the gros islet manifesto now!

ST. LUCIA LABOUR PARTY
November 2011
CANDIDATE’S MESSAGE TO CONSTITUENTS
Residents of Gros Islet,
Gros Islet deserves quality, competent representation in Parliament.
A
s Saint Lucia’s fastest growing district, it will soon become a city in its
own right. Both residents and over 60% of visitors who come to our
island want to enjoy a safe, clean and enriching environment. We want an
urban space that is not congested, that has adequate amenities, access to open
space including our beaches and coastline, and provides an ambiance within
which we can all enjoy our natural and cultural heritage. To achieve this, we
must have a strategic plan guiding the short, medium and long term. We
must also have the governance structures that empowers residents - young,
working and retired - to take ownership of their communities. This will come
through regular dialogue with communities and the
promotion of strong community associations from
Des Rameaux to Rodney Bay. Local government must
be an everyday term, not just used when seeking to
explain the whereabouts of unaccounted funds.
I commit to bringing good governance and an inclusive,
fair and impartial style of leadership which promotes
excellence and shuns corruption and kickbacks. Our
country has seen turmoil and controversy after
controversy over the past five years. It has cost us
progress in major areas and means that we must work
doubly hard in the next five years to get things right. I
am a dedicated and hardworking. I have a
proven track record of competence,
compassion for the underprivileged
and character which has served me
well from my days as Director of
Audit of St.Lucia right through to
Rome, Italy where I worked for the
Food and Agriculture Organization
of the UN.
Let us work together to realize a
better Gros Islet for all.
2
EMMA HIPPOLYTE
OBE, CFE, CGA
EMMA’S TOP 10 PRIORITY LIST
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An Integrated Master Plan Develop a Master Plan for the
development of Gros Islet and the north over the next 20 years
that tackles land use, development of new growth areas, environmental
conservation, parks and open space, roads and public transport,
architectural cohesion, landscapes, tourism and affordable housing.
Expansion of Gros Islet Polyclinic to become a 24-hour medical centre
including diagnostic, pharmacy and acute care services.
Gros Islet Flood Mitigation – Undertake a comprehensive drainage
assessment targeting three major catchments: Choc/Union, Corinthe/
Bois D’Orange and Lower Bonne Terre/Castagne with a view of coming up
with suitable flood protection measures.
Gros Islet Heritage Tourism Enhancement – Provide enhanced tropical
landscaping particularly along major routes; development of vistas and trails
(e.g. Plateau, Vieux Sucreic, Mount du Cap, Mount Pimard); support for
improving the facades of cabarets; enhancement of new heritage sites
(e.g. Dauphin) as well as packaged heritage/adventure tours.
Gros Islet “Gateway” – New Transit Hub, Landcaped Roundabout and
Farmers’ Market.
Gros Islet Waterfront – Redevelopment of the town centre’s waterfront
by creating a new Arts and Culture Centre to become a focal point for Friday
Night entertainment; the Bay Street Esplanade, a renewed Fisherman’s
Landing; traffic improvements; and provide tax incentives, technical
assistance and promotion. Beach amenities will also be provided.
Castries-Gros Islet Highway Junction Improvements – Concentrate on
impoving junctions at Marisule, Mongiraud, Rodney Bay, Bonne Terre and
the Rodney Bay Marina. This project will also create a pedestrian
promenade between Gros Islet Town and Rodney Bay.
Affordable Housing Project – Transit-oriented mixed development with
retail spaces and residential units to provide affordable condos/apts that are
in close proximity to services. This will also provide community spaces for
children and senior citizens. This would be located either at Massade or La
Retraite on existing government/NIC lands.
Northwest Corridor Relief Route – Develop a new 6km alternate
highway stretching from Rodney Bay to Choc via La Feuillee, Vieux Sucreic
and Corinthe.
Gros Islet Eastern Highway – This new 8km scenic route between Gros Islet
and Monchy via Beausejour and Esperance will open up the eastern coast
of Gros Islet for recreational and residential development while adding to
visitor experience, as well as promoting the development of Monchy as a
major centre for heritage and adventure tourism. This highway will be the
first phase in the creation of a link from Gros Islet to Dennery.
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EMMA HIPPOLYTE | BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Emma Hippolyte is a Certified General Accountant, CGA and a Certified
Fraud Examiner, CFE with over 25 years experience in Public and Private Sector
Auditing, Governance, Management, Finance, Social Security and Non
Governmental Organizations.
Between 1987-2010 she served as Director of Audit of St. Lucia; consultant and
Senior Auditor of The Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO of the UN in Rome,
Italy; member of the External Board of Auditors of the Organization of American
States, OAS and Executive Director of the National Insurance Corporation of St. Lucia
(NIC).
In 2002 EMMA started The National Community Foundation (NCF) and in 1990,
the Concerned Citizens for Deprived Children in Soufriere. Between 1986 and 1995
she served on and chaired the Board of the National Research and Development
Foundation (NRDF) and the regional umbrella body East Caribbean Organization of
Development Foundations (ECODEF) both aimed at developing micro businesses in
St. Lucia and the Region.
Between 2002 and 2007 she chaired the Universal Health Care Taskforce and
Steering Committee and successfully launched the UHC pilot programme for
diabetes and hypertension. She is a recipient of the Order of the British Empire
(OBE).
A LIFE OF SERVICE
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EMMA’S LIFE
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LABOUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN GROS ISLET
1997 – 2006
Sport - Beausejour Cricket Ground & Indoor Practice Facility, Upgrade of the Gros
Islet, Grande Riviere and Corinthe Playing Fields
Open Space - 10 acres of parkland at Pigeon Point reserved.
Housing - Beausejour Ph 2, Monchy (Low-Income), Emerald Development(NIC)
Education - Constructed the Gros Islet Secondary School & Dame Pearlette Louisy
Primary
Social Amenities – Completion of Polyclinic, Upgrade of the Gros Islet Police
Station, New Fire Station
Transport & Traffic Alleviation - Castries Gros Islet Hwy dual-carriageway upgrade
(2.5km, Vigie-Choc) and the creation of relief roads, Construction of Corinthe
Bypass Rd.
Secondary Roads - Repaving of Grande Riviere-Marisule Rd, Beausejour Main Rd
(2.8km), Reconstruction of Monier-Paix Bouche Rd (3.9km), Bella Rosa Rd.
Resurfacing and drainage works for numerous Community Roads: Massade/
Cas-en-Bas (0.9km), Corinthe (2.6km), East Winds (0.5km), Trouya (1.8km),
Careffe-VieuxSucreic (1.3km), Caye Manger (1.7km), Rodney Bay (3.2km),
Degazon (0.5km), Riviere Mitan-Des Rameaux (4.1km), Monchy-La Bonne (2.4km)
[list is not exhaustive]
Private Sector Investments in Tourism - Expansion of Golf Club to 18-holes
and Construction of a New Clubhouse, Bay Gardens Resort, Landings Resort,
Sandals Grande, Cotton Bay, Cap Maison, Ginger Lily Hotel, Seabreeze Development
(Mount Hardy); Expansion of existing hotels: Almond Morgan Bay, Windjammer
Landings.
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LABOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
7
EMMA’S VISION FOR GROS ISLET
After extensive townhalls and consultation with experts I am pleased to present
to you a document outlining a vision for the Gros Islet District to move towards
becoming a livable, vibrant and green city. I commit to working with you as your
Parliamentary Representative to develop Gros Islet sustainably and inclusively
with an agenda that focuses on good governance; community education and
empowerment; creating new jobs; youth issues; urban regeneration & tourism
product development; better policing; reducing traffic congestion & opening up
land for housing & economic opportunities.
Although there are many overarching themes, for purposes of presentation, this
vision is captured under four general themes:
•
•
•
•
Youth Empowerment;
Sustainable Development;
Safe, Secure & Integrated Communities; and
Business Competitiveness.
Pigeon Island
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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Young people represent the hope
of our country. We must support
our youth in their endeavours by
tackling the issues that matter the
most to young people. We must equip
their futures with the tools, skills and
knowledge to innovate, create and be
entrepreneurial.
This
will
require
working closely with the social and
education
agencies
of
Central
Government,
youth
representatives
and partners in the arts and technology
locally and globally.
I. Education, Technology and Innovation
In our first term we will:
1. Establish community resource centres adjoining existing Secondary
Schools (Gros Islet and Corinth) to provide public day-care, conference, library,
computer facilities; and
2. Ensure every school has an arts programme (incl. music and drama) to boost
creative arts.
We will also pursue the following:
3. Ensure that Science, Technology, Creativity and Innovation are made central to
the curriculum;
4. Universal ICT Literacy Policy with IT becoming a core subject for all secondary
school leavers.
II. Empowerment, Enterprise and Employment
In our first term we will:
1. Revitalize Gros Islet Youth and Sports Council and provide leadership training/
support for clubs;
2. Develop after-school and summer programmes from public/private funding
and supported by young grads as part of giving back (national service); and
3. Create a Youth Enterprise and Employment Programme that subidizes for a
period of 12 months tertiary-level school leavers in growth sectors.
We will also pursue the following:
4. Programme for at-risk youth to develop “life-change” plans, mentorship and
key skills;
5. Ensure avenue for youth representation and sharing of creative and new thinking
on decision-making bodies in the community and nationally; and
6. Create an Entrepreneurship Incubator to support youth start-ups, with links
to schools and training centres.
III. Sport & Recreation
In our first term we will:
1. Develop community parks, playgrounds and recreation centres at Marisule,
Trouya, Grande Riviere, Rodney Bay and Bonne Terre.
2. Develop a Community Sports and Recreation Plan that supports tournaments
and equipment;
3. Boost existing facilities at Des Rameaux, La Borne, Grande Riviere and Corinthe
to include modern courts, lighting, clubhouses and equipment.
We will also pursue the following:
4. Strengthen community capacity through sports management and coach training; and
5. Reposition Beausejour as a National Sports Centre, events venue and focus
for sports tourism.
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Gros Islet is one of the most beautiful parts of Saint Lucia with its rolling hills,
beaches and vistas. It is also the hub of touristic activity and a major urban area. We
must address developing our communities and physical space sustainably,
tackling issues such as water conservation, drainage, roads, transport and
housing.
IV.Environment, Urban Planning and Housing
In our first term we will:
1.Provide incentives for water conservation particularly for homes on high elevations;
2.Address environmental health concerns such as rodents, mosquitoes, marine
water quality via integrated pest control, waste and wastewater strategies and
avenues for community monitoring;
3.Develop a Drainage and Flood Mitigation Programme includng desilting of rivers
and regular drain clearance.
We will also pursue the following:
4.Gros Islet 20 year Master Plan to sustainably manage growth based on New
Urbanism principles;
5.Transit-oriented affordable apartment housing at Beausejour, Massade, Corinthe;
6.Undertake a Water Sector Design Study for the north to plan for future water
demands;
7.Tackle humanely the issues of dangerous dogs and stray animals.
V. Better Roads and Transport
In our first term we will:
1.Improve junctions/capacity of Castries-Gros Islet Highway. The Rodney Bay, Gros
Islet, Marisule, Mongiraud, Glace Motors and Corinthe Junctions will be given
priority;
2.Make walking/biking more attractive by expanding availability of sidewalks,
bike paths. This will start with a Gros Islet and Rodney Bay pedestrian/bike link;
3.Develop a Roads Trust to deal with adoption and maintenance of roads in
private developments.
We will also pursue the following:
4.A new 6km north-south scenic, tree-lined relief route (Gros Islet Parkway)
between Rodney Bay & Choc to reduce congestion on existing highway;
5.Pursue the creation of a multi-modal Transport Hub at Gros Islet which will allow
connections with bus, water-taxi, shuttle, taxi, park+ride and new retail/vending
opportunities;
6.Work with northern bus cooperatives to create a modern, environmentally-friendly
and financially sustainable public transport company with increased routes,
schedules and improved quality of service;
7.Improve the road network and linkages in Cap, Marisule, Assou Canal,
Beausejour, BonneTerre, Cas en Bas, Corinthe, Norbere and Riviere Mitan
thereby providing alternative routes for commuters; and
8.Explore the feasibility of a new coastal scenic route connecting Beausejour
and Monchy.
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SAFE, SECURE & INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES
Our communities must be family-oriented, safe, secure, integrated and caring. We
must be mindful of all groups including children, seniors and those who cannot
fend for themselves. Furthermore, this must be done through collaboration and
consultation with citizens.
VI. Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement
In our first term we will:
1. Push police accountability and transparency meetings with community to build
confidence and cooperation;
2. Establish 24-hour community patrol units; and
3. Start community safety networks to undertake neighbourhood surveillance and
safety audits.
We will also pursue the following:
4. Establish a separate Northern Police Division with a modern, centrally located
Divisional HQ;
5. Provide self-defence and safety classes for residents;
6. Install CCTV for surveillance of key areas and roadways to curb crime; and
7. Introduce Highway Patrol Unit to curb traffic congestion and drunk driving and
decrease accident response time.
VII. Families, Health and Social Cohesion
In our first term we will:
1. Create Seniors Day Centres at Reduit & Marisule;
2. Promote Gros Islet as a child-friendly community with events, programmes and
spaces that produce happy childhoods, creativity and expression;
3. Extend opening hours of the Polyclinic and include diagnostic, pharmacy, dental
and other services.
We will also pursue the following:
4. Provide Parental Education for young/first-time parents and support school/
community Parents Associations;
5. Develop a Community Care Programme for aged persons and persons with
disabilities including arranged doctors visits, care packages and roving caregivers;
6. Use community radio, web presence and social media to link communities and
residents; and
7. Promote longer life and healthy lifestyles through a National Review on Food
and Fitness.
OTE
LABOUR FOR
GOOD GOVERNANCE
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BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS
We must assist existing businesses, small and large, and create new entrepreneurs.
We must develop our tourism, creative, digital/ICT and natural resource sectors in
tandem so as to create jobs and linkages with communities.
VIII. Fisheries and Maritime Enterprises
In our first term we will:
1. Redevelop the Gros Islet fisheries facility into a visitor attraction showcasing the
livelihoods and traditions of fishers and their catch;
2. Establish a Gros Islet Marine Management Area to deal with sustainable use of
fisheries, providing fish aggregating devices (FADs), promoting yachting and
sea-based recreation, coastal/marine management and monitor and enhance
water quality.
We will also pursue the following:
3. Promote community-wide swimming programmes involving the Rodney Bay
Aquatic Centre;
4. Investigate the feasibility of a Gros Islet Boat and Sea Club with a Training Institute
to support training in yachting, chandlery services, fisheries, swimming,
marinology, etc.
IX. Conservation, Creativity and Tourism
In our first term we will:
1. Implement a Landscape Plan including planting of flowering/scented trees, flowers,
scenic routes, fountains and landmark gateways for village centres;
2. Support community/heritage enhancements to village centres, cabarets, facades,
old mills;
3. Establish a new Creative Arts and Entertainment Centre at the town’s
waterfront, which will become the focus of reinvented Friday Night inclusive of
costumery, dance, live music. It will also be a creativity incubator and training centre.
We will also pursue the following:
4. Improve beach amenities (including picnic area, vending, food markets) at Reduit,
Pigeon Pt., Cas-en-Bas and GrosIslet;
5. Promote creative arts through a public art programme and the enhancement of
community festivals and events;
6. Explore the possibility of creating a botanical Gardens and Bird Sanctuary using
Bois D’Orange Wetland and Mount Pimard;
7. Architectural Conservation Area for Town Centre to promote traditional design styles;
8. Provide special concessions for redevelopment of the Gros Islet Waterfront for
small inns, guest houses, while creating “resort town” concept incorporating
shared visitor services/amenities;
9. Create a Northeast Coast Nature Trail (Cap to Dauphin); and
10.Conserve rural Gros Islet via sustainable farming of tree crops, nurseries, food
production, agro-processing, modern technology and agro-tourism.
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GORGEOUS GROS ISLET
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EMMA’S CAMPAIGN
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EMMA
How did Emma Impact Pension Reform?
>> Pension reform was necessary to protect the fund from becoming bankrupt. A 1996
ILO actuarial report recommended that the pension age be adjusted to 65 by 2012.
This ensures that the young contributors still have a pension when they
retire. These changes are happening worldwide especially in Europe and countries with
aging populations. Persons may still receive a modified pension at 60 if they
wish. Under her guidance as Natonal Insurance Director, NIC’s assets tripled from about
$350 million to just under $1,000 million.
How has Emma impact Gros Islet?
>>
Emma has been responsible for or involved in a number of initiatives
that have national impact, and which benefit of Gros Islet residents. Emma founded
the National Community Foundation which created a means to help hundreds
of needy persons annually with health expenses and scholarships for their children.
Emma was a major player in the Universal Healthcare Programme that began pilot
programmes for Diabetes and Hypertension sufferers. Under her chairmanship over
30,000 persons were tested and those with both diseases received free medication.
She also chaired the National Research and Development Foundation NRDF which
provides loans and training to small businesses.
What is Emma’s history with Gros Islet?
>> Emma moved to Trouya, Gros Islet from Soufriere over 30 years ago. Gros Islet is the
most cosmopolitan district in Saint Lucia with most of its residents having moved
into the district over the past 25 years. She is characteristic of the majority of Gros Islet
residents and yet her command of Kwéyòl allows her to relate to all persons in the
constituency, both rural and suburban.
What is Emma’s style and approach?
>> Emma’s direct and frank nature and her zeal for results probably does make her a
tough cookie at times. However, she always have an open door policy. She has
made herself available as much as possible, going from house-to-house, to the
churches, to cultural events, to the supermarkets, and through social media to reach
you the constituents. She is very approachable and is noted for keeping her word.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY,
GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
15
ON
NOVEMBER 28
OTE
2011
Constituency Office:
White Rock, Grande Rivere
Tel: 758 - 450-1988
www.facebook.com/emma hippolyte
Email: emma.hippolyte@stlucialaburparty.org
SAINT LUCIA LABOUR PARTY
BREAD . FREEDOM . JUSTICE