Lance Florent Discusses His Ten Years In the U.S. Navy

Image of Lance Florent

IT is not everyday that you get to meet someone who would literally put their lives on the line to protect yours, but when you get to meet these men and women, it is an honourable event. Today’s FITC is a son of the soil who has achieved such status after serving in the US Navy for almost a decade. Lance Florent went from humble beginnings in Vigie and Anse la Raye, to the high seas all across the globe, serving as part of the US military, the biggest super power in the world.

Food Safety

AS the season of good cheer and goodwill consumes us all, it is very important that as consumers our guards are not lowered as a result of excessive consumption of food and beverages. At this time of the year, unsuspecting consumers are inundated with shoddy goods and shabby services at lower and enticing prices. As such, it is incumbent on consumers to exercise greater vigilance when shopping.

Denver Pierre – Bringing Art Home

Image: Artist Denver Pierre believes every household should have a piece of art. [PHOTOS: Stan Bishop]

EVER since enrolling at St. Mary’s College in 1996, Denver Pierre has seen his interest in art skyrocket from simply being a subject on the curriculum to becoming his number one passion and major revenue earner. Nevertheless, the thirtysomething year old artist continues to push the boundaries of art. In fact, he’s on a mission to push that boundary right into our homes.

Holiday Anxiety

Q: Dear Regina, I have been caring for my aunt with Alzheimer for two years. She has declined a lot this year. All my family comes to my home for holidays. I do what I have to. I am a little anxious about it this year. Are there ideas to help make things easier for my aunt? A: Alz.org has great information and we are sharing this: “The holidays are just around the corner. Families are gathering for Christmas, sharing laughter and happy memories. But for families coping with Alzheimer’s, the holidays can be bittersweet times, filled with stress and frustration. Festivities can agitate, confuse, and over stimulate persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Meanwhile, caregivers can feel anxious, frustrated, and lonely – leading to stress and depression. The Alzheimer’s Association – Florida Gulf Coast Chapter- has developed 10 Holiday Survival Tips for families coping with Alzheimer’s”. We at AWI have shared a few listed below

All That Glitter

THERE are so many interesting aspects of the timeless story of Christmas, of the birth of Jesus Christ. Surrounding the central element of the Virgin Birth are many layers such as the foretelling by the prophet Isaiah, the visit by the angel Gabriel to Mary, the dream of Joseph, the Star of Bethelehem, the three Wise Men, and their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The many surrounding elements provide a wrapping for the Christmas story. In a similar fashion, we typically prepare and wrap our gifts at Christmastime, except that the surrounding elements are usually discarded and thrown away.

Visitor’s ‘Stir It Up’ Breaks New Ground

THE Visitor Channel last week hosted tourism officials, sponsors and past guests of the “Stir-It-Up” television show at the season ending cocktail held at the Chateau Mygo Restaurant. Season two and three of “Stir-it-Up”, represented a dramatic departure from the original concept for the cooking show. “While The Visitor Channel always had the determination to promote the idea of a strong culinary brand in the tourism marketing for Saint Lucia, we anticipated that it would be a welcome addition to include the sites and culture that make the destination unique. The challenge had always been selecting and casting a chef who could fit the role”, a spokesman for the channel said.

U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Millions In Drugs

Image of U.S. Coast Guard

MIAMI, Dec 21, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says it has seized more than 1,100 pounds of cocaine during a 19-day exercise in the Caribbean Sea. It said that the crew of the Cutter, Kathleen Moore, seized the drugs worth an estimated US$18 million. The Coast Guard said four people were detained in two separate exercises and were a part of a search and rescue case that resulted in two lives being saved from an overturned sailboat.

Royal Bank Treats Less Fortunate

Image: RBC employees at Gros Islet.

RBC Royal Bank organized several initiatives in the past week through its community outreach programme to help communities in which it operates prosper. On Thursday last, the bank partnered with the Department of Human Services to treat 40 less fortunate children for a special treat and gift sharing activity. Into its second year, the bank recognizes the impact and importance of affording children who would otherwise not have had such opportunities.

E.C. Accountants Open Secretariat

Image: Guests at the launching.

THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) officially opened its Secretariat last Thursday with a gathering of distinguished industry professionals and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the profession in St Lucia and the wider community. The proceedings were conducted by the various members of the Council, and the key note address was delivered by Mr. Calixte Leon – Executive Director of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority who welcomed the launch of the Secretariat as it augured well for Authority’s important partnership with accountants.

Sammy Plays Santa

Image: Sammy Plays Santa

THE Daren Sammy Foundation is urging all Saint Lucians to join them as they spread love, support and cheer throughout this season to deserving, underprivileged families across the Island. Last week, the Foundation trekked its way across Saint Lucia, surprising the recipients of the 2016 Daren Sammy Foundation Grant with hampers sponsored by private citizens, Peter & Company Distribution, Blue Waters and Massy Stores.