Mr.King in an address to the Nation last night, that sought to respond to the one delivered by opposition leader, Dr.Kenny Anthony last week, said unlike the claims from the opposition, his government has implemented a host of policies directed at cushioning the vulnerable from the shocks of the harsh economic times. The Prime Minister also said that government had introduced a number of measures aimed at reducing waste and increasing effectiveness in the public service. IN the outlining some of the steps taken by the UWP regime, Mr.King pointed to the increase of the personal income tax threshold by one thousand dollars, removing about 800 persons from the tax net. Government, he said also increased mortgage interest deductions by three thousand dollars for existing home owners, five thousand dollars to first time owners for two years in order to stimulate the construction sector. The re-establishment of the SLDB, the Prime Minister said has given much needed financial support for small business people and the youth. These measures and others, Mr.King said helped the economy to perform better than expected in 2009. Despite significant declines in the tourism industry and direct foreign investments. There were also declines in agriculture and whole/retail trade. Government’s injection of almost ten million dollars in the HOPE program, Mr.King said has said tremendous success with over 900 St.Lucians having received direct employment. These factors considered, Mr.King said he can report that the worst of the crisis appears to be behind us and that he remains cautiously optimistic that the prospects for recovery this year is promising. The optimism, he said, is based on a turn around in the tourism industry and recommencement of construction projects. Among the major projects is the new national hospital being built at a cost of 150 million EC dollars. A substantial amount of work is expected to be completed this year. The construction of a new terminal at the Hewanorra Airport costing about 300 million EC dollars is expected to inject economic life in the South of the Island. Construction is due to begin mid year. A sod turning ceremony for the rebuilding of St.Jude Hospital will take place in the first quarter. Le Paradis Hotel, Mr.King said will recommence construction since the developers have sourced new financing. Prime Minister informed that government’s fiscal position deteriorated, while recurrent expenditure increased due largely to increases in salaries to the public service. Despite this, Mr.King said government has been able to meet all its financial obligations and debts.
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The Royal St.Lucia Police Force has begun the first phase of a national strategic response plan to crime. On the weekend, officers embarked on several missions and according to Police Commissioner Ausbert Regis, the results were more than satisfactory. At an emergency press conference called yesterday, Mr.Regis and Internal Security Minister, Guy Mayers provided details of the missions on the weekend and other aspects of the national response plan. Commissioner Regis said officers confiscated what he described as an arsenal of criminal implements including hooded jackets, camouflage clothes; wigs and other things that can be used to disguise oneself. While the missions were highly successful on the weekend, Mr.Regis said it placed tremendous strain on resources with officers working overtime and some officers had to be recalled from leave. A number of traffic checks were conducted resulting in the arrest of one person in Vieux Fort who was in possession of an illegal firearm, another for possession of one pound of marijuana along with several other persons for minor offences. In the North, another person was arrested for possession of illegal firearm. Mr.Regis said the random searches will continue as well as raids in targeted areas. The Police Commissioner also announced the tightening of measures in relation to the operation of establishments that sell alcohol. Mr.Regis said the Police will be collaborating with the Customs Department in that respect because too many committed offences are linked to intoxication. The Police he said will also be cracking down on dances and clubs to make sure they close at the given time of 2am. Another measure announced by the Commissioner is the publishing of names of persons with outstanding commitment warrants. That is persons who have judgments against them with fines to be paid. Government, Mr.Mayers said is gearing up to demolish a number of abandoned buildings in and around the city that are being used as warehouses by criminals to store weapons and stolen goods. The Minister also pledged government’s continued support of the Police Force. Mr.Mayers announced that five more vehicles will be given to the Force as well as two speed boats for the Marine Unit.
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Bring It On! That’s the challenge to the Stephenson King administration from Chairman of the opposition St.Lucia Labour Party, Dr.Julian R.Hunte. The SLP Chairman in signaling his Party’s readiness for general election on Sunday in Vieux Fort told supporters the SLP has its house in order and is more than ready to lift the country out of the mess that it is in. Dr.Hunte made the remarks as the SLP unveiled three new candidates who are being added to the six sitting Labour Parliamentarians. They are attorney, Stanley Felix who will contest the Castries Central seat, economist Ubaldus Raymond who will face Prime Minister Stephenson King in Castries North and Alvina Reynolds who will fight for the Babonneau seat. Party Leader, Dr.Kenny Anthony said unlike the past when sitting Parliamentarians were subjected to run offs, this time around they will not go through the process. The SLP is still to announce eight more candidates.
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Two young men have been arrested in connection with the robbery of a Fireman.The two, Sylvester Lamontagne and Maz Alexander, armed with scissors and a knife, accosted a plain clothed fireman last Wednesday near the Vigie roundabout. They snatched his gold chain from his neck and made an escape. However the fireman later that day recognized the two thieves near the American Drywall Building and called the Police. Upon arrival, officers had a tussle on their hands because one of the young men attacked an officer resulting in him being shot. When Police later searched them, they discovered several costly Black Berry cellular phones which were reported stolen from persons in the Vide Boutielle area. Lamontagne and Alexander were taken to Court last Friday. Alexander was granted bail in the sum of one thousand dollars cash;suitable surety or land documents. His case was adjourned to February 11th. Lamontagne who allegedly attacked the Police officer and shot is scheduled to appear separately in Court shortly.
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During a police operation on Saturday the 30th of January Police officers intercepted and conducted a search of a mini bus in the Bois D’orange, Gros- Islet area. The search revealed a 9mm firearm which was found on the person of Jeff Mc Vane of Jeremie Street, Castries. He was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D.), in Castries, where he will be charged for the offence of Possession of Firearm.
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