March 9

Government has categorically refuted claims circulating in the local media about the importation of water from the Commonwealth of Dominica into Saint Lucia. A statement from the Press Office says Government wishes to make it absolutely clear that no Government agency including the Water and Sewage Company has initiated or completed any process geared towards the procurement of water and subsequent importation into Saint Lucia. The statement notes that Minister for Communications, Works, Transport and Public Utilities, Guy Joseph stated recently that importation of water was not an option at this juncture and that the situation was sufficiently under control. The Minister further stated that importation of water was an extremely expensive option which would have to be avoided at all cost. The claims therefore within the local Press that water was being imported into the island is completely unfounded and is only contributing towards the unnecessary heightening of anxiety and alarm.The statement says enquiries by the Government Press Secretary with the General manager of the Water and Sewage Authority, Mr. John Joseph, President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, Mr. Anthony Bowen, and the General Manager of the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company, Mr. Bernard Etinoffe confirm that no such process involving water importation from Dominica had been set in motion.According to the statement for water to have been imported there would have been certain requirements; including the submission of a certificate by the local interest to the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health from the source of the water confirming that the water has met required standards.According to the statement, WASCO has made it clear that it would not be prepared to add water from external sources into its supplies for fear of possible contamination. The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association on the other hand has declared that for the time being they are satisfied with the effort of the local Water and Sewage Authority in meeting their needs and managing the current situation. Mr. Bowen explained that the SLHTA had simply made what he described as an exploratory move in writing to Dominica to determine their willing to assist if required. During a telephone conversation between the Mr. Bernard Etinoffe, and Government’s Press Secretary, the Head of the Dominican water company confirmed that he did receive a letter from the SLHTA but that there were no discussions about actual shipment of water to Saint Lucia. The Government of Saint Lucia assures the public that measures are being put in place to effectively manage existing supplies and to ensure that future demands are met. Cabinet is currently reviewing proposals involving the initiation of exploration for ground water sources. Government encourages all Saint Lucians to cooperate with the measures currently in place under the recently issued Declaration of Water Related Emergency and further to employ necessary water conservation measures in their day to day activities. Government reminds all Saint Lucians that the current situation is one of national concern that requires understanding and cooperation at all levels. Government therefore calls on all interest to desist from politicizing and or sensationalizing the current water situation. ENDS==========

The selection and endorsement of Dr.Desmond Long as the Anse La Raye/Canaries candidate for the St.Lucia Labour Party in the upcoming general elections has drawn stiff criticism from a body calling itself, the Concerned Citizens Group of Anse La Raye/Canaries. The Group says it strongly objects to the manner in which Dr.Long also known as Pep was chosen. According to the group, the St.Lucia Labour Party and its leader, Dr.Kenny Anthony have treated the constituency like a garbage bin, discarding the opinions of supporters and constituents. According to the group, the SLP is responsible for the victory of Dr.Keith Mondesir at the last polls because the Party undermined former MP Cyprian Lansiquot. President of the Group, Hilary Frederick says it unbelievable that the SLP by-passed three sons of the soil, in the persons of Jude Regis, Hermangild Francis and Cyprian Lansiquot to bring in Dr.Long, a man who has no ties to the constituency. The group has vowed to vehemently protest the decision. Mr.Frederick says on Saturday 13^th March, the Concerned Citizens Group of Anse La Raye/Canaries will hold a public meeting to sensitize residents in preparation for future protest action.

ENDS======= On Saturday the 6^th of March, 2010, Richfond and Dennery Police conducted and eradication exercise at Errands Estate, Dennery and destroyed a total of three hundred and two (302) grown marijuana plants. No one was arrested during this exercise. Meanwhile, the heightened effort by Police to conduct spot checks and random searches has resulted in the recovery of several items suspected of being used to commit illegal acts.A search in the Richfond and Dennery area by the Richfond and Dennery Police, on Friday the 5^th of March, uncovered 14 pairs of scissors, 9 knives, 2 face masks and a quantity of camouflage items. And on Sunday, 7^th March an 18 year old drowned at the Grande Anse Beach.Miguel Housan had gone to the beach with friends and family.According to his relatives, while in the water, Miguel was overpowered by strong currents that swept him away. They said they desperately tried to save him but could not manage the rough waters. Miguel Housan’s body washed up on the beach later that day. ENDS====== Craigan Mathurin, 21 years old of Degazon, Grande Riviere, Gros Islet, was shot in his right thigh on High Street, Castries, about 5:30pm on Friday the 5^th March, by an individual, whilst he was engaged in a conversation with a friend. According to reports, Mathurin was previously involved in an altercation with his alleged assailant who was charged by police for causing an injury to him. Mathurin was taken to the Victoria Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. Investigation is continuing into the matter.ENDS======