CIBC-FCIB Backs Salvation Army

Image: CIBC-FCIB Backs Salvation Army

ON December 23rd, the spotlight fell on the staff of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, during a short ceremony at the Bridge Street branch to hand over food and toy hampers to the Salvation Army. The Bank opted to support the drive by soliciting contributions internally. This week, team members across all CIBCFirstCaribbean branches brought in food and toys to contribute to the hampers.

St. Lucia To Get Fourth Sandals Resort

PROMISING a level of unprecedented luxury never before seen on the island, Sandals Resorts International has announced its plan to add a fourth resort to its award-winning list of properties in Saint Lucia. The Sandals brand has enjoyed tremendous success in Saint Lucia since 1993 when it made its first foray there and the newest resort, to be named Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia, will by all indications be a game changer. Groundbreaking for the new resort which will be nestled on 19 acres of land next to the existing Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort is set to begin in Spring 2017.

Dr. Gardner First Consul of Israel

Image: Dr. Charmaine Gardner (far right) with Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Dame PearletteLouisy and Ambassador Amihai-Bivas at Tuesday’s reception. [PHOTO: Stan Bishop]

DR. CHARMAINE Gardner, a well-known figure in the business community, has been appointed Honorary Consul of Israel in Saint Lucia. Dr. Gardner, who has an extensive career in the field of banking and being involved in social issues such as advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness, a women’s shelter and the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre, seemed the perfect pick for Ambassador of Israel to Saint Lucia, MordehaiAmihai-Bivas, who was in Saint Lucia this week.

St. Lucia to Benefit From Major Biodiversity Grant

Image of Luis Solorzano

THE Nature Conservancy is pleased to announce the completion of its $8 million private philanthropy commitment toward the creation of the $42 million Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, an endowment supporting the protection and management of 21 million acres of coastal and marine areas. In an unprecedented collaboration for a sustainable Caribbean, eleven governments, including St Lucia have signed on to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, committing to protect 20 percent of important coastal and marine habitats by 2020 – effectively tripling the coverage of marine protected areas in the region.

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.

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.

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.