VP Digital

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.

Nature vs Nurture – NCPC PERSPECTIVE

THE topic of genetics continuously presents a fascinating conversation to us. It is one in which perhaps an end may never be determined. Facets of our everyday lives throw us into contact with a potpourri of characters and personalities in the people who we interact with. The work place is no exception. While the many variances in personalities and orientation may foster breakthroughs in innovative and diverse approaches and ideas, this diversity of breeds and thoughts can undoubtedly present the possibility of a chaotic atmosphere if not contained.

P.M. Harris Hails RSS Role

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has praised the work of the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) saying it remains an integral part in the region’s fight against crime and other illegal activities. “The RSS is an important regional body and in the context of what is happening regionally, Caribbean-wise, and even globally with respect to crime, we have come to appreciate the importance of such a body,” Harris said at a ceremony on Friday where 23 officers from five Caribbean countries successfully graduated from a six week long Section Leaders Course.

Change Colonial Mindset – Dr. Jules

Image of OECS Director-General Dr.Didacus Jules

THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean has been launched with the Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr.Didacus Jules praising the effort to move away from a colonial past and mindset. In a message marking the occasion, Jules noted that the late former Barbados Prime Minister Errol Barrow, whom he described as “one of the brightest luminaries of Caribbean integration,” had made it abundantly clear that his government had absolutely “no intention of loitering on colonial premises long after closing time”.

120 Share Stage at Music Box

Image: Monchy Orchestra playing Christmas music.

Thursday, December 08, the curtains came down on the “2016 IV Intensive Music Training Workshop” with a grand final concert, performed by the Saint Lucia System of Orchestras, at the Music Box in Rodney Bay, which brought together 120 musicians on stage. This initiative was possible due to the collaborative efforts of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Saint Lucia School of Music. The workshops are part of a pilot programme, with Saint Lucia as its base, geared towards establishing a System of Orchestras in the Caribbean region.

Ricky T Releases ‘Freaky Girls’ Video

Image of Ricky T

Not since “Pressure Boom” in 2009 has Ricky T enjoyed the wave of success that has him booked on every major soca show from New York to Miami, Canada to the UK and all states and countries in between. His “Freaky Girls” featuring Eempey Slicker is being played on Hot 97 in New York and every major station in Trinidad as that country gets set for its Carnival 2017. It is so hot right now that it has resulted in the artiste’s recent headlining and sold out show in the Big Apple aptly called “Ricky T & Friends”.