Some 14 visiting authors and artists will participate in the “book fair for the entire family,” said Reiph.

Among the famous and fast-rising writers coming to St. Martin will be the illustrious Caribbean novelist/thinker George Lamming, from Barbados. He will head up the book fair’s Presidents’ Forum at USM on June 2.

George Lamming (bespectacled), novelist, poet, essayist, short story writer, orator {FILE IMAGE - UWI} Lamming’s unique presentation and conversation with the audience will focus on the late Dr. Walter Rodney, the legendary historian and political activist who was assassinated in Guyana in 1980. Copies of Rodney’s classic How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, will be available at the book fair, said Reiph.

Also confirmed for the St. Martin Book Fair is novelist, playwright, performer, poet, attorney Wena Poon from Singapore. Her books include Lions in Winter, The Biophilia Omnibus, and Alex y Robert, which has been serialized in London by BBC Radio 4.

Poon has won literary awards in the UK, France, and Singapore for her writings. The subjects of her books range from the Chinese diaspora, modern tales about “a serious English banker, a sexy Taiwanese ingenue, and a dapper Hong Kong leading man,” to bull fighting in Spain by an American woman, and a science fiction series, described as “an absorbing video game with a love story embedded in it.” (Quest Quest Magazine)

“But we see the St. Martin Book Fair as a way of introducing Wena Poon to the Caribbean,” said Reiph.

Wena Poon, award-winning novelist, poet, playwright from Singapore. (Courtesy WP) The fact that the Harvard-trained lawyer speaks English, French and numerous Chinese languages, and that French and Chinese are sometimes used in her English-language fiction, puts her right up the St. Martin multilingual neighborhood, said Reiph.

Poon’s workshop at the St. Martin Book Fair is called, “Books Are Boring! Rethinking the Art of Consuming & Creating Fictional Narrative.” The workshop is scheduled for June 2, at USM.

On Saturday, June 2, the university campus is the home of the main exhibition of books, multimedia tools, children’s games and storytelling, workshops, and symposia.

The all-day Saturday fare also includes a St. Martin film screening and discussion with the director and actors; and a cooking and homemade ice cream-making demonstration by new Caribbean vegan cookbook author Taymer Mason.

However, before the rush on Saturday, there is Friday. On June 1, the Yacht Club Restaurant, at Fort Louis Marina on the Marigot Waterfront, will host the annual literary evening of the St. Martin Book Fair.

About 11 authors from countries and territories such as Haiti, Antigua, Barbados, USA, Italy, Singapore, and Martinique, will treat the audience to “some really great selections” from their original poetry and fiction, said Reiph.

As a 10th anniversary feature, two promising young St. Martin writers that are working on their first manuscripts will read at the evening concert of words. “Usually only writers of published books read at the poetry and fiction recital,” said Reiph.

The Book Fair Committee (BFC) and organizers have been meeting over the last few months to put an exciting anniversary program together. “We are busy ironing out the tough wrinkles. We are working hard to give the St. Martin people and our visitors a world-class St. Martin Book Fair,” said Reiph.

The BFC will coordinate over 20 book fair and pre-book fair activities for the festival, said Reiph. All book fair activities are free for the general public to attend.

Conscious Lyrics Foundation and House of Nehesi Publishers, both NGOs, organize the St. Martin Book Fair, in collaboration with St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and the University of St. Martin.

"We are pleased to be joined by OCTV for a second year in a row," said Felicia Persaud, CEO of Hard Beat Communications and convener of Invest Caribbean Now. "What OCTV has done is reiterated its investment commitment to this region and that is certainly a breath of fresh air in an investment arena here few respect this region as a fertile investment destination."

OCTV, which jumped on board to help present the inaugural forum last June, has again signed on to the second annual Caribbean Tourism Organization and Hard Beat Communications investment forum, slated for 6 June 2012 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

One Caribbean Television (OCTV) started off as a Caribbean Weather Channel, serving the Caribbean, Latin, Central and South America with current conditions and severe weather, tropical storm and hurricane coverage. That platform has been rapidly expanding to News, Business Reports, Sports Reports, Entertainment and Local Events as well as reports from correspondents on the islands and reports from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Their goal is to provide as much Caribbean content as possible and to continue to provide their viewers with quality programming they deserve.

OCTV is expanding its cable penetration in the Caribbean, Latin, Central and South America and is projecting its launch in the US and Canadian markets!

The Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum is done in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization to educate the private sector on Wall Street of the hot Caribbean market as well and boost interest in investment opportunities in the Caribbean and its Diaspora.

This year’s panelists are Chairman of Blue Equity, Jonathan Blue; President and co-founder of Solamon Energy Corp, Jay Yeo, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization & Minister of Tourism – St. Kitts & Nevis, Ricky Skerritt and Lisa Lake, the chief development director of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean. The 2012 Leadership Award recipient is Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group.

Invest Caribbean Now returns for a second year as Chinese investment in the Caribbean continues to boom in this free trade region that is politically stable and boosts attractive tax incentives, a highly literate work force and an established tourism market,and which the International Monetary Fund and World Bank forecast will see a 3.5 percent growth into 2013, higher than those of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and similar to those of East Asia.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012 sponsors include La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM) and One Caribbean Television while supporting sponsors are the PR Newswire, WSEE TV, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc., The Museum of American Finance and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas.

• Cleavers Hill, St. Joseph,
• Christie Village, St. Thomas and
• Industry Road, St. Philip all affecting the immediate surrounding areas only.

In addition, there will be a shutdown at the Hanson Reservoir on Wednesday, May 16th between 11:00 a.m and 1:00 p.m. This stoppage will affect customers in Lower Burney, Haggatt Hall, Rouen Rd., Howells, the Ivy, Salters, Constant, Belle, Neil’s and surrounding districts.

{FILE IMAGE} Water tankers will be dispatched to assist residents of all affected areas while work is in progress.

The Barbados Water Authority apologises for the disruption in service.

The fifth season of the hit series will premiere June 10th in the Caribbean - simultaneously with the U.S.

Season five introduces a whole new wave of otherworldly characters. Joining the cast in the 12-episode new season are Christopher Meloni (Emmy®-nominated for Law & Order: SVU) as Roman, president of the Vampire Authority; Scott Foley (Felicity) as Patrick Devins, an Iraq war veteran who comes to Bon Temps to track down his formersquad-mate, Terry Bellefleur; Valentina Cervi (Jane Eyre) as Salome; Lucy Griffiths (BBC’s Robin Hood) as Nora; Kristina Anapau (Black Swan) as an enchanting faerie named Maurella; Louis Herthum (The Last Exorcism) as J.D.; Kelly Overton (The Ring Two) as Rikki, a hot new werewolf; and Dale Dickey (Winter’s Bone) as Martha.

Returning cast members include Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Joe Manganiello, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Sam Trammell, Nelsan Ellis, Chris Bauer, Carrie Preston, Todd Lowe, Jim Parrack, Deborah Ann Woll, Kristin Bauer, Lauren Bowles, Janina Gavankar, Denis O’Hare and Michael McMillian.

True Blood was created by Oscar® and Emmy® Award winner, Alan Ball (creator of HBO’s “Six Feet Under”); executive produced by Alan Ball and Gregg Fienberg; co-executive produced by Brian Buckner, Alexander Woo, Raelle Tucker, Mark Hudis and Angela Robinson; and co-produced by Christina Jokanovich, Marlis Pujol, and David Auge.

David was found March 18 in a ghaut in Carrs Bay, Montserrat after being missing from the day before. His mother Mary Allen said it was not until arriving in Antigua that she was told he’d been shot in the head. “The doctors did not expect him to survive the night,” she said. “Now almost two months later he is still alive and improving and we are thankful to God for that.”

Ezra David born George Allen Jr. is listed as in critically stable in a Trinidad hospital after being left for dead in Montserrat. His family is seeking public support to raise US$ 100,000 to medivac him for further treatment in the United Kingdom.

David, 33 was Medivacked to Trinidad & Tobago after the Antigua hospital was unable to treat his condition. Now in a Port of Spain hospital, which is not being named for security reasons, he has undergone two surgeries; one to relieve the swelling on his brain and the other to insert a shunt through which liquids can drain.

“He is listed as critically stable and the bullet has not been removed,” Veta Wade, David’s girlfriend said. “Doctors believe he can make a full recovery with consistent health care.”

Wade said the cost of caring for her boyfriend is escalating in Trinidad and he needs to be moved to the UK where he can be cared for through the National Health Service.

The cost to medivac David is US$100,000 because of all of the elements critical to keep him stable during the flight.

The family is appealing for public and private entities, friends and residents to contribute to raising the funds. A bank account has been established at the Royal Bank of Canada in the name of Mary Allen and Veta Wade to receive donations. The account number is (09615) 7181035.

Further information on other fundraising initiatives will be announced in the coming days on ZJB Radio.

The Lucian People’s Movement (LPM) has no doubt that this magician budget is a recipe for economic disaster, and believes that the people of Saint Lucia could well be heading towards a state of “en misere”, or perpetual dependence.

On Tuesday evening, May 8th 2012, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, delivered his 2012/2013 policy statement, and presented estimates of revenue and expenditure in the region of $1.457 billion, eastern Caribbean dollars.

Historically, the government’s policy for the fiscal year is based on good intentions to deliver the goods, and on a desire to seek stability and to promote growth, all towards a better future.

However, a new path to growth that benefits a wider population is now required: What is needed is a path to better balanced and sustained growth. This would require a right combination of policies, working together with the ‘epic triangle’ of success, the business, political and social leaders.

Unfortunately, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s 2012/2013 policy statement is, at best, anaemic, and appears quite unable to support the developmental challenges of Saint Lucia.
However, there is no doubt that the current need for growth — in order to service an excessive debt burden and to support a new social balance that benefits the wider population, while retaining the ability to protect Saint Lucia against the impact of external shocks — is an overwhelming challenge.

By all estimates, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s 2012/2013 policy statement requires a more substantive base, and a sustainable development action plan, if Saint Lucia is to regain lost opportunities, and establish a generation of young people who will stimulate growth while building a secure footing for better days to follow.

Despite years of political manoeuvring and sixty years as a political party, Anthony’s administration policy statement still remains a cross word puzzle that lacks the capacity to bring reform or build the foundations for a new economic model for Saint Lucia.

In his 2012/2013 statement, Dr. Kenny Anthony’s estimates of Saint Lucia’s revenue and expenditure shows little difference from that of the King administration: Both are building on the same platform, and both are using the same tools, (a macroeconomic policy of unsustainable and unplayable public debt that prioritizes the interest of creditors over the needs of the country) and, Saint Lucians, therefore, should not expect different outcomes.

Given the immediate challenges of seriously addressing economic growth and of creating a balanced social agenda (of food security, water supply, energy, health, housing and infrastructure), through its failure to focus on the issues that are most basic to a developing nation the unreality of Antony’s position becomes clear: Liberal socialism and the leisure of involuntary experimentation will not achieve the best possible results for the country.

Despite the increasing inability of citizens to afford basic goods and services, the policy formulation has no short, medium or long term strategy sequence for improving productivity and efficiency, or for achieving growth and development, either locally or globally.

Saint Lucians have the right to expect a policy of sustainable development and an environmental approach that will challenge internal consumption and increase the opportunities for enhanced capacity, while implementing a comprehensive plan that would urgently diversify Saint Lucia’s agricultural products.

The appeal of this alternative approach is that it could offer skills training and personal development, with start-up business incentives, to citizens who want to become entrepreneurs. It could also train and hire the unemployed to assist with the production and marketing of goods and services, while attracting international investment.
This approach would provide a more productive solution for the wider population, offering a natural fit with multiple avenues of economic growth and development.

Where youth unemployment is concerned, labour policies would open island-wide job training, linking colleges with businesses in apprenticeship programmes, with options for tax credits. Resource centres would be established to provide job-search assistance. Attention to these support structures is microscopic in Anthony’s policy statement in relation to the current requirements for national development.

This type of development is critical if the unemployed are ever to be weaned from the dependency syndrome implicit in the current estimates of revenue and expenditure. It would appear that the option of handout policies is preferred in a la carte portions.
It is critical to understand this dynamic, because, moving into a third term, the Dr. Kenny Anthony administration, has still not understood the dynamics of Saint Lucia, or recognised that the economy has stalled. Rather, it appears that the number one priority for fiscal consolidation is seen as “the implementation of Value Added Tax.”

While the number one source of funding to finance the current budget is tax revenue, which “represent(s) 92 % percent of the total projected recurrent revenue.”

These taxation measures will impact a wide cross-section of the population that is not gainfully employed.

Anthony’s policy appears to represent a calculated formula for hardship, and represents political inadequacy rather than a policy” Building Opportunities For Our Common Future.”

In the words of Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, “We are living through a change of times rather than through times of change.”

Saint Lucia’s deficient democracy and flagging economy require it to rise above blind liberal doctrines if it is ever to reach a healthier future. Rather than developing a policy made up of “a right combination of policies”, it needs a better balance of financial and social cooperation, with market reform to restore competitiveness and productivity that will together fuel sustained growth into the future.

A quick look at where Saint Lucia now stands, as presented through the estimates of revenue of expenditure, indicates that something is deeply wrong: Most sectors are disadvantaged, with weak fiscal adjustments, social and economic hindrances and further constraints caused by poor infrastructure. This all suggests a potential disaster.

Saint Lucia needs the ‘epic triangle of success’ (business, political and social leaders) to work together towards a new form of diverse innovation and leadership, in order to develop a new sustainable paradigm.

To facilitate this, the politics and governance of Saint Lucia need a paradigm shift away from the physical to the mind. This would liberate the country from its clever enemies and their schemes, and enable us to achieve a future that works for the vast majority – and makes lives better.

Therold Prudent - Political Leader; Lucian People’s Movement

We do not want to be poorer and more insecure, as the Dr. Kenny Anthony administration a la carte policy statement of hardship and inadequacy suggests. The reality is that the Dr. Kenny Anthony’s policy statement is not pragmatic and it is certainly not sufficiently flexible to engage with the citizens in “Building Opportunities For Our Common Future.”

Dr. Kenny Anthony’s policy statement provides no long-term sustainable solutions that will benefit the wider population, spreading the benefits and providing clarity and vision for a collective hope and a shared dream for Saint Lucia.

What is presented is an awkward contributor that serves self interest and special interest elites, with the hope of retaining real political power.

I would remind you of Mahatma Gandhi’s statement: “Beware of politics without principles and commerce without morality.”

With Saint Lucia facing and struggling with fundamental insecurities, a real commitment is required to embrace a new and sustainable development policy, a willingness to transform the status quo, and a right combination of policies, working together with the epic triangle of success (business, political and social leaders), to begin the formation of a common future for all Saint Lucians.

This is the path to a better balance of policy and to sustained growth.

{FILE IMAGE VIA - ACCESS HOLLYWOOD} Get ready for jaw-dropping action sequences like nothing you've ever seen before with this 4 minutes preview of the anticipated movie!

The Amazing Spider Man 4 Minutes Preview. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Sally Field and Denis Leary opens 3 July 2012.

In a recent presentation at the bank’s Rendezvous offices, CIBC representative Radcliffe Nurse presented Isabelle Goodman, the Foundation’s Fund Raising and Communications Officer, with $6,000 to cover the cost of a printer and help fund the ongoing day-to-day operations of the SAF’s work at Verdun House, St. John.

Isabelle Goodman of the Substance Abuse Foundation demonstrates the value of the Verdun House newsletter to Radcliffe Nurse at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

Goodman noted, “We’re happy that the bank understands the importance of our work and that they continue to support us. We are also glad that people are becoming more aware of substance abuse and, like CIBC FirstCaribbean, understand the impact that it has on individuals and families.”

Nurse said that the bank was pleased with its continued association with Verdun House and congratulated the Foundation on its work. “Substance abuse is an area that needs all the assistance it can get; it robs our nation of people in their productive capacity. Anything, therefore, the bank can do to assist, we will.” {EDITOR’S NOTE – CIBC Rep really means? Get back to work! Employment both as therapy and a way of staying out of crime…}

The SAF was formed by a number of concerned Barbadian citizens who recognised the need to provide victims of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse with appropriate, professional rehabilitation, in an environment that meets internationally accepted standards of treatment and accommodation.

The work of the Substance Abuse Foundation Inc. (SAF), represented by Isabelle Goodman, gets valued & necessary support from CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, represented by Radcliffe Nurse.

The Foundation owns and manages Verdun House which can currently accommodate 60 clients residentially. It operates a number of programmes including literacy; spiritual development; a 90-day in-house programme; and a six month halfway programme. Later this year the Foundation is hoping to get its women’s programme up and running.

On May 7, Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Alfredo Moreno, bestowed the Order of Bernardo O’Higgins award on Ms. Tross. The Order of Bernardo O’Higgins is the highest state award of Chile, presented to foreign citizens by the President of the Republic. This award was established in 1965 and named after one of the founding fathers of Chile, General Bernardo O’Higgins.

Sherry Tross wearing The Order of Bernardo O'Higgins.

Ms. Tross, who has worked extensively in the field of inter-American relations, currently heads the Summit of the Americas Secretariat at the Organization of American States (OAS). During her seven years at the OAS, she also served as Chief of Staff to the OAS Assistant Secretary General. Career stops also include Director of Business Development at the World Trade Center, Miami, and Program Director at the University of Miami’s North-South research center.

In presenting the award, His Excellency Moreno stated, “… It is not only a well deserved recognition, but a fitting symbol, since in union and cooperation there’s a strength on which the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries continue to give the rest of us valuable lessons, with their ability to act together within the international community and their quest to create a common market for its 16 million inhabitants. … There’s another 16 million people, Chileans, who also share that vision of union and cooperation with you.”

Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Alfredo Moreno, poses with Ms. Tross after bestowing the Order of Bernardo O’Higgins award.

Ms. Tross told the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that she was surprised when she was notified about the award. “It was very, very unexpected,” she revealed.

An award ceremony was held at the residence of Chile’s ambassador to the White House. In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Tross noted that it was particularly gratifying “to receive this award in the wake of the Sixth Summit of the Americas which sought to draw attention to the importance of connecting the countries of the Hemisphere.” She pledged to “continue to do her part to advance cooperation and development in the Americas.”

St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin (right) lauded Ms. Tross

St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, who was present, lauded Ms. Tross’ consistent exemplary display of professionalism and commended her as a model of the modern global executive.

“Sherry is an inspiration to all Kittitians and Nevisians, particularly young people who are considering career options,” commented the Ambassador. “She is a world class national of St. Kitts and Nevis whose accomplishments transcend national and even regional boundaries.”

Sherlon Andre Mascoll, 31 years, alias “Lil German”, of Storey Gap, Codrington Hill, St. Michael is 5’ 10” tall, slim build, and of black complexion. He has black unkempt hair. He has a tattoo of a cigarette on his right hand.

MASCOLL is advised that he can present himself to the Police accompanied by an attorney-at-law of his choice. Mascoll has been considered armed and dangerous and must not be approached by members of the public.

Any person who may know the whereabouts of Sherlon Andre Mascoll is asked to contact the Police Emergency at telephone number ‘211’, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477).

Thank you for your cooperation.

• David Welch | Insp.

Public Relations Officer, RBPF