ANOTHER champion hails from the south of the island. Last year, the Colgate National Dental Spelling Bee winner came from the Pierrot Combined School. This year, the champion is Mekella Popo, a petite Grade 3 student from the Micoud Primary School. “I feel elated today, happy and overwhelmed,” Mekella said after her recent success.
![Image: The Bouton Combined School [PHOTO: By PhotoMike]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Bouton-Combined-School-600x400.jpg)
SIX miles from the town of Soufriere is a small community that at one time was the butt of several jokes in the country on account of the lack of attention given it by government. Unknown to many who laughed at the jokes was that this community, Bouton, was home to some of the most glorious scenery this country could produce. Despite the several modern and technological strides Bouton has made today, many still view it as a place that is “behind-God’s-back.”
MORE and more these days we hear of the nation’s young people setting their goals for achievement whether in sports, education, the arts or entertainment. Sharks Swim Club 100-metres Backstroke and Freestyle swimmer, 11-year-old Allysia Alfred is among the latest of these and her goal is the Olympics in either 2020 or 2024. The Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School Form 1 student participated recently in the annual Racers Lucian Grand Prix Swim Championship at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC), finishing in second place in the 100-metres freestyle.
WITH the festive season upon us, a great deal of focus will be on people spending as much as they can on food, clothes and luxury items they would have wanted all year. Many might even present expensive gifts to their friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, there are people in desperate situations who would settle for no more than a can of peas, a pair of shoes or a shirt to lift their spirits. In many instances, parents who might have lost their jobs – or couldn’t find one all year – are feeling a deeper pain at this time in not being able to provide their children with the basic necessities let alone any semblance of the Christmas cheer.
Q: Hello Miss Regina, I am so tired of my mum packing to go home. She has lived with me for three years and recently she thinks she lives somewhere else. I come home from work and the caregiver says that she has been in her room packing. The caregiver says my mum becomes vexed if she tells her this is her home. Is there anything that can help my mum stop doing this? It is so draining to put everything back 3 or 4 times a week! Your advice is appreciated.
HAVING recently celebrated another International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, it is useful to recall the progress made since the last annual observance. According to the World Bank, one billion people or roughly 15% of the world population experience some form of disability, and the prevalence is higher in developing countries like ours. These staggering statistics should prompt us to take significant steps to address that situation in our society.
INARGUABLY, technology has taken over the lives of the vast majority of the world, and the marriage between smart phones and modern day tech has created a baby that has us all gripped by the very last brain cell. Even the most independent mind who tries to live away from norm, like a lone wolf, will at some point depend on tech.
![Image: Father and daughter team, Ken and Solange Lawrence, collaborate for their first joint exhibition. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Father-and-daughter-600x400.jpg)
ART LOVERS are being urged to patronize the “Perspectives” art exhibition now on at Alliance Francaise being hosted by Artist Circle St. Lucia. The exhibition opened on Monday and runs through December 19 and features works from some of Artist Circle’s members, namely Nancy Cole-Auguste, Gary Butte, Cedric George, Janet Lang, Ken Lawrence, Solange Lawrence, Jean Mederick, Chester Williams and Nicole Edgecombe.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – If the temperature where you are changes by half a degree Celsius, do you think you would notice? What if the temperature of the world increases by half of one degree Celsius, would it make a difference to the Caribbean? In the face of human-induced climate change, Caribbean researchers say that a half a degree Celsius change in global temperature could make quite a difference for the region, which is already being severely impacted by the adverse effects of a warming climate.
THE holiday season takes place at the same time every year. However, most of us are still caught off-guard when December rolls around. With so much to plan for and to execute, the whole experience sometimes proves overwhelming. This becomes even more apparent when an everyday work life is added to the mix. Usually, by the first week of December our brains have begun conjuring up thoughts of presents, decorating and entertaining at home. Therefore, when at the office it can prove difficult to switch off and focus on the day to day tasks that we are faced with. However, a little thought and planning can aid in preparing for Christmas and the New Year without infringing on work assignments.
THE Alliance Francaise at Pointe Seraphine played host to a visiting cast from French Guiana last Wednesday evening that performed a riveting theatrical production entitled, “A Petites Pierres” (or “With Small Stones”). The play is a comedy about the frictions between well-entrenched traditions versus modern influences. It also demonstrates how traditional beliefs bring out the darkest side in people, including their absurdities.
BRAF pwéson(fish broth) with breadfruit, green fig, yam or other provision. According to the Creole style, fish is prepared as a ‘one-pot’ together with green bananas, plantains, macanbou or any one of a variety of yams. Breadfruit, dasheen or potatoes while accompanying the fish meal are not cooked together with the fish but are prepared separately.
LES CAYES, Haiti, CMC – “I want to become a professor one day,” says Sabrina. The little girl is seven years old and has a smile that radiates from ear to ear. Full of energy, she lists her favourite topics at school – reading and maths – and her favourite movie – Walt Disney’s ‘Frozen’. Nothing in her sparkling demeanour hints at the shadows of her past.
![Image: Silver Shadow dancers paying tribute to the late dance icon, Virginia Alexander, earlier this year. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Silver-Shadow-dancers-paying-tribute-600x400.jpg)
FOR the past 25 years, Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy has been known for raising the bar as far as …
THE month of December is here which means that the Cultural Development Foundation is making final preparations for the festivals which form part of the annual end of year celebrations. The December Festivals are a series of three traditional and historical events which bring Saint Lucians together in the spirit of community through the showcasing of artistic creativity, with light at the core; the Lantern Festival, the Festival of Carols and the Festival of Light.
![Image: Joseph’s growing collection of soaps. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Josephs-growing-collection-of-soaps-600x400.jpg)
IN the dictionary, the definition of the word “ingenuity” is “the quality of being clever, original, and inventive, often in the process of applying ideas to solve problems or meet challenges”. It is a word that has influenced pioneers throughout history, leading them to invent things that have made our lives more comfortable and livable.
IT was surprising to watch the televised obituaries a few days ago, partly because there seemed no pause between one deceased person’s information before the next obituary started. While it was useful to have the obituaries shown in quick succession, it seemed too quick, even jarring to the senses. Definitely disrespectful to the dearly departed! Although the local TV station could be forgiven for shaving the time between successive obituaries, it raises the issue of appropriate speed. Specifically, when is speed not enough, and other factors should affect the display of information.
Q: REGINA, tell me, how many people in St. Lucia actually have Alzheimer’s or this dementia? A: I do not know. However there was a prevalence study in 2010 that had a projected calculation in 2013 of approximately over 1600 persons in St Lucia were living with dementia. This is just counting persons over 65 years of age. This is not including people younger than 65 that are living with the condition or people that are not diagnosed and yet living with the condition.
THERE are many difficult jobs in this world, and the list is seemingly never-ending; however, I think it is inarguable to say that looking after tiny tots is one of the toughest jobs there is. Today’s FITC, Ruby Baptiste is the Administrator of the Ciceron Daycare Centre and has been for just over one year; however, she almost let fear stop her from grabbing the opportunity to do what she loves.
THE annual week of activities for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force ended last Sunday with an awards ceremony dinner. The event was a shining moment for the management of the police force which took time to show off the exemplary work of some of its members, units and even police stations.