployed person interested
Acquiring skills
work experience
necessary to become more marketable and
was crucial
inin facilitating
theandgrowth
and
Components of the Program
enhance their ability to adapt quickly to emerging trends in various sectors.
FLSP
Supervisors
FLSP Supervisors meeting with Chief Extension Officer
of the agriculture
sector
forFarm
reasons
that
of the
Labor
Support
Program
sability
funded
byThe
theintroduction
Government
of
St.
Lucia
and
is (FLSP) was crucial in facilitating
In
its
initial
phase,
unemployed
young persons with an interest in agriculture from
the growth and sustainability of the agriculture sector for reasons that include:
:
seven
(7)
agricultural
regions,
were
invited can
to apply
for training
and participation in impact o
The
Model
Farm
Concept
with opportunity, they
have
a transformative
• Creates
sustainable
employment
opportunities;
support the
various
programs
for employment.
 willingness to contribute is matched
the
Labor Support
Program.
The various components of the program include oriTheFarm
next generation
of St.
Lucian farmers
• The development of a shift in the mindset of persons working in the agricultural secentation, recruitment and selection, life-skills training, technical skills training and job
tor; sustainable
 Creates
employment
economic growth and social development.
Thecomponent
project
offers
an optioncomponent
for youth
employment and
ed
the National
Apprenticeship
and
Placement
The model
sought
to
placement.
Thefarm
project
also included
an entrepreneurship
referred to as the
• Supports the view and practice ofagriculture as a business
develop
a
new
breed
of
young
farmers
foModel
Farm
Concept.
Following
the
screening
process
candidates
who
met
the criteria
opportunities;
means for youth to improve their quality
of
through
improved
income.
cused heavily
on enterprise.
The idea
was to through the NSDC’s Productivity Enhancecompleted
60
hours
of
life-skills
education
Acquiring skills
and
work
experience
necessary
Creating sustainable employment opportunities
 The development of a shift in the mindset
of
createTraining
a pilot model
farm entrepreneurment
(PET) for
workshop.
Unemployed young persons with an interest in agricul for
ship from
among
the youth
population
in St.
Lu- to apply for training and participation in
ture
various
communities
were
invited
How willto
weemerging
continue to provide
jobsin
our growing nation and how will we continue
topersons
adapt working
quickly
trends
various
in the
agricultural
cia. Farm
The first
phase
commenced
in July 2014
the
Labour
Support
Program.
to feed them
nutritious
foods?sector;
We can find answers to both of these questions in agriculand included ten (10) young persons from
We cannot
deny thatofmicro
and
 small
 Supports ture.
the view
and practice
agriculture
as enterprises
a businesscan result in significant change
Life
Skills training
community
of Coolie Town Castries.
in agricultural and other sectors. Young Calling
people bringfor
energy,
vitality,
and
innovation
a Change in Mindsetthe
The young farmers were trained in vegetaFLSP Supervisors
into the workforce. When their willingness
to contribute is matched with opportunity,
Following screening process candible production, marketing, farm ownership
they can have a transformative impact on economic growth and social development. The
dates who met the criteria completand
as well
as basicmindsets
preparation for various
project offers an option for youth employment
and
a
means
for
youth
to
improve
their
As a nation we face the challenge
shifting
ed of
60 hours
of life-skills education
ng sustainable
employment
opportunities
areas of agricultural production.
quality
of through improved
income.
through the NSDC’s Productivity Enm
As part of the CVQ certification preparaand behaviors in our youth and
adult
population
hancement
Training
(PET) workshop.
tion,
the model farm pilot group completwill
we
continue
to
provide
jobs
for
our
 Musculoskeletal injuries
The project ensured that the young
d
FLSP Supervisorsinvolved in agriculture. We often
meeting
ed two (2)FLSP
units on
business planning
and with Chief Extension Officer
farmers
developed
not
only technical
find
thatSupervisors
persons
Choiseul trainees on their practice farm
financial management. In collaboration
g nation and how will we continue to feed
 Chemical poisoning or “hard skills” in crop production,
at
during technical skills training
with the USAID-funded Junior Achievesoft skills to necessary
have a negative perception but
ofcritical
participation
in to
utritious foods? We can find answers to
ment Program for the Eastern Caribbean
 Burns
address
poverty
and engender
(JAPEC),the
through
itsmindset
Youth Business
Start- an overall attitude for employment and sucthese questions in agriculture. We cannot
agriculture whereby they view farming
(and
farmers)
cess.
The topics
explored
included
; self-management,
self-motivation, positive thinking,
up Program
(YBSP),
the young
farmers
were
 Heat and cold emergencies
effective
communication,
critical
thinking
and
decision
making, anger management,
Choiseul trainees on their practice farm during technical
further trained in entrepreneurship.
The
hat micro and small enterprises can result
representative of uneducated, personal
unskilled,
physical
financial
management,
conflictderesolution, interpersonal skills, job readiness
nt
YBSP
is an
entrepreneurship
program
skills training
 Snake Bites
and
sexual
health. Worldwide
veloped
by reproductive
Junior
Achievement
ificant change in agricultural and other
Farmers
Orientation
Meeting
The
youth
were
also
equipped
with
laborers with extremely low economic
return.
(JAWW) to reduce youth unemploymentfirst
by aid training to provide valuable care to an
injured
personactivities
using items
around
the home and farm. Participants learned
. Young people bring energy, vitality, and
implementing
thatfound
support
the es•
Patient assessment
and sustainable
A-B-C’s
tablishment
of viable and
youth
of
ion into the workforce. When their
•
Musculoskeletal
injuries
micro-business
using
a demand driven apCalling for a Change in Mindset
Technical
Skills Training
and
Certification
•
Chemical
poisoning
The program
encourages
our farmers
to adopt
proach.
This
programaismore
facilitated in col•
Burns with the Small Enterprise DeAs a nation we face the challenge of shifting mindsets and behaviors in our youth
laboration
Heat andUnit
coldSEDU
emergencies
business-oriented
food
production
in Finance
and adult population involved in agriculture.
We often find that persons
have a nega- to •
velopment
and AXCEL
e as a business
For the year approach
2014,
one hundred
and
sixty-nine
•
Snake Bites
tive perception of participation in agriculture whereby they view farming (and farmers)
Limited.
y, they can
haveof a
transformative
impact
onprocesses,
terms
of(169)
their
and
representative
uneducated,
unskilled, physical
laborers
with
extremely low economic
Under
the productivity.
YBSP the group received the
Trainee measuring plot to prepare beds
young
peopleprocedures
were trained
as
partTraining
of the
7 Technical
Skills
and
return.
following benefits:
Certification
The
program
encourages
our
farmers
to
adopt
a
more
business-oriented
approach
to
Entrepreneurship
training
from
concept offers an option for youth employment farm
and labor
a
support program.9 Participants
of the
FLSP
Supervisors
meeting with
Chief Extension
Officer
food production
in terms
of their processes,
procedures
and productivity.
tualization
of a business
idea
to the estabFor the year
2014, one
hundred
The
poor
image
of
persons
involved
in
agriculture,
especially
in
the
rural
communities
lishment
of
viable
businesses;
The
poor
image
of
persons
involved
in
agriculture,
roved income.
and
sixty-nine
(169)
young
people
program
received
technical
skills
training
incoaching;
crop
needs to be changed and the youth are the ideal catalyst
to promote
such change
given
• Mentorship
and
were
trained as
part
of the farm la their greater
propensity and wiliness to adapt
new ideas, concept
and technology
which
•
Business
and
technical
support;
especially
in
the
rural
communities
needs
be
bor supportVocational
program.to
Participants
production
at
the
level
of
a
Caribbean
are all important to changing the way agriculture is practiced and perceived.
•
Better
access
to
funding
through part of the program received technical
With technological advances and modern
practices in agriculture,
theyouth
sector has
be- the
nerships
withcatalyst
microfinance
and otherTrainee measuring plot to prepare beds
changed
and
the
are
ideal
skills
training
in
crop
production
Qualification
(CVQ).
With certification
becoming to
come more than tilling the soil andrearing animals. The
sector today offers
career opporat institutions;
the level of a Caribbean VocaTrainee measuring plot to prepare beds
tunities in research, environment, financial
management,such
engineering
and other
techni- their
• Participation
inpropensity
a series
of workshops
for
promote
change
given
greater
tional
Qualification
(CVQ).
With
14 an increasingly important factor
regionally
and
cal areas for the youth to explore.
Life Skills,
Motivational
Inspirationcertification
becoming
anand
increasThe Farm Labor Support Program seeks to
modifywiliness
these perceptions
the provial support;
Coaching
forregionally
and
to though
adapt
new ingly
ideas,
concept
and recognition
important
factor
globally the
CVQ
provides
the
benefit
of10 regional
sion of holistic training in agribusiness.
•
Entrepreneurship;
Marketing
and Social
and
globally the CVQ
provides
Media
;
Business
Linkages
and
Opportuthe benefit of regional recognition
which
supports
the
free
nities;
Clustering;
which
supports
the
free
movement
• Membership
in business
clubs;
skilled workers
in the Caribbean
movement of skilled workersof
in
whic
• Business network
support through
and busiCommunity.
The Caribbean
Voca- membership in business clubs, clusterstechnology
nessQualification
alliances;
tional
(CVQ) certificathe Caribbean Community. tion
The framework
are
important
tosupport
changing
the and
way
agriculture i
• Buyer
linkages ensures
between
established
business and
in identifying
securthatallparing business
ticipants
follow a course structure
Caribbean
Vocational
practiced
• opportunities;
which
matches industry
standards, and perceived.
• Supplierensuring
Development
Support
therefore
that participants
Qualification (CVQ) certification
• Youth the
Trade
and Opportunity
Fair to showcase products/services and identify potendevelop
appropriate
knowledge
tialcompetence
buyers and investors.
and
in the skill area.
framework
ensures
that
technological advances and modern practice
Participants
underwentWith
classroom
Thefield-based
Future of the
Model Farm
and
training
with Concept
asparticipants follow a course
The future
fertile
the young farmersthe
engaged
in the program
as they pre- more tha
inforpractical
agriculture,
sector
has become
sessment
byseems
written
and
Graduation
pare for three months of internship on established farms around the island, which will
examinations.
structure
which Skills
matches
The National Initiative to Create Employment (NICE)
and the National
Devel- industry
commence
January. This
group
of individuals
is positive;
self motivated
andThe
eager sector
to
This is anin achievement
to
be the
celtilling
soil and
rearing
animals.
toda
opment Centre (NSDC) hosted the 2014 Graduation Ceremony of the National Apprenlaunch their
careers
community
based commercial
farming.
Through
the
internship
ebrated
as we
boastinhaving
skilled
Trainees
in
practical
session
of
animal
standards,
therefore
ensuring
thatin thewill
ticeship and Placement Program on August 19 2014
at the National
Cultural Centre
the participants
have the opportunity
to actively experience,
contribute to and learn
workers
agriculture
sector,
husbandry
under the theme “The future belongs to those who prepare today.”
about
successful
small farm management and creation of self employwho are
certifiedsmall
and farming,
now empow8 the appropriate
One hundred and twenty participants of the Farmparticipants
Labour Supportdevelop
Program –phase
ment.
ered to offer their labor not only in St. Lucia, but in other CARICOM territories.
one, graduated.
As the program progresses, NICE in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, and
The
training component was conducted over a period of four (4) months and
knowledge
and an
competence
in technical
the
The featureas
address
was presented by Mr.
who delivered
inspiring
support
from other partners, will seek to provide initial support for the young farmers
Lucius Elivique
Agriculture
a business
was coordinated by the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC).
and enlightening speech to the youth centered on the topic “Rise above your adversito startup their farms. The intended support is targeted at:
The project
as a commercial
busi- underwent
skillfarming
area.
Participants
ties,
Shine”. provides a platform whereby youth accept
• Securing land for the enterpriseTrainees in practical session of animal husbandry
Job Placement
Trainees in practical session of animal husband
nessMs.
venture
andHippolyte,
will achieve
this Manager
through two
different
namely the
Deborah
Project
of the
Nationalavenues;
Apprenticeship
and Model
Place• Land preparation and planting materials
Following
technical
skills training,
participants
receive contracted
employment on
Farm
the the
promotion
of urging
partnerships
andclassroom
cooperatives.
While
some young
and
with
assessment
by
written
and practical
examinations.
mentconcept
Progamand
closed
ceremony
the grandaunts
to continue
tofield-based
achieve
more training
• Technical support
farms
within
their
respective
regions.
The
pool
of
laborers
are
not
fixed
on one farm
people
viewout
agriculture
as a dead end
lucrative
careers canShe
emerge
with the right
and seek
new opportunities
for career,
professional
development.
congratulated
the
• Supervision and mentoring for participants.
but work with various farmers within the region and are rotated weekly to meet the
investment
to support
entrepreneurs
agriculture.
youth on their
accomplishment
and in
reminded
them of their recent efforts through her
The project is currently in dialog with the St. Lucia Development Bank in an effort at
demands of the farmers to facilitate farmers varying demands in farm husbandry pracThe FLSP
therefore“The
facilitates
the
establishment
of successful
agribusiness
closing
remarks…
price of
success
is hard work,
dedication
to the job atwhich
hand will
and
establishing a revolving from which participants can acquire working capital for the
tices.
not
provide food
St. Lucia,
provide
sustainable
livelihoods
for young
theonly
determination
thatfor
whether
we but
winwill
or lose
we have
applied the
best of ourselves
to
farming enterprise.
entrepreneurs,
creating positive socio-economic changes.
the task at hand”.
skills training, technical skills training and job placement. The project also included a
different avenues; namely the Model Farm
entrepreneurship component referred to as the Model Farm Concept. Following the screenin
concept and the promotion of partnerships and
process candidates who met the criteria completed 60 hours of life-skills education through th
cooperatives. While some young people view
NSDC’s Productivity Enhancement Training (PET) workshop. Unemployed young persons with a
agriculture as a dead end career, lucrative
interest in agriculture from various communities were invited to apply for training and participation
careers can emerge with the right investment to
the Farm Labour Support Program.
support entrepreneurs in agriculture.
Musculoskeletal
injuries
The FLSP therefore facilitates
the establishment
Life Skills training
The only
National Initiative to Create Employment (NICE) and the National
Chemical
poisoning
of successful agribusiness
which
will not
(NSDC) hosted the 2014 Graduation
FLSP
Supervisors
provide
foodFollowing
for St.Burns
Lucia, butprocess
will provide
screening
candidates who met the
Ceremony of the National Appr
Program on August 19 2014 at the National Cultural Centre under the th
Heat
and
cold
emergencies
criteriaand
completed
60entrepreneurs,
hours
of life-skills
education
sustainable
livelihoods
for
young
The
identification
selection
of suitably
qualified
persons
to serve as potential superviso
those who prepare today.”
Enhancement
as persons selected to perform
in theand
position,
function
asthe
the
linkLabour
between
the
Farm
One hundred
twenty participants
of
Farm
Support
Program
Training (PET) workshop. The project ensured that the
through
the Bites
NSDC’s
Productivity
Snake
creating positive
socio-economic
changes.
significant
Project and the Ministry.
Model
The only
feature
address
presented
by Mr.Farm
Lucius Concept
Elivique who d
young farmers developed not
technical
or was
“hardThe
Technical Skills Training and Certification
next generation
of St.
Lucian
the youth
centered
on the topic “Rise
above
your a
skills” in crop production, enlightening
but criticalspeech
soft to
skills
toThe
necessary
to address
poverty
mindset
and
Farm labor supervisors
were
employed
under
theengender
program
to manage
and schedule
th
For the year
2014,the
one
hundred
andHippolyte,
sixty-nine
Ms.
Deborah
Project Manager
of the National
Apprenticesh
closed
the as
ceremony
the the
grandaunts
to continue
to achieve
FLSP
Supervisors
operations
of (169)
the farm
The
supervisors
respective
Agricultural
Ex
youngworkers.
people were
trained
part liaise
of urging
the with
an overall attitude for employment and success. The
opportunities
for professional
development.
She congratulated
youth
farmselection
labor
support
program.
Participants
ofFourteen
the
The Officers
identification
and
ofincluded
suitably
qualified
persons
toselfserve
as potential
supervisors
was do
to provide
technical
support
the
workers.
(14)
supervisors
havethebeen
topics
explored
;to
self-management,
reminded
them of their
recent efforts through her closing remarks… “Th
program
received
technical
skills
training
in
crop
significant
as
persons
selected
to
perform
in
the
position,
function
as
the link
between
the Farmer,
motivation,
positive
thinking,
effective
communication,
critical
thinking
and decision
making,the
ang
into the various regions.
work, dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whethe
production atpersonal
the levelfinancial
of a Caribbean
Vocational
management,
management,
conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, job readine
Project and the Ministry.
applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand”.
The FLSP has
also
produced
spillWith
over
benefits to
the National School Feeding Program throu
Qualification
(CVQ).
certification
becoming
and
sexual
reproductive
health.
revitalization ofanschool
gardens.
increasingly
important factor regionally and
Farm labor supervisors
were
under
and schedule
daily
The youth
wereemployed
also equipped
with the
first program
aid trainingto
to manage
provide valuable
care to an the
injured
perso
globally the CVQ provides the benefit of regional recognition
operations of the using
farm items
workers.
The supervisors
with the respective
Agricultural Extension
found around
the home andliaise
farm. Participants
learned
Fast Facts which
supports
the
free
Patientsupport
assessment
andworkers.
A-B-C's Fourteen (14) supervisors have been deployed
Officers
provide technical
to the
FLSPto
Supervisors
meeting
with
Chief
Extension
Officer
movement of skilled workers in
190 into the various regions.
the Caribbean Community. The
Young Farmers Trained 2014 112 Vocational
The FLSP
has also Caribbean
produced spill over benefits
to the National School Feeding Program through the
Farmers benefited from FLSP support Qualification
revitalization
of school
gardens. (CVQ) certification
ed persons
170 to serve as potential supervisors was
framework
ensures
that
Employed in phase one osition,
function asparticipants
the link between
the course
Farmer, the
follow a
Fast Facts structure which matches industry
190 standards, therefore ensuring that
Young Farmers Trained 2014 112 participants develop the appropriate
the Farmers benefited from FLSP support program to manage
schedule inthe
knowledge and
and competence
the daily
13 170 skill area. Participants underwent
s liaise
with
the
respective
Agricultural Extension
Employed in phase one classroom and field-based training with assessment by written and practical examinations.
ers. Fourteen (14) supervisors have been deployed
11 Farmer: Region 6 Saturday January 31, 2015
The farmer received assistance from the stage of land clearing and preparation and successfully harvested 10,000 Page 7heads of cabbage. NationWIDE
Graduation
NATIONAL INITIATIVE
TO
CREATE
EMPLOYMENT
(NICE)
Where are we now: FLSP Success Stories
THE FARM LABOUR
Region 6 SUPPORT PROGRAM (FLSP)
Since the implementation of the first phase of the project farmers have benefited tremendously fro
FLSP Supervisors
Where are we now: FLSP Success Stories
the support
under the program.
Here are
as provided
Region
7 a few highlights:
The identification and selection of suitably qualified persons to serve
potential su Region
6 - Since
the implementation
the firsttophase
of the
project
farmers
have benefited
tremendously from the support provided under the program. Here are a few highlights:
pervisors
was significant
as personsof
selected
perform
in the
position,
function
as the
link between the Farmer, the Project and the Ministry.
Farm labor supervisors were employed under the program to manage and schedule
the daily operations of the farm workers. The supervisors liaise with
the
respective
Farmer: Region 6 Agricultural Extension Officers to provide technical support to the workers. Fourteen
(14)
supervisors
have
been
deployed
into
the
various
regions.
The farmer received assistance from the Feeding ProThe FLSP has also produced spill over benefits to the National School
stage of land clearing and preparation and gram through the revitalization of school gardens.
REGION 6 cont successfully harvested 10,000 heads of cabbage. A Portion of the 10,000 heads of cabbage cultivated and harvested with support from the FLSP Farmer: Region 6
Farmer: Francois Monlouis, Region 6 The farmer received assistance from the
stage of land clearingFLSP
and preparation
and
Supervisors
FLSP Supervisors meeting with Chief Extension Officer
successfully harvested 10,000 heads of cabbage.
A Portion of the 10,000
heads
of
cabbage
cultivated
harvested
Received assistance from the and
FSLP from with support from the FLSP
The
Model
Farm
Concept
The National
Initiative to Create Employment
(NICE) and the National
the point of land clearing and was able to The next generation of St. Lucian farmers
18 5000 heads of tomatoes, 5000 in A Portion of the 10,000 heads of cabbage Workers engaged
clearing and land preparation. Far right: Farmer sowing see
The model
component
sought to
(NSDC)cultivate hosted
thefarm2014
Graduation
Ceremony of the National Appr
cultivated and harvested with support from develop a new breed of young farmers focabbage plants. cused heavily on enterprise. The idea was to
the FLSP Farmer: Region 7 Program on
August
19for2014
at the National
Cultural Centre under the th
create
a pilot model
farm entrepreneur in St. Lu ship among the youth population
The first phase
commenced in July 2014
those whocia.
prepare
today.”
FLSP Supervisors
and included ten (10) youngThe FLSP has been of immense benefit to Mr. Dwarkasin
persons from
Castries. of the Farm Labour Support Program
of Coolie Town
the community
One hundred
and twenty
participants
land located within the Roseau valley. After suffering gr
The young farmers were trained
in vegeta ble production, marketing, farm ownership
practically given up on farming, but thanks to the FLSP as well as basic preparation for various
and
areas of
agricultural production.
The
feature
address
was
presented
byHe Mr.
Elivique
who d
into production. grew Lucius
from having a non‐produci
FLSP Supervisors
Supervisors
As part FLSP
of the CVQ
certification meeting
prepara- with
Chief Extension Officer
tion, theRegion
model 6farm pilot group
completonions, salad beans, cucumbers, plantains and bananas
Farmer:
Francois Monlouis,
18 enlightening
speech
to
the youth
centered
on the topic “Rise above your a. ed two
(2)tounits
on business
planning
and
Received assistance from the FSLP from the point of land clearing and was
able
cultivate
5000 heads
of tomatoes,
5000 cabbage plants.
financial
management.
collaboration
Output - Harvested 4600 pound of Output cabbage
and 4000
pounds of In
tomatoes.
with
the
USAID-funded
Junior
Achieve Region 7
ment Program
for the Eastern
Caribbean
Ms. Deborah
Hippolyte,
Project
Manager
of the National Apprenticesh
FLSP Supervisors
FLSP Supervisors
The identification and selection of suitably qualified persons to serve as potential superviso
significant as persons selected to perform in the position, function as the link between the Farm
Project and the Ministry.
The Model Farm Concept
The next generation of St. Lucian
Farm labor supervisors were employed under the program to manage and schedule th
(JAPEC), through its Youth Business StartHarvested 4600 pound of cabbage and Region 7
Program (YBSP), the young farmers were
respective
closed
theup
ceremony
urging
grandaunts
to continue
to achieve
The
supervisors
liaise
with
Agricultural
Ex
further trained in entrepreneurship.
The
4000 pounds of tomatoes. the the
operations
ofand
theselection
farm workers.
Region
5
The
identification
of suitably qualified
persons to serve as potential supervisors was
YBSP is an entrepreneurship program deA Portion of the 10,000 heads of cabbage opportunities
forbyprofessional
She congratulated the youth o
veloped
Junior Achievementdevelopment.
Worldwide
cultivated and harvested with support from Officers
provide
technical
supportin
to
workers.
Fourteen
supervisors
been
(JAWW)
to reduce
youth
unemployment
bylink
significant
as to
persons
selected
to perform
thethe
position,
function
as the(14)
between the have
Farmer,
the d
intoand
thethe
various
regions.
Project
Ministry.
activitiesrecent
that support
the es- through
the FLSP her closing remarks… “Th
reminded implementing
them of their
efforts
tablishment of viable and sustainable youth
micro-business using a demand driven ap-
work, dedication
the isjob
at hand
proach. Thisto
program
facilitated
in col- and the determination that whethe
laboration with the Small Enterprise De-
Unit
SEDU and AXCEL
Finance
applied thevelopment
best of
ourselves
to the
task at hand”.
Region 5The
Limited.to the National School Feeding Program throu
FLSP has also produced spill over benefits
Worker Testimonials Under the YBSP the group received the
following
benefits:
Farmrevitalization
labor supervisors
were
employed
under
the
program
to manage and schedule the daily
of school gardens.
Entrepreneurship training from concep-
FLSP Supervisors meeting with Chief
Extension
Farmer:
RegionOfficer
7
tualization of a business idea to the estabFarmer: Ferdinand Goolaman, Region
7
Youth: Lance Henry Co
The FLSP has been of immense benefit to Mr. Dwarkasingh. This farmer has 5 acres oflishment
prime agricultural
land
of viable businesses;
This
18 farmer located in Roseau specializes in
• Mentorship
and coaching; vegetable production. After has facing considerable
Before…
located within the Roseau valley. After suffering great losses from recent natural disasters
he had practically
“The Practical and theo
• back
Business
technical support;
given up on farming, but thanks to the FLSP initiative he has been able to get his farm
intoand
production.
losses from the December 2013 trough. Through the
training that I has receive
Better salad
accessbeans,
to funding through
part-of the FLSP he has been able to complete
He grew from having a non-producing 3-acre farm to cultivating sweet
potatoes,•
onions,
assistance
nerships
with
microfinance
and
other
cucumbers,
plantains
Workers
engaged
Farmer sowing
seeds. and bananas.
his crop cycle 2 months ahead ofLabour schedule.Support Program
Region
5 in clearing and land preparation. Far right:
operations of the farm workers. The supervisors liaise with the respective Agricultural Extension
19 Officers
to provide technical support to the workers. Fourteen (14) supervisors have been deployed
Fast Facts institutions;
with previous entreprene
FLSP
Supervisors
meeting with Chief Extension Officer
• Participation in a series of workshops
for
into the
various
regions.
Worker Testimonials 14 given me the motivation t
190 Life
Skills,
Motivational
and
Inspiration Farmer: Region 7 Region 5
al support; Coaching for
of operating my own farm
Worker Testimonials
• Entrepreneurship; Marketing and Social
Young Farmers Trained 2014 Youth: Lance Henry ; Business Linkages
and OpportuYouth: Lance Henry
- Community:
Roseau
The
FLSP has also produced spill over benefits to theMedia
National
School
Feeding
Program
through
the Co
The FLSP has been of immense benefit to Mr. Dwarkasingh. This farmer has 5 acres of prime agricultural Currently Lance is employ
nities; Clustering;
“The Practical and theoretical agricultural
Before…
112 land located within the Roseau valley. After suffering great losses from recent natural disasters he had “The Practical and theor
under the program, gainin
• Membership in business clubs;
training that I has received under
the
Farm
revitalization
of school gardens.
• Business network support through membership
in business
clubs,
clusters
andthat busi-I has 20 w
training receive
the combined
seasoned farmers Labour Support
Program
(FLSP)
practically given up on farming, but thanks to the FLSP initiative he has been able to get his farm back 19 Farmers benefited from FLSP support ness alliances;
with
previous
entrepreneurial
training
has
Labour Support Program from and
the FLSP assistance
into production. He grew from having a non‐producing 3‐acre farm to cultivating sweet potatoes, • Buyer
linkages
between establishedgiven
business
andmotivation
support in identifying
securme the
to follow my
dream
of the hard work of F
with previous entreprene
ing
business
ed onions, salad beans, cucumbers, plantains and bananas
persons
to
serve
as
potential
supervisors
was
170 . of operating my own farm.”
• opportunities;
himself and the hope that
given me the motivation to
Currently Lance is employed as a field hand
Fast Facts Before
• Supplier Development Support
Employed in phase one of operating my own farm.
motivates him to impro
the products/services
program, gainingand
knowledge
from
• Youth Trade and Opportunity Fair tounder
showcase
identify poten-
osition,
function
as the link between the Farmer,
the
tial buyers
and investors.
Before…
the
the seasoned farmers who are
benefiting
doing his best. from the FLSP assistance. TheCurrently Lance is employ
appreciation
190 Farmer: Ferdinand Goolaman, Region 7 The Future of the Model Farm Concept of the hard work of FLSP workers
like
under the program, gainin
The future seems fertile for the young
farmers
engaged
in the
as farmers
they prehimself
and
the hope
thatprogram
they give
Young Farmers Trained 2014 Graduation
the seasoned pare for three months of internship on established farms
around the
island,
which will farmers wh
After 6 weeks of FLSP Support…
motivates
him
This farmer located in Roseau specializes in The National Initiative to Create Employment (NICE) and the National
Skills Develcommence
in
January.
This
group
of
individuals
is
positive;
self
motivated
and
eager
to assistance.
from the FLSP 112 opment Centre (NSDC) hosted the 2014 Graduation Ceremony of the
National Appren launch
their careers
community based commercial farming. Through the internship
vegetable production. After has in
facing of the hard work of F
Farm Worker: Laurentia ticeship and Placement Program on August 19 2014 at the National Cultural Centre
the participants will have the opportunity to actively experience, contribute
to and learn
himself and the hope that
Farmers benefited from FLSP support from the December under the theme “The future belongs to those who prepare today.”considerable losses about
successful
small farming, small farm management
and
creation
of
self
employFarm Worker: Laurentia
One hundred and twenty participants of the Farm Labour Support Program –phase
ment.
Laurentia
is
proud
of
the
training
that
she
motivates him to impro
After
6 weeks of FLSP Support…
2013 trough. Through As
the assistance of the Laurentia is proud of the one, graduated.
the program progresses, NICE in conjunction
with theunder
Ministry
Agriculture,
and
170 has received
theof
Farm
Labour
doing his best. program
towas presented
manage
schedule
the
The feature address
by Mr. Luciusand
Elivique who
delivered
an inspiring
supportdaily
from other partners, will seek toSupport
provide Program
initial support
for
the
young
farmers
FLSP he has been able to complete his crop has hasreceived (FLSP) which
helped under th
13 and enlightening speech to the youth centered on the topic “Rise above your adversito startup their farms. The intended support is targeted at:
Employed in phase one her
to
acquire
new
skills,
improve
on
her
cycle 2 months ahead of schedule.
ties, Shine”.
Support Program (FLSP) w
• Securing land for the enterprise
Ms. Deborah Hippolyte, Project Manager of the National Apprenticeship and Place• Land preparation and planting materialsprevious agricultural skills and gain
Extension
6 weeks
of FLSP
Support…
s After
liaise
with
the
respective
Agricultural
to acquire new skills,
certification as a competenther worker.
Her
ment
Progam
closed
the
ceremony
urging
the
grandaunts
to
continue
to
achieve
more
• Technical support
and seek out new opportunities for professional development. She congratulated the
youth on their accomplishment and reminded them of their recent efforts through her
closing remarks… “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and
the determination that whether we win or lose we have applied the best of ourselves
to
After
2 months
the task
at hand”.of FLSP Support , this farmer now has sweet potato, onions and
life has also improved with the
income that
• Supervision and mentoring for participants.
previous agricultural s
gained
from the program,
allowing
The project is currently in dialog with she
the has
St. Lucia
Development
Bank
in an
effort at
Farm Worker: Laurentia certification establishing a revolving from which participants
acquire
capital for theas a compet
her can
to meet
her working
commitments.
life has also improved with
farming enterprise.
rs. Fourteen (14) supervisors have been deployed
long string beans (bush beans) planted.
After 6 weeks of FLSP Support…
After 2 months of FLSP Support , this farmer now has sweet potato,
onions and long string beans
13 Laurentia is proud of the Continued
on Page
8
she has gained from the p
has received under the
her to meet her commitme
Support Program (FLSP) w
her to acquire new skills, Farmer: Region 6 Page 8
NationWIDE
The farmer received assistance from the stage of land clearing and preparation and successfully harvested 31,
10,000 Saturday January
2015heads of cabbage. NATIONAL INITIATIVE
TO
CREATE
EMPLOYMENT
(NICE)
Where are we now: FLSP Success Stories
The Search
Unlimited Supplies
of Knowledge
and Character
THE
FARMforLABOUR
SUPPORT
PROGRAM
(FLSP)
Region 6
(Following is the full text of the Keynote Address by Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister and Minister For Finance, Economic Affairs,
of the
Continued from Page 7
Since
the opening
implementation
phase Annual
of the project
farmers
have
benefited
tremendously fro
Planning & Social Security, on the occasion
of the
ceremonyofofthe
thefirst
Sixteenth
Conference
Sir Arthur
Lewis
the
support
provided
under
the
program.
Here
are
a
few
highlights:
Where
are we now:
FLSP Success
Stories Studies (SALISES) in the Centenary Year of the Birth Region
Institute
of Social
& Economic
of William7Arthur Lewis,
delivered at the National
Cultural Centre, Barnard Hill, Castries, Saint Lucia, Wednesday, 14 January, 2015.)
Region 6 - Since the implementation of the first phase of the project farmers have benefited tremendously from the support provided under the program. Here are a few highlights:
EVER PRESENT
on Arthur Lewis, the Development
strongly believed in the roles
Farmer: Region 6 VULNERABILITY
of character, human will, and
Economist not Arthur Lewis, the
adies and gentlemen,
humanist and philosopher.
in the power of the mind as
PRIDE AND CHARACTER
catalyzers
and the assistance substance
may I first put on record
The farmer received from the Every year, Saint Lucia hosts a speof economic growth. These we
the condolences and
stage of land clearing and preparation and cial month of celebrations honouring
understand today as social,
comfort of the Government
and people of Saint Lucia to
human harvested and political 10,000 capital.
our Nobel Laureates. This year, is of
successfully heads of the people of Saint Vincent and
course, undoubtedly very special.
While he had not the tools to
cabbage. While we celebrate Sir Arthur tomodel these, if they were in
the Grenadines at this time of
A Portion of the 10,000 heads of cabbage day, we shall also be hosting a sodgreat quality and abundance,
great loss on the wary coast
cultivated and harvested with support from turning ceremony this weekend,
then it should reason that
of Fancy. We in Saint Lucia
empathize with this untimely
breaking ground for a new museum
growth and development will
the FLSP tragedy which has wounded
and arts centre for the discovery and
arise and be sustained.
celebration of the works of the WalAs such, given his own semour brothers and sisters next
cott brothers, Derek and Roderick
inal work of 1954, “Economic
door. We experienced a very
Walcott, at what was their childhood
Development with Unlimited
similar tragedy in November
of 2011. We lost seventeen
home in the heart of Castries. All
Supplies of Labour,” I chose
Farmer:lives
Region 6
whenThe
a minibus
veered offassistance
a
these initiatives,Farmer: Francois Monlouis, Region 6 we hope, will build
to entitle my discourse using a
farmer received
from the
coastal road and plunged into
greater education,
understanding
similar form: “The Search for
stage of land clearing and preparation and
and development of pride and charUnlimited Supplies of Knowlthe waiting sea below.
successfully
harvested
10,000
heads
of
cabbage.
A Portion
of the 10,000
headsassistance of cabbage from cultivated
harvested
from
the FLSPthrough
acter amongst
our
people,
particuedge and
Character”
Furthermore, this week,
Received the and
FSLP from with support
larly the younger generations.
random and eclectic reflecJanuary 12, 2015 to be precise,
the point of land clearing and was able to tions of his writings.
was the anniversary of that
ECONOMY
OF WORDS
terrible earthquake that beset
18 cultivate 5000 heads of tomatoes, 5000 Workers engaged
in A Portion of the 10,000 heads of cabbage clearing and
land preparation.
Far right: Farmer sowing see
CAPITAL
ACCUMULATION
Now, for a disclaimer… Theodore
Port-au-Prince in Haiti. Over
In
the
classical
sense,
in
Prime
Minister
Schultz shared cabbage plants. the 1979 Alfred No300,000 persons lost their lives.
cultivated and harvested with support from that 1954 publication, Lewis
bel Prize for Economic Sciences
Thousands of Haitians were
Dr. Kenny Anthony
the FLSP sought to explain growth
Farmer: Region 7 with Arthur Lewis.
He said this
displaced. Thousands contin through capital accumulation,
in his Banquet Speech that year:
ue to live in makeshift tents.
about that period tonight. Mark has
and capital accumulation nec“Economists do count their words
The loss of 300,000 persons is a
made many an intellectual sortie in
essarily meant savings in both
as
poets
do,
but
for
a
different
reahuge and staggering toll in the
the name of Lewis. His role as an
The FLSP has been of immense benefit to Mr. Dwarkasin
the public and private realms
son. It is not beauty that economists
Caribbean that we share. I do
ardent analyst, champion and proof the economy.
seek; their aim is to save time. I
not believe that we have ever
tagonist of Sir Arthur’s true works
land located within the Roseau valley. After suffering gr
However, it speaks implicknow
that
you
also
value
your
time
appreciated the significance of
has been indeed powerful testa itly to a realisation that Lewis
highly.”
the magnitude of that loss to
practically given up on farming, but thanks to the FLSP ment upon the ever burning pyre of
had even as far back as 1954.
our Caribbean family. Be that
While Walcott and Lewis have lahis memory.
He
understood
challenge
into production. He grew from the
having a non‐produci
beled
this
isle
as
one
of
poetry,
ecoas it may, these acts remind us
If I may even be so bold to enunwas not merely in the eco nomics,
of
unlimited
beauty,
I’m
not
all of the ever present vulnerciate, I find it slightly odd that his
nomic analysis available at the
onions, salad beans, cucumbers, plantains and bananas
. sure whether
weMonlouis,
yet mastered
ability and risks of our islands,
Francois
Region 6
presentation on “What Do We Now Farmer:
18 have
time. “The central fact of ecoin theclearing
Caribbean
brevity
of tongue,
whether natural
or otherwise.
Received
assistance
fromabout
the FSLP
from
point
and
was able
to cultivate 5000 heads of tomatoes,
5000
cabbage
plants.
Know
Lewis
andthe
What
Is of land
nomic development” he says,
particularly
in Output my background
of pounds of tomatoes.
There Left to Explore?”
been left 4600
Outputhas
- Harvested
pound of
cabbage
and 4000
the
world,
and
his
desire
that
ecorapid capital accumulation
HONOURED TO BE HOME
Confer- politics and the Law. You see, there nomics should inform politics, not “is
for the closing session of the
Region 7
(including knowledge and
BASED
legal size paper
is good reason why
ence,
on
no
less
a
day
than
a
Friday!
the other way around.
Distinguished ladies and
skills with capital).”
is longer. We lawyers always have
Region
7 it is truly fitting
Now, while I am sure it is the intent
Harvested 4600 pound of cabbage and gentlemen,
more
to
say.
CONTINUED INTEREST IN
of the planners to end on a spirited
ACCUMULATION OF
that we can begin the year
As we open this
conference tonight,
WORKS
high, I do hope that our Caribbean
4000 pounds of tomatoes. KNOWLEDGE
Region
2015 5reflecting on the essence
however, I am cognisant that many of
However,
and
perhaps
fortuitousproclivities
for
the
early
weekend
For
Lewis,
economic develand legacy of William Arthur
A Portion of the 10,000 heads of cabbage you Conference participants, whethly for some, I was then advised by
crawl and the barbeque chicken at
opment required investment
Lewis on the world on the one
er poets or economists, students or
Professor Meeks that there hadcultivated and harvested with support from been
Gros Islet Friday Night do not have
in technology. In turn, technohand and certainly, the continprofessors, would already have enfairly recent attention paid tothe FLSP this
the better of such an important dislogical advancement required
ued relevance of his thinking,
dured an entire day of speeches and
sometimes overlooked side of Arcourse. If you need my help Mark,
the deliberate acquisition and
ideas, and intellect to our bepresentations at Rodney Bay. Howevthur Lewis, not least by Dr Tennyson
let me know early!
accumulation of knowledge
loved West Indian country.
er, I thought that I should be open and
Joseph of Cave Hill who will be preand skills. Societies, if they
Any judgments to be passed
HIGHEST HONOUR
transparent. Unfortunately, I cannot
senting on the Political Thoughts of
wanted to advance and progon the man and his legacy
Sir Arthur has been rightly honoffer no economy of words for this
Lewis at this Conference, and others
ress needed to unlock the seshould rightly find genesis
oured throughout the world and in
evening’s proceedings.
as far afield as Japan.
crets of knowledge.
with his very own court of
the Caribbean for his immense conThis
conference’s
papers
indicate
To my mind Lewis seems to
Region 5 first instance, his place of com- tributions in academia and adminTHE POLITICAL MAN
a continued interest in the motivabe suggesting that we needed
Originally, I had hoped to discuss
mencement here in Castries,
istration. You are more than aware, I
tions and works of Arthur Lewis deto create a society, or if you
the political man: the socio-political
Saint Lucia.
am sure, of his countless honourary
cades on and I commend the many
prefer a culture in which the
influence
and
thinking
of
Arthur
Saint Lucia is veritably elated
degrees – somewhere
in the
order of
Farmer:
Region
7
Ferdinand
Goolaman,
Region
7 was
contributors for all Farmer:
their research
acquisition
of knowledge
Youth: Lance Henry Co
Lewis, particularly
a foray into his
to be “home base” this week
thirty
I
believe;
the
number
of
lecThe
FLSP has been of immense benefit to Mr. Dwarkasingh. This farmer
has
5 acres
of prime
agricultural
andland
efforts. It is also
instructive
that
admired,
pursued
and shared.
This
farmer located
in Roseau
specializes
in
18 early
academic
years
with
the
Fafor the Sixteenth Annual Contures in his name from the Eastern
in the last decade
two biographies
Before…
Furthermore,
heconsiderable
also recoglocated
within
Roseau
valley.
After suffering great losses from bian
recent
natural
disasters
he had
vegetable
production. After
has facing
Society,
thinking
it may
havepractically
ference of
the Sirthe
Arthur
Lewis
“The Practical and theo
Caribbean Central Bank’s Annual
have
been
written
of
him – and the
nised
that
this required
given
up
on
farming,
but
thanks
to
the
FLSP
initiative
he
has
been
able
to
get
his
farm
back
into
production.
been a sufficiently novel entrée for
Institute of Social & Economic
losses from
the December
2013
trough.
Throughadthe
Lecture to Saint Lucia’s Nobel
Lau latter,
by
Paul
Mosley
and
Barbara
training that dressing,
in
tandem,
the I has receive
this
evening.
Studies
(SALISES),
to honour
He grew
from having
a non-producing
3-acre
to cultivating
sweet
potatoes, onions, salad beans,
assistance
of the FLSP
he
has been able
to complete
reate Lecture
Series;farm
the numerous
Ingham
both
of
the
University
of
“sociological
problem
of
the
This excited
me as Sir Arthur
his “tonne,”
so to
his
Support Program
scholars
who
have
written
on and
him,bananas.
cucumbers,
plantains
Workers
engaged
andspeak,
land preparation.
Far right:
Farmer
sowing
seeds.
his crop
cycle
2 months
ahead of
ofLabour schedule.
Region
5 in clearing
Manchester, illustrates
in great
deemergence
a capitalist
was by his own admission a “social
century since birth.
and who continue to study his work.
tail his contribution and advocacy
with previous entreprene
class.” He clearly
understood
democrat.” He had been very acMany a ceremony had been held in
during the 30s and 40s.
that there had given me the motivation t
to be psychoVALIANT COLLABORATION
tive
in
advising
the
British
Labour
Farmer: Region 7 his honour, many an accolade utRegion
5 has been valiant colHowever, given the conference
logical shifts in the mind-set
There
Party during his days at LSE and
tered.
of operating my own farm
theme, “Towards Caribbean ProsWorker
Testimonials
of the native capitalist
class for
laboration between the Carib Manchester.
Lewis’
study
and
reThe
UWI
St
Augustine
recently
perity & Happiness in an Equitable
development toYouth: Lance Henry occur.
bean Development Bank, the
search
of
Labour
in
the
West
Indies
Co
named a Hall of Residence after
Lance Henry
- Community:
Roseau
& Sustainable World,” Youth:
I then considThe FLSP has been of immense benefit to Mr. Dwarkasingh. This farmer has 5 acres of prime agricultural In defining
our
current
state
University of the West Indies,
in the 1930s was set against rising
Currently Lance is employ
him.
All
three
campuses
possess
the
“The Practical
theoretical
ered focusing the evening
on pos- and
as one
where we agricultural
must achieve
the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute
Before…
discontent, rumblings, strikes, and
research institute, SALISES bearing
land located within the Roseau valley. After suffering great losses from recent natural disasters he had “The Practical and theor
under the program, gainin
tulating: what would training
Arthur Lewis
unlimited
supplies
of
knowlof Social & Economic Studies
that I has
received
under
the
Farm
mass confrontations
throughout the
his
now
revered
name.
think
of
the
Caribbean
today,
its
deedge
and
character,
I
ask
that
(SALISES)
and
the
UWI
Open
Caribbean. It inspired the formation
20 w
training that I has receive
the combined
seasoned farmers Labour Support Program (FLSP)
practically given up on farming, but thanks to the FLSP initiative he has been able to get his farm back In Saint Lucia, our principal centre19 velopment paths, were he still with
we consider some
reflections
Campus at the Morne to make
of Trade Unions and Labour Parties
with
previous
entrepreneurial
training
has
of
higher
education
on
the
Morne
–
Labour Support Program from the FLSP assistance
us; and what perspectives would he
into production. grew on the life of Sir Arthur: what
this event a He reality.
We from con- having a non‐producing 3‐acre farm like theto one cultivating I lead today. sweet potatoes, on the other side of Castries from
given me the motivation
to follow
my dream
share?
influenced
hiswith and
gratulate all of you for your
In 2012, I had cause to remind
of beliefs
the hard work of F
previous entreprene
splendid efforts. We welcome, here – is perhaps his place
onions, salad beans, cucumbers, plantains and bananas
. of high- an eightieth anniversary of the St.
of operating
my
own
farm.”
Furthermore, does his legacy
of
what motivators we might
himself and the hope that
given me the motivation to
est
honour
on
our
isle,
and
his
place
work and thinking still
hold true Lance
for
Currently
is employed
as a field
hand
wish
to associate
ourselves
even more, the resources that
Kitts Labour Party, the first of those
Before
of interment.
today’s realities and goals
of the
achievwith?
you have made available to
of operating my own farm.
motivates him to impro
parties formed during that period,
under
program,
gaining
knowledge
from
However, perhaps it is most ironic
ing happiness, prosperity,
sustain- farmers who are benefiting
host this event.
that Lewis was a leading advocate
the
seasoned
doing his best. that the average Saint Lucian may
SCARCE
AND
Before…
ability and equity?
in their cause and existence, as he
I wish to thank these instifrom the FLSP assistance.
TheCurrently Lance is employ
appreciation
remember him every time they
CONSTRAINED
Much has been written on this,
sought to break the silence of what I
tutions and the minds behind
Farmer: Ferdinand Goolaman, Region 7 pull out a hundred dollar note, or
hard work
of world
FLSP of
workers
The
Arthur like
Lewis
from Norman Girvan, of
of the
blessed
under the program, gainin
termed the pax pauperum, the peace
them who have placed so much
more
so
when
they
are
a
recipient
of
in 1915
is they
not one
which
we
himselfJonesand the hope
that
give
farmers
memory, to Mark Figueroa,
of the poor that was maintained by
toil into realising this week’s
the seasoned farmers wh
these grey bills. Sir Arthur certainly
would ever
Afterevent,
6 weeks
of FLSP
Support…
the British colonial authorities in
Hendrickson, Neville Duncan and motivates
himwant to return
and indeed,
all other
This farmer located in Roseau brings a smile to most faces in the
to. Arthur Lewis
constantly
from the FLSP assistance.
that post-Emancipation
period. specializes Andrewin Downes to mention a few.
celebratory events, starting
Eastern
Caribbean.
His
Agony
of
reflected on the poverty, des Later
on,
in
fact,
one
of
Lewis’
very
And
then it also dawned on me that
from the launch in Barbados,
vegetable production. After has facing of the hard work of F
Farm Worker: Laurentia the Eight is made significantly more
titution, malaise
and disposown older brothers, former Chief
such a broad topic would require
November past. Saint Lucia is
bearable
with
him
in
our
pockets!
session
afflicting
the
masses.
losses himself and the hope that
Justice of what
is now
the Eastern
considerable from the December being in this hall till dawn the next
also delighted to welcome so
Farm Worker: Laurentia
Tonight, and in the months and
Thousands of West Indians
Caribbean Supreme
Court, Chancelmorning.
many of you to its shores and
Laurentia
is
proud
of
the
training
that she
motivates him to impro
After
6
weeks
of
FLSP
Support…
2013 trough. Through the assistance of the years
beyond
this
centenary,
I
hope
left
the
islands
in search
of
lor
of
the
University
of
the
West
InLaurentia is proud of the It is truly a challenge to capture
we look forward to your conhas
received
under
the
Farm
Labour
we
can
honour
his
memory
more
work
elsewhere
and,
fortudoing his best. dies and Governor General of Saint
the essence of a man whose work
tinued intellectual edification
FLSP he has been able to complete his crop has received under th
Support
Program
(FLSP)
which
has
helped
widely,
by
considering
his
ideas,
reitously, the years preceding
Lucia, Sir Allen Lewis, was one of
spanned six decades, who was a
these next few exciting, infusflecting
on
his
humanity,
his
passion
saw
many
toiling
on
complet her
to
acquire
new
skills,
improve
on
her
the
founding
members
and
first
prolific writer and recycle 2 months ahead of schedule. voluminous,
ing days.
Support Program (FLSP) w
to redeem the poor, his commitment
ing the Panama
Canal.
That
chairman of the Saint Lucia Labour
searcher and whose compendium
previous agricultural
skills and
gain
to
social
pacifism
and
dialogue,
his
POWERFUL
TESTAMENT
largely came toher end
AuParty which
was formed in 1950.
After 6 weeks
of FLSP
Support…
to in
acquire new skills,
of work is indeed nothing
short of as
certification
a competent an
worker.
Her
plea to pursue the acquisition of
I wish to make special
gust of 1914 with the canal’s
This was not to say that I had
genius.
life
has
also
improved
with
the
income
that
knowledge, and most of all his adprevious agricultural s
completion. Thus,
the shifting
mention of Professor Mark
wished to exaggerate his political
she has gained from
theroutes
program,
allowing
AGENTS OF ECONOMIC
vice on how we might create a difof trade
and changes
in
Figueroa of Jamaica, an old
Farm Worker: Laurentia character, for we are well aware of
certification as a compet
GROWTH
ferent and better West Indian nation.
her to meet her commitments.
friend from my days at Mona.
his many effervescent, exothermic
life has also improved with
Instead, I wish to posit that he
For too long now, we have focussed
Continued
on Page 9
Mark, I promise no disclosures
reactions with
politicians around
L
REGION 6 cont Worker Testimonials 19 Worker Testimonials After 2 months of FLSP Support , this farmer now has sweet potato, onions and
long string beans (bush beans) planted.
After 6 weeks of FLSP Support…
After 2 months of FLSP Support , this farmer now has sweet potato,
onions and long string beans
Laurentia is proud of the she has gained from the p
has received under the
her to meet her commitme
Support Program (FLSP) w
her to acquire new skills, Saturday January 31, 2015
NationWIDE
Page 9
The Search for Unlimited Supplies of Knowledge and Character
(Following
the8
Continued
fromis
Page
fulltotext
the Keynote
teachof
Arthur
Lewis someAddress by Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister and Minister For Finance, Economic Affairs,
very
basic lessons
about
the
Planning
&
Social
Security,
on
the
occasion
of the opening ceremony of the Sixteenth Annual Conference of the Sir Arthur Lewis
propulsion technolworld at the time. There was
ogy
away from
steam &clearly
Institute
of Social
Economic
Studies
(SALISES) in the Centenary Year of the Birth of William Arthur Lewis, delivered at the National
a fascination
for the
ships meant that Saint
challenges
of
development
Cultural Centre, Barnard Hill, Castries, Saint Lucia, Wednesday, 14 January, 2015.)
Lucia lost its prized
and perhaps he first envisentrepôt status as a
aged this through technologEVER
PRESENT
on Arthur Lewis, the Development
strongly believed in the roles
coaling station, which
ical advancements he may
VULNERABILITY
Economist not Arthur Lewis, the
of character, human will, and
had made it once the
have read about or ships he
adies
andport
gentlemen,
humanist and philosopher.
in the power of the mind as
twelfth
busiest
in
saw in the harbour.
may I first
put on record
PRIDE AND CHARACTER
catalyzers and the substance
the Empire.
Unemploycondolences
Every year, Saint Lucia hosts a speof economic growth. These we
ment the
and malaise
rose and CONSTANT LAMENT
comfort
of the GovernmentHe craved the acquisition
cial month of celebrations honouring
understand today as social,
as a consequence.
and
people ofprejudice
Saint Lucia of
to knowledge. His was a conour Nobel Laureates. This year, is of
human and political capital.
Colonial
the
of SaintinVincent
course, undoubtedly very special.
While he had not the tools to
stant lament. He lamented
waspeople
the norm
all and
the
Grenadines
at this time not
of having read enough hisWhile we celebrate Sir Arthur tomodel these, if they were in
forms.
The Caribbean
great
loss
on
the
wary
coast
day,
we
shall
also
be
hosting
a
sodgreat quality and abundance,
tory and literature during
was largely dependent
of
We inexports
Saint Lucia
turning ceremony this weekend,
then it should reason that
his years as a clerk in the Deon Fancy.
agricultural
empathize
this untimely
breaking ground for a new museum
growth and development will
partment of Agriculture. He
that werewith
comparatragedy
which has wounded
and arts centre for the discovery and
arise and be sustained.
lamented that his Commerce
tively uncompetitive,
our
and sisters next
celebration of the works of the WalAs such, given his own semdegree did not provide him
evenbrothers
while subsistence
door.
We experienced
cott brothers, Derek and Roderick
inal work of 1954, “Economic
with enough Mathematics
farming
could
nota very
similar
in November
Walcott, at what was their childhood
Development with Unlimited
skills and tools. He lamented
support tragedy
a burgeoning
of
2011. We lost
seventeen lives
home in the heart of Castries. All
Supplies of Labour,” I chose
the lack of data for which he
population.
Knowledge
when
a minibus
veered offterribly
a
these initiatives, we hope, will build
to entitle my discourse using a
desired to make his
acquisition
was limited:
coastal
roadtwo
andsecondplunged into
greater education, understanding
similar form: “The Search for
econometric assessments.
there were
the
waiting
sea
below.
and
development
of
pride
and
charAnd when he did discover
ary schools, both locatThe Prime Minister addressing the centennial conferenceUnlimited Supplies of Knowlthis
acter amongst our people, particuedge and Character” through
economics, it was clear that
edFurthermore,
at Castries, both
run week,
January
12, 2015Church.
to be precise,
larly the younger generations.
random and eclectic refleche never saw the field purely,
by the Catholic
was
the anniversary
tions of his
writings.
ular and follows simple laws,
By 1978, Lewis finally pubtries of Asia have capitalized
CHARACTER
OF
as a matter of theory. He saw
If anything,
we canof that
terrible
earthquake
that beset
ECONOMY
WORDS
and also the social
world, OFlished
his book on the ecotheir economies, applying
OUR PEOPLE
it as a tool for changing the
characterise
knowlCAPITAL
ACCUMULATION
Port-au-Prince
Haiti. Over
for aand
disclaimer…
which is moreNow,
baffling
nomicTheodore
history of the world.
first technology in the transFor my part, I found
lot of the poor, transformedge as beingin scarce
sense,that
in
Prime Minister less predictable.
300,000
persons lost their
Schultz shared the 1979
No- the period
The Alfred
book covered
formation of agriculture,In the
it classical
instructive
ing economies and societies
and constrained.
Ar- lives.
that 1954
publication,
Lewis
Thousands
of
Haitians
were
bel
Prize
for
Economic
Sciences
In
fact,
his
entire
speech
1870
to
1913.
He
called
his
then
industrial
manufacturLewis
did
not
become
Dr.
Kenny
Anthony
whether back home or oththur Lewis was subtly
sought thetoultimate
explainpurist
growth
displaced.
Thousands
Arthur
Lewis.treatise,
He saidGrowth
this and Flucwas largely with
devoted
to the
ing, and now the high-tech
and
erwise. He rejected the nofortunate that
his par-continthrough
capital
accumulation,
ue
to
live
in
makeshift
tents.
in
his
Banquet
Speech
that
year:
critical
and universal nature
tuations, culminating an unsector. It was this stored up
divorce the challenges
about
that period
Mark
has
tion that
a country
was tonight.
conents were teachers who
and capital
accumulation
necThe
loss
of 300,000in
persons
isdemned
a
do count
their words
science
development.
dertaking
that he had started
“knowledge capital” that the
of economic
developmade
many anbecause
intellectualof
sortie
in to“Economists
to poverty
found
themselves
the
essarilyment
meantfrom
savings
insocioboth
huge
and
staggering
toll
in
the
as
poets
do,
but
for
a
different
reaHe
continues:
decades
earlier.
InterestingAsian
countries
could
then
its
theofname
of Lewis.
His role as an
of a lack
physical
resourcsmall urbanity of this
the public
andunderpinnings.
private realms
Caribbean
wethen,
share. I do
son.are
It isa not
beauty that
economists
“Our
countries
couple
ly, Girvan
noted the followuse to generate additional
logical
ardent
analyst,
champion
and
proes, or its
location,
or the
race
port town.that
Even
of the economy.
not
believe
we have
seek;and
their
aim
time. I
of centuries
late,
have
a is to
ingsave
of Lewis:
capital. We now also see this
He wrote and spoke
tagonistofofitsSir
Arthur’s true
works
and ethnicity
people.
Europe
wasthat
intent
on ever
it speaks
appreciated
the
significance
of
know
that
lot of
catching
up to
do.you
Wealso value
“Onyour
the time
relationship bereplicated in the former So-However,
frequently
of theimpliccharhas been indeed powerful
testafighting wars
and
gainitly to aacter
realisation
that
LewisI
WHAT
HE
PURSUED
WAS
the
magnitude
of
that
loss
to
highly.”
shall
cross
the
same
ground
tween
trade
and
economic
viet
states
of
Eastern
Europe.
of
our
people.
ment upon the ever burning pyre of
ing colonies to support
had even
as far
back as
1954.
our
While
Walcott
Lewis have
lain a much shorter
time.
But it andgrowth,
therefore,
Lewis is
Lewis did not see the rise
think
Edmund
Phelps,
his SCIENCE
memory.
theirCaribbean
continued family.
growth,Be that
He understood
the challenge
And
yet,
he
was
an
inas
it
may,
these
acts
remind
us
beled
this
isle
as
one
of
poetry,
ecowill
not
be
exactly
the
same
very
clear
on
his
position.
In
of
the
internet
age,
of
ubiqthe
2006
winner
of
the
If
I
may
even
be
so
bold
to
enunwhile they applied laiswas not
merely
in the ecotenselyciate,
private
and
humble oddground,
all
the ever
presenttovulnernomics,
of sense
unlimitedthe
beauty,
I’m notchapter of his
in the
concluding
uitous mobile communicaPrize
for Economic
SciI find
it slightly
that hisnot only
sezoffaire
economics
nomic analysis
available itat the
man. Itpresentation
was even anecdotally
ability
and risks possesof our islands,
whether
we have
yet mastered
science sure
throws
off old
book,
which represents virtions and WIFI. And yet,
ences, summed
up
on “What Do that
We Now
their Southern
time. “The
central
fact
of that:
ecosuggested
that
he
was
a
bit
whether
natural
or
otherwise.
in
the
Caribbean
brevity
of
tongue,
skins
as
it
grows,
but
also
tually
a
lifetime
of
research
Lewis’
theories
still
apply
well
when
he
said
Know
about
Lewis
and
What
Is
sions.
nomic
development”
he
says,
anti-social
histochildhood.
in my and
background
of he states
theleft
sense particularly
that geography
reflection,
today even more, once we
“Economic growth is
ThereinLeft
Explore?” hasin
been
the world, and his desire that ecoHONOURED
TO BE HOMEIt is said
“is rapid
capital accumulation
that
he resisted
bi-of thealters
politics
and the
You‘…
see,
FIRST
AS A TEACHER
the subject
matter
of Law.that
thethere
long run engine
accept that knowledge acdependent
on the charfor
the
closing
session
Confernomics should inform politics, not
BASED
(including
knowledge
ographies
when
heless
wasa alive
good reason
size paper
In my view,
Lewis, as
some
parts ofisscience.
This iswhy legal
of growth
is technological
quisition and generation are
acter of
the nation.” and
Arence,
on
no
day
than
a
Friday!
the other way around.
because
he while
saw himself
is longer.
We lawyers
always
have
ifDistinguished
to assume his ladies
own and
obvious
to biolochange,
and
that trade cannow inextricably linked skills
to with
thurcapital).”
Lewis often had to
Now,
I am sureasit is the
intentin relation
gentlemen,
it
is
truly
fitting
being ofborn
into anyto end
set- on agy,
more
to say.
heritage, whether by
or ecology,
or economics,
not substitute for this except
the INTEREST
quality of IN
labour sup- ACCUMULATION
battle with this reality.
CONTINUED
the planners
spirited
OF
that
we or
canbybegin
the year
ting, and
thus
his
roots,
he
As we
this conference
tonight,
destiny
choice,
or sociology. But
it open
applies
in the initial
period of laying
ply.
His methodology of
He
often lamented the
WORKS
high,
I
do
hope
that
our
Caribbean
KNOWLEDGE
2015
reflecting
on
the
essence
thought,
tainted or for
tinted
however,
cognisant
that many foundations.’”
of
saw himself first as
even to physics,
at theI am
level
development
sectoral
suggestsFor Lewis,
state ofeconomic
the indigenous
However, and
perhapsselection
fortuitousproclivities
thenot
early weekend
develand
legacy ofasWilliam
his ultimate
outcome,
nor the chicken
you
Conference
a teacher,
some-Arthur
of technology,
where
one can participants, wheththat
we
must
see where
best
“capitalist
sector,”
ly
for
some,
I
was
then
advised
by
crawl
and
the
barbeque
at
opment
required
investment
Lewis
on the
world and
on the one
KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN
empyrean
ideas
he
formed.
er
poets
or
economists,
students
or
one who
trained
and choose between
ourthat
resources,
whom we
knowtechnotoday,
Professor Meeks
there had particularly
been
Gros Islet Friday Night do invent
not have
in technology.
In turn,
hand
andthe
certainly,
ECONOMICS
have of
felt
thatanhe
professors,
enguided
paths the
forcontin-He must
different
of doingwould
the already have
our human
resources
more sympathetic
fairly recent attention
paid
to thiscan apthe better
such
important
dis- ways
logical in
advancement
required
ued
relevance
of
his
thinking,
The
twenty-first
centucould well
have
born in
entire day of speeches and
his countrymen to folsame
thing, dured
some an
of which
plied. In the
face
continuand polite
language,and
as
sometimes overlooked
side
of ofArcourse.
If been
you need
my help
Mark,
the deliberate
acquisition
ideas,
and
ry Bay.
is undoubtedly
one of
Africa let
or me
Asia
as he
was in
presentations
at Rodney
Howevlow. But
thisintellect
passionto
forour beare more appropriate
than
ing
high
unemployment,
our
the local of
private
or prothur
Lewis,
not
least
by
Dr
Tennyson
know
early!
accumulation
knowledge
loved
West Indianteachcountry. the West Indies. This attitude
knowledge-driven
economer, Iresources
thought that
be open and
socio-economic
others to the
at I should
in skills.
ductive
sector. if they
Joseph of Caveonly
Hill possible
who willtrump
be pre-card and
Societies,
Anymust
judgments
be passed
ics. ThisI cannot
will be particularly
HIGHEST
lies within his
belief HONOUR
that
transparent. Unfortunately,
ing
itself tohave
hand.
competitiveness
It was
always
hisprogunsenting
on theglobal
Political
Thoughts of is not
wanted
to
advance
and
on
the
man
and
his
legacy
Arthur
has
been rightly
what he Sir
pursued
was
science
offer
words for for
this non-mineral
been passed onto him
So honwe cannot
in no
theeconomy
Third ofimportant
in labour quantity,
but in the
derstanding
and
beLewis
at
this
Conference,
and
others
ress
needed
to
unlock
the
seshould
endowed countries such as
oured
throughout
the world
and simply
in
and that
it was
innately unievening’s
proceedings.
in what rightly
could befind
seengenesis
World
borrow or
buy
knowledge,
quantity and aplief
that the long term
as
far
afield
as
Japan.
crets
of
knowledge.
with
his
very
own
court
of
those
of
most
of
the
Caribcon-from those ahead
versal.the Caribbean for his immense
as some act of last rites,
science
plicability
per indicate
unit of labour.To myanswer
for industriThis conference’s
papers
mind Lewis
seems to
first
instance,
his placeofof com-He often
MAN
bean.
In his later writings
tributions
in academia
thought
that his andofadmina sort
of sacrament
us. Pure scienceTHE
we POLITICAL
can
alisationthat
andwe
economic
a
continued
interest
in
the
motivabe
suggesting
needed
mencement
here in by
Castries,
Originally,
I
had
hoped
to
discuss
at
the
Caribbean
DevelopKNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN
istration.
more thantake
aware,
I
upbringing
wasYou
notare
imporlearning initiated
as it comes, but much
development
was
not
tions and works of Arthur Lewis deto create
a society, or
if you
Saint
Lucia.
the
political
man:
the
socio-political
ment
Bank,
he
places
this
DIALOGUE
of hisHe
countless
tant toam
hissure,
message.
said, honourary
his father in January
of applied science we have to
foreign
cades on and I commend the many
prefer
adependence
culture in on
which
the
Saint
Lucia
is
veritably
elated
influence
and
thinking
of
Arthur
issue
within
the
context
of
Lewis
was
also
clearly
a
degrees
– somewhere
orderfor
of ourselves.”
“We make
progress
in sci-in themake
1922.
aid, capital
and investcontributors
for
all
their
research
acquisition
of
knowledge
was
toGeorge
be “home Ferdinand
base” this week
Lewis,
particularly agreater
foray into
his
productivity.
Simply
pioneer in evidence based
thirty
believe;
the numberHave
of lecence not
onlyI from
studying
we failed
him?
ment,
but a and
vibrant,
inand efforts. It is also instructive that
admired,
pursued
shared.
for
the Sixteenth
early academic
with
the Faput,
neither
agriculture nor
decision-making. He beturesenvironment,
in his name from
the local
but the Eastern
Lewis
taught hisAnnual
then ConIt is this universality
of sci- years
digenous,he innovating
in
the
last
decade
two
biographies
Furthermore,
also
recogference
of the
Arthur
bian
Society,
thinking
may have manufacturthe ithigher-level
lieved that policy should not
Caribbean
Central
Bank’sence
Annual
also from
elaborating
our basick son
at Sir
home
for Lewis
that made
a West
Indian
private
sector.
have been written of him – and the
nised that
this
required adInstitute
of Social
& Economic
been
sufficiently novel
entrée
for sectors
ing and
services
will
be forced or imposed. To exLecture
Saint
Lausic theory.
Thistokind
of Lucia’s
theo- Nobel
nearly three
months,
man’s
theories
so aapplicable
More
broadly,
latter,
by
Paul
Mosley
and
Barbara
dressing,
in
tandem,in his
the
Studies
(SALISES),
to
honour
this
evening.
be
viable
without
a
highly
pound,
I
reference
again
Inreate
Lecture
Series;
the
numerous
retical elaboration frequently
before himself being
to Asia. Today, we have witTheoryproblem
of Economic
Ingham both of the University of
“sociological
of the
his
“tonne,”
so
to
speak,
his
This
excited
me
as
Sir
Arthur
trained,
skilled
and
educated
dustrialisation
of
the
British
who comparihave writtennessed
on him,the Asian miracles
derivesscholars
from wide
taken away by illness
Growth
Arthur
illustrates in great deemergence
of (1955),
a capitalist
was
by hisKorea
own admission
“socialThisManchester,
century
birth.year.
labour aforce.
is even
West Indies where he idenwork.
son.” and who continue to study his
in May since
of that
of Singapore,
Taiwan,
makes
it clear
that the
tail
his
contribution
and
advocacy
class.”
He
clearly
understood
democrat.”
He had more
beensovery
actoday
than the 1950s.
tified the laissez-faire ecoManythat
a ceremony
had been
held
in China.
He saw
knowledge
Even
at thatCOLLABORATION
age, the last
and
now
We are even
recipe for
during the 30s and 40s.
VALIANT
to beeconomic
psychotive in advising the British
Since Labour
then, the required
nomics of Britain towards that
its there haddemanded:
honour, many
could his
be acquired
from an
all accolade
teachings
of been
his father
seeingut-new giants appear“soHowever,
given
the conference
There has
valiant collogical growth
shifts in the mind-set
Party
during
his
days
at
LSE
and
labour
inputs
for
many
procolonies
as
a
trap
for
the
West
tered.
quarters,
and said that his
must have between
caused him
ing in Indonesia, Thailand,
cietal capitalist
wide transformatheme, “Towards Caribbean Proslaboration
the Caribof
the
native
class
for
Manchester.
Lewis’
study
and
reduction forms has been fallIndies. Writing at that time,
The“Unlimited
UWI St Augustine
recently
theory of
Supto holdDevelopment
strongly to a Bank,
dePhilippines,
Vietnam. We
tions intocultural
perity & Happiness in an Equitable
bean
the
development
occur. values,
search of Labour in ing
the West
Indies
with
rising
automation.
he
encouraged
knowledgenamed
a
Hall
of
Residence
after
plies of Labour” came to him
sire to learnofeverything.
witness the debate of China
family our organisation
& Sustainable World,” I then considUniversity
the West Indies,
current state
in the 1930s was setThis
against
trendrising
will undoubtedly
driven dialogue, not invec-In defining
him. All down
three campuses
the a “Lewisian
while walking
a Bang- possess
reaching
turnand commitment
to a
ered focusing the evening on posthe
Sir MUCH
Arthur ABOVE
Lewis Institute
as
one
where
we
must
achieve
discontent,
rumblings,
strikes,
and
VERY
continue. We are already seetive. He said:
research
institute,
SALISESing
bearing
kok road.
While
he never
point” as
hundreds
of
worksupplies
ethos as
well
as
tulating: what would Arthur Lewis
of Social
&
Economic
Studies
unlimited
of
knowlmass
confrontations
throughout
the
AVERAGE
ing Google developing cars
“[The] way to get out is not
revered
said it,his
I now
suspect
this name.
must
millions of people
have
now
the
standard
economic
think
of
the
Caribbean
today,
its
de(SALISES)
and
the
UWI
Open
edge
and
character,
I
ask
that
Caribbean. It inspired
thecan
formation
He entered St Mary’s
that
drive themselves usto abuse the well-meaning
In Saint
Lucia,
our principal
have been
a very
crowded
leftcentre
the agrarian
hinterland
prerequisites
of high
velopment paths, were he still with
Campus
at the
MorneSt,
to make
we consider
some reflections
of Trade
Unions anding
Labour
Parties
College on
Micoud
artificial
intelligence.
captors, who genuinely beof
higher
education
on
the
Morne
–
street.
Furthermore,
he
saw
for
urban
centres.
levels
of Arthur:
savings what
and
us; and what perspectives would he
this
event
a
reality.
We
conon
the
life
of
Sir
like
the
one
I
lead
today.
which was then a few
Human-like robots will not
lieve that this trap is actually
on theacquisition
other side funof Castries
knowledge
In from
some respects,
a re-ininvestment
and precise
share?
gratulate
all
of
you
for
your
influenced
his
beliefs
and
In
2012,
I
had
cause
to
remind
blocks away from the
forever remain novelties of
a silken bed which they have
here – as
is perhaps
his placeterpretation
of highdamentally
a scientific
of
early
government planning.”
Furthermore, does his legacy of
splendid
efforts.
welcome,
what motivators
we might
an Lewis’
eightieth
anniversary
of the
St.
family home
on We
VictoJapanese
industrial
compagenerously
provided.
The
est honour on our isle, and “industrialist”
his place
pursuit.
references
is
Arthur
Lewisourselves
clearly
work and thinking still hold true for
even
more,inthe
resources
wish to
associate
Kitts
Labour Party,
the
first
of those
ria Street,
1925,
and that
nies.
They
will begin finding
way out is to understand the
of interment.
that of the scientist
and
tech- during
understood that the
today’s
realities
and
goals
of
achievyou
have
made
available
to
with?
parties
formed
that
period,
ALLHowever,
OUR WAYS
OF it is most
left in 1928, after finishgreater application in our
systems of ideas which conperhaps
ironicapplied to the enternologist
problem was not solely
ing happiness, prosperity, sustainhost
this event.
that Lewis was a leading
THINKING
ing what
would now be
humanadvocate
transactions. Lewis
stitutes the trap, to expose its
that
the
average
Saint
Lucian
may
SCARCE AND
prise
of
the
market.
He
says,
economic.
It was also
ability
and
equity?
I wishA’levels
to thank
in their cause and existence,
as
he
in
his
own
Nobel
called
at these
age insti-However,
certainly did not prescribe
fallacy, and to create an intelremember him every time
CONSTRAINED
thus,they
in his 1950
Industrialcultural, sociological
Much
has
been
written
on
this,
sought
to
break
the
silence
of
what
I
tutions
and
the
minds
behind
Banquet
in Stockthirteen.
restrictions on technological
lectual atmosphere in whichThe world
pullSpeech
out a hundred
dollarization
note, orof the
British
of Arthur Lewis
and psychological.
from Norman Girvan, of blessed
termed
the West
pax pauperum,
the peace
them
so much
holm on
December
10,
1979,
Duewho
to have
age placed
restricimprovement
in the name of
such ideas can no long claim
more
so
when
they
are
a
recipient
of
Indies
paper:
“The
indusin
1915
is
not
one
which
we
In
his
1973
Presimemory,
to
Mark
Figueroa,
Jonesof
the
poor
that
was
maintained
by
toil
intoherealising
he remarked
of his
origins
in
tions,
would this
then week’s
maintaining
employment.
the allegiance of reasonable
these grey
bills.
Sir Arthur
certainly
trialist…challenges
nature,
would dent’s
ever want
to to
return
Address
the
the
British
colonial
authorities
in
Hendrickson,
Neville
Duncan
and
event,
and
indeed,
all
other
the South,
making
reference
have to wait another
The reality, then, is that the
men.”
brings
a smile
to most faces
the
andinmakes
her
her bidto. Arthur
CDB Lewis
Board constantly
of Govthatdo
post-Emancipation
period.
Andrew Downes to mention a few.
celebratory
events,
to the Eastern
vast changes
in techfour years to write
for astarting
demands for greater skills
This approach then and
Caribbean.
His Agony
of forces
ding. He
vaston,
energy
reflected
on the Meeting
poverty, desernors
in
Later
in
fact,
one
of
Lewis’
very
And
then
it
also
dawned
on
me
that
from
the
launch
in
Barbados,
nologythe
at the
time:
coveted Island Scholarin
producing
science
and
now
would
be
anathema
to
Eight is made significantly
more
out of
nature,own
at theolder
flick brothers,
of a
titution,Jamaica,
malaise Sir
and Arthur
disposformer Chief
such
a
broad
topic
would
require
November
past.
Saint
Lucia
is
“Thisbearable
Third World,
as in
it is
ship. Headmaster Wade
technology, particularly the
many, certainly for those
switch, and isJustice
ever inventing
with him
our pockets!
sessionlamented
afflicting the masses.
dearth
of what is now the Eastern
being in this hall till dawn the next
also
delighted
so
sometimes
called,and
is experiis quoted
in toa welcome
1932
demand for locally relevant
who occupied benches on the
new tricks
conquer her.
To
Tonight,
in the months
and to Caribbean
Thousands
of WestentrepreIndians
of Caribbean
Supreme
Court, Chancelmorning.
many
of
you
to
its
shores
and
encingyears
revolutions
school publication of
technology, abounds. HowLeft. Here was the pacifist
pass
from thelor
one
of
beyond of
thismany
centenary,
I hope
left theneurship.
islands He
in identified
search of
ofattitude
the University
of the West InIt is truly a challenge to capture
we
look forward
your conkinds we
- political,
economic,
describing
Lewis tothus:
ever,
what
he
may
certainly
speaking, ever convinced that
mind
to the other
is
impossican
honour
his
memory
more
work elsewhere
and, fortufour
characteristics
dies and Governor General of Saint
the
essence
of
a
man
whose
work
tinued
intellectual
edification
cultural
- but none
more fun- his ideas,
“His work throughout
advocate
is education
that
knowledge was power and
ble in reless than
a generation.
widely,
by considering
itously,that
the are
years
preceding
necessary
to
Lucia,
Sir Allen Lewis,
was one
of
spanned six decades, who was a
these
next few
exciting,
damental
thanonthe
scientific
the entire
time
was infusallowsand
quick
application of
ideas would triumph in the
But
it is only
infounding
countriesmembers
flecting
his
humanity,
his
passion
saw
many
toiling
on
completcreate
successful
enthe
first
voluminous,
prolific
writer
and
reing
revolution,
which
is
inherent
verydays.
much above the
utilizable
skills,
not
simply
company
of
reasonable
men.
where men grow
up learnto redeem the poor, his commitment
ing thetrepreneurs:
Panama Canal. That
chairman
of the Saint Lucia Labour
searcher and whose compendium
in all the
others.
Scienceand
af- dialogue,
average.”
For the
colothe theory.
Knowledge, for him, was
ing tohis
studyParty
nature
andwas
to formed
to social
pacifism
POWERFUL
TESTAMENT
largely1.came
an end in AuA to
willingness
to
which
in 1950.
of
work
is
indeed
nothing
short
of
fects all
ourtoways
of thinknial
era, thistomust
havespecial
This
specialization
in the
transformative. He told the
defy her
we get
plea
pursue
the acquisition
of that This
I wish
make
gust of 1914
canal’s
savewith
andthe
invest
in
wasrapid
not to say
that
I had
genius.
ing
about
the
world,
both
been
a
very
generous
area
of
Science,
Technology,
graduating
class
at
Cave
Hill
technical
knowledge, and most of all
his ad- progress.”
mention of Professor Mark
completion.
the shifting
theThus,
expansion
of
wished Intotruth,
exaggerate his political
the physical
world
if I create
comment indeed.
1971
that “Human Achievethisa concluding
perspective,
AGENTSinOF
ECONOMIC
vice on
howwhich,
we might
difFigueroa
of Jamaica, an old
of trade routes
and
changes in
[your]
business;
character,
for we areEngineering
well aware and
of Mathematmay make
soand
bold,
is easy
Thesefrom
early
years,
ics, or
STEM, has been the
ment…is all the product of
could,
in these
turn
GROWTH
ferent
better
WesttoIndian
nation.
friend
my days
at Mona.
his times,
many effervescent,
exothermic
understand
because
it is we
reg-have heads
however,
were enough
trunk upon
which the
coun- I wish
thought
to work.”
and cause
discomfort.
Continued
Instead,
to applied
posit that
he
For too
long now,
focussed
Continued on
on Page
Page 10
10
Mark,
I promise
no disclosures
reactions
with politicians
around
L
NationWIDE
Page 10
Saturday January 31, 2015
The Search for Unlimited Supplies of Knowledge and Character
Continued from
from Page
Page 99
Continued
2. A willingness
to
propulsion
technology
make
decisions
away
from steam
ships
andthat
to make
them
meant
Saint Lucia
lostpromptly;
its prized entrepôt
3. A strong
respectstafor
status
as a coaling
contracts
into which
tion,
which had
made
one the
enters;
and busiit once
twelfth
4. Aport
senseinofthe
oneself
as a
est
Empire.
servant.
Unemployment
and
In passing,
malaise
rose asIa should
consetell you that his third
quence.
characteristic,
“respect
Colonial
prejudice
for contracts”
was
the normintrigues
in all
me. Believe
– and I
forms.
The me
Caribbean
speaklargely
only ofdependent
Saint Luwas
cia agricultural
– I think oneexports
of the
on
biggestwere
challenges
that
that
comparawe face in
modernising
tively
uncompetitive,
commercial
behaviour
even
while subsistence
in the private
and pubfarming
could
not
lic sector ais burgeoning
to convince
support
parties to Knowledge
agreements
population.
of the sanctity
of conacquisition
was limited:
tracts.were
Contracts
are ofthere
two secondten treated
ary
schools,with
bothdisdain
locatandatirreverence.
ed
Castries, both run
byHALF-WAY
the CatholicHOUSE
Church.
If
we can
He anything,
bemoaned
the
characterise
knowlprotectionism that
was
edge
scarce
desiredas bybeing
the private
and
Arsector,constrained.
and the nepothur
Lewis
was
subtly
tism and lack of merifortunate
that his partocracy exhibited
in
ents
teachers
who
both were
private
and public
found
themselves
in
the
institutions. He in fact
small
urbanity
ofbenethis
suggested
that his
port
town. up
Even
fit growing
wasthen,
that
Europe
was intent
on
his parents
were imfighting
wars
and
gainmigrants, and that the
ing
colonies
family
had to
nosupport
choice
their
continued
but to
strive growth,
through
while
laishard they
workapplied
and intelsez
economics
to
lect faire
to achieve.
These
their
Southern possescharacteristics,
he felt,
sions.
caused him to describe
the
West
as a
FIRST
AS AIndies
TEACHER
“half-way
house”
of
In my view,
Lewis, as
contradictions
if
to assume hiswhich
own
stymied whether
competitiveheritage,
by
ness and or
industry.
Four
destiny
by choice,
decades
on, first
we are
saw
himself
as
in this as
“half-way
astillteacher,
somehouse.”
one
who trained and
guided
theOF
paths
PEOPLE
WILLfor
his
folIn countrymen
developing a to
Cariblow.
this passion
for
beanBut
character,
Lewis
socio-economic
teachcalled for people of will
ing
itselfWehave
and must
character.
are
been
onto
him
told bypassed
Figueroa
that
he
in
what
could
be
seen
saw this will and disas
some in
act his
of last
rites,
cipline
mother.
aWhile
sort he
of had
sacrament
of
no sisters,
learning
initiated
from his mother,
Ida, by
he
his
father
in January
learnt
a great
respect
1922.
for women, and it was
George
Ferdinand
seen in his strong sense
Lewis
taught
his tothen
of concern
played
the
sick
at home
for
need son
for special
considnearly
three
months,
eration for women in
before
shaping himself
economicbeing
politaken
away
by illness
cies.
inYet,
Mayeven
of that
whileyear.
he
Even
at thattoage,
last
professed
thethe
equalteachings
of his
ity of women
andfather
men
must
have
around
thecaused
world,him
he
to
hold
strongly
to
a
deknew that agricultural
sire
learn everything.
and toindustrial
trans-
formation
also ABOVE
required
VERY MUCH
character,
both in peoAVERAGE
ple
in their
Heand
entered
St instituMary’s
tions: on Micoud St,
College
“Successful
which
was then indusa few
trialisation
blocks
away demand[s]
from the
self-confidence,
drive,
family
home on Victoinitiative
soundly
ria
Street, and
in 1925,
and
conceived
and
left
in 1928,policies,
after finishit is
precisely
these
ing
what
would now
be
that areA’levels
most obviously
called
at age
lacking in those who
thirteen.
have
Duethetoformal
age responrestricsibility he
for would
the developtions,
then
have
to This
waitis aanother
ment…”
telling
four
writenever
for a
point.years
We tohave
coveted
ScholarseriouslyIsland
invested
in
ship.
Headmaster
Wade
preparing
our people
is
quoted in a 1932
psychologically
and
school
publication
of
emotionally
to transdescribing
Lewis thus:
form the societies
that
“His
work
throughout
we have
inherited,
lead
the
entire time was
and manage.
very much above the
WEST INDIAN
average.”
For the TO
coloTHE
nial era,
thisCORE
must have
Lewis
offered
advice
been
a very
generous
on our condition.
He
comment
indeed.
was
These unconventional
early years,
but courageous.
But
however,
were enough
how
much
of a West
to
teach
Arthur
LewisIndian
some
was Sir
Arthur?
termsthe
of
very
basic
lessonsInabout
nationality,
whilewas
unworld
at the Lewis,
time. There
doubtedly
Saint Lucian,
clearly
a fascination
for saw
the
himself as aof
West
Indian, livchallenges
development
ing inperhaps
the country
of theenvisWest
and
he first
Indies.
This
deep and
innate
aged
this
through
technologsenseadvancements
of identity harkened
ical
he may
from read
a period
which
have
aboutwithin
or ships
he
Empire
meant
that
saw in the harbour. Jamaica
and Belize were merely part
CONSTANT
LAMENT
of one
whole territory
alongHe Guyana
craved the
side
and acquisition
the Lesser
of
knowledge.
His was
a conAntilles.
He later
remarked
stant
lament.
that were
it notHe
forlamented
a lack of
not
having
enough
a job
in theread
West
Indies,hishe
tory
literature
wouldand
have
returnedduring
home.
his
years as
clerkrealities
in the DeMindful
ofa the
of
partment
of Agriculture.
the limited
job market He
for
lamented
Commerce
blacks inthat
thehis
West
Indies,
degree
did not provide
him
Lewis originally
planned
to
with
Mathematics
study enough
Commerce.
Mercifulskills
tools. He
lamented
ly, he and
abandoned
that
choice.
the
which
We lack
are of
alldata
the for
richer
for he
it,
terribly
desired
tootherwise.
make his
intellectually
and
econometric
He was a assessments.
West Indian to
And
when
he did
the
core.
I think,
to discover
the end,
economics,
was aclear
that
he wishedit for
unified,
he
never sawCaribbean.
the field purely,
federated
As
as
a matter
of theory.
Girvan
pointed
out He
in saw
his
it2008
as a exposition,
tool for changing
the
this was
lot
of more
the poor,
transformeven
on the
grounds
ing
economies
and societies
of good
governance
as for
whether
back
or have
otheconomics.
Hehome
would
erwise.
He rejected
the nobeen pleased
that CARICOM
tion
a country
conhad that
broadened
its was
memberdemned
to poverty
because
ship beyond
the Englishof
a lack ofdomains
physicaltoresourcspeaking
include
es,
or its
location,
or theHowrace
Haiti
and
Suriname.
and
of its people.
ever,ethnicity
he undoubtedly
would
have hoped that by now, the
WHAT HE Single
PURSUED
WAS&
Caribbean
Market
EconomySCIENCE
would have been
yet, he was an ina And
reality.
tensely
and referred
humble
While private
he had been
man.
was
even anecdotally
to as Itan
afro-Saxon
and by
suggested
he was a bit
Lloyd Bestthat
as “epistemologianti-social
in his childhood.
cally an Englishman,”
Lewis
Itbelieved
is said that
he resisted
biin defining
a new
ographies
he He
waswould
alive
Caribbeanwhen
culture.
because
he saw
as
undoubtedly
havehimself
been elatbeing
born that
intoDerek
any Walseted to know
ting,
and the
thus
his roots,
he
cott won
Nobel
Prize for
thought,
tainted
or
tinted
not
Literature in 1992.
his ultimate outcome, nor the
empyrean
he formed.
IF I WORKideas
IN AFRICA
I AM
He mustAThave
felt that he
HOME
could
have however,
been born he
in
For well
Lewis,
Africa
or Asia asofhea was
in
also conceived
wider
the
West Indies.
attitude
identity
and This
association,
lies
within
hisof belief
that
as being
part
the united
what
wasthe
science
statesheofpursued
the poor,
marand
that it and
was the
innately
uniginalised
discrimiversal.
nated, mattering not if the
He often
that
his
place
of his thought
birth were
Bangupbringing
was not imporkok or Bridgetown
or the
tant
to his
Bakafay
inmessage.
Castries. He said,
“We
progress
in that
sciHe make
further
believed
ence
only from studying
one’snot
contribution
was not
the
local environment,
but
necessarily
greater in one’s
also
from elaborating
bacountry
of birth. our
Professic
ThisAllsopp,
kind of theosortheory.
Richard
that
retical
frequently
uniqueelaboration
orator and
linguist
derives
from wide
from Guyana,
andcomparialso a
son.”
soldier in the intellectual
He saw that
knowledge
pantheon
beyond,
noted
could
be acquiredLewis
from tellall
Vice Chancellor
quarters,
saidwords
that his
ing him and
these
in
theory
“Unlimited
1962, asof
captured
in his SupPanplies
of Labour”
came to held
him
egyric
at a memorial
while
down
a Bangat St walking
Michael’s
Cathedral,
kok
road. While
never
Bridgetown,
at thehetime
of
said
it, I suspect
his passing
in 1991:this must
have
very crowded
“Butbeen
why ashould
anybody
street.
Furthermore,
he own
saw
want to
work in his
knowledge
acquisition
country? What makes funyou
damentally
as can
a scientific
think that you
make a
pursuit.
better contribution there
thanALL
anywhere
else?
OUR WAYS
OF If I
work inTHINKING
England I am at
home.
If I inwork
in Africa
However,
his own
Nobel
I am at Speech
home. Here
I am
Banquet
in Stockworking
in Jamaica,
holm
on December
10, and
1979,I
amremarked
at home.ofThe
of
he
hisessence
origins in
the South,
man: universal
in every
the
making reference
sense
thechanges
word. Heinclearly
to
the of
vast
techsaw theatentire
world as his,
nology
the time:
and
was
gladly
a citizen
“This
Third
World,
as it of
is
it.
sometimes
called, is experiThis is
because heofsaw
inencing
revolutions
many
spiration
from alleconomic,
corners,
kinds
- political,
and respected
the more
dignity
of
cultural
- but none
funall humanity.
Nobel
damental
than In
thehis
scientific
Prize Autobiography,
he adrevolution,
which is inherent
mits
“it was Science
the throng
in
allthat:
the others.
afof Asian
and
African
stufects
all our
ways
of thinkdents
at
Manchester
that
set
ing about the world, both
me physical
lecturing
systematically
the
world
which, if I
on development
may
make so bold,economics
is easy to
from about 1950.”
understand
because it is reg-
COMMITMENT TO A
it would not be fitting that
8. The West Indies must see
4. The rising of CaSINGLE GOAL
the over forty panel discusthemselves as on openribbean corporate
This desire to defeat povsions to occur throughout
minded, equitable and
elements that can
erty was Sir Arthur’s motivathese three days, would be
united society in which
become
multinator. Robert L. Tignor, in conleft to the participants alone.
all its people and institionals,
realising
cluding his 2006 Biography,
And we are to be reminded
tutions are not afraid to
the dream of Sir ArW. Arthur Lewis and the
that even while Sir Arthur
make an impact on the
thur, that we come
Birth of Development Ecofound solace with his stuworld stage.
to the point where
nomics notes the following
dents at Princeton in his later
our shores are not
TODAY’S
CHALLENGES
of Lewis’ lifelong commityears, he was an incredible
the limits to our
In concluding, we observe
ment to a single goal: “His
activist. He was a practical
markets and busithat the Caribbean remains
life’s purpose was to overeconomist. He believed in
ness zones;
with
the
sobriquet
of
the
come the marginalization of
the action of learning at re5. A rising group of
Lewisian half-way house.
human beings wherever it
search at every opportunity.
institutions, many
While we may have come out
appeared, whether on racial,
He believed in application
regional and many
of
poverty,
we
are
not
very
political, cultural, or ecoand testing of theories. And
connected,
and
much far from it. Our vulnomic spheres.
this he did, even while being
some non-governnerability due to exogenous
If in London, he railed
burnt many times.
mental, that can be
economic shocks and natuagainst the conservatism of
His ending in the 1971
centres for change,
ral
disasters
does
not
excuse
the Colonial Office and obSpeech to the Second Annual
both social and ecothe negative endogenous
jected to professional and
Meeting of the CDB held
nomic; and
elements of crime, inertia
day-to-day forms of racial
here in Saint Lucia is indeed
6. A world with a
of
enterprise
and
partisan
discrimination, while later
instructive of his belief in
much larger numroulettes that continue to
he spoke against Amerithe power of teaching and
ber of players on
stymie growth and developcan black power advocates,
education in changing mind
more equal footing
ment.
Today’s
challenges
are
this was not because he had
sets. He said:
with which to envaried and some altogether
changed his mind. He was,The Prime
“SocialMinister
discipline
is not the
gage and cooperate
addressing
centennial conference
not known during his time.
in truth, continuing to purgenetically determined. It
with for developHowever, many are the same.
sue his lifetime goal of comderives from history; but hisment.
These
are
a
long
list:
high
ular
andracial
follows
simple laws,
By 1978,
Lewis
finally
tries of Asia have capitalized
CHARACTER OF
bating
prejudice
and
tory
changes
every
day,pubbeunemployment;
fisand
also that
the were
social entirely
world,
lished
his book
on the ecotheir
economies,raging
applying
THEOUR
FUNDAMENTAL
PEOPLE
in ways
ing altered
by learning
and
cal technology
deficits; high
of
consistent.
Since
his days
CURE
REMAINS
which
is more
baffling
and
nomic
history
of the
world.
first
in thecost
transFor
my part,
I found
adaptation.
What
is true
is
public administration;
low
growing
up on the island of
less
predictable.
The
coveredadopt
the period
formation
of agriculture,
it Theinstructive
tools to achieve
that
that book
we cannot
bold
St.
at the
national
and private
savings
InLucia
fact, and
his studying
entire speech
1870
to until
1913. they
He called
his
then
industrial
manufacturLewis
them, we
did have
not become
had for
policies
are widely
London
School
of Economics,
rates;and
high
borrowing
rates;
was
largely
devoted
to the
treatise,
Growth
ing,
now
the high-tech
the
a long
ultimate
time purist
in theand
Caunderstood;
and and
they Fluccanhe had and
focused
his writings,
difficultIt labour
market
critical
universal
nature
tuations,
culminating
an unsector.
was this
storedconup
divorce
ribbean,the
as challenges
Lewis has
not be widely
understood
research,
and pubsiderations due
to the
always
implied.
This
of
scienceteaching
to development.
dertaking
thatare
he had
started
“knowledge
capital”
that cost
the
of
economic
developunless they
frequently
lic continues:
service on three critical
of labour;
narrow
markets;
He
decades
InterestingAsian
countries
could
then
ment
socio-economic
from its sociohalfdiscussedearlier.
in public.”
This
issues:
racial justice,
end of
climate
environ“Our countries
are a couple
ly,
Girvan noted
thetofollowuse
to change
generateand
additional
logical
way house
underpinnings.
calls for a
is sobering
advice
politiempire,
and late,
improved
stanmental We
degradation;
thethis
agof
centuries
and have
a
ing
of Lewis:
capital.
now also see
He
reawakening
wrote andof spoke
a decians,
technocrats and decidards
of livingupfor
ing of ourinpopulations;
lot
of catching
to the
do. less
We
“Onmakers
the relationship
replicated
the former culSofrequently
velopment of
agenda
the charthat
sion
of all hue. befortunate.”
turalstates
decadence
andEurope.
youth
is focused
knowlshall
cross the same ground
tween trade and economic
viet
of Eastern
acter
of ouron
people.
I
LESSONS
FROM Lewis
LEWIS is
anti-social
lack
of
in a much shorter time. But it
growth,
therefore,
Lewis didbehaviour;
not see the
rise
think
edge acquisition,
Edmund Phelps,
appliALL ALONG THE LINE
Thus,
lessons
from
competitiveness
andof
producwill not be exactly the same
very
clearthe
on his
position.
In
of
the internet age,
ubiqthe
cation
2006
and
winner
creation.
of the
He was an ardent believer
Lewis
are numerous,
tivity; amobile
society of
consumers
ground, not only in the sense
the
concluding
chapter ofand
his
uitous
communicaPrize
It calls
for Economic
for a society
Sciin a “flat” world. In his later
compilations
may vary, virbut
and not
producers.
that science throws off old
book,
which represents
tions
andof WIFI.
And And
yet,
ences,
that has
summed
character,
it iniup
years, in 1985, Lewis pubcan be aregarded
yet, even
with the
list
tiative,
drive,
goodthat:
valskins as it grows, but also
tually
lifetime as
offollows:
research
Lewis’
theories
stilllong
apply
well
when
he said
lished Racial Conflict and
1. Thereflection,
pursuit of knowledge
of challenges,
there once
exist we
the
in the sense that geography
and
he states
today
even more,
“Economic
ues, something
growth
which
is
Economic
Development.
lifelong
andrun
universal;
answers,
many
of which acwe
alters the subject matter of
thatis‘…
the long
engine
accept
that
knowledge
dependent
Lewis called
onfor
thenearly
charThis addressed his fears of
2. Knowledge
drives innohave had and
for ageneration
long time, are
but
some parts of science. This is
of
growth is technological
quisition
acter
six decades
of the nation.”
ago. ArWe
rising inequality. This I bevation
and
technological
some inextricably
have become linked
a lot more
obvious in relation to biolochange,
and
that
trade cannow
to
thur
haveLewis
beenoften
apologists
had to
lieve is the subject of a panel
which
inevident
sinceofthe
passing
of
for too
much
too
gy, or ecology, or economics,
not advancement
substitute for this
except
the
quality
labour
supbattle
with
this for
reality.
discussion later in the week.
variably
the true
source
Lewis.
Consider
a few:
or sociology. But it applies
in the
initialisperiod
of laying
ply.
His
methodology
of
He
long.
often
Undoubtedly,
lamented theI
It is important to note that
of economic
develop1. Information
& suggests
Commueven to physics, at the level
development
foundations.’”
sectoral
selection
state
thinkofSirthe
Arthur
indigenous
would
for him, wealth parity was
ment;
of technology, where one can
thatnications
we must seeTechnologies
where best
“capitalist
be most dismayed
sector,”if
not equality. He said in a
3. KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN
Knowledge is the true seat
can revolutionise
invent and choose between
our which
resources,
particularly
whom
we didwe
not
know
make
today,
best
1982 lecture in the United
ECONOMICS
of power,
and it should be
every sector
of
use more
of the
resources
different ways of doing the
our nearly
human resources
can apin
sympathetic
States that “equality at one
The
centuusedtwenty-first
more than anything
society
same thing, some of which
plied.
In the from
face ofeducation
continuand
that polite
we have
language,
around
as
point on the income scale is
ry in
is undoubtedly
one and
of
decision-making
commerce,
trade and
are more appropriate than
ing to
high
unemployment,
our
the
us: local
that is
private
ourselves.
or proIn
not enough; we need equalknowledge-driven
economsocial transformation;
from agriculothers to the resources at
onlymarketing,
possible trump
card in
ductive
the sentiments
sector. of his
ity all along the line.”
ics.
This will
be particularly
4. Society
must
be engaged
turecompetitiveness
and physical develhand.
global
is not
mother
It was Ida,
always
youhis
canunbe
important
forin non-mineral
integrally
understandopment
to governance,
just as good as
anyone
So we
cannot in the
in labour
quantity,
but in the
derstanding
and
beECONOMICS
ASThird
endowed
countries and
such the
as
ing themselves
democracy
and social
coWorldPARTICIPATORY
simply borrow or buy
knowledge,
quantity
and aplief
else.that the long term
those
of most
of theto Caribpolicies
needed
better
hesion;per unit of labour.
science
ahead
plicability
answer
Ladies for
andindustrigentleFinallyfrom
-- andthose
perhaps
surbean.
In lot
hisif later
their
therewritings
is to be
2. Renewable energies and
of
us. Pure-- science
can
alisation
men, theand
fundamental
economic
prisingly
ArthurweLewis
at the
Caribbean
DevelopKNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN
buy-in
and national
conother advancing techtake
as it comes,
but much
development
cure to poverty
was not
readvocated
a participatory
ment
Bank, he places this
DIALOGUE
sensus;
nologies
present wonof
applied science
we have
to
dependence
mains knowledge.
on foreignIt
approach
to decision
makissue
within
context of
Lewis
also clearly to
a
5. There
mustthe
be fundamenderfulwas
opportunities
make
for ourselves.”
aid,
was capital
then, itand
is now
investand
ing, even
in shaping ecogreater
productivity.
Simply
pioneer
evidence savings
based
tal social
and psychologirealisein national
nomic
policy.
Have we
failedThe
him?role of
ment,
it willbut
endure
a vibrant,
foreverinput,cal
neither
agriculture ofnora
decision-making.
betransformation
and drastically He
improve
Government,
as he saw
it,
It is this universality
of scidigenous,
more. Thisinnovating
unlimited
the society;
higher-level manufacturlieved
policyofshould
was that
to bring
people
to
ourthat
balance
trade not
via
ence
made the
a West
Indian
private
desire sector.
for knowledge,
ing
and services
sectors
be forced
imposed. To but
exthe mountain
see the
6. Social
discipline
andwill
the
importorsubstitution,
man’s
theories sotoapplicable
combined
More broadly,
within limhis
be viable
without
a highly
pound,
I reference
again InPromised
Land,we
andhave
to hopewillingness
to make
sacwe must
be connected
to
to
Asia. Today,
witTheory
itless character,
of Economic
can
trained,
skilled
dustrialisation
of the
British
fully arm
withmiracles
enough
rifices
mustand
beeducated
present
the innovation
networks
nessed
thethem
Asian
Growth
achieve (1955),
William
Arthur
Arlabour
force. This –ispeople
even
West
Indies
idenknowledge
information
for achievement
if we
are where
to stay he
relevant
of
Singapore,and
Taiwan,
Korea
makes
thur Lewis’
it clear
dream
that and
the
more
so today
than theto
1950s.
tified
laissez-faire
to make
journey.
must
be willing
put
andthe
realise
this boon;ecoand
now the
China.
We are even
recipe
hope forfor
a West
economic
Indian
Since
theforward
required
nomics
of Britain towards
its
It is innew
this vein
thatappearI think
their then,
best foot
at
3. A well-educated
Caribbeseeing
giants
growth
nation demanded:
of harmony,
“solabour
inputs for many procolonies
as a trapand
for the
West
it fitting
that this conference
all times;
an Diaspora
a knowling
in Indonesia,
Thailand,
cietal
happiness,
wide transformaand prosduction
forms
has
been
fallIndies.
Writing
at
that
time,
has endeavoured
to embrace
7. Social goods of initiative,
edge-connected
youth
Philippines,
Vietnam.
We
tions
perityinin
cultural
our time,
values,
and
ing drive,
with rising
automation.
he population
encouraged whose
knowledgewide participation
andChina
edudetermination,
enerwitness
the debate of
family
have moreorganisation
than plenty
Thisconfidence,
trend will undoubtedly
driven
not inveccation, particularly
with,
but
respect are
gies dialogue,
and knowledge
can
reaching
a “Lewisian
turnand
for the
commitment
generations
to to
a
continue.
We are
already seetive.be
He
said: channelled;
not limited
youth. For
necessary;
and
equally
ing
point” to,
as the
hundreds
of
work
come.ethos
I thank
asyou.
well as
ing Google developing cars
“[The] way to get out is not
millions of people have now
the standard economic
that can drive themselves usto abuse the well-meaning
left the agrarian hinterland
prerequisites of high
ing artificial intelligence.
captors, who genuinely befor urban centres.
levels of savings and
Human-like robots will not
lieve that this trap is actually
In some respects, a re-ininvestment and precise
forever remain novelties of
a silken bed which they have
terpretation of Lewis’ early
government planning.”
Japanese industrial compagenerously provided. The
“industrialist” references is
Arthur Lewis clearly
nies.
They
will
begin
finding
way
out
is
to
understand
the
that of the scientist and techunderstood that the
greater application in our
systems of ideas which connologist applied to the enterproblem was not solely
human transactions. Lewis
stitutes the trap, to expose its
prise of the market. He says,
economic. It was also
certainly
did
not
prescribe
fallacy,
and
to
create
an
intelthus, in his 1950 Industrialcultural, sociological
restrictions on technological
lectual atmosphere in which
ization of the British West
and psychological.
improvement in the name of
such ideas can no long claim
Indies paper: “The indusIn his 1973 Presimaintaining
employment.
the allegiance of reasonable
trialist…challenges nature,
dent’s Address to the
The reality, then, is that the
men.”
and makes her do her bidCDB Board of Govdemands for greater skills
This approach then and
ding. He forces vast energy
ernors Meeting in
in producing science and
now would be anathema to
out of nature, at the flick of a
Jamaica, Sir Arthur
technology,
particularly
the
many,
certainly
for
those
switch, and is ever inventing
lamented the dearth
demand for locally relevant
who occupied benches on the
new tricks to conquer her. To
of Caribbean entrepretechnology, abounds. HowLeft. Here was the pacifist
pass from the one attitude of
neurship. He identified
ever,
what
he
may
certainly
speaking,
ever
convinced
that
mind to the other is impossifour
characteristics
advocate is education that
knowledge was power and
ble in less than a generation.
that are necessary to
allows quick application of
ideas would triumph in the
But it is only in countries
create successful enutilizable skills, not simply
company of reasonable men.
where men grow up learntrepreneurs:
the theory.
Knowledge, for him, was
ing to study nature and to
1. A willingness to
This specialization in the
transformative. He told the
defy her that we get rapid
save and invest in
area of Science, Technology,
graduating class at Cave Hill
technical
truth,
the Minister
expansion of
Theprogress.”
Professor,Inthe
PM andEngineering
the Mayor: Conference
Co-Chair
Professor
Mark
Figueroa, Prime
and
Mathematin
1971
that
“Human
Achievethis concluding perspective,
[your]
business;
Dr
Kenny
D.
Anthony
and
Castries
Mayor
Shirley
Lewis
sharing
a
light
moment
following
the
speeches
ics, or STEM, has been the
ment…is all the product of
could, in these times, turn
andthe
other
formalities.
trunk upon which
counthought applied to work.”
heads and cause discomfort.
Continued on Page 11
Saturday January 31, 2015
NationWIDE
Page 11
Walcott place will preserve memories, fill a vacuum
The Search for Unlimited Supplies of Knowledge and Character
and bridge the inequality gap
how much of a West Indian
COMMITMENT TO A
it would not be fitting that
8. The West Indies must see
4. The rising of Cacorporate
2.
that can
multinarealising
cluding his 2006 Biography,
And we are to be reminded
tutions are not afraid to
ing in the country of the West
the dream of Sir Ar3. A strong respect for
W. Arthur Lewis
and the withthat
even
while Sirvisit
Arthur
impact on the
Indies. This deep and innate
thur, –that
come
et me first of all make
are grappling
fiscal
deficits
our shores.make
A touran
of Castries
in that rebirth
let we
us return
contracts into which
Birth of Development
Eco-– however
found one
solace
with can
his be
stuworld
stage.
sense of identity harkened
tothe
thecity
point
where
an
apology
for
the
and
high
debt
perorganized
that
ends
with
a
Castries
to
it
once
was
one enters; and
nomics notescent
the of
following
dentsowns
at Princeton
his later
from a period within which
our could
shoreswalk
are not
Prime
Minister
the population
fifty invisit
to the Walcott
Place.
where people
and
TODAY’S
CHALLENGES
4. A sense
of oneself
as a who
of Lewis’ lifelong commityears, he was an incredible
Empire meant that Jamaica
the open
limitsspace
to our
had
to travel to Washington
percent of the world’s wealth an
Saint Lucia In
is concluding,
well placed
relax where
like
we to
observe
servant.
ment to a single goal: “His
activist. He was a practical
and Belize were merely part
markets and busifor
a meeting.
The Prime
imbalance
that is difficult
to unmake the
creative
industries
anthe Gardens and the Square
that
the
Caribbean
remains
In passing,
I should
life’s
purpose
was
to
overeconomist.
He
believed
in
of one whole territory alongness zones;
Minister
askshismethird
to convey
derstand. It ofis possible
for ofthe
other
pillar with
of ourthe
economic
de-of the
were places
for our children
sobriquet
tell
you that
come the marginalization
the action
learning
at reside Guyana and the Lesser
5. A rising group of
Lewisian
half-way
house.
his
best
wishes
and
urges
private
sector
in
our
country
to
velopment
Strategy
–
no
other
to
play
have
fun whilemany
their
characteristic, “respect
human beings wherever it
search at every opportunity.
Antilles. He later remarked
institutions,
we boast
may have
come out
Corporate
Lucia that
to were it not for a lack of
use the
created by
country our While
size can
of the
parents relaxed.
for
contracts”Saint
intrigues
appeared, whether
on opportunities
racial,
He believed
in application
regionalThis
and project
many
of poverty,
weWalcott
are not very
support
this
this initiative
albeit in
academic
of Hon.
can preserve
memories,and
fill
me.
Believe
meproject.
– and I
political, cultural,
or eco-to correct
and testing
of atheories.
And genius
a job in the West Indies, he
connected,
much
far from
it. Our
speak
of Saint
Lu- is no
Theonly
Prime
Minister
small way the imbalances
thateven
ex- while
andbeing
Sir Arthur
Lewis.
We have
to vula vacuumsome
and bridge
the innomic spheres.
this he did,
would have returned home.
non-governduethe
to benexogenous
cia
– I think
the
stranger
toone
theofproject.
It
ist in he
ourrailed
island. Toburnt
my mind
the
leverage thatnerability
power for
equality gap.
If in London,
many times.
Mindful
of the realities of
mental, that can be
economic
shocks
and natu-As a country
biggest
that
against
the
conservatism
of
was inchallenges
2006 under
the govWalcott
Place
project
can
be
the
efit
of
our
people.
I
am
sure
Hon.
not
His ending in the 1971
the limited job market for
centreswe
for must
change,
not excuse
we
face in modernising
the Colonial catalyst
Office and
Speech
to the SecondWalcott
Annual will ral
ernment
that he led that
for aobnew line
of econombe disasters
pleased does
as many
allow this
blacks in the West Indies,
bothopportunity
social and eco-to
negative endogenous
commercial
jected to professional
and can Meeting
of the
the CDB
Lewis originally planned to
Governmentbehaviour
acquired the
ic activity that
redound to
yearsheld
ago hethe
visioned
our island
pass by. Inomic;
thankand
the governelements
of crime, inertia
inproperty
the private
and
pubday-to-day
forms
of
racial
here
in
Saint
Lucia
is
indeed
study Commerce. Merciful6. Taiwan
A world
withAma
of the childhood
benefit of all. The question may
as a center for the arts. Sir Arthur
ment of
through
of enterprise and partisan
lic
sector
to convince
discrimination,
while by
later
instructive
belief in
ly, he abandoned that choice.
much
numhome
ofisthe
Walcott brothbe asked
our partners
in of
thehis Lewis
would
also bethat
delighted
bassador
Jameslarger
Chang
for
roulettes
continue
to
parties to agreements
he spoke against
Ameri-– why
theinvest
power
of teaching
We are all the richer for it,
berwith
of players
on
ers situated on Chaussee
private sector
scarce
sinceand
economic
growth
partnering
us in that
stymie
growthfor
andthe
developof the sanctity of concan black power advocates,
education
in changing
mind
intellectually and otherwise.
more
equal
footing
Road.
resources
in
such
a
new
area
of
people
of
the
third
world
was
the
venture.
I
wish
to
congratument. Today’s challenges are
tracts. Contracts are ofthis was not because he had
sets.
said:
He was a West Indian to
with which
enin October
in
ourHe
island.
overriding theme
his work.
late and thank
the St.toLucia
variedofand
some altogether
changed his economic
mind. He activity
was,
tenFurther
treated with
disdain 2013
“Social discipline is not
the
core.
I
think,
to
the
end,
gage for
andits
cooperate
the
Prime
Minister
at
a
The
truth
is
our
island
is
late
in
I
said
earlier
that
the
Walcott
national
Trust
pioneernot
known
during
his
time.
in truth, continuing to purand irreverence.
genetically determined. It
he wished for a unified,
with for developmeeting with the National
such
enterprise
only have
to
Place ProjectHowever,
could signal
ing role in that venture. The
manythe
areenthe same.
sue his lifetime
goal
of com- wederives
from history; but hisfederated
Caribbean.
As
ment.
HALF-WAY
HOUSEfinancial
Trust
promised
at other
countries
in the
of These
the city
other partners viz the various
areofa Castries
long list: high
bating racial look
prejudice
and
tory and
changes
every hancement
day, beGirvan pointed out in his
He technical
bemoaned
the to the
unemployment;
raging
fisand
support
world
at
large
to
see
how
many
home
to
these
two
gentlemen.
ReGovernment
Ministries and
THE
FUNDAMENTAL
in
ways
that
were
entirely
Deputythis
Prime
ing altered by learning and
2008 exposition,
wasMinister
protectionism
that was
cal
deficits;
high
cost
of
consistent.
Since
his
days
CURE
REMAINS
project and further
endorsed
historical
sites
museums,
art
thecently
our
city
has
been
referred
Her
Excellency
the Governor
Hon.
Philip
J.
Pierre
adaptation.
What
is
true
is
more on the grounds
desired
by the activities.
private Iteven
public
growing up on
the are
island
tools to achieve
the proposed
is good governance as for
atres
notofonly that
sponsored
but adopt
to asbold
a ghetto
andadministration;
many parts low
GeneralThe
for agreeing
to chair
we cannot
of
sector,
andthe
the
nepoSt. urban
Lucia and maintained
studying at the
national
and
private
them, we
have had for
lead to
anwould
upliftment
of the
clear that
Prime
Minister
by corporate
have
been allowed
into
decay
andsavings
the Advisory
Committee.
policiesentities.
until they are
widely
economics.
He
have
tism and lack of meriLondon
of Economics,
high What
borrowing
long
timefor
in you
the Caand city
to become
viableSchool It
is fully aware and anxiously
may be possible
that some
maybe
unsafe.
bet- rates;It is aleft
now
corunderstood;
and they
can-evenrates;
been pleased
thatareas
CARICOM
tocracy exhibited in
he
had
focused
his of
writings,
difficult
as Lewis
hasin
friendly
spaces
for
a
better
qualawaits the next steps.
form
tax relief be
for understood
ter way to herald
thelabour
rebirthmarket
of a conporateribbean,
Saint Lucia
to join
not allowed
be widely
had
broadened
its
memberboth private and public
research,
and pubto of
the cost
always journey
implied. which
This
ity of life.
clear therefore
that teaching
unless
they
are frequently
This Walcott
Place
businesses
that invest
in the
Walnew Castriessiderations
and in thedue
words
that exciting
ship beyond
theIt isEnglishinstitutions.
He in
factProject
lic service on three critical
of labour; narrow markets;
socio-economic
halfdiscussed
in public.”
This
corporate
Saint
Lucia
can
reap
speaking
domains
to
include
seeks
not
only
to
immortalcott
Place.
Such
precedent
already
Hon.
Walcott
in
the
poem,
a
City’s
will
manifest
itself
not
only
suggested that his beneissues: racial justice, end of
climate change and environway house calls for a
is The
sobering
advice to
politiHaiti
and
Suriname.
Howbenefits
in
both
of
these
areas
if
ize
and
recognize
an
iconic
exists
in
Legislation.
Tourism
Death
by
Fire
“Rebuilding
a
love
in
balance
sheets
and
in
the
fit growing up was that
empire, and improved stanmental degradation; the agreawakening of a decians, technocrats and
deci- was
ever, he
undoubtedly
wouldare taken.
the
correct decisions
Saint
Lucian
Stimulus
I thought
dead
as populations;
souls”. By culhearts of Saint Lucians and
his
parents
wereand
im-citizen
dards of living
for theAct
lesspassed in 2014 by
ing
of
our
velopment
agenda
that
makers oftoall hue.
have hoped
by now,
It isthat
a fact
thatthe
Saint fortunate.”
Lucia is
of the world
but the
gives the
government allowssion
incentives
making the Walcott
Place Project
the hundreds
who
our
migrants,
and that
tural decadence
and youth
is focused
on visit
knowlCaribbean
&
homeSingle
to theMarket
Hon. Derek
Walcott
country
an no
opportunity
to
tourism entities that LESSONS
purchase FROM
loa reality.
shores
but more
importantly
family
had
choice
LEWIS
anti-social
behaviour;
lack
of
edge
acquisition,
applihave been
ALL ALONG
THE
LINE art items.
andwould
the country
is rich in cultural
make
paradigm
shift Economy
in
cally
produced
nearly dead and
in thecation
benefit
will acbut
to astrive
through
Thus, the lessonsCastries
from is competitiveness
andon
producandthat
creation.
a reality.
believer
offerings so aptly describedHe
in was
the an ardent
hard
work areas
and of
inteltwo major
activity.
I am told
that theLewis
Walcott
the way
buried
- Grassof
Street
crue to Itthe
writers
arePlace
numerous,
andto betivity;
a society
consumers
callsartists,
for a society
While
he
had
been
referred
a “flat” world.
In his later
lectFirstly
to achieve.
These
poems of our Nobel Prizeinwinner.
it presents
opportuis designed
to house
a theatre and
and Chaussee
Road
are
deserted And
and other
players
in the Crecompilations
may
vary,
but
and
not
of
producers.
that
has
character,
inito as an afro-Saxon and by
years,
in 1985, Lewis pubcharacteristics,
he in
felt,
The question is how can we
create
nity to introduce
a meansupporting facilities.
about as follows:
at nights. The
Walative Industries
in our
island.
canThink
be regarded
yet,house
even where
with the
long list
tiative, drive,
good
valLloyd
Best
as
“epistemologilished
Racial
Conflict
and
caused
activity with these gifts
1. The pursuit
of challenges,
there
exist the
ingful him
way to
thedescribe
possibility cally
of aneconomic
our traditional dances,
music,of knowledge
cott lived was
left to ruin.
How
On behalf
of Government
ues, something
which
Englishman,” Lewis
Economic
Development.
the
West Indies
as benefits
a
is
lifelong
and
universal;
answers,
many
of
which
we
but
avoid
the
pitfalls
of
rampant
Lewis
called
for nearly
profitable
economic
folk
festivals,
plays,
poetry
readcan
a
country
allow
such
a
valuof
Saint
Lucia
I once
more
believed
in
defining
a
new
This
addressed
his
fears
of
“half-way
house”of of
2.produced
Knowledge
have
had fortoa long
time, but
decades ago. We
capitalism.
from the creation
linkages
ing, professionally
anddrives
ableinnohistorical
edifice
waste?
pledgesixwholeheartedly
our
Caribbean
culture.
He
would
rising
inequality.
This
I
becontradictions
whichhistory
and technological
some have
become
a lot more
have
The have
worldbeen
economic
situation
between art culture
presented
in packagesvation
to the thouThis development
is long
overdue.
support
for been
this apologists
venture. I
undoubtedly
elatlieve
is
the
subject
of
a
panel
stymied competitiveadvancement
evident
of
for
is challenging,
many countries
and tourism. Secondly it can
sands
ofweek.
cruise passengers
who which
I urge incorporate
Saintsince
Luciathe
to passing
join
thank
you.too much for too
ed to know
that Derek Waldiscussion later
in the
ness and industry. Four
variably is the true source
Lewis. Consider a few:
long. Undoubtedly, I
cott
won
the
Nobel
Prize
for
It
is
important
to
note
that
decades on, we are
of economic develop1. Information & Commuthink Sir Arthur would
Literature in 1992.
for him, wealth parity was
still in this “half-way
ment;
nications
Technologies
be most dismayed if
not equality. He said in a
house.”
3. Knowledge is the true seat
which can revolutionise
IF I WORK IN AFRICA I AM
we did not make best
1982 lecture in the United
of power, and it should be
nearly every sector of
AT HOME
use of the resources
PEOPLE OF WILL
States that “equality at one
used more than anything
society from education
For Lewis, however, he
that we have around
In developing a Caribpoint on the income scale is
in decision-making and
to commerce, trade and
also conceived of a wider
us: that is ourselves. In
bean character, Lewis
not enough; we need equalsocial transformation;
marketing, from agriculidentity and association,
the sentiments of his
called for people of will
ity all along the line.”
4. Society must be engaged
ture and physical develas being part of the united
mother Ida, you can be
and character. We are
integrally in understandopment to governance,
states
of
the
poor,
the
marjust as good as anyone
ECONOMICS
AS
told by Figueroa that he
ing themselves and the
democracy and social coginalised and the discrimielse.
PARTICIPATORY
saw this will and dispolicies needed to better
hesion;
nated, mattering not if the
Ladies and gentleFinally -- and perhaps surcipline in his mother.
their lot if there is to be
2. Renewable energies and
place
of
his
birth
were
Bangmen,
the fundamental
prisingly
-Arthur
Lewis
While he had no sisters,
buy-in and national conother advancing techkok or Bridgetown or the
cure to poverty readvocated a participatory
from his mother, Ida, he
sensus;
nologies present wonBakafay in Castries.
mains knowledge. It
approach to decision maklearnt a great respect
5. There must be fundamenderful opportunities to
was then, it is now and
ing, even in shaping ecoHe further believed that
for women, and it was
tal social and psychologirealise national savings
nomic policy. The role of
it will endure foreverone’s contribution was not
seen in his strong sense
cal transformation
of aday inand
drasticallyfor
improve
Government,
as he
saw it,
more.
This few
unlimited
necessarily
in one’s
astplayed
year toduring
a
their greater
conditions
and now
we
and
constituency
councils.
The
a new
agriculture
Within
the next
days,
of concern
the
the people to
society;
desire for knowledge,
country
birth. toProfesneed forvisit
special
considto this
area and
areofready
deliver. was
Let to
mebringconsulting
team also
underSaint Lucia. our balance of trade via
you will
begin to see the
the mountain to see the
6. Social discipline and the
import substitution, but
combined with limsor Richard Allsopp, that
eration Praslin
for women
in
the Minister
hasten to add to the skeptics
took
visits and willingness
conducted to make
Thesac-touristic
potential
of
construction
of the conPromised Land,
andsite
to hopewe must
be connected
to
itless character, can
unique orator and linguist
shaping
economic
poliof Agriculture and myself
and
doubting
Tomases
that
the
technical
surveys
of
the
respecPraslin
and
Savannes
Bay,
cancrete
abutments,
followed
fully
arm
them
with
enough
rifices
must
be
present
the
innovation
networks
achieve
William
Arfrom Guyana, and also a
cies.
promised the fisherfolk
material
for the construction
tiveinformation
areas. Our aim was
to connot
be overemphasized.
The
soon thur
afterLewis’
by the
piling
knowledge and
for achievement
– people
if we are to stay
relevant
dream
and
soldier
in
the
intellectual
Yet, even while he
to make
that we would construct
has already
onthe journey.
struct a sustainablemust
environthese
of the
timbe willingnatural
to put beauty
andofrealise
thistwo
boon; and installation
hope for a West
Indian
pantheon
beyond, began
notedto arrive
professed to the equalIt is in this vein
that I think
their best foot forward
3. A well-educated
Caribbenation and
of harmony,
new
jetties to
the
the island.These
jetties provide
mentally
friendly structurally
coastalat zones
remains unber structure
other anVice Chancellor
Lewis tellity of women
andreplace
men
it fitting
this conference
all times;
an Diaspora
and a knowlhappiness,
andup
prosdilapidated
structures.
the these
opportunity
andthat sound
and aesthetically
pleastapped and there
lies tremencillaries
that make
the
ing him
words to
in create
around
the world,
he
has endeavoured to embrace
7.
Social
goods
of
initiative,
edge-connected
perity in our time, and
1962,
as
captured
in
his
PanCynicism
as usual preconsolidate linkages between
ing product.
dous opportunity for heritage youth
two jetties.
knew
that agricultural
participation and edudrive,
determination,
population whose enerhave more than plenty
egyric two
at amajor
memorial
held - wide
and
industrial
vailed.
Some transremarked
industries
tourism
I must
highlight
the
close coltourism activities.
I again
implore the concation,
particularly
with,
but
confidence, respect are
gies and knowledge can
for the generations to
at
St
Michael’s
Cathedral,
formation
also
required
that this was another
and agriculture.
of the Ministries
of
We
assured
that
our
environtractors
to
ensure global
not limited to,laboration
the youth. For
necessary; and
be equally channelled;
come. I thank you.
Bridgetown,
at the time
of cost which
character,
in peopolitical both
stunt
and that
The overall
project
Infrastructure, Port Services
ment was not scared by masstandards and to provide
his passing in 1991:
ple
and in their
institupoliticians
and
Ministers
includes designs, supervision
and Transport and the Minissive concrete structures and
quality work as the fisher“But why should anybody
tions:
of Agriculture has promandwork
construction
is approxitry of Agriculture, Food Prowe have designed these jetties
folk in particular are dewant
to
in
his
own
“Successful
indusised the same
before to no
mately
$1,000,000
and will
duction, Fisheries, Cooperawith sustainable but environserving the best for their
country?
WhatEC
makes
you
trialisation
demand[s]
avail. We informed
be funded
Government
of
tives and Rural Development.
mentally friendly material.
efforts.
think that
you can by
make
a
self-confidence,
drive, that
we are and
different
and toRepublic there
of China (TaiEach Ministry stuck to its core
Through this project, the govLet me note and thank
better the
contribution
initiative
soundly
than anywhere
else?to If
I
day we policies,
are gathered
for
wan). I wish
thank
the Amcompetencies at the Policy and
ernment, intends to stimulate
the Permanent Secretary
conceived
and
work in
EnglandHE
I am
at Chang for
itthe
is Sod
precisely
thesesignalTurning
bassador
James
technical levels to bring this
economic development and
and staff of the Ministries
home.
If I continued
work in Africa
that
mostconstruction
obviously
ingarethe
of
his
support for the
project to fruition.
further improve the lives of the
of Infrastructure; and AgI am at home. Here I am
lacking
those One
whoat this
two (2)inJetties,
efforts of government in our
Let me take this opportupeople of these two communiriculture for their input,
in Jamaica, and I
have
the formal
respon-Bay, working
location,
Savannes
in at home.
quest The
to improve
the lives of
nity to recognize and applaud
ties.
advise and commitment to
am
essence
of
sibility
theNorth
developVieuxfor
fort
and the
ouruniversal
people. Ambassador
please
the work of my colleague and
There are two existing timthis project. This collaborathe
man:
in
every
ment…” This is a telling
other at Praslin Bay in Miextend
ourHe
sincere
friend Hon. Moses Jn. Bapber jetties at Praslin, both contive effort is commendable
sense of
the word.
clearlyappreciation
point. We have never
coud
North.
These
jetties
to
your
government
on
our
betiste
in
the
Ministry
of
Agristructed
by
the
fisherfolk
of
the
and as both sides made use
saw
the
entire
world
as
his,
seriously invested in
and was
gladly a citizen of
will be built
4 months
half.
culture and Fisheries and in
area, however they are in a state
of their skills and knowlpreparing
our in
people
it.
time and we will
I must tell you that the dehis constituency Vieux Fort
of disrepair. While Praslin has
edge in this project.
psychologically
andreturn
is becauseofhethe
sawjetties
inhere to officially
declareThis signing
was not
North. Hon Jn. Baptiste’s pastwo jetties, Savannnes Bay reWe look forward to the
emotionally
to transspiration from all corners,
form
societies that
themthe
open.
a simple desk exercise. Rather
sion, dedication and hard work
mains without any such a facilsuccessful completion of
and respected the dignity of
we Government
have inherited,islead
sensitive
extensive
consultations
were
is remarkable. I am proud of
ity. This wish is about to come
these two jetties and look
all humanity.
In his
Nobel
and
manage.
to the
plight of the fishers
carried out with
key stakeholdhis contribution in the field of
true.
forward to the official openPrize Autobiography,
he adatWEST
these
Bays.
We
heard
ers,
including
government
deagriculture
and
particularly
I
have
been
informed
that
the
ing in a few months when
mits
that:
“it
was
the
throng
INDIAN TO
theirTHE
cry, CORE
felt their anxiety
partments,
fisherfolk
theProfessor,
his commitment
improving
new jetties
will Professor
have a miniwe willPrime
be able
to walk
of Asian
and African
stu- fromThe
the PM andtothe
Mayor: Conference
Co-Chair
Mark Figueroa,
Minister
dents at
Manchester
that set the Dr
and
frustration;
promised
two
communities,
Saint
lives of people.
I wishMayor
him Shirley
mum Lewis
servicesharing
life ofa light
25 years
the decks
of the newLewis
offered advice
Kennythe
D. Anthony
and Castries
momentalong
following
the speeches
me lecturing
systematically
on
ourwe
condition.
that
would He
improve
Lucia National
Trust, SLASPA
continued success as he plotsandwith
adequate maintenance.
ly built jetties.I thank you.
other formalities.
on development economics
was
unconventional
from about 1950.”
but courageous. But
Continued from Page 10
(Followingwas
is Sir
theArthur?
full text
ofofan address
byGOAL
Hon. Philip
Pierre
Deputy
Minister
and
Minister
for
SINGLE
theJ.
over
forty panel
discus- Prime
themselves
as on
openIn terms
ribbean
A willingness to
This desire to defeat povsions to occur throughout
minded, equitable and
nationality,
Lewis,
while
unelements
Infrastructure,
Port Services and
Transport on the occasion
of the Walcott united
Placesociety
Project
– Corporate
make
decisions
erty was Sir Arthur’s motivathese three days, would be
in which
doubtedly Saint Lucian, saw
become
and to make them
tor.
Robert
L.
Tignor,
in
conleft
to
the
participants
alone.
all
its
people
and
instihimself as a West Indian,
livtionals,
Launch
January
24,
2015
at
the
Pigeon
Island
Landmark
promptly;
L
‘Our Fishers Deserve Nothing But The Very Best For Their Efforts!’
(Following is the full text of an address by Hon. Philip J. Pierre Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure,
Port Services and Transport at the Sod Turning Ceremony of Savannes Bay and Praslin Jetties
on Thursday January 22, 2015.
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Page 12
Nation Wide News in Brief
CARICOM Climate Change Ministers
preparing for Paris
Caribbean ministers responsible for Climate Change met here earlier this week to hammer out strategies to secure and preserve the
interests of small-island and developing states.
The region’s ministers met ahead of a major global climate change
treaty due before the end of 2015.
The ministers from Saint Lucia and other CARICOM member-states
discussed effects of Climate Change on the Caribbean, most visible
today in the longer and worsening droughts and increased hurricanes, warmer seas and more frequent natural disasters.
The Caribbean is seeking to coordinate its position ahead of the
signing of a new global climate change treaty in Paris in December,
which will come into force in 2020.
The ministers also discussed proposals from the region’s climate
change negotiators, who also met here on Monday and Tuesday,
ahead of today’s ministerial meeting, to review decisions from a recent global climate change meeting in Lima, Peru.
The Caribbean negotiators also submitted proposals to the ministers regarding the Paris meeting next December.
The ministerial climate change meeting was chaired by Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development Minister Dr James Fletcher, who earlier this week also attended climate change talks in Washington with
Prime Minister Dr Kenny D. Anthony.
Dr Anthony is the CARICOM spokesman on Climate change and Dr
Fletcher is chairman of both the CARICOM Regional Task Force on
Sustainable Development and the Regional Coordinating Committee
on Climate Change.
Deadline approaching for nonmachine-readable passports
The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security last year announced that Cabinet approved an extension of the deadline for the
recall of non– machine readable passports.
The deadline was moved from November 1, 2014 to January 31, 2015.
The public is asked to note that a further extension of the deadline
will come into effect on January 31, leading to a new deadline on February 28, 2015.
Citizens who presently carry non-machine readable passports will
be required to apply for a machine-readable passport at the Immigration Department in the Lamar Building on Bridge Street, Castries
before the new deadline date.
Passport fees remain as follows: Regular $80; Express Service $130.
At the end of the recall, citizens of Saint Lucia will not be permitted
to travel with non-machine readable passports.
Bordelais has a new Chief
Saint Lucia has a new prison chief. He’s Mr Vern Guard. The new
man in charge at the island’s lone prison is a former policeman and a
former prison officer.
Today a certified specialist in corrections, he earlier served at the
crowded Royal Jail on Bridge Street in Castries, which preceded construction of the Borderlais Correctional Facility in 2003.
Mr Guard was also a commanding officer in the Special Services
Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
The new Bordelais chief, who assumed duties this week, says there
will be ‘no compromise’ in his efforts to ensure that ‘discipline’ is
maintained at the island’s modern but overcrowded prison complex
in Dennery.
He said too, that while discipline will be maintained throughout
the facility at all times, he will pay much or even more attention to
‘building the capacity’ of correctional officers under his command at
the 12-year-old facility, the most modern in the OECS.
Bus fare increase on hold till March
Commuters are breathing a long sigh of relief following news that
the island’s minibus operators have put the matter of an increase in
bus fares on hold until early March.
The operators met Tuesday with the island’s Transport Minister,
Deputy Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, to discuss outstanding matters affecting the transport sector.
Following the meeting, both the minister and the President of the
National Council on Public Transport (NCOPT) Godfrey Ferdinand
told the press the meeting was cordial and both sides tabled their issues of concern.
Neither side disclosed the details of the proposals, which include
the demand by the minibus operators for an outstanding fare increase or additional incentives to save operating costs, as well as the
government’s call for a code of conduct for minibus drivers.
The Minister said the government has received the several proposals submitted by the mininbus operators and has promised to respond by the end of February, with the NCOPT indicating it will now
finally decide on the bus fare increase as early as possible in March.
Soufriere residents soon to know
more about Sulphur Springs fumes
Soufriere residents will soon get to know whether the continuous
smell of sulphur is good or bad for their health.
There’s been much concern in the West Coast town about the near
permanent and increasingly strong smell of sulphur emanating from
the ever-boiling Sulphur Springs.
The level of concern has led to arrangements for an official geological survey to determine the healthiness of the Sulphuric fumes.
A team from New Zealand has been identified for the survey and
the surveyors will be resident in Soufriere for the duration of their
task.
The survey is being carried out with international help from the
Global Environment Facility (GEF) as the island gets ready for yet another effort to extract geothermal energy from the Sulphur Springs.
After some forty years of failure to extract energy from the Sulphuir
Springs, the latest effort will be towards reducing the island’s increasingly costly dependence on electricity fueled by petroleum
NationWIDE
Saturday January 31, 2015
PM attends US Caribbean Energy Summit
P
rime Minister Dr. Kenny D.
Anthony and Energy Minister
Sen. Hon. Dr. James Fletcher
joined other Caribbean Heads of
Government and Delegations in the
first ever Caribbean Energy Security
Summit at the U.S. Department of
State in Washington, D.C. on Monday.
In the morning of Monday 26th
January, immediately prior to the
start of the Energy Security Summit,
the US Secretary of State John Kerry
hosted a Climate Change Breakfast
Meeting with the Caribbean delegations, at which he is expected to
outline the Obama administration’s
views on Climate Change and the negotiations on a new Climate Change
agreement, which will be signed in
Paris in December of this year.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, who
has lead responsibility in CARICOM
for Sustainable Development and
Climate Change, spoke at the Breakfast Meeting on the Climate Change
issues that are most important to
Caribbean Small Island Developing
States (SIDS).
Later that morning, Prime Minister Anthony and Minister Fletcher
joined delegations from other CARICOM Member States for the Caribbean Energy Security Summit with
Hon. Joseph Biden, the Vice President
The Caribbean leaders and their American hosts in Washington.
of the United States. Also attending
that meeting will be the President of
the World Bank, the President of the
Inter-American Development Bank,
and senior officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization of American States (OAS),
CARICOM, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the International
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA),
and senior representatives of the
governments of Canada, Colombia,
France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom
and the European Union.
In the afternoon session of the
Summit, Dr. Fletcher was a featured
participant in a panel discussion on
the subject of ‘Comprehensive Ap-
proaches to Energy Transformation’.
Vice President Joe Biden delivered
the keynote address in the afternoon
session.
It was anticipated that well over
500 participants from the US Government, private sector and civil
society would attend the afternoon
panel discussions where Minister
Fletcher spoke.
The Caribbean Energy Security
Summit is a key component of the
Caribbean Energy Security Initiative that Vice President Joe Biden announced in June 2014, and was hosted by the White House and the State
Department, in partnership with the
Atlantic Council and the Council of
the Americas.
Fishing with Climate Change in mind!
P
rime Minister Dr. Kenny D.
Anthony and Energy Minister
Sen. Hon. Dr. James Fletcher
joined other Caribbean Heads of
Government and Delegations in
the first ever Caribbean Energy Security Summit at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
on Monday.
In the morning of Monday 26th
January, immediately prior to the
start of the Energy Security Summit, the US Secretary of State John
Kerry hosted a Climate Change
Breakfast Meeting with the Caribbean delegations, at which he
is expected to outline the Obama
administration’s views on Climate
Change and the negotiations on a
new Climate Change agreement,
which will be signed in Paris in
December of this year.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, who
has lead responsibility in CARICOM for Sustainable Development
and Climate Change, spoke at the
Breakfast Meeting on the Climate
Change issues that are most important to Caribbean Small Island
Developing States (SIDS).
Later that morning, Prime Minister Anthony and Minister Fletcher
joined delegations from other
CARICOM Member States for the
Caribbean Energy Security Summit with Hon. Joseph Biden, the
Local fishermen are getting training in adaptation to Climate
Change as part of a regional project involving the OECS and
Trinidad & Tobago.
Vice President of the United States.
Also attending that meeting will
be the President of the World Bank,
the President of the Inter-American
Development Bank, and senior officials of the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), the Organization of
American States (OAS), CARICOM,
the Caribbean Development Bank
(CDB), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and
senior representatives of the governments of Canada, Colombia,
France, Germany, Mexico, New
Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
In the afternoon session of the
Summit, Dr. Fletcher was a featured participant in a panel discussion on the subject of ‘Com-
prehensive Approaches to Energy
Transformation’.
Vice President Joe Biden delivered the keynote address in the
afternoon session.
It was anticipated that well over
500 participants from the US Government, private sector and civil
society would attend the afternoon
panel discussions where Minister
Fletcher spoke.
The Caribbean Energy Security
Summit is a key component of the
Caribbean Energy Security Initiative that Vice President Joe Biden
announced in June 2014, and was
hosted by the White House and the
State Department, in partnership
with the Atlantic Council and the
Council of the Americas.
Commercial Fishing Vessel Licenses expire on March 31st
T
he Department of Fisheries informs all Commercial Fishing
Vessel Owners and Captains
that their fishing license expires on
March 31st 2015.
In order to facilitate a smooth
change over into the next licensing period, the Department urges all fishing
vessel owners and captains to renew
their license from February 2015.
In addition, vessel owners and
captains are required to ensure the
following are available to avoid delays in the processing of their applications: The inside of the boat
is painted a bright colour (signal
red or orange); Their boat captain
is registered with the Department
of Fisheries; The full name of all
crew are available’ and all gear and
WASCO encourages water
conservation
At a recent key consultation of the John Compton Dam De-silting and
Rehabilitation
Project,
stakeholders engaged in
discussions to determine
probable solutions to a
possible water shortage.
As part of the project,
the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO)
engaged in a two-phase
study.
The first phase involved the selection of
the correct methodology
for de-silting. The second
phase involved ensuring
an adequate water supply after the de-silting
process.
Managing Director of
WASCO, Vincent Hippolyte, said that although
the reservoirs of the John
Compton Dam are compromised, WASCO is taking strategic steps to correct the issue responsibly.
WASCO received financial support for the study
in the form of grants from
the German Government
and the Caribbean Development Bank. Financial
support was also provided by the European
Investment Bank.
Aside from the measures taken by WASCO,
Hippolyte said that Saint
Lucians also have a duty
to practice water conservation methods.
safety equipment are available for
inspection.
Boat safety has always been one of
the focus areas for the Department
and in 2015, the Licensing and Extension units will continue to work
with all relevant agencies to ensure
fishers comply with the regulations
and conditions for the operation of
fishing vessels.
NSWC and Ministry hosting community
meetings to educate on biosafety
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy,
Science, and Technology,
in collaboration with the
National Water and Sewerage Commission (NWSC),
has held a number of community outreach sessions
to educate residents on
biosafety, biodiversity and
their rights as consumers
of water services.
Earlier this week, presentations were made to Forestierre and Laborie residents
on genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), which
are formed when genes
from unrelated organisms
are introduced into the
cells of other living things.
The Ministry’s objective
is to inform all Saint Lu-
cians on the development of
a Biosafety Framework and
Law for managing GMOs,
while the NWSC aims to educate residents on the work
of the Commission and
the avenues available for
resolving issues related to
water quality, water availability and billing.
The public education
meetings on the work of
NWSC and the biosafety
project will continue island
wide. Additional presentations were also held at the
Patience Combined School.
The next session will be
held on Monday, February
2nd at the Gros Islet Council Conference Room.
Members of the public are
encouraged to attend.