The Vincentian - 25-05-12

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

MAY 25, 2012

VOLUME 106, No. 21

www.thevincentian.com

ÂCURTIS-CÊ AND ÂSKINNYÊ FIGHT OVER ÂANGELAÊ

by SHERON GARRAWAY

VINCY MAS has already been launched, and the controversy/bacchanal in

the festivities has already begun.

This time, Curtis Cupid, formerly known as ‘Cutty Banton,’ now

carrying the sobriquet ‘Curtis-C’, has accused former soca monarch Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle of pirating lyrics

Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle says he meant no disrespect when he used a ‘hook line’ from Curtis-C’s’ song.

EC$1.50

from his 2012 song, ‘Angela’.

The line in the song where Skinny Fabulous asks, “Angela where is the cherry?” has ‘Curtis-C’ upset.

He claims that he has not been given recognition for the lines.

In a radio-phone interview with veteran broadcaster Curtis ‘Curtic-C’ Cupid says he gave Skinny’s Randy “Randy D” management enough time to sort out the matter.

Dopwell on Nice Radio on Saturday 19 May, ‘Curtis-C’ in the world” so that they now Brooklyn based articulated, “ ‘Angela girl could call him and talk to artiste continued, “He wey the cherry? him about it. That didn’t asked, ‘Did Skinny get in Hmm…ah man done pick happene, and now he touch with me?’ And I it already’, was the hook feels he has been said, ‘No,’ and I gave him line of the song that I a number and tell him to ignored. sang about roughly five He fumed, “I’ll tell you call me and to six years ago, and I again, Randy D, before whatever…and three heard ‘Skinny Fabulous’ that song was released I days later, the song was just jump on my song was on Facebook talking released.” without even calling me ‘Curtis-C’ said that up to ‘Luta’ and he asked or telling me anything, me this, ‘Curtis-C, you to the time of the which I think was very were the one who sing interview, no one had disrespectful!”

Angela where the contacted him, and that ‘Curtis-C’ said after cherry?’ and I turned to he will be taking legal hearing the song ‘Angela’ him and say, ‘Yes, that action. done by Skinny was one of my big songs Fabulous, he gave “the Continued on Page 3. back in the day’.” management all the time The Vincentian born,

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2. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

A dream come true for James Cordice

by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

THE MAN BEHIND THE THOMAS SAUNDERS SECONDARY SCHOOL’S (TSSS) participation in the prestigious Penn Relays Carnival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the second consecutive year, says it’s a dream come true.

“When all our preliminary work finished, and Penn (Relays) gave TSSS the word that we are in, I sat and cried, because I knew that our Vincentian children now have a path to the possibilities that the Penn Relays provide,” said the Clare Valleyborn James Cordice in an exclusive interview with THE VINCENTIAN. Cordice, who moved to Pennsylvania from Brooklyn, New York, 20years ago, said he had noticed, with regret, for 15 years, the lack of Caribbean participation at the relays, except for Jamaica.

Initially, he said he inquired “rigorously but unsuccessfully regarding a path for Vincentians to attend the relays.

“I was told that this was an impossibility,” said the former president, now public relations officer, of the Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Organization of Pennsylvania, Inc. (SVGOP).

“I was so proud of the vigor that Jamaica brought to Penn, and I wanted, with all my heart, to see St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated at Penn the same way; plus the academic possibilities for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ youth, once we are on the Penn Relays tracks,” he added.

Cordice continued.

“My St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ team made my dream come true, when TSSS became one of the few.”

In the initial year, 2011, TSSS hosted a boys’ team at the Penn Relays, then a boys’ and girls’ team this May. Though the teams did not win a gold, silver or

bronze medal, the TSSS trailblazers unequivocally made all Vincentians in the Diaspora and at home very proud.

me that we will need to construct a track in SVG before any school will be trained effectively for the Penn Relays,” he added.

“All I said was, ‘I am a Garifuna, I am resilient, Selling the idea – I will not stop trying, I Overcoming setbacks will not awake from this dream until the first Cordice said his initial team arrives in meeting with sports Philadelphia’,” Cordice personality Otis Jack, in continued.

July 2007, set the stage “In retrospect, these for the historic events. so-called obstacles to a “Jack must be credited driven man are like a for his leg work in SVG,” six-inch hurdle to a sixhe said. “When I foot runner — only a appealed to Jack for matter of time,” he help, I realized that I philosophied. found someone who shared my love for track The man and field.

“And although he Clearly, Cordice’s commends me for not tenacity and versatility giving up on the idea or began at a very early the effort, I commend age. He said he grew as a Otis Jack for doing what “well-rounded person, he said he would do back always willing to in 2007,” Cordice added. organize and delegate.”

“He said he would try At 15, he co-captained to convince someone to “Humble Youth”, one of contact me. He did! He four soccer teams from led me to Coach Godfrey Clare Valley to ‘Fuzzy’ Harry, and Harry enter the South and I started our work,” Leeward Soccer he continued.

League(SLSL).

But the son of late sea He became captain Richard A. the youngest Cordice and seamstress storeroom Liliath Nanton-Cordice manager and said his greatest obstacle purchasing was what he described as agent to be “the lack of interest employed at the generated from SVG’S Cotton House Ministry of Education Hotel in and Athletic Committee, as far back as 2005, coupled with the blatant disrespect for those of us who dare to dream.”

He also singled out an influential local sports personality, who, he claimed, sought to prevent him from realizing his dream.

Cordice said that personality told him “SVG lacks the capacity and capability to attend the Penn Relays.”

“He further informed me that no one high school in SVG has the depth to participate or represent SVG at the relays,” Cordice said.

“His last attempt to stop me was to inform

Mustique, and was also employed as a storeroom clerk at Petit St. Vincent Resorts, where he began training in the prevention of scuba diving and water sportsrelated injuries.

In the early 80s, Cordice migrated to the US Virgin Islands, resuming his hospitality employment at Trade Winds Resort and eventually becoming the culinary supervisor.

By 1988, when he migrated to New York, he was already certified in French, Italian and English Carvery showmanship cooking.

To afford his culinary education in the US, Cordice said he worked as an auto mechanic and interned at the famous Waldorf Astoria hotel in midtown Manhattan.

He said he introduced French cooking to a Russian Banquet Hall in

Brooklyn, then managed a restaurant with a staff of 18.

When he re-located to Philadelphia in 1991, Cordice said he was employed as a chef at Mel’s Italian and Chef Café Raphael, and became head chef at Main Street Café, kitchen supervisor at Howard Johnson Hotel, and sous chef at Sheraton Hotel NE. In 1992, Cordice said he started a vending business and later contracted for Wade Cable.

He also worked as a business technician at the telecommunications giant, Bell Atlantic, and contracted for Comcast as an I/R Tech and collection agent, and subsequently as sales representative.

At the same time, the indefatigable Cordice said he managed his construction company, specializing in the design and construction of kitchens and bathrooms.

He is also National Electric Codes and Telephony-certified.

In addition, he served the Philadelphia community as block captain and panelist on youth aid in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

SVG Economic Development Plan summit in Pennsylvania in 2008.

Cordice was a presenter at the Vincy Homecoming Conference in 2009 in New York, SVG representative on the US Census 2010 Philadelphia-Caribbean Complete Count Committee, and Caribbean representative on the US Census 2010 Philadelphia Complete Count Committee in 2010.

As a CAHCI representative, Cordice said he treasured the “unique opportunity” that allowed him to visit the White House for the Caribbean American Heritage Month briefing in June 2011.

He’s an executive board member of the Bronx, New York-based Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc., and played the lead role in 2011 in the three-week Garifuna workshop at TSSS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cordice was honored

by SVGOP in 2009, and held various positions, besides president, vice president and public relations officer, in the organization, including chair of the Education, Independence and Penn Relays committees.

Volunteer work in the Two years ago, he was Diaspora also honored by the Cordice is a founding Brooklyn-based umbrella member and research Vincentian group, analyst with the Council of St. Vincent Caribbean and the Grenadines’ American Organizations, U.S.A., Heritage Inc. (COSAGO), and Collaborative Philadelphia-based (CAHCI), host of Barbados Society of the Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Last year, Cordice was Caribbeanhonored by the City of American Heritage Month Philadelphia; and, a year earlier, he was in the Celebration.

He is a legal vanguard of having the committee SVG flag flown for the member on first time on the major Philadelphia’s thoroughfare, Ben Mayor Franklin Parkway, in Commission Philadelphia. on African and And to put a crown on Caribbean his efforts to realize Immigrants SVG’s particicpation in Affairs, and the Penn relays, Cordice chaired the offered: “I am completely satisfied. I will do this all over any James Cordice, a patriot if ever there day.” was one.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 3.

News 3 BOSVG reports profit THE BANK OF ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Ltd. has announced a dividend payment of sixteen cents to its shareholders, after its first full year of operation.

This follows what the bank describes as “a strong performance” which saw the institution recording a net profit after tax of EC$4.9 million, for the financial year ended December 31, 2011.

A release from the bank says that this net profit showing is “a major accomplishment, given the challenging times within the global and domestic economies.”

The Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ltd., formerly the state-owned National Commercial Bank, is a subsidiary of the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company Limited (ECFH).

Headquartered in the Reigate Building, Kingstown, the bank has The BOSVG, headquartered in a new Reigate Building, had a reasonably good first year. total assets of $698

million.

‘Curtis-C’ and ‘Skinny’ fight over ‘Angela’ something like that. It’s probably like the number one song in St Vincent and up to now the management haven’t “I want St Vincent and the reach out to me and haven’t tell me Grenadines to know that this is the anything. I’m really disappointed with original ‘Cutty Banton’, and not because you been hearing my songs on these guys,” Cutis-C concluded.

At this point, radio announcer cassette, when there was no studio in Randy-D exclaimed, “Sad to hear, so St Vincent for me to record, that does sad to hear that; I think that we not mean that I am not protected. All should be working together in order to of my music is protected under BMI.” develop what we have here.”

‘Curtis-C’ lamented, “It’s time for Cutty Banton or Curtis-C is known someone to reach out to me because for singing the dub interlude with soca I’m going to take legal action. I’m artistes such wih Dalpin on ‘Behind a really pissed; I didn’t like what they Bumper’. did. You mean a bootleg phone call is Curtis-C’s major release for 2012 is not enough for someone to call ‘Curtisentitled ‘Me and Wife’ which he said is C’ and say, ‘Okay Curti, we want to use your song.’ Come on guys, Luther, an effort aimed at bringing back the values of marriage.

Skinny, you guys let me down. I had more respect for you guys, but I think ‘I just wanted to pay tribute’ that it’s not fair.”

He promised, “I am saying it loud When THE VINCENTIAN and clear, this is no gimmick, this is contacted Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ serious. You heard it from the man himself…at that time there was ‘Cutty Doyle about the accusations made by Curtis-C, he said that it was Banto’ I only changed my name, now I’m ‘Curtis-C’, but I did not change all disheartening that word “steal’ was being used when he was only trying to my ways. That song ‘Angela’ I am pay homage to a classic. going to sing again, , Angela Gal ah He stated, “I am sorry it’s turning wey de Cherry…Hmmm…ah man out that way. It was never meant to be done pick it already? That’s my song, disrespectful; I only meant to pay that’s my original hook and let me be tribute to a veteran and to an era clear.

“They write the lyrics, they changed when it was released in the 90s, when the lyrics, whatever, fine but the line, I was a little boy.”

Skinny Fabulous said the idea to that’s my hook, and the hook is what really carry the song. And at this point use the ‘Angela’ hook song came when he was invited to do something on the I’m really pissed off. I really didn’t Kayak rhythm, which was done by believe that they would have do

Continued from Page 1.

Rondie ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh, and “was inspired to use the line from Cutty Banton.”

‘Skinny Fabulous’ explained that he was assured by ‘Luta’ that he would get in touch with ‘Curtis-C’, and that contact took place on Facebook, after which ‘Luta’ received a phone number from ‘Curtis-C’ and gave Skinny Fabulous the digits.

In response to ‘Curtis-C’s’ charge that he was never contacted, ‘Skinny’ countered that he left a message on ‘Curtis-C’s’ Facebook page and that he called him three times but the number went straight to an automatic message; but on the third called it went to automatic voicemail and that was when he was finally able to leave a message.

‘Skinny Fabulous’ said he was finally able to speak with Curtis-C on Tuesday 22nd May and he was told by ‘Curtis-C’ that he had misplaced his phone, which he has since retrieved, and that he admitted that he was unreachable for some time. He said ‘Curtis-C’ also admitted that he did not check his Facebook page.

Skinny Fabulous did not mention in detail to THE VINCENTIAN what transpired in the conversation, but he, however revealed that he had offered to withdraw the song completely from all media forums, since he has never performed or received monies from any entity for the tune.

The former soca monarch and regionally acclaimed artiste said that

Rondie ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh he had always had an amicable relationship with’Curtis-C’ and thought that his (‘Curtis C’) passive and docile response to the song’s release was an indication that “he was cool with it.”

He re-enforced, “I didn’t mean any disrespect…it’s just like I would sing a line from Winston Soso, but I never calculated the song would be disrespectful. My intention was really to bring back an old 90s tune into 2012 so that people could remember a veteran like ‘Cutty Banton’, whom I admire.”

THE VINCENTIAN was unable, up to press time, to contact ‘Curtis-C’ for an update on the impasse.

Carnival is bacchanal, eh?

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Appeal Court to hear election matters candidates Dr. Linton Lewis, Nigel Stephenson and Senator Vynette THE HIGH COURT building Frederick to seek may well be the centre of Judicial Review. attraction next The three had applied Wednesday, May 30, when for leave to seek Judicial the Eastern Caribbean Review of Director of Court of Appeal sits here. Public Prosecutions That’s the date when (DPP) Colin Williams’s all Appeals in the cases decision to take over and arising from the discontinue private December 13, 2010 criminal complaints they general elections are had filed against expected to be heard. government ministers Attorney Keith Dr. Douglas Slater, Cecil Scotland of Trinidad and McKie and Clayton Tobago along with local Burgin, on January 11, lawyers Kay Bacchus2011 at the Serious Browne and Nicole Offences Court.

Sylvester, have appealed In her judgement, Justice Gertel Thom’s Justice Thom concluded decision on November 15, that she found no 2011, to refuse leave to reasonable prospect of opposition New success and dismissed Democratic Party (NDP) the applications.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Man pleads not guilty, despite confession ALTHOUGH Raffique Medica pleaded not guilty to possession of 1,132 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, he admitted in his evidence, “A brethren from Georgetown gey me de weed, and when ah see de police ah throw it in de bush”.

Medica also admitted to possession in his caution statement to the police.

The 23-year-old Georgetown labourer was fined $1,600 on Tuesday for possession of the drug with intent to supply.

Medica was ordered to pay the court $1,200 forthwith and the balance in one month. In default, he would go to prison for six months.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young, sitting at the Serious Offences Court, found Medica guilty at a trial which had commenced last week Tuesday.

Evidence revealed that around 5:30 p.m., some people at Park Hill heard their dogs barking, and when they went outside they saw Medica walking through their yard with a black and white knapsack.

They asked him what he was doing in their yard and told him to leave. Medica threw the bag in some bushes and left. A Colonaire police vehicle was passing around the same time and they signaled it to stop. The lawmen complied and proceeded to investigate, during which one of the officers retrieved the bag. When opened, a blue plastic bag containing marijuana was revealed.

While the police was still on the scene, Medica passed riding a bicycle. The people identified him to the police, and the lawmen intercepted him.

When they confronted Medica, he denied knowledge of the marijuana. He was arrested and taken to the Colonaire Police Station where he made the admission.

Medica was not represented by a lawyer.

The lawyers have also appealed Justice Thom’s order to ‘set aside’ leave Justice Frederick BruceLyle had granted private citizen Marva Chance to seek Judicial Review, Justice Thom’s decision to dismiss the application for leave as well as the claim.

Justice Thom was of the opinion that leave ought not to have been granted to Chance as there was no realistic prospect of success of her claim for Judicial Review of the DPP’s decision to

L-R: Senator Vynette Frederick, Dr. Linton Lewis, and Nigel Stephenson will have their appeals heard during the next sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. discontinue private criminal complaints against Afi Jack.

The charges related to Jack’s registering to vote in a constituency where she was not ordinarily resident.

Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan along with local lawyers Grahame Bollers and Richard Williams have appealed Justice Thom’s decision to uphold a court order granting leave to NDP

senator, Vynette Frederick, to seek Judicial Review of Chief Magistrate Sonya Young’s decision not to issue summones in relation to two private criminal complaints Frederick had filed against Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Justice Thom found no reason to ‘set aside’ Justice Bruce-Lyle’s order granting Frederick leave. She dismissed the Chief Magistrate’s

application to ‘set aside’ the leave granted and to have the application for leave dismissed.

The NDP candidates had claimed that the government ministers made false statements in relation to their characters, in the run up to the December 13, 2010 general elections.

The complaints were filed under section 51 (3) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

Mother, daughter freed of murder charge MARILYN WILKINS and her daughter Kawanna Wilkins were expected to walk free from the High Court yesterday after being remanded at Her Majesty’s Prisons for four years on a murder charge.

During their incarceration, Kawanna gave birth to a baby.

The Wilkinses were charged along with Kasanki James and Anthony Lavia with the May 11, 2008 murder of Jason Charles, 30, of Redemption Sharpes.

At the Criminal Assizes on Wednesday, Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle upheld a no case submission on behalf of the Wilkinses.

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne represented Kawanna, while lawyer Ronald Marks defended Marilyn.

However, Kawanna and Marilyn were remanded until yesterday, as Justice Bruce-Lyle could not direct the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty as one of the jurors was absent due to illness.

The case against the other defendants was expected to continue yesterday.

The submission was heard in the absence of the jury on Tuesday, but Justice Bruce-Lyle had reserved his ruling.

The prosecution’s case is that the four defendants who were at the time residing in Redemption Sharpes, acted together as a joint enterprise and killed Charles by chopping him several times with a cutlass.

Bacchus-Browne and Marks

Marilyn Wilkins submitted that the prosecution had failed to prove the mental element for joint enterprise.

Justice Bruce-Lyle ruled that the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case for the jury in relation to the Wilkinses.

The other defendants are

Kawanna Wilkins represented by attorneys Grant Connell and Ronald Marks.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams leads the case for the prosecution.

Teenager on burglary charge RASHEED WALLACE, a 17-yearold vendor of Green Hill, is facing a charge of burglary.

The teenager was arrested and charged on May 20, for illegally entering the home of Iselma Watson, a vendor of Green Hill, and stealing a quantity of shoes,

clothing and a knife. The total value of the items is put at $565.00.

The offense is said to have been committed on May 18, and that the assailant entered the dwelling place by forcibly opening a door.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 5.

Government

Talking tax with the Comptroller persons to ask for and to keep their receipts.”

Persons will be encouraged to place their VAT receipts in specially marked barrels, to be located at the National Lotteries Authority Headquarters and the Inland Revenue Office.

A draw will be made, and winners will be awarded prizes, to include cash prizes.

This ‘giveaway’, Pompey hopes, will encourage “customers to demand their receipts since, under the law, once a person purchases an item, they should be given a receipt.”

Kelvin Pompey, Comptroller of Inland Revenue, says his department has a heart, but it must enforce the law.

The amnesty or waiver on income tax reads as KELVIN POMPEY HAS follows: 100% interest on BEEN EMPLOYED at the penalties for years before Inland Revenue 1998; 80% for 1998-2000; Department for over 16 70% for 2001- 2003; years now. Seven years 60%for 2004-2007; 50% ago, he was given the for 2008-2010. power to administer the As far as arrears on income tax and licensing property tax is laws in SVG, when he was concerned, a waiver of appointed to the position 80% is being offered for of Comptroller of Inland the period 1994 to the Revenue. current assessment year.

Pompey recently sat Additionally, all down with THE accounts with balances of VINCENTIAN for an less than $ 100 will be exclusive interview to written off. discuss, among other Persons had until things, the amnesty on 22nd May, 2012 to get up interest for unpaid taxes; to date. and the Department’s effort in collecting other Response to the taxes. amnesty

by KENVILLE HORNE

The amnesty Pompey explained that the objective of the amnesty is to get persons to become compliant with their tax requirements and to offer some relief to those in debts.

He revealed that there were arrears of $221 million, computed as $134 million in taxes, $77 million in interest and$10 million in penalties.

numbers.”

And to encourage the use of the amnesty, Pompey disclosed that his department was “beefing up our public relations in terms of advertising the whole amnesty and getting the message out.”

VAT

In addressing the situation as it relates to the VAT, Pompey said that there are compliance problems in this area.

He highlighted what seems to be an ongoing problem where businesses are not giving their customers receipts and invoices. This, he When asked about explained, “is creating a defaulters’ response to problem for the auditors the amnesty, Pompey when they visit the admitted, “The response business to verify what is not what I the true payments were anticipated,” adding, “We and what the VAT have had a meeting with should have been.” tax practitioners, and Towards addressing they have stated that a this breach in procedure, lot of their clients wish to Pompey said that “We go to the bank to (Inland Revenue organize loans, and that Department) will be takes time. So, we running a lottery over anticipate that there will the next couple of be an increase in months, to encourage

Challenges – Warning to defaulters While describing his Department as one that administers the tax laws “with a heart,” the Comptroller warned that those who decide they are not going to pay their taxes, “will feel the consequences.”

According to Pompey, the sector with the highest rate of noncompliance is the selfemployed.

“Notwithstanding the fact that we would not be

able to find evidence of how much they make, we can estimate what their income or their profit is, based on the regulation, and levy on them for the outstanding tax,” Pompey advised.

He noted that most tax payers who are in arrears are those who have not been filing their tax returns, and those who filed their returns but did not pay their outstanding taxes.

Also of concern was an increase in PAYE arrears, resulting from the practice of employers deducting taxes (PAYE) but not remitting payment to the Department.

Pompey advances the view that these defaulters are “persons who find themselves in cash flow problems but (choose to) use the State’s revenue to subsidize their business.”

Business owners and persons making a total of $18,000 yearly should file a tax return with the Inland Revenue Department. Persons who refuse can be pro0secuted by the state.

Pompey appealed to defaulters to pay their outstanding balances, and cautioned that refusal will result in aggressive enforcement, which could include the seizure of assets and/or prosecution.

In the same breath, Pompey advised employees who suspect their tax deductions are not being remitted, to

report the matter to the tax department.

Other taxes The Comptroller also took the time to appeal to persons to pay their driver’s licence during the course of the relevant month, instead of at the end of month.

The practice to wait until the “last minute” causes strain on the Department, and makes it difficult to extend proper service.

As for the Property Tax, Pompey reiterated that a new tax structure was coming. The enforcement will commence, once the required legislation is in place.

A 15% increase in collections is anticipated under the new Property Tax. And while Pompey recognizes that his Department is in need of more field workers, that there should be an Intelligence Unit to effect more investigative work, and more branches of the Department in the Grenadines, he gave clear indication of his department’s intent: “For the last five years, we have been threatening to take action but not enforcing, and that is because we did not have the capacity. Now we have the capacity, we will be enforcing the laws as early as next week.”

All tax defaulters are encouraged to take heed.

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Cocoa rehabilitation programme takes first step

by KENVILLE HORNE OFFICIALS FROM THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, along with representatives from the St.Vincent Cocoa Company and members of the media, journeyed to Brian Dasent’s 5-acre farm in Diamond last Thursday, May 17th, for the launching of a massive pruning exercise.

The pruning exercise is

expected to be ongoing over the next several months, with the aim of rehabilitating 140 acres of cocoa fields.

Thursday’s event marked Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar’s 66th day in the ministry. He revealed that the first 40 days were extremely difficult, yet he was looking forward for his first 100 days.

Caesar thanked the Amajaro Company for their effort to develop the cocoa industry in SVG, and stressed the importance of foreign direct investment.

He explained that Amajaro showed interest, studies were conducted, and so far “the ministry is confident that a partnership can be established to develop a

L-R: Brian Dasent, Andrew Hadley and Minister Saboto Caesar on site at Dasent’s farm.

Inset: Chief Agricultural Officer Rueben Robertson assured that a market was guaranteed. national cocoa industry,” and that “in the next 4 to 5 years, the company is looking to establish between 5000 to 7000 acres of cocoa.

The agricultural minister encouraged young persons to pursue agriculture since “it has a bright future,” and urged them “not to be discouraged by the hard work which is sometimes involved in Agriculture.”

the day, we will reap more cocoa, which means that there will be more money in the farmers’ pockets.”

He cautioned that. “it’s not just a matter of cutting down trees, but trees have to be looked at individually and assessed, and then pruned.”

Hadley is hopeful that farmers will come forward to have their fields pruned and assessed.

Quality flavor

Money to be made Andrew Hadley, Manager of the St.Vincent Cocoa Company, pointed out that Dasent’s farm was the first cocoa field in SVG where pruning has taken place.

He noted that Thursday’s event was a demonstration where other famers in SVG can have the opportunity to witness the pruning process and what effects it will have on a particular cocoa field.

Referring to the financial benefits of cocoa cultivation, Hadley stated, “The name of the game is to make money through cocoa. By pruning these trees, we will be able to get a better circulation of air, encourage the pods to blossom and at the end of

Chief Agricultural Officer Rueben Robertson expressed pleasure with the partnership between the government of SVG, Amajaro, the Ministry of Agriculture and the St.Vincent Cocoa

Company, alluding to the cooperation as a start for good things to come in the agriculture sector. He highlighted that analyses had shown that the flavour of cocoa grown in St. Vincent continued to be excellent.

Robertson made known that the local cocoa company will be responsible for providing markets for the farmers and will also provide some assistance for the rehabilitation of the plants and the spraying of fields.

Meanwhile, plans are afoot to have all the cocoa farms mapped with GPS.

The pruning process has begun.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 7.

News

WritersÊ Flow Speak Out

by SHERON GARRAWAY

POETS ON SATURDAY, May 19th verbalized their disgust over domestic violence at the Mahogany Square at a poetry night under the French theme, ‘Parlez Fort’ which means ‘Speak Out’ in English.

The atmosphere was so charged with creativity and literary artistes were so

inspired that they composed pieces on the spot, pieces for the open mic segment.

The poets uttered their fury over abusers who bruise, sever body parts and even murder their victims, and called for an end to violence.

But the candlelit affair was kept in a tranquil balance by jasmine, lavender and tangerine scented candles

which were locally made by poet La Fayette Johnson, while visual artist Narissa King, who also showed her poetic side, embellished the ambience with a display of some of her artwork.

Other poets who spoke out against violence included David ‘Darkie’ Williams, Sylvia Gould, Janice Mc Master, Anthony Theobalds,

A section of the Writerz Flow audience at the Mahogany Square.

Narissa King, visual artist, took to ‘speaking the word’.

Sheryl ‘Spicy’ Mathews, Anthony Da Breo, Kevin Young, Niesha John, Clive Small, Deborah Robinson and Sharmaine Shallow.

Calypsonian Javel ‘I-Daya’ Frank uttered her distaste for domestic violence by giving a pre-release to her new song for 2012. “Chant down domestic violence’. The song addresses the issue of domestic violence.

Saxophonist Oswald Williams, who rendered songs such as ‘Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong, ‘Summertime’ by George Gershwin and ‘Unforgettable’

by Nat King Cole, that saturated the venue with melodies that touched heart.

Head of Writers’ Flow, Janice Mc Master, said the group, which was formed in

Calypsonian Javel ‘I-Daya’ Frank offered a preview of one of her songs for Vincy Mas 2012.

March 2012, has a Steering Committee of dedicated artists who created the organization as a means of being a platform for expression.

Mc Master noted that the cozy, some say quaint atmosphere feeds the imagination and helps otherwise shy individuals come alive in front of a live audience.

Interested persons are invited to come and express themselves.

The next Writerz Flow will be on June 23rd under the theme ‘Sex in the City’.

For more information e-mail writerzflow@gmail.com or search on Facebook.

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@yahoo.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Revisiting GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS AN ASSOCIATE OF THE VINCENTIAN reminded the editorial staff that it was sometime since we did a ‘GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS’ piece.

To please that associate and others who would have made the same observation from time to time, here goes: GOOD NEWS that most people in this country respect the need and importance of paying their taxes. BAD NEWS when those who make the most $$$, can afford to wrangle with the tax man to avoid having to pay their fair share of taxes.

GOOD NEWS that the system makes it easy to have the employer deduct the taxes that salaried persons are required to pay. Really BAD NEWS when we hear that some employers make those deductions but never pay them into the tax man.

GOOD NEWS that the tax man is prepared to have those tax defaulters face the consequences. BAD NEWS if we hear that there is any interference in the tax man’s effort to collect from those defaulters.

GOOD NEWS that the VAT ensures that each and every stage in the passage of a commodity into and through the economy is monitored. BAD NEWS when some businesses do not practice the ‘habit’ of ensuring that consumers get a receipt/bill which states clearly the VAT on the item(s) purchased. **** GOOD NEWS that a political party could see it fit to have a Beauty Pageant. BAD NEWS when certain constituencies are not represented, especially when those constituencies are held by another party.

GOOD NEWS that Carnival continues to attract meaningful sponsorship, especially from LIME. BAD NEWS when, in the face of all kinds of copyright laws and laws to protect intellectual property rights, that there seems to be no control over who has the right to provide live streaming of carnival activities. **** GOOD NEWS that there are more opportunities available for training and certification of our police officers. BAD NEWS when there is a lack of demand for physical fitness among our law men and women, a basic requirement for service in any branch of the military.

GOOD NEWS when the media reports all that the Commissioner of Police has to say, and he has a lot to say. How come then it’s BAD NEWS when the media report on the lapses in the Royal SVG Police Force? **** GOOD NEWS that there is an effort afoot to resuscitate Bottlers Ltd. and ensure that Ju-C returns to the market place?

BAD, BAD news when there is no definitive word about severance payment for the workers displaced when Bottlers closed?

GOOD NEWS always when there is foreign investment in the country. BAD NEWS when we fail to police the real operations of some of these investors or allow them (investors) to run rough shod over local agencies and institutions.

GOOD NEWS when we allow an open market economy that allows for open trade. BAD NEWS when certain establishments are allowed duty free concessions that cut local, bona fide agents out of the trade.

GOOD NEWS when the citizens can recognize that they have to be thrifty during times of economic downturn. BAD NEWS when a government has to continue spending large amounts of state funds to facilitate travel of government ministers and other government personnel to non-essential overseas ‘missions’. **** GOOD NEWS that the ‘education revolution’ has a ‘computer for each child component. BAD NEWS if there is no measure instituted to assess the impact of this ‘component’ on the children’s performance.

GOOD NEWS when we hear about the increased number of trained and university certified teachers in the system. BAD NEWS when we can’t find places for qualified and experienced teachers in subject areas in which they possess proven expertise.

GOOD NEWS always to record outstanding passes by some schools in the CXC exams. BAD NEWS when there are reports that students from some secondary schools go into the 2012 exams having not completed the syllabi in some subject areas. **** GOOD NEWS that we find the money to keep upgrading the Arnos Vale Playing Field for cricket. BAD NEWS when we can’t seem to make a start on the indoor facility promised some two years ago.

GOOD NEWS when the residents of Sion Hill can ‘labour’ for years to literally carve out a playing field for the community. BAD NEWS when after its use for a political rally/concert, that it has never regained its suitability for sport, far less its place as a community playing field.

And as the calypsonian says, “Ah gone.”

Frank Mason, Bassy and Ken John I READ BASSY’S PIECE last week with Searchlight of May 12th pouring libation on the cricketing and other facets of the recently deceased Frank O Mason. We take the accomplishments in historical order, and not the way Bassy set them out.

There was first the earth-shattering feat of clean-bowling Frank Worrell for duck in the first innings of a match between a S.V.G representative side and the Wanderers Club of Barbados, played about 1952 in Arnos Vale. The cry of joy must have been heard in Barbados, Frank Worrell’s home.

And the salt had been rubbed in with the news that F.O claimed the giant’s wicket again in the second innings, caught at the wicket this time for 25.

I am going to inject a sour note here. Are Vincentians absolutely sure about the second dismissal? William O’Garro, a policeman (not later Commissioner) who normally opened both bat and bowling for S.V.G in those days, claimed Worrell’s scalp in the second innings.

To my great surprise, Frankie Thomas, who then skippered Worrell’s side, told me he was not sure, partly because it was no big thing; his Barbadian team enjoying a friendly game in S.V.G was not to be taken so seriously.

I asked Moulton Williams, the wicket-keeper who took the catch, and he said that it was taken off a ball delivered from the end at which Mason did not normally bowl. It could have been O’Garro.

The mystery thickens, and conventional wisdom reigns. Mason did the Double against Worrell, end of story.

My mother had refused me at 8 years old to travel by the “Irma S” to visit Arnos Vale and see the match, even under the watchful eyes of the owner-driver, our neighbour, Robert Smith, father of saxophonist Lionel and Allan of American Bakery fame.

I note that for whatever reason, Bassy did not mention that the touring team had been under the captaincy of Frankie Thomas, who must have spotted the girl of his dreams, reported back home in Bimshire, then packed his bags for residence in S.V.G. It would be superfluous to mention his contribution to the social development of S.V.G, particularly in sport. The Frankie Thomas Pavilion in the Arnos Vale Complex near to where he first played in 1946, stands as a monument to him.

Two acts of unselfishness on Frankie Thomas’ part must not go unrecorded. First, he let St. Helen of St Lucia skipper the Windwards (against Guyana in 1953), sacrificing himself to create room for Alfie Roberts.

And against the M.C.C in Grenada in 1954 in a compromise, he again let Rupert Japal skipper so that Mason could find a sure place.

When another Barbados team visited, they were the Wanderers of Bajan Whites, around 1952. Mason did not do well against them.

I attended the matches in the company of pal Carl “Pee Wee” Glen after school hours. We went by foot from Grammar School to Arnos Vale in 12 minutes flat in those days.

I remember very vividly that in the first match, the Vincentian national side mustered something like 24 and 36, scorecards associated with penny-a-side or backyard cricket!

As I recalled that match, our “boys” could not cope with the swing of Eric Atkinson who took advantage of the windy atmosphere in the Arnos Vale valley, and was almost unplayable.

Brickie Lucas hit a breezy century, while Mason batting at number 10, contributed 10.

Young Vincent “Killer” Hadaway was the only batsman not to have made nought in one innings or the other of the first match. He

mustered 3 and 9. And to think that “Killer” had not the wherewithal to provide himself with mittens, causing Norman Marshall to bruise him on the knuckles.

We made a better showing in the second match. Ardon “Panna” Daisley had a fighting knock of 60, and newcomer Ian Neverson made a polished 21. John Da Silva, a.k.a Sonny Otway, returned impressive bowling figures, and his colleague from Mount Bentick Estates, Garvey Bailey, gave notice of his dexterity with the long handle, and was easily the smartest out-fielder on show, for either side. Garvey later made a personal score of over 200 in a day against K.C.C for Mount Bentick, an all time record.

Generally, the Bajan experience had helped to “blood” F.O, while the following young players got a taste of bigger cricket- Neverson, Jackson, Hadaway, Quammie and John Da Silva who was more than ready for the occasion.

Bassy spoke of Basil Dasent as being S.V.G captain when it was Curtis Wallace, and of Dasent hitting a couple of non-existing sixes.

Bassy is on safer ground when he speaks of the comic performances of “Dory” Theodore Nash, if you please- at the Victoria Park. In this context, my own favourite was “Poor Fella” Providence, especially when he had shouted shame on John Da Silva (“Sonny” Otway) for shattering my stumps while batting for the Grammar School Team. “Poor Fella” added for the benefit of all attendees. “John, you must run him out your house next time he come looking for your sister”. Eventually Sonny took her out of the house, his happy bride. Both are alive in London.

In his excitement, Bassy had also mentioned Victor Hadley as a possible West Indies selectee who, like Mason, had been unfairly by-passed.

The truth is that Victor Hadley did not even make a Windwards team; the defensive left-arm spinner Garnet Brisbane was preferred. Victor’s only hope was when Frank Worrell in Jamaica had reacted to a Frankie Thomas letter suggesting that he should have an informal look at Victor, who was in the West Indies Regiment in Jamaica in 1962.Victor had been a sensation at practice but fell suddenly ill for the trial match to which he had been a specially invited guest.

To smooth off this mis-mash of F.O, Bassy and me, I give a listing of pace- bowlers in F.O’s time from the various unit and regional teams which F.O regularly skippered.

Antigua, Antonyson; Dominica, Bunty Rolle; St Lucia, Brian Crick and Ferrel “Bam” Charles; Grenada, Theo Redhead; S.V.G, Lance Pierre, Ralph Walker, Robert “Doogan” Mc Caullay.

Some other factors about F.O: he had been a shrewd captain, a lusty hitter, a fine fieldsman, and a safe catcher. He tended to be fair with an unfair leaning toward the Malvern members when it came to national selection.

F.O was full of style and, in his early days, had a way with the women. He could not play at Regional Level one year, having broken an arm in dealing with a peeping-Tom in action.

He was contentedly married with a loving family, but this macho hulk of a man was reduced to a second childhood, having his dear wife to drive him everywhere he wished to put in an appearance over the last ten years or so.

F.O was not only a People’s Hero, he is a veritable institution.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 9.

Views

Handling political anxieties

Support for a synthetic track

WE HEARD about what happened recently in China. A blind Chinese human rights advocate miraculously escaped confinement, and turned up at the U.S Embassy seemingly seeking refugee status.

Although they understandably accused the USA for meddling in their internal affairs, there was no immediate rush for the Chinese to picket or to protest or march on the US Embassy.

An apparently puzzled USA took time to study the situation. The Chinese were saying very little.

The whole scenario created an embarrassing situation for both parties, and the Chinese asked for an apology from the USA. What is to follow will follow.

There are a few Heads of State around the world who simply will never accept that they themselves are ever wrong. It is not me! They say. It is always somebody else. This only shows diplomatic greenness.

Let us look back at the reported rough handling of our Ambassador Camillo Gonsalves at the hands of an officer of the NYPD: Ambassador Gonsalves broke or walked past (whatever) a barricade set up by the security police.

When his father, PM Ralph Gonsalves, was informed of the incident by his son, he hastily announced to the nation (here) that he was putting together a powerful team of lawyers. Why? Couldn’t this announcement have come later? Commonsense seemed to have prevailed, and the team is not in action yet.

In any event, action is not going to be rushed ahead in the way the PM has become used to.

Whatever happens, we can only climb down from the position we have assumed.

THE HON. Prime Minister made a significant pronouncement a few years ago at the Victoria Park, during his Independence address.

That pronouncement had to do with government’s plan turn the Old Kingstown Anglican School Annex (known to some as the old Glove Factory) into an indoor sports facility.

That is a commendable move on behalf of indoor sports, but there is need to address the need for an outdoor facility.

I am supporting the drive by the administrators of track and field in this country to acquire the Sion Hill Playing Field, on which to place a synthetic

Mr. C. Conscience

A message to the nation OUR FATHER in heaven gave me a message to give to the leaders and people of the nation, including the Prime Minister.

You leaders of nations, your kingdoms are falling to pieces. The earth is shaking beneath you and it has been broken down and is about to collapse.

Your political and religious powers are trembling, like a tent in a wind storm. The earth is staggering like a drunkard. Everything is lost, abandoned, and in confusion (Is. 24:18-19).

How confused you are, PM? Your dream to replace your son is ‘No’, not ‘yes’.

Who will be charged for embezzlements and be punished if found guilty? More questions to be answered.

Remember the laws of

Moses would not be abolished; they will be fulfilled and implemented rightly (Matt. 5:17).

You broke the backs of the poor with the many laws and taxes, you leaders of the nations. I will round you up, said our Father in heaven, and put you in prison to be tried (Is. 24: 21-22).

To the people of the nations, you are worshipping images and false gods. Those of you who are afraid of what America will say, and those of you who are puppets for the communists are the same: image worshippers.

Repent and become a born again Christian democrat, and the God of creation will give you governmental authority over all his property on

* If there is actually a decision by the shareholders of ECGC to buy Bottlers, or if it’s just the position of the government, one shareholder? * Why the police force still have overweight people in its ranks? * What ever happened to that collaboration that former Tourism Minister Beache promised between SVG and the fast food chain Quiznos? * Was an official apology extended to Tajo for having omitted him from the 2012 Vincy Mas poster? * Is the Football Federation facing any problems with their creditors?

track.

The Sion Hill Playing Field can be considered to be in a cental location.

It makes it less costly, as a far as transportation is concerned, for persons to access it.

This is important since we ought to be careful about putting or constructing sporting facilities too far way from villages or communities. The Beausejour Sporting facility in St. Lucia is a good example of ‘poor’ location; its only effective use is when a regional/international match is held there.

Here in SVG, there are some hard courts that have never been properly untilized for the same reason.

Some might argue that Sion Hill Playing Field should be used for cricket; but should every playing field be usd for that purpose?

We spent over sixty million dollars to develop the Arnos Vale Cricket ground for cricket, which I applaud; so why should we want to deny another sporting body the opportunity to develop itself in the best possible way, as it relates to location?

The Australian Cricket Team came here; did they use the Sion Hill Playing field? So why not use Sion Hill for a synthectic track?

We in the sporting fraternity, especially those in influential positions, must not be so

God has me at his best 1. Sometimes it’s hard to understand The way God works along with man For in the darkness of the night He “sets up”, forever making plans for my life 2. The world sometimes frustrate us And cause us to alarm I thank God for the trials He works whether the seas be rough or calm 3. I am now at my best Christ promise to deliver and that’s for sure I am contented with his promises I could not ask for more 4. The enemy works in disguise as the servant of satan But with Jesus as my Banner my battles will be won I grow stronger and stronger each new passing day Lord I rest assured you’ll work it out your way.

Written especially to someone who is discouraged and feels like giving up. God has a plan for your life. Remember Joseph’s brothers meant him evil when they sold Joseph into Egypt, but God worked it for his good. That is the kind of God He is.

May this poem be an inspiration to you.

Written by Yvette Gittens

biased and selfish; they must acknowledge a great idea, regardless of from where and whom it comes.

Track and field is the mother of all sports, so great emphasis must be place on it.

I certainly hope that the Prime Minister will once again do the right thing by supporting this venture, which will give a different face to sports in SVG. Sean Stanley

Tribute to F.O. Mason PLEASE PERMIT me a space in your column in order to pay tribute to the late great F.O. Mason.

I was involved in a cricket match in which F.O. Mason and I played. He was told that I was the best batsman around, when it came to hooking and pulling the ball to the boundary.

Mason was eager to test me, and I was anxious to get at him too, because I realized at the time he was known as a great fast bowler.

Well, he bowled a bouncer at me, and lo and behold I could not hook him; he had deceptive speed.

On that particular day, F.O. Mason showed me he was in a class by himself and a remarkable fast bowler.

Everton Mercury

earth. This is a promise that was made for you long ago (Luke 22:29, Daniel 7:27-28). This divine government shall not be in the hands of any religion, but in the hands of God’s people, whose hand is in Christ.

A Christian democrat

Findlay should be credited

I REFER to the article ‘Bethel back to school’, in THE VINCENTIAN of May 11, 2012, and wish to comment.

Bethel High School did have gangs as well as other serious problems, but not to the extent mentioned in the article.

The school has undergone a significant transformation, thanks to Ms. Sylvia Findlay who was the Principal from 2001 to 2008. She should be credited for making Bethel High School what it is today.

Student

V

10. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Once again, time for change. NDP now!

The ULP Government has failed to create meaningful employment for our people. They have used and abused the poor for political purposes, and have failed to lift them out of poverty. To change this, the NDP has set out major development projects to create meaningful, long term employment for Vincentians, including: a major international construction group will partner with the NDP to finally get the Argyle Airport into a state of readiness; a major international development group will build a 1000 unit integrated residential and hotel resort complex on St. Vincent; an important international banking group will use SVG as its base to establish a new chain of retail banks throughout the Caribbean; a major international construction group, specializing in infrastructure projects, will establish a regional head office in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; a global player in the trust and corporate services sector will be involved in overhauling our financial services; a global player in private aircraft services will set up a state-of-the-art aircraft registry; working with some of the world’s most experienced international tax specialists to establish tax treaties that generate further investments into our country; working towards ensuring that a minimum of one person per household in SVG, is meaningfully employed.

The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) Many who visit the MCMH talk about the deplorable state of the hospital. Some declared that they will not risk being admitted there. In the last 10 years, have you heard of a Minister of Government seeking medical attention at MCMH? Is it just that there was never the need, because none of them were ever hospitalised?

The place is dirty. The fans and other accessories for the patients’ comfort are mainly broken. Sheets and pillowcasesyou better walk with your own.

Medicine - ask those who recently were there. Many essential medications are not available. In short, the hospital needs attention.

The MCMH was rebuilt by the NDP. It was expanded, to include new wings, a modern emergency room and operating theatre. The roof of the operating heatre developed a leak. But rather than repairing it, a bucket was placed to catch the drip, and the NDP was blamed for the leak which developed during the administration of the ULP. What will change The NDP will introduce a “back to basics approach” in the delivery of health care in SVG. Access to proper health care remains a fundamental right of every citizen, and the NDP is committed to facilitating the delivery of this right.

An NDP administration will refocus attention on the basic principles of decentralizing the primary health care delivery system. To this end, district clinics will be refurbished and equipped to meet the immediate needs of every community, at source. The rural hospitals at Georgetown, Chateaubelair and Union Island, which have been reduced to shells, will be resuscitated.

In order to adequately meet the needs of our nationals as well as visitors to our shores, a new general hospital would be built and equipped. The specific site is within the zone of the major population centres.

NDP will: maximize the use of the modern medical facility at Georgetown, despite its location away from the main population centre; examine different models with a view to implementation of modern management techniques within the health care sector; implement its already developed plan for National Health Insurance.

The NDP will ensure that, through prudent management and accountability at all levels of the system, basic medication is always available.

In addition, by putting emphasis on preventive medicine, a significant reduction in the need for hospitalization and lifetime medication will be

achieved.

Apart from the easing of congestion at MCMH, the new state of the art hospital will free up the building in Kingstown to be used as other government offices and departments. It is to be noted that government has been renting many buildings in the city for office space.

SVG’s Finance in the hands of a novice When the ULP administration took office in March 2001, there was money in the Government’s coffers. The NDP administration had been prudent with Government’s finances, producing a surplus budget during the period of its stewardship. On attaining office, our learned Minister of Finance showed his inexperience in money management, by moving to settle many outstanding bills in full, rather than staggering the payments. Mr. Eustace tried to advise him that that was not the way it should be done, but that advice fell on deaf ears. The chickens have come home to roost!

One would recall when the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance decided to settle all amounts outstanding to UWI, he was cautioned by Mr. Eustace and advised to pay in installments.

Instead, he tried to gain political points by turning the issue into “Eustace don’t want poor people children to go to University”. They even made up the BIG LIE that the UWI was about to expel students because of Government’s nonpayment. All of this, of course, was very dishonest. It was the NDP administration which, in fact, had made it much easier for poor people children to attend UWI, by adopting a policy of paying the economic cost of ALL students wishing to attend UWI. Never before was that done.

The question now is, how much does SVG owe the University? And is there a threat of students being expelled?

The NDP believes that, in order to develop the country, we must have a vibrant economy. An NDP Administration would undertake the following: establish a Ministry of Private Sector Development; provide adequate legislation and financial support to promote the entrepreneurial culture and spirit of our people; continue to encourage Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the public and private sectors to achieve the goals of development; establish the Constituency Development Fund (CDF); target the agro-sector to promote an agribusiness sector for export thereby promoting local resource based industries; regionalize our export activity, especially in agriculture by planning with our OECS partners annual agriculture, production for export; make greater use of our joint venture company’s infrastructure in the UK to export new products.

Conclusion We must not be distracted by the side-shows created by the ULP, i.e. to shift the debate from the real issues that confront us. We must stay focused and continue to discuss these issues that affect our daily lives. We must keep on discussing: the sad state of this country’s economy; the demise of agriculture and the disrespectful way the ULP treats our farmers; the state of our health service; the deplorable conditions of our roads; the low morale of our public sector workers; the high cost of living; the increased cost of gasoline; why the three teachers who contested the last general elections for the NDP have not been re-employed.

And these are just some of the issues that affect us.

The time has come for the ULP administration to go! It’s time for the NDP to govern this country.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 11.

Views

A clean scale

“Live according to the ethics of excellence, and you can always stand proud. Pride - not vanity, but dignity and self-respect should carry a lot of weight in helping you make decisions.

Let pride help you decide.” Price Pritchett, Ph.D.; US psychologist, author, chairman-CEO of Pritchett Rummler-Brache.

MY MOTHER HAS BEEN A SHOPKEEPER for most of her adult life. Now in her early 80s, she still insists that she is too young to retire. Her day still begins before dawn and ends after dusk. But she loves what she does, and she continues to be a beacon of encouragement and inspiration to those who visit in search of her mauby, breadand-cheese, bread-and-sausage, and a variety of basic household items.

My two brothers and I can testify that “The Ferds”, as she is fondly called, never really put much pressure on us in terms of performing duties in the shop. However, we each gravitated to do “shop duties” at various stages in our lives, and can testify of the tremendous learning opportunities that emerged when we did so. The shop is an ideal place for learning the principles of business, hospitality services, and character building. I am forever grateful for the privilege that I was afforded to learn so many of the “basics of life” while observing and working with my mother in her little shop.

There are so many stories that I can share in relation to my sojourn as shop assistant; experiences that showed me the value of empathy, honesty, patience, perseverance, kindness, and so on. But the one that I am compelled to share at this time would relate to my days as a youngster assisting with the weighing, wrapping and packing of the one-pound and two-pound parcels of rice, sugar, and flour. Those were not the days of the now popular plastic bags; the one-pound packages of the commodities were weighed on sheets of paper (approximately eleven inches wide and twelve or thirteen inches long) which my mother then skilfully wrapped. That was an art that I subsequently prided myself in learning. The two-pound packets were weighed in small brown paper bags. And it is while weighing the latter that I learned one of life’s lessons about character. Let me explain.

Many readers will be familiar with the old time shop scale (usually red in colour) that was made of cast iron. It had a case of hardened steel pivots and bearings and a half-inch wide cross beam in 1/8 ounce increments.

The shop scale would have a weighing pan (called the scalepan or basin) at one end. This is where the item being weighed would be placed.

And the other end of the scale/balance would have a circular metal platform upon which a combination of 1, 2, or 4-pound metal weights would be placed. My task would then be to place the desired weight (usually 2-pounds) on the metal platform and seek to pour rice, sugar, or flour in the opened paper bag that was placed in the scalepan.

As can be expected, even the steadiest of hands would occasionally miss the mark as attempts were made to use a scoop to transfer

product from the bulk bags to the paper bags. On reflection, the scoop’s mouth was just about the same width as the bag’s opening. Thus, products will periodically spill into the scalepan. Over time we learnt to perfect our aim so that the “grains” went directly into the bag (and not spill into the scale). However, our hawk-eye mother (no offence intended) would make sure that we regularly clean the scalepan. For some time, we could not understand why she had to be so meticulous about the cleanliness of the scalepan.

After all, it would make sense to wait until all of the weighing is done and do “one final clean”. But we were being taught more than about cleanliness and the steadiness of hand. She was also teaching about honesty — the extra weight in the scalepan would mean that the customer was paying for more product than she/he was receiving.

For example, if there was an ounce of spilled product in the scalepan as you sought to weigh a pound of rice, the scale would balance (reach equilibrium) when there was only 15 ounces in the paper bag. Yes, there was wisdom in keeping the scalepan clean. And, as simple as it may seem, the scale and the scalepan taught us some powerful principles and life lessons.

My mother still stands proud on those principles of honesty and decency as she attends to the needs of the low-income residents in the Paul’s Avenue area. She stands out as an icon in this small community. She still slices the ounce of cheese and the ounce of salami for those families that must daily purchase in such small weights as they experience hand-to-mouth (no offence meant) existences. You can be sure that her ounce is 1/16 of a pound. She lives according to the ethics of excellence, and treats others with dignity and respect. And her children experience that pride too. I am always amazed when I present my passport to an immigration officer in Antigua or St. Kitts and he pauses to examines my face more closely before disclosing that he is Vincentian and that my mother, Miss Ferdie, showed this or that act of kindness to him when he attended one of the schools in the vicinity of her shop. Other former shop attendants (now adults) reflect on the fact that there was a time in their youth when Miss Ferdie gave them a “hold on” in the shop on afternoons and/or during their vacation so that they could make some extra income to purchase household items or school supplies.

And, in the process, they also learnt about the principles of business, the principles of excellence, and the value of honesty. They can therefore identify with this episode about the clean scale.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

Corporate responsibility and other things national CORPORATIONS ARE STRANGE CREATURES of law. They take on all of the trappings of a real human being, but seldom think of the national good. Many corporate executives shamelessly proclaim that their main responsibility is to make profits. Scant regard is given to the health and wellbeing of the people and nation.

Take the advertisement which the St Vincent Brewery runs on SVGTV just before the evening news. A woman presents her man with a list of items that are needed in the home.

The man heads off and shows up in front of a grocery store. He looks at the list of suggested items and walks away. Evidently he concludes that the money he has cannot buy the suggested items.

The man then shows up at a bar and buys five Hairoun beers. He proceeds to open them and is shown in a state of joy as he wins groceries, cell phones and other goodies.

Shame on Hairoun Brewery for hoisting this nasty scam on Vincentians. In this hard guava season, when a few dollars are hard to come by, Hairoun messages to fathers, mothers and the citizenry of our country: is forget your responsibility to your family.

Whatever little money you have, don’t spend it on food for yourself and your children.

Buy Hairoun beers instead because as the jingle, so familiar to lottery players tells us: ‘hey, you never know.’ If you spend your money on Hairoun beers and take the chance that your family might starve, you might just win prizes, including an abundance of food and other necessities.

Shame on Hairoun Brewery. Its leaders know that the chances of winning are remote at best. They know that it is virtually impossible for one to buy five Hairoun beers and win something under the covers of each beer. Therefore, it is the height of corporate irresponsibility for this company to broadcast this advertisement in prime viewing time when many Vincentians are waiting to view the evening news.

What messages are the Brewery Executives sending to our citizens?

Are they saying it is okay to forsake food for children and family, for the chance of winning by drinking Hairoun beer? Is this a celebration of games of chance (gambling) as the new normal? Whatever this company intended by this beer advertisement, it is in such poor taste that all Vincentians should spit it out.

Rather than saturate our airwaves with beer ads, the brewery should join with the Ministry of Health to mold national consciousness to the fact that alcohol is not a legal product for minors, and can have harmful effects on adults. At a minimum, these beer commercials and others for alcoholic beverages should not be advertised in a manner, place or time when children or other vulnerable sectors of the population are likely to be influenced.

It is bad enough that these carefree executives are allowed to show young people ‘happily’ consuming alcohol before the evening news. This is not allowed in prime time (8 PM to 11

PM) on any of the major networks in the United States. The Hairoun executives have descended to a new low with this advertisement and I hope this alert compels more persons to demand that the company pull the advertisement.

Other areas in which corporations and other businesses shirk their responsibility to the people and nation are, among other things, related to the amount of raw sewage hotels allow to flow into the sea.

We pay little attention to this, but our beaches are becoming increasingly contaminated. More of us, especially our young children, end up at the emergency ward at the hospital or at doctors’ offices with nose, ear and throat infections. The germs from the raw sewage are polluting our beaches and destroying our health.

Digicel and Lime are major culprits when it comes to the poisoning of our environment. Yet they make little or no attempt to alert the public to the numerous toxic chemicals in the cell phones. Cell phones contain toxic chemicals such as arsenic, lead and zinc. They also harbour several substances that have been linked to various health problems. Yet these companies have never initiated campaigns to collect the old phones or educate the public on the risk related to cell phone use.

Whenever a public interest alarm is raised about the harmful effects of hazards lurking in these neat, convenient devices we seem not able to do without, the companies are quick to shout that the evidence is not conclusive that the phones are harming our health. But we must remember that for decades, cigarette companies told us that there was no evidence that the use of tobacco caused cancer and other health problems.

Fortunately today, no one denies the connection between cigarette smoking and disease. Unfortunately, this consciousness is too late for some nationals. The damage has already been done to the lives of too many Vincentians. It will be a sad day if we wait until it is too late to stop and take stock of the dangers posed by cell phones and other electronic gadgets.

Our environment also suffers when we burn motor tires. The burning tires pollute the atmosphere, as particles from the toxic fumes fall to earth in rain water. Or think of the dirty exhaust fumes from the used vehicles, especially the passenger vans, brought in from Japan.

To assist with the development of a safer nation and healthier people, government should command corporations to clean up their waste, and to restrict advertising that encourage our citizens to develop bad and unhealthy habits.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

V

12. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

PM rewarded with Taiwanese state banquet THE SVG HIGH SEAS FISH ACT 2001 was assented on 10 September 2001, to promote compliance by fishing vessels using SVG’s flag. Taiwan is required under this Fish Act to inform SVG of its catches and landing of fish. The question is: Is Taiwan complying with the SVG High Seas Fish Act 2001?

This is vital information, needed to calculate the appropriate tax on Taiwan’s fishing vessels using SVG’s High Seas fish licence. Taiwan, though, pays no taxes to SVG. How sad that on Sunday 20 May 2012, Taiwan held an eight course banquet in Taiwan for PM Gonsalves and others. Gonsalves eats with the Taiwanese, while Taiwan rips benefits off our resources.

Between 2001 and 2011, Taiwan has creamed-off billions of dollars from SVG’s High Seas Fish Licence, and paid no tax.

Research by SVG Green Party Leader, Ivan O’Neal, has revealed that Taiwan has registered its fishing vessels with SVG via off shore companies, to avoid paying taxes. The Fish Act also calls for Vincentian observers to be on all Taiwanese fishing

SVG. Taiwan must start paying tax, and pay all the tax it owes for the past decades.

How much longer can and should the poor carry the financial burden of the state of SVG, while vessels using SVG’s High Seas fish licence. There rich Taiwan continues to cream-off hundreds of are no Vincentian observers on Taiwanese vessels millions of dollars annually from SVG’s High Seas using SVG’s High Seas fish licences. fish licence without paying taxes? Taiwan earned Gonsalves allows Taiwan to abuse SVG and avoid revenues of $211.79 billion in 2011, and last year paying taxes. The economy is weak, and the poor had the fifth highest reserves of foreign exchange are going through difficult times trying to make and gold in the world of around $1.13 ends meet. Many children of the poor cannot attend trillion. Taiwan is super rich. school because of poverty. Meanwhile, Taiwan is A Green government will end Taiwan’s bloodallowed to suck the blood of SVG, creaming-off sucking of SVG, and make links hundreds of millions of dollars annually from SVG’s with China. Taiwan is keeping our country poor High Seas fish licence. and hindering SVG’s development. The people of Many poor families do not have enough money for SVG deserve prosperity, but this will never happen food; and under Gonsalves, the staple diet in SVG is with Taiwan leeching our wealth. poverty, squalor, high unemployment and a A Green economy is needed for prosperity and to spiralling high cost of living. So while Gonsalves create mass employment and sustainable, surplus allows Taiwan to laugh all the way to the bank, revenue for SVG’s Treasury. The priority now for many Vincentians cry all the way to the depths of SVG after 32 years of independence is jobs, food on poverty, being crucified by Gonsalves’ VAT, high the table for the children and social stability in taxes and high water and electricity bills.

SVG. The culture of Gonsalves’ administration is one rule for the privileged and another rule for the SVG Green Party under privileged. This philosophy is breaking up www.svggreenparty.org

Take warning, you better take warning! manhood, it was and still is perhaps increasingly noticeable, that we in the THIS PIECE is actually designed to Vincentian community are wont to be reinforce Friday 18th editorial of THE more reactive than proactive. We VINCENTIAN. prefer to wait until a disaster strikes This writer is of the view that the before putting in place whatever editorial was timely and relevant to resources are available to us to lessen the Vincentian psyche. the impact of that disaster.

From time immemorial, we seem to The government’s premier agency have been harbouring the gigantic which deals with national disasters — myth that our country is immune to the National Emergency Management natural disaster, i.e, God has a special Organisation - has been doing a interest in us, and other nations of the commendable job since its inception; world become victims of natural that agency has been unleashing a disasters because of their farness from sound gamut of programmes for the God Almighty. express purpose of bringing accurate In the second paragraph of the information on disaster preparedness editorial, the editor sums it up nicely. to the Vincentian public.

“The danger though is that, if we However, it is also an obligation on continue in this vein, we will continue the part of community groups and in a vein that describes us as a people organizations to come on board with suffering from ‘it won’t happen-to-me’ and rally behind NEMO in sensitizing syndrome, which could prove more members of their respective deadly than if no mitigating measures communities on the issue of disaster were put in place by the state, to preparedness, the challenges that address a natural disaster”. persons affected by any natural Apparently the tone of the editorial disaster would have to face, and the was to encourage us as a nation, as importance of members of responsible individuals, to be on the communities working collectively to lookout for and put the appropriate put the right plans in place to mitigate measures in place to mitigate any a natural disaster. future impending disaster.

By working as collectives, From this writer’s childhood to my communities across St. Vincent and

by PATMOS RICHARDS

the Grenadines will be assisting the central government by disallowing it to put less strain on our natural resources available.

We need to take warning that the official hurricane season is around the corner. A systematic education programme organized by progressive community groups should be an imperative. We can’t go wrong by pooling our natural resources, or synergizing our human resources in the national interest, to lessen the harmful effects of natural disasters.

In conclusion, the illustrative details contained in Friday 18th Editorial were responsible and patriotic sentiments, and we should pay heed to the editorial exhortation: “Take warning, you better take warning”.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 13.

News

Culture gets support Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization Janiel Henry, local UNESCO representative, affirmed her organization’s commitment to promoting the diversity of culture.

(UNESCO) is supporting this country’s efforts to advance the diversity of its culture.

A sum of US$43,000 has been made available by that UNESCO, to aid with the work of the Department of Culture.

Part of that sum will go towards work on updating the National

Cultural Policy.

Senator Elvis Charles expressed gratitude to UNESCO when he addressed a gathering at the National Insurance Services Training Room last Tuesday, to announce the UNESCO assistance and launch the effort aimed at highlighting cultural

A regional approach to HIV/AIDS BASIL WILLIAMS is Vincentianborn. He left the rural village of Troumaca at age nine. Life has transformed for him since then, and he now serves as Executive Director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Alliance (CHAA).

That body aims to adopt a regional response to the spread and treatment of the HIV/AIDS outburst.

Williams was here last Friday to help strengthen the work of the local arm of that organisation.

He suggests a coordinated approach to the situation. For Williams, the emphasis will be towards “most at risk,” which includes sex workers.

He is aiming to provide ‘strategies information’ so that the impact of the disease is driven

home.

Williams noted the regional outlook of the entity, and pointed to an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States response “so that it is more integrated.”

The Executive Director envisages that such an approach must be “consistent.”

He was supported by CHAA’s Programme Basil Williams (left) and Kevin Farara, Officer Kevin Farara Executive Director and Programme Officer who highlighted that respectively of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS was still Alliance. much of a hushed affair.

Farara would like the society to He pointed to aspects of stigma be more supportive of persons and discrimination to which stricken with the HIV/AIDS persons affected by the disease ailment. have been prone.

diversification.

Janeil Henry, Secretary General of the SVG National Commission for UNESCO, was delighted that her organization has tuned in with financial support.

She noted that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was one of four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, to have benefitted from the project. The other countries which secured the UNESCO input were Barbados, Uruguay, and Brazil.

Henry, in her address, identified culture as “the fourth pillar of national development”, and stressed the need for a strong cultural policy.

For her, culture was not one of those ordinary works of merchandise, and she pledged her organization’s commitment to “protect and promote the diversity of cultural expression.”

Cultural Officer

Anthony Theobalds, Cultural Officer, expects that some of the UNESCO assistance will reach community groups.

Anthony Theobalds outlined that, in addition to reforming the Cultural Policy, money will be used to help umbrella organizations which engaged in cultural activities.

The project will run for one year, and Theobalds anticipates that by March 2013, the venture would have run its course.

V

14. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

SVG to benefit from World Bank package countries joining at a later stage.

“By improving the communications THE WORLD BANK has named infrastructure, the program St. Vincent and the Grenadines aims at fostering regional among beneficiaries of a US$25 economic development and million financial package to growth,” the World Bank said. support the first phase of the It said the package includes Caribbean Regional a US$3 million grant to the Communications Infrastructure Caribbean Program.

Telecommunications Union The Washington-based (CTU) to coordinate the financial institution said on regional programme; a US$10 Tuesday that the program will million credit to Grenada; a provide 27 million people in US$6 million credit to St. the region with access to Lucia; and a US$6 million better and affordable credit to St. Vincent and the broadband services.

Grenadines.

It said the infrastructure “A sound regional program is the first phase of a connectivity and ICT-led 10-year Information and innovation system is vital for Communications Technology the Caribbean region’s (ICT) programme, focusing on growth”, said Françoise Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Clottes, World Bank Country Vincent and the Grenadines, Director for the Caribbean. “with other Caribbean

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

“This program is a unique opportunity to put in place critical infrastructure and skills to capitalize on the transformative power of Information and Communication Technologies to promote growth and open new job opportunities to Caribbean citizens,” she added.

“It is my hope that other countries in the region will take advantage of this opportunity to join the programme,” Clottes continued.

She said the Caribbean region is serviced by an “extensive, complex, and robust submarine network, but significant gaps remain,” adding that connectivity disruptions are hindering economic growth.

Clottes said there is little

investment in broadband networks venturing beyond the main urban centers, stating that many rural areas remain largely unserved.

In addition, she said the lack of emergency communications Françoise Clottes, World Bank networks leaves the Country Director for the Caribbean, countries exposed to hopes that other countries in the major disruptions in region will take advantage of the communications services opportunity to join the program. in the face of emergencies. infrastructure to foster The World Bank said the employment, as well as growth first phase of this new of a robust regional initiative will include technical Information Technology (IT) assistance and funding to and IT-enabled services improve the regional industry. connectivity infrastructure by The first phase will also expanding broadband build capacity of the connectivity, and promoting governments to implement, ICT-led innovation and related coordinate and monitor the activities that will leverage program at the national level, the regional broadband the bank said.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 15.

Diaspora

Envoy makes impassioned appeal

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ United Nations Ambassador, Camillo Gonsalves, last Saturday night, appealed to nationals in New York to contribute financially towards completion of the country’s first international airport.

“You’ll be the very first beneficiaries of an international airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves, the eldest son of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, told a town hall meeting at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

“What are you going to do?

The wealthiest Vincentians in the entire world live in Brooklyn, New York. And, if you look at the facts, the smallest contributors to the international airport are in Brooklyn, New York,” he added.

“If you can pay taxes to Jet Blue (airline), Grantley Adams International Airport (in Barbados), and you can bring back a bottle of strong rum when you go home, I’m sure you can make a contribution,” continued the younger Gonsalves.

“What are you going to do to leave a tangible mark on the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines?” he asked the large gathering, which included the CEO of the Argyle International Airport Development Company (IADC), Dr. Rudy Mathias .

“I’m hoping you’ll reach into your check books and make an honest contribution,” Gonsalves said. “I’m begging each and every one of you to look into your hearts to build an international airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Vincies urged to dig deep Before departing for Taiwan for the re-inauguration ceremony of its president, Prime Minister Gonsalves told reporters that plans for completion next year of the EC$652 million Argyle International Airport are on schedule.

He disclosed that all earthworks will be completed by mid-2013, adding that 75 percent of the earthworks on the runway, apron and taxiway were completed, as of May 12.

The prime minister said he had put together a “Coalition of the Willing,” including contributions from, among

other countries, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and Cuba, in constructing the international airport.

Camillo Gonsalves told the town hall meeting that US$50.00 each from 20,000 Vincentians living in Brooklyn, who return home annually for carnival, for example, will help significantly in the airport’s completion.

“I wish that the airport could have been built 20 years ago,” he said. “Today, we’re building the most important project in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Gonsalves added that “it’s not feasible to build a dynamic tourism product without an international airport.”

Vaughan Toney, CEO and president of the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, and an ardent supporter of the international airport project, also urged his compatriots to dig deep into their pockets and support the initiative.

“Our prime minister travels all over the world asking other people to assist us to realize our dream,” he told the town hall meeting.

“My question to you is: What are you doing, as Vincentians, to assist with this project?” he asked.

“If we are not for ourselves, then who should be for us?” he continued.

“And so I leave the words of another inspiration politician, John Fitzgerald Kennedy (late US president): ‘Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country,’” Toney said.

IADC officials said dozens of Vincentian nationals, “who have lived most of their working lives outside St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have

A section of the large gathering at the town hall meeting. returned Inset: Ambassador Camillo Gonsalves urged home and with tangible support for the airport. are continuing to make to and from St. Vincent and a contribution to the the Grenadines say they are development of their homeland fed up of the treatment meted “through tangible support to the construction of the Argyle out to them at neighboring international airports,” said International Airport.” the IADC in a statement.

“The nationals who “They are, therefore, continue to travel frequently

all Vincentians to get on board determined to see an end to this type of treatment through the construction of the Argyle International Airport; and, in so doing, they are ‘putting their money where their mouths are,’” it added.

16. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Tony’s not only adds to the cuisine that SVG offers, but also adds style and class to the capital’s architecture, fast becoming less and less tropical.

Below: Tony’s tasty and original pizza and other dainties are enticing by themselves, but add a friendly staff and prompt service and it, Tony’s, becomes the ideal place to eat and relax away from the challenges of the world.

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Tony’s Original Pizza on this its 15th Anniversary and hopes to see its continued success in the future.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 17.

18. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 19.

Miss SVG contestants spread goodwill with Special Needs (SCSN) and the Helping Hands Center.

THE MISS SVG 2012 contestants, who are On Wednesday, May 23rd, the just a week away from the big night, are off contestants along with Ms. SVG 2011, to a good start in terms of Service to their Aviar Charles, paid a special visit to the country and community.

SCSN in Kingstown. The students Many Vincentians who visited welcomed the contestants with signs, Kingstown last Friday, May 18th would and sang choruses with them to start the have seen the contestants outside LIME morning.

Headquarters, inviting the public to Though the beauties were the ones come over and purchase from their (the making a special visit, the students put contests’) Local Food Sale, including on a very special show for them, in the form of a mini concert, during which the Vincentian treats like salt-fish, students performed songs from the dumplings, doughboy and more. musical, ‘The sound of Music’, as well as An initiative of the Contestants, the Sale not only proved their capabilities in local folk songs like ‘Obeah Man’. The the kitchen, as much of the food was self children also gave a dramatic produced by the contestants themselves, interpretation of the nursery rhyme ‘Lil Ms. Moffett’, and danced to the well but also demonstrated their ability to loved tune, ‘Waka Waka’. think of others who are less fortunate.

When the morning’s concert came to The sale, which patrons seem to have an end, Miss SVG 2011 presented the enjoyed, rendered profits which have donation to Principal of the School, been donated to the School for Children Phedra Samuel, and expressed her hope, Stories by KARISSA CLARKE

Miss SVG Contestants show appreciation for a performance by students of the SCSN.

on behalf of all the girls, that the money “would help in any way possible”.

Samuel expressed her gratitude and hope that after the show, the contestants would still keep the School for Children with Special Needs in their hearts, and make efforts to come and visit as volunteers are always welcomed.

A donation was also made to the Helping Hands Center on Wednesday.

THE Miss SVG 2012 VINCENTIAN also contestants and hopes that the contestants will keep Miss SVG 2011 (right) render a this same spirit of song to get the Community Service program going. alive long after the pageant. Young women, especially the contestants of the Miss SVG Pageant giving back to their nation in this way, are rarely seen or highlighted and an increase in this would be a great example for our young people to follow.

Miss SVG 2012 is slated for June 2nd and will feature 8 contestants, Jolene Bentick, Shanique Browne, Terranza Franklyn, Carice Glasgow, Kendra Homer, Jovonne John, Dieta Tucker and Aziza Williams.

Miss SVG 2011, Aviar Charles (left) presents donation to Principal of the SCSN, Phedra Samuel.

Brewery sponsors big for Vincy Mas 2012

Right: A delighted group of recipients of sponsorship from the St. Vincent Brewery.

“CARNIVAL IS WE TING”, these are sentiments that Vincentians everywhere support, and The St. Vincent Brewery Ltd., platinum sponsors of the ‘Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean’, Vincy Mas, was proud to announce their involvement in Rural Carnival and Mas Band Sponsorship for 2012.

Last Friday, May 18th, representatives of the various Mas Bands, Rural Carnival Committees and other carnival related components, gathered at the St. Vincent Brewery’s Canteen, Campden Park to receive sponsorship from and express their gratitude to the Brewery’s contribution to Vincy Mas 2012.

Band of the Year Champion for the past two consecutive years and the longest Mas Band being sponsored by the St. Vincent Brewery, Guinness Blondie Bird and Friends, took

the opportunity to say thankyou to the Brewery for their support over the years.

Elroy “Blondie Bird’ Boyde, leader of the Guinness Blondie Bird and Friends Mas Tent, also expressed how pleased he was to see other Mas Bands receive sponsorship from the St.Vincent Brewery. The other Mas Bands being sponsored this year are: High Voltage, Mirage, Ahdrenalin, Xtreme Fanatics, My Imagination, Owen Ralph, Tribes and SVG Players.

Over 12 Rural Carnival Committees would receive sponsorship from the St. Vincent Brewery for Vincy Mas 2012. Ezzie Roberts, Rural Carnival Coordinator conveyed his appreciation to the Brewery for taking up the role of being one of this year’s Vincy Mas Platinum Sponsors.

A cheque of $10000EC was also handed over to the members of the newly renamed

Vita Malt Symphonix Steel Orchestra.

This funding would aid with the expansion of the Orchestra through the purchase of additional pans, along with the purchase of other instruments, and will assist with the band’s preparation for participation in the 2012 Panorama..

The Symphonix Steel Orchestra is a community project under the the South Leeward Development Organization (SLDO), and managed by Ms. Anne Jones.

Ms Jones, speaking on behalf of the band, expressed that, “We’re grateful to the Brewery for adopting the Questelles based band, as our hard work has certainly paid off.”

Hairoun Beer Brand Manager, Lamont Medica, affirmed that the St. Vincent Brewery will continue to be heavily involved in every aspect of Vincy Mas, for many years to

come.

Also present at the press conference launch were Hairoun Ambassadors First Lady and Tabia who took the time to say a few words of gratitude to Hairoun for the oppurtunity to join other soca stars Representatives of the Symphonix Steel such as Skinny Orchestra received their sponsorship Fabulous and Fireman Hooper as cheque. ambassadors. Miss Miss SVG Pageant slated for St. Vincent Brewery, Jovonne June 2nd was also there to John, contestant in the 2012 share in the celebrations.

20. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25 2012. 20.

22. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Six vie for North Leeward title

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

SIX PERSONS WILL VIE for the 2012 Miss North Leeward title when the contest is staged at the Petit Bordel Secondary School, Friday June 8.

The ladies will make five appearances including an introduction in costumes built by High Voltage Mas Camp.

Patrons will see them in swim wear, evening wear, performing a talent and being interviewed.

This is her third Beauty show. A member of the SVG Cadet Corps, she is also a model and enjoys netball and reflecting on her role as an athlete at secondary school.

JENECIA ROBINSON is using this event as a platform to the Miss SVG Pageant. This is her first beauty show, and she has taken the plunge for the exposure and the experience.

She is a student in the Division of Arts Sciences and General Studies and a Contestants former Troumaca Ontario Secondary School student.

ISHANDA JACOBS is from Robinson plans to advance the village of Troumaca. her Psychology She is currently a student programme, and has her at the St. Vincent and the eyes on the Scholarship Grenadines Community awarded to the Miss SVG College’s Division of winner as the motivation Technical and Vocational for entering this pageant.

Education, and a graduate She loves drawing, and of the Troumaca Ontario art is one of her interests.

Secondary and the CW She enjoys going to the Prescod Primary schools. beach and playing football.

JOELISA HYPOLITE won the Miss Independence Teen show organized in her constituency last year.

The former Troumaca Ontario Secondary School student professed a love of Darisean Laborde singing and dancing, and expresses deep about pregnancy among teenagers.

She is determined to make the best of her appearance at the Miss North Leeward show.

DARISEAN LABORDE is from Chateaubelair. This is her introduction to the Beauty Show arena.

She loves swimming, reading and dancing, and her ability to interact with Joelisa Hypolite people makes it easy for She enters the pageant her to adjust to varying with some confidence, situations and she being the reigning circumstances.

Miss Heritage at the Petit Bordel Secondary School.

KENISHA EDWARDS is a She represented her fourth former at the Petit Bordel Secondary School. institution at athletics and

Ishanda Jacobs

Jenecia Robinson

Kenisha Edwards

Speshal Da Silva

netball.

She views this pageant as a platform to future entry in the Miss SVG contest, in which the top prize is a university scholarship valued $80,000.

SPESHAL DASILVA is a former Division of Arts, Science and General Studies student at the Community College.

Ahdrenalin launches ‘Numasutra’ for 2012

by KARISSA CLARKE THE AHDRENALIN MAS BAND is ready to give their patrons “the ultimate Mardi Gras experience for 2012.”

Riding off last year’s success, Ahdrenalin launched their 2012 presentation, entitled ‘Numasutra’, in a Press Conference at the CDC office in Kingstown, Friday, May 18.

Cleo Jones-Huggins, one of the principals of the band, explained that for 2012, Ahdrenalin is trying to “turn things up a notch,” by showing a “different side of Carnival.”

This year’s theme, ‘Numasutra’, takes L-R: ‘Nirvana’, ‘Dharma’ ‘Moksha’ and ‘Kama’, inspiration from what Jonesfour sections from the band ‘Numasutra’.

Huggins describes as “one of VIP Experience’. the richest and most exotic cultures in All costumes were designed by Rohan the world,” India.

Hindi in origin, “Numasutra” refers to Husbands and Naomi LaBorde.

Jones- Huggins was visibly pleased to the sensual and exotic side of Hindu life. disclose that Ahdrenalin “is a band that Jones-Huggins went on to explain is continuing to grow”. Their 2011 that the designs had a lot to do with production, ‘Fashionista’ saw their working with saris, beading and other numbers grow beyond their Indian-inspired things. expectations.

The presentation comprises eight According to Jones-Huggins, the band sections, namely: Dharma, Kama, Arthur, Moksha, Nirvana, The Wedding, takes pride in “not being concerned with competition, because what we want to Guardians and Mystic Sayers.

Mystic Sayers is a Children’s section, ensure is that our masqueraders have a while Dharma and Karma are exclusive party of a lifetime. This is something that we are very proud of and want to to Mpire Entertainment Mas, which continue in 2012.” means that Mpire Entertainment will Ahdrenalin’s 2012 presentation is offer a special package for their revelers, supported by LIME, The Trend, The which they describe as the ‘Ultimate News and Presidente Beer.

V Ragguette ready for Vincy Mas

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 23.

News

said.

He added that on his way AFTER SUCCESSFULLY back from Cuba, he was happy undergoing surgery in Cuba to to meet Lennox ‘Becks’ remove cataracts from both Gonsalves, leader of the mas eyes, chairman of the Carnival band Mirage, as well as Bands Association (CBA) Hugh Mirage management team Ragguette, is ready for Vincy member Mira Commissiong, at Mas 2012.

Piarco Airport, Trinidad, and Ragguette, sometimes travel to St. Vincent and the referred to as ‘Comrade’ by his Grenadines with them. friends, told THE He described Commissiong VINCENTIAN on Tuesday as his childhood friend and that he would be integrally neighbour, while he considered and actively involved in the Gonsalves to have been festival. making a very significant “I have already resumed my contribution to Vincy Mas over functions as CBA chairman. In the years. fact, it was representatives from the CBA that came to Taking things easy collect me at the E.T. Joshua Airport Friday night, on my Ragguette assured that part return from Cuba,” Ragguette of his functions for the

by HAYDN HUGGINS

upcoming festival would be attending meetings of the CBA, the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), and doing things via telephone.

“There are things to be done, but I would be taking things easy, as instructed by my doctors in Cuba, and I will be checking with the Cuban doctors based here. I will not be running up and down as before. For the next month, I have to take things easy.

That’s my instructions, and in two months time I have to get my prescription glasses,” the CBA chairman explained.

Thanks and recognition The former trade unionist,

political activist and veteran masman was in a jovial mood when THE VINCENTIAN visited his home at Stoney Grounds on Tuesday. He stressed, “My trip to Cuba was made possible by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Hugh Ragguette, relaxing at his home in whom I thank Stoney Ground. profusely”.

But he hastened to add, “Of to also thank the Cuban course, my greatest thanks go doctors, nurses and the support medical staff in Cuba. to Almighty God for His I cannot forget Fidel and those greatest kindness and heroes who travelled with him goodness towards me. I have from Central America back to Cuba in 1956 on ‘The Granma’ (boat) guided by almighty God through rough seas, and made the Cuban revolution from which I have benefitted personally.”

High scorers concert coming soon

by COLIN KING Two weeks ago, THE VINCENTIAN featured the outstanding achievements, first-ever distinction in violin playing in Grade 3 Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), attained by Tamar Shalal Parris, and a Grade 5 merit pass (also the first ever) in playing of the same instrument (mistakenly published as Grade 3) attained by Ivan Parris.

THE VINCENTIAN is pleased to inform that these gifted young musicians will be featured in the second ever High Scorers Concert, showcasing the best of ABRSM this year, tentatively scheduled for June 12th.

The problem

The Fancy violin ensemble

Floyd Parris in session with the young violinists in Fancy.

Music teacher Floyd Parris, keyboardist with the Bethel Baptist Church, is using the impetus of these landmark results to champion a related and in-much-need-of-attention musical cause, that of a struggling violin ensemble based in the community of Fancy.

The ensemble, comprised of 20 would be violinists, some from as young as five years old, currently shares just sixstring instruments, and is in dire need of more violins, violas, cellos etc, in keeping with developing musical expertise, so aptly heralded by the ABRSM music education

connection, and the traditional government-based music department.

The Fancy violin playing ensemble venture began in December 2010, and has shown marked progress, and keen and enthusiastic interest among its members.

The ultimate goal, as envisioned and developed by instigators such as Pastor Barry and Parris, is more widespread participation and development in the areas of traditional music and instruments, ‘from Fancy to Union Island’ as they put it.

The church is appealing to sponsors nationwide to

provide instruments and support for such a venture. It hopes, if its musical needs are met, to initiate a concert by Christmas, funds from which would assist in uplifting community defects and agendas; one such cited as the road to the bay, which is in poor condition and which, if damaged further, for example by an earthquake, will isolate the village of Fancy.

As highlighted variously in the media, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is suffering the lack of musical/cultural exposure to elevated and progressive ‘edutainment’, which something like a string

ensemble, precursor to a fullfledged orchestra, would afford.

The church-based venture is ‘actively advocating’ about needing good music in church circles in Fancy, and creating opportunities for the development of the congregation.

Parris is the main teacher — getting results in the serious music scene here in terms of violin. Prior to 2000, Leopold Anthony, a local violinist, had been one of very few giving lesions.

Parris studied the instrument with him.

After undergoing surgery in both eyes, Ragguette regained full sight within hours. He was almost sightless for close to a year.

He disclosed that in 2010 a Vincentian eye specialist wrongly diagnosed the problem. It was when he visited the St. Vincent-based Cuban eye specialists on August 17, 2011, he learnt that he had cataracts.

However, according to the CBA chairman, there was some reluctance on the part of St. Vincent based Cuban doctors to have the surgery done here as he is an Albino.

Arrangements were then made for him to travel to Cuba after Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was informed.

Ragguette said that before undergoing surgery, he had to go through an entire medical examination at another hospital in Cuba. He boasted that the eye facility he went to is the best in Cuba, adding, “These are all specialist facilities; there seems to be a hospital on every block in Cuba”.

CBA deputy chairman Elliot ‘Ellie King’ Douglas acted as chairman in Ragguette’s absence.

24. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 25.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

V No child left behind

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 27.

Opinion

HAS THIS EVER been true in SVG? Until the bus takes off and goes, we cannot really say it has left anybody behind. Can we? They say the bus was throttling/idling, and then it started to move slowly, but got a flat around the Girls’ High School area. Mrs. Bowman, the Headmistress at that school, tried to fix things, but the boss mechanic came on the scene and had some problems with the good lady’s efforts. So the bus might still be parked there.

It seems that since the little misunderstanding with the PM’s daughter ignoring the rules laid down by the GHS administrators, the socalled education revolution is striving hard for reality. Remember the teachers must be at centre stage if any such revolution is to take place. They must be respected and encouraged.

Efforts were made to turn that little thing at the Girls’ High School into a big thing, and surprisingly some support came from a few people who wanted to pay abeyance to the PM, no matter what.

The Ambassador said that he ignored the security officer because he did not think that the security officer would shout at him, an Ambassador; and he continued to walk towards the Embassy building.

The security officer, according to one report, ran after him. He walked away from the confrontation, and the police, the other man in the confrontation, ran after him. So two men in a confrontation, the one walked away from it, and the other ran after him.

USA to help in a Caribbean Basin Initiative, to help SVG with its drugs problem.

I believe that these are two overplayed situations by a man whom the papers say is referred to as a goodnatured facilitator. He appeared on TV (with a few repeats) offering to help resolve the issue between Chris Gale and the WIBC; but refuse to lift a finger to resolve the stalemate with these three (3) teachers here at home.

The issue is well-known at home and abroad.

PM responds

Child father

Our Ambassador was involved in a security breaking situation. So our PM again had to deal with a second security breaking situation, this time in NY. The time before concerns the Exam room security. How he dealt with each is history.

In (Searchlight — front page) for March 30th 2012, the PM is reported to have said “that the Ambassador exited the official mission vehicle…”

Security Breach No 1 What does all this mean?

It could have been a “terrorist” The country understands that the doing all that after knocking out our GHS Headmistress put some form of Ambassador and taking control of the security measure in place to ensure mission vehicle. It is so far obvious just and fair conduct of the that the Ambassador was travelling examination process. Absolutely, no without his bodyguard — we should call phones were allowed in the have seen to it that he was provided “Examination Room”. with one.

The daughter of the PM broke that Therefore “exiting” the mission security barrier, and was disciplined. vehicle with diplomat licence plate, Her parents should have gone to the would not cut ice with a top class NYP principal’s office and offered apologies security officer! to the Headmistress for their Our PM in that report also said that daughter’s conduct. Instead the PM, the Ambassador “refused to the young lady’s father, openly praised cooperate”, but did not resist arrest. his daughter for so logically explaining This seems forward sounding to me. her position, but he used remarks The PM did not name Mr. Astaphan accusing the teachers of taking in his high-powered team of lawyers. jaundiced positions.

He did not name Mr. Bollers — they could represent anyone anywhere.

Security Breach No 2 They are the PM’s choicest. The PM named only Jomo from his highWe did not see anything close to the powerful team. diplomacy of Ambassador Rice, at work. Hilary Clinton, US Foreign Ownership Secretary, and US Ambassador to the Then we get a lesson in diplomacy.

UN, Ms Rice, had no problem offering The US Ambassador to the UN (Rice) their (sincere) apologies, and Ms Rice went over to our embassy and even posed for a picture with a pleasant-looking Ambassador Camillo apologized to our Ambassador. Again, in my view, this was the move PM Gonsalves.

Gonsalves, the parent, should have Ambassador Gonsalves said that when he refused to give his other hand made to Mrs. Bowman. Go to the Headmistress (Mrs. Bowman) and for the cuffing, he was roughed-up. apologize to her for what transpired.

The cuffing couldn’t work with one Ms Rice and the US could tell us hand! quite a bit about what many of us The PM, who is Ambassador don’t know about our own country.

Camillo’s father, said that the Should I be a little confused here when Ambassador did not cooperate, when I say “our own country”? Is it our he was asked to give his other hand, country or ULP’s country? There but he did not resist arrest. Yet the arresting police officer had to call two seems to be a little problem with ownership here. Would the Chief more officers as backup to help. It Surveyor please say whether the ULP seems to have taken three NYPD applied for, and got possessory title to security officers to handcuff our the country? This whole business of Ambassador; even when he was not possessory title must pass through resisting arrest. Whoa! him one way or the other, at least in It was also reported that the security officer shouted the question to part.

Eustace, after hearing about this our Ambassador as he made his way high-powered team, said that he did through the barricade: What do you think the barricade is put there for? I not think we should sue the USA. PM would take a long shot to say that our Gonsalves said that he did not intend to sue the USA. Then around that Ambassador knew the answer to that same time, we got money from the question.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try to include the one you love in your plans today. You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home. Discuss your objectives with partners or peers.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) The locks, stove, gas, or electric wires may not be secure. Be careful while traveling. You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven't been taking proper care of yourself.

Your partner may be erratic today if you haven't paid enough attention to him or her. Travel will be good if you are seeking knowledge.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Take precautions while traveling; you don't have to get anywhere that fast.

Look into ways to better yourself through improving your dietary habits and daily routines. Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Plan events like camping or white water rafting. You need a job with more responsibility and a higher wage. Get involved in jobs that require creative input. You can win points with both peers and superiors.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Opportunities to make financial gains will develop through your connections with other people. Go out with friends or family. Get involved in fitness programs that will bring you in contact with new friends.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You need an outlet that will not only stimulate you but also challenge your intelligence as well. You can make gains if you work in conjunction with others. Don't make mountains out of molehills if you want to avoid conflict.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. You can expect to have a problem with your lover. Don't put off the things that they have asked you to do.

Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you today.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will be a bit of a spendthrift today.

Stick to doing things that will make you a better person both physically and mentally. Your childlike quality may get you into big trouble today if you neglect your responsibilities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You may want to take a trip; however, before you do, make sure that your car is serviced properly. Don't let your mate talk you into going somewhere you'd rather not go. People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension. You need an outlet. You must avoid gossip and focus on what you have to do.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Overstatement will be your downfall.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) This will be a good day for research and for sitting down with some good, informative reading material. Don't overextend yourself in the process.

Beware of colleagues who don't have your best interests in mind.

ACROSS

48. Zahara JoliePitt’s 1. Drugbirthplace regulating 51. Actor org.

O’Shea 4. Become a 55. Peaks candidate (abbr.)

7. Centuries 56. Slip up and 57. Set of socks centuries 58. Horn’s 11. Singer sound Adams 13. Two __ kind 59. Dem.’s opponent (2 wds.)

60. Fuel 14. Joy economy 15. School stat ringer 16. Large sled DOWN 18. Col. Sanders’s 1. Mar. outfit precede 20. Gent 2. Ike’s inits.

21. Guardian, sometimes 3. Become sick 4. Univ. military 24. Short group message 26. Nipper’s co. 5. Alien’s vehicle 27. Preowned (abbr.)

29. “It was __ dream” (2 6. Apprehend a suspect wds.)

7. Intellectual, 33. Credit informally alternative 35. Cycle start 8. Gymnast Korbut 36. Catastro9. Lowest tide phe 10. Member of 37. Comedy Congress club (abbr.) sounds (2 12. Sommer of wds.)

“The Prize” 38. Balanced 17. Pumpkin40. Gal’s carving mo. companion 19. Winter ill 41. Hoax ness 43. Dentist’s 21. Chief advice 22. College 45. Clumsy sports gp. one’s 23. Rough cut word 24. Audacity 47. Fla.’s 25. Garfield’s neighbor

canine pal 28. Fr. Canonized women 30. Company’s symbol 31. Ferrigno and Rawls 32. Irving and Brenneman 34. Stringed instrument player 39. Football league letters 42. Troop entertainment org.

44. Genie’s habitat 45. Sgt. Snorkel’s pooch

46. Cry of dis may (2 wds.)

47. Senior citizens’ org.

48. Rescue worker ` (abbr.)

49. By means of

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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28. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

50. Vexation 52. “__ a Rock” (2 wds.)

53. Pitcher’s edge 54. Gp.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 29.

Advice

Losing him to my girlfriend and said she would talk to him and get him to MY GIRLFRIEND and I have understand how I feel, and encourage him to been at each other for stop doing what he is some time now, and the fight is over my boyfriend. doing to make me so unhappy. I trusted her My boyfriend has not been behaving too well of to take care of things for me. When I did not hear late, and I took issue from her for about two with him on several weeks, I asked her how things, including things were going, and unfaithfulness. He has, she said she was still what we would call, a long eye. We argued, and working on him.

The long and short is, argued and things came George, she completely to a head, and I asked took over my boyfriend, him to leave me alone. and now they are going My girlfriend begged out together. I asked her me not to be so hasty,

Dear George,

how could she do that to me, and she replied that I was the one who threw him away, and he told her that he was more comfortable with her than me. It just proved to me how good a friend she was.

She really hurt me, and I can never forgive her for that.

Crushed Dear Crushed, If anything, you should be grateful to

My mother’s behaviour is disgusting Dear George,

with all these men coming and going.

MY MOTHER has lost her mind! I plan to move out of the house although I am not sure where I am going to go.

I am 17 years old and my mother has a bunch of men moving in and out the house. The men have sex with her for money.

My father, her husband, is away on a cruise ship, and he does not know what is going on.

One of these men wanted to even have sex with me, and came at me one night after he was done with her. I complained to my mother and she told me to “hush my noise”, and tried to console me by saying that the man was only joking with me.

George, I am very depressed. I told her I am going to let my father know, and she said that if I do that, it will be the end of her and me.

I love my mother, but what she is doing is very disgusting and I want to leave. Do you think I should wait until my father gets home to move out? He should be back in a couple of weeks. I do not feel very safe at home

Depressed Child Dear Depressed Child, It is rather unfortunate that your mother would compromise your security and happiness like that. It is good that you recognize that there is something wrong with the situation and refused to condone it. It would be necessary for you to find an aunt or uncle, grand parent or another relative whom you can trust, to keep you safe until the return of your father. The situation at home is indeed very unsafe for you, and there is no need to wait for something terrible to happen.

You would be well within your rights to inform your father. It would then be up to him to make an adult decision as to how things should be handled. Meanwhile, it would be useful also to go see a counselor. I can recommend Marion House to you for that. Good luck!

George

Paying for getting drunk Dear George,

Dear Mad & Confused,

I DO NOT DRINK very often, but when I do, my friends would tell me I am doing things that would shock even me. The last time I got drunk, they told me that I had sex with every man in the room. That was at a house party. I am in a situation now where I may be pregnant, and I have no clue as to which man is responsible. All I can say is there were more men there than the fingers on one hand, and most of them were married men.

I cannot believe that those men would actually have sex with me!

Why would they exploit my drunken state? I was to have gone to take an HIV test, but never did. All of those men could be HIV positive, for all you know by now. If I am, then they most certainly are. Serves them right! Is it my responsibility to tell them? I did not ask them to have sex with me!

You need to know your limit when drinking, and stay well within it. If you know you cannot do that, then you should make a greater effort to stay away from alcohol. You may need to get professional help to assist you there.

Your next move should be to go and get yourself tested immediately. If you are HIV positive, then you need to let those men know (those that you remember) that they too need to go get tested.

Taking advantage of you when drunk is hitting an all time low, and they ought to be ashamed of themselves. The sad thing there is that these very men are positioned to possibly infecting others, their partners being the first ones in line.

Let this experience be the beginning of you becoming a more responsible individual.

Mad & Confused George

your girlfriend for taking him off your hands. You were the one who made the decision to ask him to leave, and whatever happens now, you must not forget the reason why you asked him to leave.

Yes, you may feel betrayed that your girlfriend, whom you trusted to operate in our best interest, could do such a thing; but that is how real life can be.

Keeping that against her would only eat away at

your happiness, and I am sure that in time, you can get over that hurt enough to at least forgive her.

Your boyfriend has already proven that he is not the kind of man you were happy with, so no

need to lose any sleep over him. As for your girlfriend, she is human and sorry to beak the bad news to you, but even good friends do mess up at times.

George

V

30. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Health

Lions Eye Care for You coming

Taiwan CCH medical team to visit again A MEDICAL TEAM of six from the Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) in Taiwan is scheduled to visit St. Vincent and Grenadines from May 26 to June 15, 2012. It will be the third time that the CCH medical team has visited. The team, led by Dr. Nina Kao, CEO of the CCH’s Overseas Medical Mission Center, is comprised of three medical doctors and two nurses with the specialty of Pulmonology, Endocrinology, Metabolism, Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

During the visit, the CCH

medical team will work hand in hand with colleagues of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) and provide medical service to Vincentians. They will also take time to give a presentation on diabetes monitoring, care and prevention.

The CCH and the MCMH were twinned in August, 2010, which has turned on a new leaf for the medical cooperation between Taiwan and SVG. Apart from sending medical teams, the CCH also provides training to

doctors, biomedical engineers and laboratory technicians from the MCMH. Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves welcomes and attaches great importance to the twinning and cooperation between the two hospitals.

During his official visit to Taiwan in 2011, he took time to pay a visit to CCH and was deeply impressed by the advancement of its facilities and the quality of its service, especially the CCH’s passion for promoting international health cooperation.

VINCENTIANS WILL AGAIN have the opportunity to benefit from quality Eye Care free of cost in the annual Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG Eye Care for You Project with support from a team of Volunteers from the USA Mobile Medical Eye Care Mission who will arrive here this weekend. The Team, now on its 37th year to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, comprises Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, a Dermatologist, other Eye Specialists, and trained Assistants.

Eye testing and distribution of Eye glasses and medications will again be conducted at the Teachers College at Arnos Vale from Monday, May 28th to Friday, June 1st from 8.00 am daily. A team of Eye Surgeons will be based from Sunday, May 27th at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where they will examine and perform Eye surgeries. Only patients on the Hospital’s list, and those referred by the Ophthalmologists will be seen by the Doctors at the Hospital.

In addition to the free eye care services rendered to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the USA Mobile Medical Eye Care team donates a quantity of medical supplies every year to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

This year’s Mission will again be headed by Mr. Joe Scheinkoenig (Shin-ko-nig).

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 31.

People

Determination propels Eltia to achieve

Eltia Wynne is a student of the Student Support Services programme.

with her audience that made her appearances SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD ELTIA easier to handle. For her WYNNE competed in last Sportswear, she appeared weekend’s Ms. Unity Youths as an athlete, calling Pageant which was held at herself ‘Vincy Bolt’, and the Arnos Vale Sporting she portrayed the energy Complex. She was the required by any athlete representative for the called ‘Bolt’. Her Talent Central Kingstown was an episode expressing constituency. her love for soca. Here, Eltia, in the she continued her love Introduction segment, set affair with the audience. a pace for herself and Her Evening Wear was a struck up a relationship beautiful shimmering

by GLORIAH…

Eltia Wynne as she appeared in her gown at the Ms. Unity 2012 Pageant.

bronze creation, designed

by Ms. Kimisha Bailey and made by Wendell ‘Buck’ John of Paul’s Avenue. Bailey made her earrings, bracelet and hair accessories. The gown was a figurehugging, well designed and flattering — the epitome of the visual metaphor of her vibrancy and fiery determination.

Eltia was a winner, but her success did not come as a position on the judges’ final ballot.

Neither did it come as the winner of any particular segment. Eltia shone as a favourite from the moment she walked onto the stage. While her infectious personality touched even the unsuspecting, her greatest success was achieved in the quantity and quality of determination that she had to inject into her psyche, in order to appear as an equal.

Eltia is the daughter of a blind father, Mr. Elvis Wynne, and mother Mrs. Mary Wynne of Largo Height. She is a student of the Student Support Services located at Frenches. The Student Support Services is an institution created to cater to students who would have done extremely badly at the Common Entrance Examination. It offers two programmes: academic remediation and behavioural support.

In 2009, Eltia was admitted as a struggling student to the remediation programme.

According to Mrs. Jasmine Creese, Principal of the institution, though she is still battling with the academics, Eltia’s

determination has seen her through many improvements since her enrollment there.

Eltia visualizes herself as a successful individual and speaks of her aspiration to become a counselor — a desire triggered off by her admiration of the work of her school counselor, Ms. Jeanine Williams. She said that she would like to “assist young people who are in bad situations.” She also wants to follow up on her hairdressing skills and perfect them through the ownership of her own salon. She has a special interest in modeling and this was obvious on stage.

Eltia gave a special thank you to her teacher, Ms. Krystal Robertson, and her counselor for “their hard work and belief in her abilities in entering the pageant, against the doubts of so many.”

In an exclusive interview with THE

VINCENTIAN, a passionate and almost overwhelmed Eltia said that, now that she has completed each segment, “I feel good! I put my confidence into it and I did it! It was difficult to prepare, but I did it!”

Throughout the entire show, Eltia performed as an equal. It was not until the Interview segment,

when her speech was noticeably slower than the others, that persons began to notice. Yet many did not understand.

Eltia has been a prime example that one does not have to be the pick of the litter to be a success.

Mary and Elvis Wynne were at the show to support their daughter Eltia.

32. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 33.

People

Leo Club St. Vincent makes donations DRIVEN BY ITS MOTTO ‘We Care,’ and as its flagship programme to mark its 29th anniversary as a voluntary youth-based service organization, the Leo Club St. Vincent is into delivering on an ongoing programme to donate food items and toiletries to needy persons.

The outreach prpgramme began on January 25th, 2012 when food/toiletries, valued at EC$400.00, were donated to the HIV/AIDS Unit. This donation assisted a family of three affected by HIV/AIDS. On Friday, February 10th, 2012 the Club distributed approximately one hundred and eighty (180) toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste, estimated value of EC$1,080.00, to Grade 2 students (ages 68) in five (5) schools on the Windward and Leeward sides of mainland St. Vincent.

These items were donated by Gail A. Bentinck, a Vincentian residing in the USA. Nurses from the various districts assisted in making presentations to these children on the importance of proper dental hygiene. It is the club’s hope that this venture continue through partnership with other organizations in it becoming a national project.

Another presentation took place on February 25th, 2012 when food items and toiletries were donated to an 81-year-old amputee of Prospect, who suffers from diabetes and hypertension. She resides with her granddaughter and great-grandchildren.

On Wednesday March 28th, 2012 members donated food items and toiletries to an elderly lady residing in Sion Hill.

More recently,

L-R: Second place winner, Chrissean Bascombe, First place winner Laudia Pierre and Third place winner Vibert Bonadie flanked by members of the Leo Club St. Vincent.

Pierre takes first prize in Leo Raffle MS. LAUDIA PIERRE of Union Island is the lucky first prize winner of the Leo Club St. Vincent raffle.

Ms. Pierre received her prize of an all expense paid weekend for two at Grenadine House, on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

Also receiving prizes in the draw were: Mr. Chrissean Bascombe of Greiggs, who received a Blackberry 8520 compliments Digicel as second prize winner; and Mr. Vibert Bonadie of Richmond Hill, who will have lunch for two at the Buccament Bay Resort, having won third prize.

In a release last Tuesday, the Leo Club St. Vincent thanked the public for their participation in the raffle, and expressed appreciation for the support received from Grenadine House, Digicel and Buccament Bay Resort.

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, food items and toiletries were donated to an elderly, immobile gentleman of Questelles.

This was accepted on his behalf by his daughter.

According to a release from the Club, all donations were well received and the

recipients expressed their appreciation for the items.

The Club also expressed thanks to all for their encouragement and support as they strive to continue the effort Representatives of the Leo Club of St. Vincent make of assisting the less donations to teachers and students of the Pamelus fortunate.

Burke Primary School.

34. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

The Beachmont Eye Institute has just launched their mobile eye clinic in an effort to make eye care more accessible to the larger population. House visits and corporate visits are now possible.

CEO and Director of the Beachmont Eye Institute, Dr Kenneth Onu, said “I am quite happy and excited to be able to offer our mobile services. This is something we have had in the works for quite some time. It has worked on the island of Mustique and we are now looking to take it to the other islands”.

We are also very pleased to announce that Dr Indria Hadley has just returned from training in New York and Puerto Rico. She completed courses in: Management of Diabetic eye disease, management of glaucoma, management of pediatric red eye, management of computer vision syndrome, advanced course in contact lens fitting, ABC’s of ocular surface disease, acute care essentials and “what’s new in eye care”.

We are very pleased to note that our staff receive continuous training in eye care. This allows us to deliver the latest treatment modalities available on the market.

Last but not least, our school programme which was started several months ago offering free eye exams to all children ages five to eighteen has been hugely successful.This is an ongoing programme. For further information please call 784-456-1210/784-455-6697/784-432-1471 or visit our website www.beachmonteyes.com.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 35.

Leeward takes another football title ANOTHER national football title has gone to the Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent.

The most recent claim came when South Leeward defeated East Kingstown 2-1 on penalties, in the final of the Women’s Division of the National Inter community League Competition.

The match was played last Saturday night in rainy conditions, at the Calliaqua Playing Field.

The score was tied, nil — nil, after regulation time.

For winning coach, Keith ‘Mamadilla’ Ollivierre, it was just a result of a plan coming together.

“This is the result of a couple years of hard work; once you have a plan and your plan for five six years down the road, it would come through,” Ollivierre said after his team’s triumph.

Reflecting on his team’s continuum,

Ollivierre recalled the days when they The victorious South Leeward were the whipping girls.

“We started off by taking 13 and 17, Women’s football team. by the same team we came up against beat Layou 2-0, and South Leeward here tonight,” Ollivierre said.

For Ollivierre, a former St. Vincent won on penalty kicks from Marriaqua, following a 2-2 draw in normal time. and the Grenadines midfielder, the South Leeward will get $ 3000, East final outcome was revenge, having lost Kingstown $ 1500, Layou $1000 and to East Kingstown in the preliminary Marriaqua $500. round of the competition.

The results of the women’s finals But, the job does not stop with the meant that all the national titles have acquisition of the national women’s gone to the Leeward side of the island. title, says Ollivierre.

Layou took the Under-13 male; “ The next step is that we have while Barrouallie already started to prepare some other girls to take over the team in the next copped both the five years, as we do not expect to have Under-17 and Senior male crowns. some of the current ones just now, so A formal we have to have replacements.” presentation In the third place play off which ceremony for all preceded the final, Layou had a 6-5 competitions is win on penalties at the expense of expected on a date Marriaqua. yet to be announced.

In the semi finals, East Kingstown

L-R: Coach of the South Leeward team Keith ‘Mamadilla’ Ollivierre and his assistant Alnif Williams.

Buccament Resort Cricket Nets opens YOUNG, talented cricketers in and around the Buccament area, and national players, will have an opportunity to enhance their skill and personal development at the Cricket Academy of the Buccament Bay Resort.

The Buccament Resort Cricket Nets, the latest addition to the Academy’s facilities, was opened last weekend.

National under-19 players Deighton Butler, head practising in the nets following the opening. coach of the Academy and certified West Indies coach, said he is looking forward per week.

This programme is being to see the players make the most of the facility as it is one of supervised by Irvin Warrican, the Territorial a kind in the country.

Butler, who is assigned to the Development Officer (TDO) for the Windward Islands.

Academy two hours daily, five Butler, a fast bowler who days per week, said the appeared in 5 ODI and one programme will target the T20 matches for the schools around the area. There Caribbean side in 2005, will be after school sessions for the public, and the services will believes a facility of this Deighton Butler, Head Coach, nature could only assist the demonstrating a bowling skill to an also extend to the Resort’s progress of cricket in the guests. under-19 player. country.

The daily programme will Approximately 30 young He assured that the facility accommodate ten secondary (the nets) will also accommodate talented cricketers witnessed schools, with one coach having local clubs as well as teams from the opening of the Nets. the responsibility for two schools, for training programme the United Kingdom for their I.B.A.ALLEN pre-season training. from 3.30 to 5.30pm four days

Zefal Bailey (left) and Lucky Antrobus on lap five of last Sunday’s race.

Lucky Antrobus tastes victory

Shimano Bailey down and out in LUCKY ANTROBUS rode his way Sunday’s race. to victory in the 2-mile cycling road race last Sunday afternoon, as the SVG Cycling Union staged another of its events.

Antrobus ‘s winning time was 1 hour 43 minutes .02 seconds, in a race that took him from Ratho Mill to the Arnos Vale Round About seven times, and finished at the Howard’s Marine building, Villa Flat Second to Antrobus was Zefal Bailey in 1 hour 43 minutes .03 seconds, and third was Cammie Adams in 1 hour 45 minutes .06 seconds.

Last week’s winner of the 20-mile race, Shimano Bailey, fell by the wayside, after suffering back problems.

Sunday also saw a 12-mile race for BMX cyclists covering the same route.

Winning that segment was Casnell Duncan in 59 minutes 53 seconds.

On Saturday, there were two Hill Sprints utilizing the Argyle Hill.

In the 325 meters sprint, Shimano Bailey was first in 40.69 seconds, with Zefal Bailey second in 41.46 seconds. Third was Lucky Antrobus in 42.46 seconds.

Fourth was first time entrant Mike Sojka in 50.39 seconds.

Taking the 1.2-mile hill sprint was Zefal Bailey in 3 minutes 18.14 second; second was Lucky Antrobus whose time was 3 minutes 23.11 seconds. Mike Sojka placed third in 4 minutes 02.3 seconds, with Shimano Bailey taking the fourth spot in 4 minutes 33.18 seconds.

V Ambris, Cupid, Wright shine in drawn match 36. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SAINTS continued their prolific form this season by gaining first innings points over Police Two in a drawn match in the National Lottery Authority Premier Division Cricket competition, played on the weekend.

Police Two took first knock at Arnos Vale Two, and posted 150. Former Windward Islands batsman Gosnel Cupid led with 44 and McLean Williams 29. Isaac Haywood took 4 for 35, Kenroy Peters 3 for 23 and Ray Charles 3 for 43. In reply, Saints posted 201. Sunil Ambris topscored

with 55. Rickford Walker made 33 and Mozario Matthews 22. National spinner Rolando Wright took 7 for 81.

Police were 251 for 6 in their second innings when play ended. With half centuries coming from Cosnel Cupid, 59, and Salvan Browne, 56. Amral Bobb took 4 for 34.

At Arnos Vale One, Police One won on first innings from The News Spartans.

Police One made 213 all out in their 1st innings, with

Kevin Abraham topscoring with 53. Tiron Simon took 4 for 70. In reply, The News Spartans made 194. Romando Coombs hit 60, Nixon McLean 45 and Dawnley Joseph 41.Randy Yorke took 4 for 18 and Kevin Abraham 4 for 36.

At the close, Police One had reached 47 for 2, batting a second time.

In the first division, Victors Two defeated Sion Hill by an innings and 119 runs.

Victors Two made 160 for 6 declared in their 1st innings.

Nicholas Baptiste led with 66.

Gosnel Cupid stroked 44 and 59.

Sion Hill replied with a dismal 29, succumbing to the bowling of Javed Harry, 5 for 11 and Damaul Phillips, 5 for 17.

Sion Hill fared even worse in their second innings, registering an all time low of 12. Damaul Phillips took 6 for 7 to finish with match figures of 11 for 24, while Javed Harry took 3 for 5.

The match between Unique Warriors and Radcliffe Too was brought to a premature closure after the ball that the Radcliffe Too captain presented to the umpires Action before they took to in a Women’s the field for the 20/20 match second innings, did played last weekend. not meet the standard requirements. from 11am, followed by In the innings Garifina Stars taking on playyed, Unique Rising Stars from Warriors made 85 1.30pm at the London playing field. in their 1st innings, On completion of the to which Radcliffe competition, a national Too replied with 90. training squad will be The SVG Cricket selected in preparation Association is yet to for SVG’s participation make a ruling on in the West Indies the outcome of this Women’s tournament game. scheduled for Jamaica, in This weekend, August.

National Female 20/20 bowls off THERE WERE mixed results in the opening round of matches in the RBTT National Female 20/20 cricket competition, when the competition bowled off at the Stubbs playing field last weekend.

Tigress made light work of Rising Stars, beating them by 7 wickets. Rising Stars batted first and made 56.

Tigress replied with 57 for 3.

United Survivors posted 110 for 9 against Garifuna Stars. Garifuna Stars replied with 72.

Tigress recorded their second win, beating Ajuba Stars by 95 runs.

Tigress made 119 for 1.

Ajuba Stars crashed for 24.

Ajuba lost their second match by 2 wickets against Rising Stars. Ajuba Stars made 92. Rising Stars replied with 93 for 8.

In an opening ceremony which preceded the first match, Julian Jack, President of

the Local Cricket Association, expressed satisfaction with the turn out and the interest shown especially by young women. He urged the ladies to exercise a high level of discipline and work hard at developing their game.

Noel Dickson, representing the sponsors, RBTT, affirmed his Bank’s continued support for

nsports, particularly cricket.

He said his bank was proud to be sponsors of the Women Cricketers’ Competition and “believes the women’s cricket in this country has great potential.”

This weekend, Garifuna Stars will play United Survivors from 1.30 on Saturday. On Sunday, Garifuna Stars come up against Tigress

Rolando Wright bagged 7 for 81.

Sunil Ambris hit 55.

Victors One take on Police One at Arnos Vale One, while OLA Boutique Radcliffe oppose Police Two at Arnos Vale Two in the NLA Premier Division.

In the NLA First Division, Sion Hill face Unique Warriors at Stubbs, Belmont United play Victors Two at North Union, and Bryden Frutee Youth United play Smashers at Buccament.

I.B.ALALLEN

Knockers win big in Bequia T20 IMPERIAL Pharmacy West Side Knockers recorded a comfortable win over South Side United in a Bequia T/20 Cricket championship match played on the weekend.

West Side Knockers posted 203 for five in their 20 overs on the back of 102 from Captain Cosmus Hackshaw. Delroy Constance was South Side United’s best bowler with two for 19. In reply, South Side United were bowled out for 97 off 15.2-overs. Tishorn Hazell topscored with 36. Nathaniel Williams grabbed three wickets

for six runs.

Defending champions Knights Trading Aussies suffered their first defeat of the season when they were beaten by two wickets, by Christ Warriors Canouan.

Knights Trading Aussies batted first and were dismissed for 142 in 17-overs. Dean Browne topscored with 34.

Dwayne Charles captured three for 14 and Daven John picked up three for 27 for Christ Warriors Canouan.

Canouan replied with 143 for eight off 17.5-overs. Deston

Johnson scored 29 and Angus Castello made 27. Vernon Baptiste captured two for 14 bowling for the Aussies.

Canouan continued on a victory path, beating JSM Royal Challengers by 82 runs.

Canouan batted first and piled up 183 for eight in 20-overs.

Dwayne Charles topscored with 65 and Colin Williams hit 45.

Adinol Richards took three for 28 for JSM Royal Challengers, who replied with 102 all out off 17-overs. Primus Nanton lashed 24 and Adinol Richards made 21. Kevin Hazell took two for 42 for Canouan.

The Championship will continue on Saturday and Whit Monday. Village Apartments Port Elizabeth will face JSM Royal Challengers from 2 pm on Saturday, and on Monday, Admiralty Transport Youth Combine will tackle Imperial Pharmacy West Side Knockers from 10 am, and at 2 pm, Knights Trading Aussies will oppose RBTT Carib Stars.

Matches are played at the Clive Tannis Playing Field in Port Elizabeth I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 37.

Sports

New era in Caribbean football GORDON DERRICK has promised no marginalization, discrimination, or segregation under his tenure. He is the Caribbean Football Union President.

Derrick has been thrown into a seat abruptly vacated by Jack Warner. While Derrick’s election was taking place, Warner was acting Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Derrick beat off challenges from Barbados’ Ronald Jones, Trinidad and Tobago’s Harold Taylor, and Cuba’s Luis Hernandez, to seal the CFU title.

He is not new to football, but people in his native country will know of his role with the Antigua Barracuda FC, which established its credentials in the Concacaf Club championship.

That squad has proven that consistent togetherness can produce results, and next week, Antigua will be in the spotlight when they begin their Third Round bid for a place in the 2014 World Cup. Everyone expects Antigua/Barbuda to be eliminated from their group which includes Guatemala, USA and Jamaica. Anything can happen during the course of a ninety minute game.

Antigua has, all of a sudden, become the (new) focus of regional football. For not only have they secured the presidency, but they are in with a chance of making it to Brazil.

Derrick seems to have the knack of getting things done. Other countries which boast more prestige have failed to make it to this round; Antigua and Barbuda is one of three Caricom countries in line.

When the cash for votes’ scandals erupted last year, Derrick was reprimanded and fined for his role.

That he has rebounded is testimony of his astuteness. While he will have the burden of the Caribbean, no one should condemn him if he pays attention to the fortunes of his compatriots.

Derrick’s plea for unity is symptomatic of the perennial call for Caribbean integration. But politicians are not keen on making genuine advances on togetherness, and with football being an individual nation affair, CFU will endeavour to be united. That will be as far as securing benefits for the region is concerned.

Unlike the political platform where except for Haiti and Suriname, English is the dominant language, football is universal. That calls for greater compromise.

Football, and sports overall, has proven to be a platform for the potential development of any country. It is a pity that Trinidad and Tobago suffered for their 2006 qualification to the finals in Germany.

Trinidad and Tobago’s qualification caused repercussions, with players being denied bonuses promised.

The impact of that fallout has caused some lethargy among players there, so much so that Trinidad and Tobago were eclipsed by Guyana, their neighbours on the South American mainland.

Derrick has an executive which features Cheney Joseph from Grenada, Larry Mussenden (Bermuda), Lyndon Cooper (St. Lucia), Canover Watson (Cayman Islands), along with Sonia BienAime (Turks and Caicos Islands), Hillaren Frederick (United Sates Virgin Islands), Maurice Victoire (Martinique) and Anthony Johnson (St. Kitts/Nevis) completing the Board.

Full size football field at the Resort.

Gurley looks for results at Harlequin “MY JOY WILL be to build a player who will join the Liverpool Academy.”

That was one sentiment expressed by Roger Gurley, Technical Director of the football programme at the Buccament Bay Resort.

Gurley’s comment came following the recent friendly encounter between the Liverpool Academy of England and the SVG National under23 team.

While there will be a two-week summer programme for schools from the immediate vicinity, Gurley is encouraging young, talented players and clubs throughout the country, to make use of the facility, which now includes a full-sized, fully grassed football field.

He made a special appeal to parents to Roger Gurley, Technical support their children’s Director of the Football involvement in the programme at the Resort’s football Buccament Bay Resort. programme.

“It should not be a situation where parents just drop off their kids and go to the market. They need to get on board, get more involved by staying around and witnessing their kids’ progress first hand,” Gurley said.

He recognizes, though, that the youngsters also have an important role to play, by being more dedicated and “showing more interest, love and passion for the sports and their own development.”

Gurley spoke highly of the new field, declaring that it was ideal for pre-season training for international clubs. And with the 2012 FIFA World Cup in Brazil just round the corner, Gurley is hoping that some teams in that competition would choose the Resort ground as their the training ground.

The TD is also targeting more organised local clubs to make use of the facility. He said the facility is also equipped with International standard locker rooms so as to prepare them for the international level.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Police and Surprizers in Bagga T20 finals

by KENVILLE HORNE RSVG Police will be back in familiar territory as they will defend their title in the 2012 National Lotteries Authority Bagga T-20 Softball Cricket.

They are through to the final, after a grinding 5-wicket victory over Summerset, as the semi-final matches were completed on Saturday 19th May 2012.

Summerset won the toss, batted first and mustered 101 for 8 off 20 overs. Ralmore Pierre with 32 dug them out of a hole after early trouble, but they failed to take advantage of the last 5 overs, scoring only 18 runs. Renford Jack was the pick of the bowlers for police, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs.

The lawmen’s chase was off to a stutter as they lost wickets regularly, even though they kept the scorecard ticking over. Saline George 25, gave the law-men some impetus ,but the game was tensely poised before the experienced Trevor Bailey steered them to victory. Relon McKie was the top bowler for Summerset, taking 2 wickets for 13 runs in 4 overs.

In the second semi-final, Surprizers shocked Valley Boys, winning by 8 wickets. Valley Boys were put in to bat, but Suprizers never gave them a chance to settle as they steadily took wickets.

Valley Boys eventually capitulated for a mere 53 in 14.4 overs, with David Bascombe, 19, being the only stand out batsman. Anton Caesar bagged 4 wickets for 3 runs in 1.4 overs.

Suprizers made little work of the target, losing only 2 wickets. Calvert Cordice topscored with 20.

This will be the second time in 3 years that both teams will vie for the title, as they met 2 years ago, with Police taking the crown. Police is also up for their hat-trick title after winning the Competition in the previous 2 years.

The final is scheduled for Saturday 26th May 2012 beginning at 2:00 pm.

V

38. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. THE VINCENTIAN

Classifieds/Tribute

Farewell to our Dad, ‘Mikey’ De Freitas

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ON BEHALF of Sylvia (my Mom) and all of ‘Mikey’ De Freitas’ children, Perry, Mark, Rochelle, Randall (Randy), Sharon and Michelle, and on my own behalf, I extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to the friends, family and fellow brethren of the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and beyond, for showing such support, and offering your words of condolences and warm well wishes during my family’s time of grief and sorrow, on the loss of our Dad. Although death is never an easy thing to deal with, it was extremely comforting when so many relatives, friends and loved ones found time to give their support and compassion.

It was a pleasure to hear once again, some of the many stories of Daddy, as we reminisced about him with all who knew him well.

We were so very proud to hear of how giving and generous he was in support of so many charitable organizations

and individuals over his 78 years. And in retrospect, I do remember that every organization he was a part of, he would involve all of us children in order to instill a charitable nature in us all.

Whether through family membership or just volunteering for a fund raising event, he made sure we understood the importance of being involved and supporting worthy organizations.

These great stories and memories, some that made us laugh and some that made us cry, will continue to live on for many years to come as we, the De Freitas clan, pass them on to our children and relatives every time we gather as a family in the future.

I know that time heals all things, and therefore, this will be no exception.

However, it seems like the journey of life that Daddy was on just seemed to end too quickly. The one thing I can say for sure is that he certainly enjoyed his

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travels whether the road was bumpy or smooth.

Daddy was able to travel the world and see many countries. That was an accomplishment of which he was very proud.

Daddy truly enjoyed his time on earth, and was known not to worry about anything. One of his famous phrases, like the late, great, Bob Marley was, “What you worrying about? It will be Ok!” In closure, I would like to say thank you on behalf of my Dad. I know now he is in a much better place,

and we, his children, do truly appreciate the love that was shown by so many.

As my 11-year-old son Nolan, one of his 15 grand-children and 1 great grand, told me in typical Mikey fashion the day he learnt of his Gran Pa Mikey’s passing, “Daddy, don’t worry. Grand Pa has gotten his wings and

has gone to Heaven because this is what I had prayed to God for.”

Thank You!

By Rohan de Freitas

Michael ‘Mickey’ De Freitas

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012. 39.

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ÂBLACK-IÊ ROBBED AND BEATEN

A SHOP OPERATOR of Arnos Vale is one of the latest victims in the spate of robberies which have been plaguing this country from since last year.

Rudolph ‘Black-I’ Blackette, who has been operating his business along the road to the St Vincent Teachers College for decades, was beaten and robbed of his jewelry last Friday night.

In an interview Wednesday evening, ‘Black-I’ said that some time after 9 o‘clock that night he was walking from the direction of the E T Joshua Airport and was close to his shop, when he saw three men coming down the hill from the area known as Hollywood. He said they were walking as normal so he had no suspicion.

“They come in front me and they

watched me. The short one just come and gun-butt me and then they grab on pon me, buss off me chains and run”, ‘Black-I’ stated.

According to ‘Black-I’, the three chains and a pendant engraved are valued at an estimated $6,000.

‘Black-I’ said that as two of the men ran he held on to the other. He said that the one he was holding shouted, “Dadda, Dadda, the man won’t let me go.” He said the other two turned back and they all beat him.

“They fight me, dragged me on the ground, kicked me and beat me,” ‘Black-I’ said.

The shop operator said he sustained bruises to both elbows, and a laceration over his left eye. He said

that during the Rudolph ‘Blackincident no one I’ Blackette “assisted”, but after showing off the his long-time wounds girlfriend Katie was suffered when awakened by the he was robbed commotion, she ran and beaten by from the downstairs three men. then ran back down, re-emerging with a cell phone which she used to call the police. He said the men ran back in the direction from which they had come.

‘Black-I’ said that soon after the incident, he got two friends who were in the vicinity and “we went in a spotted the three men walking. As the vehicle and drove around the vehicle neared them, two of them community. On reaching Casson Hill jumped over the rail while the other (Arnos Vale) near Bute’s residence, he ran along the main road toward the airport. One of ‘Black-I’s’ friends alighted from the vehicle and pursued the man but he soon flagged down a van and entered it. However, he was soon chased from the van and he ran towards the Sunrise Supermarket where he quickly caught another van and escaped.

‘Black-I’ said that in all his years in business, his shop was broken into a few times but he had never been robbed before. He said that he has learnt a lesson and he will be more vigilant.

He is also calling on businessmen as well as others to be very watchful because one never knows who is watching.

PM Gonsalves to seek a fourth term WHEN the next general elections is called, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will lead the ULP in the contest for a fourth time.

Gonsalves told Vincentians in Taiwan he intends to seek a fourth term in office and lead the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) into the next general election, which is constitutionally due in 2015.

According to a release from CMC, Gonsalves said there’s no vacancy in the ULP in terms of its leadership.

The release further went on to say that despite his most recent health scare, just after he left SVG on his was to the Middle East in late April, and his own repeated statements that he would not seek re-election, Gonsalves suggested that the ULP had determined he

should stand again.

He said he had indicated to the party that he did want to contest elections as leader of the ULP again, repeating this several times since the ULP was returned to office for a third consecutive term in December 2010.

The report also went on to say, that the party’s central executive committee had determined sometime in January or February that Gonsalves would lead the ULP into elections a fourth time, a decision that was made for him when he was half-hour late for a meeting with party elders. (KH) PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says that the decision that he lead the ULP into the next general elections was made for him, not by him.

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