November 17, 1997 - The Upper House or Senate, met last week to discuss a number of motions and bills which had already been thrashed out in the lower house at least one fortnight earlier.

Indeed, the ayes did have it as the occasion was utilized more than less, by Senator Calixte George to appraise the august body of Government's intention in as far as the Supplementary Budget is concerned and to articulate his ministry's vision during the fiscal year 1997/1998.

The Statutory Organization which seems to be most in need of immediate attention is the Water and Sewerage Authority. According to the Minister of Public Utilities, Hon. Phillip J. Pierre, WASA has an accumulative debt totaling some $16 million Eastern Caribbean dollars. The senator revealed that meetings have already been held with key stakeholders of WASA to map out a blueprint geared towards the privatization of the comatosed company.

One particular bill entitled "St. Lucia National Youth Council Incorporation Act" received much attention.

Responses in support of the NYC Bill, believed to be long overdue were not short in coming.

Senator Calixte George also spoke specifically of his ministry's plans to allow for more autonomy for the postal services and to give attention to the Road Transport Board, with special focus on the Mini Bus Drivers. Mention was also made of a plan to introduce a division within the Ministry of Communication and Works to handle customer complaints against the Public Utilities.