TRADE between the US and other countries of the world, particularly China, was a major plank of Donald Trump’s campaign for the Presidency. He regarded all the trade deals as inimical to US interests. So, is there reason for Caribbean Community Common Market (CARICOM) countries to worry about their trade relationship with the US under the Trump Presidency?
![Image of Dr. Ubaldus Raymond [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dr-Raymond-says-Saint-Lucias-high-debt-is-creating-headaches-for-governments-plans-mid-600x400.jpg)
LAST Thursday, had Mr. Ubaldus Raymond been introduced as the Honourable Dr.Ubaldus Raymond, I’d likely not have batted an eye. The following day we learned of his entanglements with an 18-year old student, her attempts to blackmail him, his refusal to pay the $700 she demanded and the online sharing of what appeared to be (and have yet to be denied by him) photos of him.
“IN Jewish history there are no coincidences”, wrote the Jewish writer and 1986 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel. So …
POLITICIANS in this country have been extremely successful at letting down the people. Their moral and ethical rectitude leaves a lot to be desired and makes one wonder why they hold public office anyway? Who vetted and approved them and why is it apparent that they are not being held to the highest codes of conduct that befit leaders and statesmen compared to any other part of the world.
“WE are virtually at the crossroads. As an economist, I can tell you that it really requires a quantum leap in our thinking, in our focus and in our intervention through the kind of work that needs to be done. The fact is that we need to corral our forces – intellectual, economic and financial – and try to meet that proposition’’.
IN Part 1 of this series, we reminded ourselves of the reasons for rejection of this CIP scheme, and in Part 2 we drew attention to the fact that while the Opposition has demanded that DSH provide “financials” demonstrating proof of the project’s viability, neither the Citizenship by Investment Act 2015 nor the Regulations governing the Act give the CIP Unit the authority to make those demands.
FOR a while now it appeared that nothing much in the way of job creation and economic development was happening in Vieux Fort. Worse, with the economic recession that began in 2008 followed by the imposition of VAT, the opposite of what doctors would have ordered, businesses closed down, turning Vieux Fort into a near basket case. The popular song by RasIsley, aptly described the plight of young Vieux Fortians.
THERE are several aspects of governance that this newspaper has repeatedly promoted and encouraged over the years. One is the need for us as a nation to strive for consensus on critical issues especially those of national importance. Another is for consultation between government and people where matters relating to the development of the country are concerned.
AN eighteen year old girl of Beausejour, Gros Islet will appear in court February 2 to answer a charge of blackmail, THE VOICE has reliably learnt. The girl, a student, is alleged to have blackmailed Minister of Finance Dr.Ubaldus Raymond. If convicted she could be jailed for up to 14 years.
THE Alliance Française will be part of this year’s Nobel Laureate Festival which is a celebration of Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates, Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis. The Festival, which is organized by the Nobel Laureate Festival Committee under the Chairmanship of the Governor General, Dame PearletteLouisy, is currently in progress and ends on February 4.
SAINT LUCIA’S Ricky T is a semi-finalist in the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad with his “Freaky Girls”. The list was announced on Wednesday by organizers Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts.
THE work of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) includes providing avenues which nurture, support and develop artistic expression within the cultural and creative sectors of our society. Consequently, CDF is in the preliminary stages of planning for CARIFESTA XIII, a responsibility bestowed upon the organization by Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government.
THE Embassies of Mexico and Spain in collaboration with the St Omer family will host an exhibition “St. Omer, a Saint Lucian family of artist”, which will take place at the Embassy of Mexico in Vigie, from January 25 to February 1.
SILVER Shadow Performing Arts Academy in celebration of its 25th Anniversary is contributing to this year’s Nobel Laureate Festival, with an evening of dance. They will present ‘La Luna – Tales by Moonlight’ on February 3 and 4, at the National Cultural Centre. The production will consist of three showings as follows: a matinee show for Primary and Secondary Schools starting at 1:00 p.m. on February 3 and Opening Night at 8:00 p.m. then the Grand Finale on February 4 at 8:00 p.m
THE Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Group of Insurance Companies on Wednesday honoured its leading producers for 2016. The company was established in Guyana on December 15, 1880 and has been serving St. Lucia since 1955.
ST LUCIANS are preparing to capitalise on the promised reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT), with a government statement Thursday encouraging business owners to ensure that the adjustment takes effect from midnight January 31. Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department Sophia Henry also urged consumers to remain vigilant and review their VAT invoices and sales receipts when transacting with VAT registered businesses.
Meeting Held In Desruisseaux. THE Government of Saint Lucia in collaboration with Invest Saint Lucia is continuing its informative and …
THE Cultural Development Foundation in collaboration with the Nobel Laureate Committee is pleased to present the Derek Walcott Lecture for 2017 – the twenty fourth commemoration, saluting Saint Lucia’s two Nobel Laureates.
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice, Donovan Williams has come out in support of the Department of his …
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Government of Norway have launched a two-week mission to explore the development …