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.
SAINT LUCIA is poised for significant advances in its tourism product and business environment thanks to the “Pearl of the Caribbean” project which is expected to commence construction in 2017. The southern-based project, estimated to cost about US$2.6 billion, is a fully integrated equestrian oriented development which will encompass the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club and its expected world class horse racing, and related entertainment, leisure and accommodation amenities.
FEW would dispute the benefits of a good education. The attainment of high academic achievement helps in furthering careers, aids in informed decision making and allows for the obtainment of better pay. Whilst education plays a significant role in personal development from a young age, extra-curricular activities are also key.
HEAVY focus was placed on bilateral trade when 72 Saint Lucian and Taiwanese companies teamed up to show off some of their best products at this year’s Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Exhibition held at Johnsons Centre in Rodney Bay.
Prior research has shown that not getting enough sleep can impact your weight, but new BYU research finds the consistency of your bed time and wake time can also influence body fat. Exercise science professor Bruce Bailey studied more than 300 women from two major Western U.S. universities over the course of several weeks and found that those with the best sleeping habits had healthier weights.
STATUE of David? Pshhh, why bother with that old thing when we could have a statue of Shani?! Who is …
THIRTY-FOUR year bold Joanne Asson is bubbling with excitement after winning the GEW Fashiontrepreneur title last weekend. Asson who hails from Monchy, Gros Islet, is now looking forward to a rewarding career in the fashion business. She told the VOICE yesterday: “No longer will I simply be going with the glow, I now intend to begin directing the flow”.
![Image: Musician/poet Garner Raymond. [PHOTO: Garner Raymond]](https://thevoiceslu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Musician-poet-Garner-Raymond-mid-600x400.jpg)
SOFT-SPOKEN musician/poet Garner Raymond is among the growing flock of Saint Lucian artistes on the path to getting their voices heard on the global stage. With the likes of Patsy Cadet, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Taj Weekes and Teddyson John already opening musical doors internationally, Raymond believes his solitary journey in the music world is about to pay off huge dividends.
AT an upscale hotel in the Chilean capital Santiago, I came across a few Blacks. All were Chilean – and all were waiters, cooks or housemaids. I’d seen the same before in neighbouring Argentina and Colombia, so I wanted to talk about Blacks in South America with the young guy who silently poured my coffee with a wide smile every morning. But that was out of the question, as our tongues didn’t mesh.
TODAY’S FITC is one of the reasons why I can never stop loving and being proud of my island home, …
COMPUTER programmers are expected to avoid making mistakes in their work. Of course, we know that does not always happen since words like “debugging” are used to describe part of the role of a programmer. Fortunately, many errors are obvious and are easily avoided because they prevent the programme from running.
Q: DEAR REGINA, My dad has late stage dementia and has been bed-ridden for approximately a year in NY. My sister has been his primary caregiver. She does have help with other family support and hired help. My brother and I here in St Lucia provide the finances for the hired help. We both feel so disconnected and helpless. Is there any support groups out here in St Lucia to help us cope with long distant care support?
OCTOBER was breast cancer awareness month and in St. Lucia there was a sustained campaign to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and other support services.
Caribbean American Legislator Protests Steve Bannon. NEW YORK, CMC – After joining 168 members of the US House of Representatives …
THE Queen is to be given £369 million of taxpayers’ money to carry out a 10-year refit of Buckingham Palace. The cash has been approved by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, and is expected to be rubber-stamped by Parliament in the next six months.