CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK CONVERGED ON THE CASTRIES MAKET STEPS TO PROTEST PRIVITISATION OF THE WATER SECTOR!!!
July 16, 2008
Edward Harris At Large
CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK CONVERGED ON THE CASTRIES MAKET STEPS TO PROTEST PRIVITISATION OF THE WATER SECTOR!!!
While the Carnival revelry is taking place with such activities as Mass on the Square in the evenings, the Civil Society Network under the leadership of Ms. Flavia Cherry took to the Castries Market Steps calling on the Government to hold back on the privatization of the Water & Sewerage Company Inc. – WASCO. The several speakers included the President of the National Youth Council – Mr. Marvin Edgar and Past President of the National Consumers’ Association – Mr. Andrew Antoine. They all called on the UWP Government not to renege on their Campaign Promise – not to privatize the Water Sector in St. Lucia. Ms. Cherry promised not to back down on the Water Issue and will take the issue to the streets with massive demonstrations if necessary.
Ms. Flavia Cherry is the President of Caribbean Association for Feminist Action and Research (CAFRA) – St. Lucia Chapter. This Association collaborates with the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) on matters affecting civil society and provides necessary support to Governments on women’s issues and trade. The two organizations’ contribution to the Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations between the European Union and the Cariforum States have been invaluable and played a major role in drawing to the attention of the region’s Governments flaws in the agreement and the need to hold off on signing at this time. The EPA should have been concluded on 23rd July, 2008.
While the EPA is still a work in progress, the region’s governments are getting ready for trade negotiations with Canada. One of the issues at the very core of the EPA is that Caricom Governments will not be able to negotiate a more favourable agreement with any other State without giving the same treatment to the EU. The old saying more haste, less speed is very applicable to this situation.
The Carnival Season is at its peak with the Panorama and Calypso finals set for Friday and Saturday – 18 & 19th July, 2008. The Bands will be taking to the streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is interesting to note that the route for the Bands to parade has been extended.
Carnival is never without controversy and Carnival 2KGreat is no exception. The artistes are demanding more prize money and better pay for performances. The Queen Show winner Miss Digicel, in spite of winning the crown was not the favourite. It was widely felt that Miss Piton walked away with it. Some persons believed that there was conflict of interest and suggested that the sponsors of the overall event should not be involved in direct sponsorship of a contestant. After all these years, Carnival 2KGreat has shown some flaws in many respects. Judging and other issues that after all these years should have been on auto pilot.
In spite of the economic hardships being experienced in the country, this Carnival is slated to be one of the biggest in recent years. I heard that one band has about 800 persons. I cannot wait to see the parade of the bands this year. I also hear that the brothers and sisters in the region and the diaspora are coming for Carnival 2KGreat. It is not too late for those of you reading my column to join us for last lap. From Friday July 18 to Tuesday 22, 2008, it will be party non stop. There is no place on earth that you should be at this time – but in St. Lucia. St. Lucia Nice!!!
Although we continue to hear cries about high cost of living, life goes on and St. Lucians are in no mood to be bothered. It is Carnival time again and it is time to hit the streets and party. Suzette is waiting! Herb Black is set to be crowned Road March King 2KGreat!!!!
Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Dream Big and Expect Miracles Everyday!!!
Edward Harris
Freelance Journalist, Biblicist, Business & PR Consultant, Realtor, Networker,
Private Sector & CSR Advocate, Motivational Speaker
Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com
Website: http://www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com