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FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 18, 2015

VOLUME 108, No.51

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

NDP protestors gathered from very early on Monday morning in front of the Administrative Building.

Right: Arnhim Eustace and Dr. Godwin Friday joined in the Monday protest.

BY DAYLE DA SILVA PROTEST ACTION by supporters of the New Democratic Party (NDP) will continue.

So says the Political Leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace who said that action will continue throughout the country by various groups and

individuals.

He referenced a planned picket outside the residence of the Returning Officer for Central Leeward, Winston Gaymes, which took place on Wednesday.

Eustace said that protest action will also continue outside the office of the Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay.

Supporters took to the streets this week staging a day-long protest on

Monday, beginning outside the Administrative Building on Bay Street. The Administrative Building houses, among other offices, that of the Prime Minister.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Those present at the swearing in ceremony listened with rapt attention to the appeal made by the Governor General.

The country needs unity THE PEOPLE of this country are divided now more than ever before, following the 2015 General Elections, and this is some cause for concern.

So said the Governor General, H.E Sir Frederick Ballantyne, as he delivered his address at the swearing in ceremony of the Cabinet of a returned ULP administration, at Heritage Square on Monday.

According to Sir Frederick, who has been Head of State now for thirteen years, he has given this a lot of thought over the years, and often wondered why it was so difficult to Governor General, come together as one people. H.E Sir Frederick “My personal opinion is Ballantyne, that we have been depending appealed for unity, on institutions, the parties in the wake of what (political) and the church, many said was an and they have failed to do so. election that “We all are one Vincentian showed a clear people regardless to how we divide of the voted, and if this country is populace. going to progress, we need unity,” he said.

The Governor General went on further, stating that this was not the first time that the plea for unity had been made, but the thought came to him while in church a few weeks ago and the congregation was instructed by the pastor to greet the person next to them, and do so with love.

“And we all did that; but after it was done, I reflected on the whole exercise, and I reflected, do we really love our neighbour?”

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has also made numerous calls for unity, he noted.

“He (Gonsalves) speaks of getting the people together in unity [and] we cannot move forward unless we unify our people,” Sir Frederick said.

The Governor General then threw out a challenge to all Vincentians for them to ask themselves what they can do to bring the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines together.

In the lead up to and immediately following the December 9 General Elections, supporters of the two main political parties, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the New Democratic Party (NDP), have been at loggerheads with each other.

Political Leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace, and his team have openly declared the elections to have been filled with irregularities, and have called out their supporters in protest. (DDD)

V News 3 NDP claims Elections were stolen

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 3.

He reiterated comments he had made on radio, one day before LEADER OF THE NEW the press conference, Democratic Party (NDP), that “the general Arnhim Eustace, is not elections held on conceding defeat in the December 9th were December 9, 2015 General conducted under Elections, and he is circumstances that were confident that his party illegal, which has won that poll. undermined the will of At a press conference the electorate who voted. on Sunday at the party I know this is a view headquarters on shared by the majority of Murray’s Road , Eustace Vincentians who are said that he has evidence aware of the miserable that he didn’t have two socio-economic conditions days ago. of this country under the “The New Democratic ULP government,” said Party has unmistaken the party leader. proof that the election According to Eustace, was stolen,” said his party will not accept Eustace. However he the ULP government as stopped short of legitimate, and promised, providing all of the “Our legal team will evidence, citing security challenge these election and legal reasons. results,”: and added that Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

“Additional information has come up, confirming first of all that there were over 320 illegal votes cast in the constituency of Central Leeward alone, and that is only in two polling stations. I can also say that none of those boxes were sealed,” stated Eustace, who successfully defended his seat, against the ULP Luke Browne.

“As I grapple with the information I received this morning, I became angry, because our people expect free and fair election. I would have liked to give all the details I have, but it is not wise from a legal perspective,” the opposition leader further noted.

Fraudulent activities

NDP party members and supporters were asked, by the Party leader, to remain firm in support of the party’s effort to overturn the elections results.

Eustace, referring to information from the Presiding Officer in Central Leeward, following the counting of the ballots, said that in one polling station, 100 percent of the people on the list voted. “Where you can ever hear that?” queried Eustace. “ When you get 65% or 70% voting in a polling station, you figure you doing pretty well, but to have 100% of the votes

NDP Political leader must have been fortified by the outpouring of support at last Saturday’s gathering at Democratic House.

being cast of those persons on the list, it’s really a very serious matter, it can’t happen,” he further noted.

A defiant Eustace also cited a case of a lady who resides in Tobago, but whose name was on the voters list for that said constituency.

“We are continuing to investigate that particular matter. That brings up another important issue; that there are people whose names or whose ballots were filled in by somebody else, and that person voted. We will be giving a great deal of attention to that,” Eustace assured his supporters gathered.

He appealed to his supporters to stand firm, while expressing the view that he hoped that the legal matter would be short. “But we are doing the works that are necessary for us to form government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, not long from now,” said Eustace.

Sir Vincent to demit Advisor post SIR IAN VINCENT BEACHE, National Security Advisor to the 2010 - 2015 Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration, will demit that office by the end of the year.

This was disclosed by incoming Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet members, held on Monday 14th December, 2015, at Heritage Square.

According to the Prime Minister, Sir Vincent has decided to demit his post as Consultant and Advisor to the Minister of National Security by the end of year.

In paying tribute to Sir Vincent, Dr. Gonsalves described him as one who has served

the nation “faithfully and well,” for over 40 years.

He thanked him for his “outstanding service.”

The Prime Minister also disclosed on Monday that he was discussing Beache’s possible replacement, and he hinted that the replacement would be a young man with tremendous experience in the field of national security, intelligence and white collar crime, in keeping with his party’s commitment to lead the transition to a new generation of leaders.

“I promised you that in the campaign, and I have to carry out that promise in government…,” Dr. Gonsalves told a large gathering of dignitaries, invited guests and party supporters.

Sir Vincent resigned as leader of the ULP in 1998, making way for Dr. Gonsalves to assume leadership of the party.

He served as Minister of National Security in the ULP administration of 2001 — 2005. He resigned from Government and active politics just prior to the general elections of 2005, vacating his seat in South Windward where he was successfully replaced by his son, Glen Beache.

During the campaign leading up to the December 9, 2015 general election, the opposition New Democratic Party made much of the emoluments paid by the ULP government to Sir Vincent, citing it as a gross indictment in the

Sir Vincent Beache served as Minister of National Security from 2001 – 2005, and was retained thereafter as an Advisor until, as announced, the end of 2015. face of escalating unemployment. (KH)

Arnhim Eustace, leader of the NDP, delivering an address before a large gathering of supporters, in which he stated categorically that his party will not concede defeat.

The poll in Central Leeward was a major issue highlighted by the protestors.

More protest action coming Continued from Page 1.

The protests come after information according to the NDP, revealed it had won the elections but that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) led administration was claiming victory in the face of some said irregularities, according to the NDP. Protestors moved to the corner of Halifax and Egmont Streets later during Monday, just as the swearing-in ceremony for the new Cabinet was about to get underway, smashing blocks which were used to block at least one roadway, forcing the traffic department to divert traffic.

On Tuesday, a small crowd gathered outside the Electoral Office.

According to Eustace, the protest action in Kingstown will resume after Christmas, however, other protests will continue at various locations throughout the country.

This week’s protest action follows on that which occurred last week immediately following the General Elections, when supporters of the NDP swarmed the police station at Central Leeward, where the recount of votes cast in that constituency was taking place, and others blocked the route leading to Government House where the swearing-in of the Prime Minister, his Deputy and Attorney General was set to take place, But while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that he was urging the opposition to cease its futile attempt to destabilize the country.

“If the NDP considers erroneously that it has a case to be answered, the proper place is in the court of law. This lawless charade on which they have embarked on the streets, will be strongly resisted by this democratically elected government,” he said.

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4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Former AG issues advice to NDP won their seats will not be cannot stop the Speaker of sworn into office, nor will the House from carrying they attend parliament, out parliamentary PARNEL CAMPBELL Q.C., Attorney until the matter of election procedures.

General and Minister of Justice in a irregularities is addressed.

Meanwhile, Prime former New Democratic Party (NDP) Eustace gave notice that Minister Dr. Ralph administration, has some advice for the his party will pursue the Gonsalves made it clear NDP. matter through the court. while speaking at the “I am asking the NDP not to go In response to this, ULP victory rally at the through with the threat to boycotting Argyle International parliament,” the veteran lawyer urged Campbell agreed that the Airport last Saturday during his television programme, ‘The High Court is the proper night that, “If you are Law and You’ on SVGTV last Monday place for any claims of electoral wrongdoing to be elected and you don’t night. come to Parliament, I will The Q.C added, however, that if the ventilated.

He emphasized that the bring a law early so that NDP feels it must boycott sittings of you don’t get your salary. the House of Assembly, the party must High Court is totally free from political influence, and Parnel Campbell Everybody has to work in ensure that it does not exceed the six Q.C. has advised meetings stipulated under 74(2) of the that matters which go before the NDP against not order to get pay.” the High Court are Within a day of the Standing Orders, or its seats would be taking their seats in release of the election adjudicated in accordance declared vacant. the new Parliament, results, the NDP began a with the law.

The December 9, 2015 General Campbell also noted that post the December series of protests that Elections results were declared in general elections. cases involving election have continued up to press favour of the ULP — eight seats to the petitions are usually heard time, Wednesday.

NDP’s 7. expeditiously, and the Court does not Protests were staged in Kingstown And according to NDP President Arnhim Eustace, at a news conference have the power to grant an injunction where the Electoral Office was the in matters of contested parliamentary centre of the protestors’ attention, and held at Democratic House last elections. He added that the court in the Central Leeward constituency, Saturday, the NDP candidates who

by HAYDN HUGGINS

which is the bone of contention as far as the NDP is concerned.

In fact, NDP supporters blocked the roadway to Government House at New Montrose on Thursday, December 10, seeking to stop the swearing in ceremony of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney General. Protest action continued on Tuesday, December 15 in front of the Electoral Office.

While Campbell is aware that peaceful protest is a democratic right, he advised that it must be without any hindrance or disruption to normal proceedings.

“There is a duly elected government in office. We have to follow the rule of law, no matter how disappointed we are or how heartbroken we are,” Campbell said.

Members of the ULP cabinet were sworn in at a ceremony held at Heritage Square, Kingstown, on Monday.

Regional and international observers have declared that the elections were free and fair.

A monumental fraud, declares Q.C Police appeal for calm Democratic Party (NDP) Press conference on Saturday at the Democrat House, he said , CARLYLE DOUGAN Q.C, “Nowhere in my more than 70 years of looking at and a former NDP member of politics here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it Parliament here, is very has been worse. What has been transacted is a angry and disgusted with monumental fraud on the people… a fraud of the what he says is the amount of highest degree.” election fraud that took place According to Dougan, “.. they had totally on the 9th December, General underestimated the mood of the people. They had Election Day. underestimated the anger and the angst of the Speaking at the New people in a situation just as this”.

Ralph Gonsalves, he said must understand what Vincentians are going through. “In my little Carlyle Dougan Q. C described the Dec. 9 general knowledge of the law, I know what you all are going elections as the most through now.,” he said to a gathering of NDP fraudulent in his lifetime. supporters. “I have never been a Constitutional Lawyer really; I know what we are going through now. There is no way that thing in Central Leeward could stand, no way, from what I heard,” he added.

Dougan challenged that, “Since you (Ralph Gonsalves) have declared that you won the election ….. why can’t you get a session somewhere in the court yard and you announced this, with all your Cabinet members there.

Announce it to the world.”

He declared that the Prime Minister cannot travel to England now.

“After the revelations he cannot go to the United Kingdom that I know.

They would bombard him at the airport,” said Dougan.

He congratulated Eustace and his team for a wonderful campaign.

by KENVILLE HORNE

by HAYDN HUGGINS

THE POLICE have appealed to citizens for calm during the Christmas season and beyond.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles issued the call while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

The top cop said the police will This portion of Back Street was ensure the safety blocked by NDP protestor, but of citizens and the police moved quickly to visitors alike have it cleared. during the season, notwithstanding the protest action taking place following the Unity Labour Party’s victory in the December 9 general elections.

Members and supporters of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) have resorted to street protest action, claiming that the elections were not free and fair.

The Commissioner revealed there werereports of the blockage of roads at Monday’s protest in Kingstown, but the police quickly cleared the roads, and there were no reports of anyone being taken into custody.

Charles pointed out that so far things are under control and assured that the police are ready to take steps to maintain stability, and ensure the safety of citizens if things are getting out of hand.

The Commissioner took the opportunity to commend members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), especially the Special Services Unit (SSU) and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), for their tireless performance during the entire election campaign and into the ongoing protest.

The police will hold its public awareness ‘Crime Prevention Exhibition Christmas 2015’ today (Friday), in front of Central Police Station.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 5.

Regional

Dominican man sentenced for child abuse

Justice Errol Thomas described the accused as a man without a conscience.

A RECENT RULING on a matter of abuse of an eight year-old in Dominica could well have a message for the rest of the region.

This is the opinion of one social worker in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ruling referred to a High Court judgement last week Friday, December 11, in which a 51-year-old accused Joseph Senhouse was sentenced to 35 years in jail, for sexually abusing the eightyear-old in 2013.

Senhouse, according to reports from Dominica, wept as he was being sentenced by Justice Errol Thomas. He was

found guilty of buggery, unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

His sentence comprised 25 years for buggery, 25 years for unlawful sexual intercourse, both sentences to run concurrently, and 10 years for indecent assault.

Reports are that the Court heard that Senhouse, who was in a relationship with the child’s mother, had anal sex with the child on three occasions, and vaginal sex about five times. He also told her “not to tell”, and gave her fruits and money to keep quiet.

Senhouse’s attorney, Dawn

Yearwood Stewart, in her plea for mitigation, told the court that her client had experienced physical abuse at the hands of his mother, who had put him out of the house when he was 12 years old.

She called on the court to “temper justice with mercy. ….

Give him an opportunity to return to society, and don’t shut the door and throw the keys away.”

But Justice Thomas said that based on the report, the child suffered from “anxiety, fear, stigmatization, ridicule from peers, and her social life has been adversely affected.”

He added, “You, Senhouse, must be characterised as a man without a conscience, and lacking compassion and humanity,” the judge said, adding, “Dominica needs to be protected from people of your ilk; you have no compassion.”

Senhouse was a known sexual offender, having been sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1997 for a sexual offense committed on a minor.

According to Justice Thomas, the 15 years was no deterrent. ..You don’t care, you deserve no mercy.”

(Source: Dominica press)

Reparation for Rastas

RASTAFARIAN victims of the infamous Coral the unlawful events or activities which led to Gardens, Pinnacle and Back ‘o’ Wall incidents the tragedy.” deserve both an apology and reparation from In what could be a controversial the Jamaican State. recommendation, the report also called for This is the view, as reported by the Jamaica “urgent consideration” to be given to the Observer, of Senator Mark Golding, Minister of acquisition of the Outameni property owned by Justice, Jamaica. the National Housing Trust in Trelawny “with Senator Golding expressed his personal view a view to allocating a portion thereof to the during an interview with the Jamaica Rastafarian community” for the establishment Observer, and promised to raise the matter in of a cultural centre it says should be set up by cabinet as soon as next month. The Justice the culture and tourism ministries for the Minister is also quoted as admitting that the preservation of Rastafarians have kept the Rastafarians concerned had been “brutalised Rastafari tragedies of Coral Gardens, and oppressed.” culture.

Pinnacle and Back ‘o’ Wall on Senator Golding’s comments come on the (Source: the Jamaica agenda with heels of the just-released report by the public Jamaica annual marches and protests. defender on the bloody Coral Gardens incident Observer) that claimed several lives in 1963 in St James.

That report was sent to Parliament last week and copied to him by Public Defender Arlene Harrison Henry, who received an THE RECENT victory by an opposition coalition — investigation of the Coral the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) — in Gardens matter as a work-inparliamentary elections in Venezuela, will not progress from her predecessor break the strong arm of the Socialist Government Earl Witter, the Jamaica led by President Nicolas Maduro.

Observer said.

With 122 of the 167 seats now in its control, the In that report, the public MUD had made it known that one of their first defender recommended, among moves when they take their seats on January 5, others things, that the State 2016, will be to Public Defender establishes a trust fund of no repeal the Arlene Harrison less than $10 million “for the sentences on Henry benefit of properly identifiable political prisoners, recommended in surviving victims of the Coral setting itself on a her report that an Gardens incident”, and that a direct collision approrpaitely co-operative society be set up course with the worded apology exclusively for the benefit of President. be made to the Rastafarians and be granted a President Rastarians directly licence to cultivate ganja.

Maduro reacted affected by the It further recommended swiftly to the 1960s assault on that: “The State uses opposition them. appropriate language to announcement, apologise to those persons who declaring that he were directly affected by the would veto any events of Coral Gardens, 1963, amnesty for but who were not involved in political prisoners.

Stunned, Senator Mark Golding, according to President Nicolas Maduro will Jamaica’s Minister of Justice, reports, by the have not be cowed by the has backed the call for opposition’s plan to facilitate crushing defeat recompense for Rastafarians which saw the amnesty for political who survived the 1963 Coral Socialist Party, prisoners.

Gardens incident.

No amnesty, says Maduro founded by Hugo Chavez, lose control of parliament for the first time since 1999, President Maduro ordered the resignation of his cabinet as a first step towards restoring some semblance of control.

At present there are least 80 persons detained in Venezuela, whom the opposition describe as political prisoners.

Jesus Torrealba The most high profile of these is being Leopoldo Lopez, (left), Secretary of sentenced last year to 14 years the Venezuelan on charges of inciting violence. coalition of opposition parties, Others include the former MUD, smiles as he mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, who is under house addresses a news arrest, and former presidential conference in Caracas. challenger Manuel Rosales.

But Mr Maduro last week Wednesday said he would block any move to free the detainees. “I will not accept any amnesty law, because those prisoners violated human rights,” he said.

“They can send me a thousand proposals for new laws, but the killers of a people must be judged and must pay.”

And so, the more things change in Venezuela, the more they seem to remain the same.

6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 7.

Prime Minister’s Christmas Message

Faith, Hope and Love authoritatively, and popularly established through the free will of a free people in free and fair general elections.

The Election Observer HREE ENDURING Missions of CARICOM, virtues of life and the Organisation of living have long been American States (OAS), identified by the Apostle and the Commonwealth Paul as faith, hope, and have all certified the love; the greatest of these elections as being “free is love. At Christmas and fair” and that the 2015, we emphasise more results reflected “the will than ever, the love for God of the people”. and the love for our Governments world-wide, neighbour. including our traditional The classic exposition friends and allies, on love is found in Paul’s international and First Letter to the regional organisations Corinthians [Chapter 13, and institutions, the SVG verse 4-8]: Christian Council and “Love is patient, love other non-governmental is kind. It does not envy, groupings, business it does not boast, it is not entities (locally, proud. It is not rude, it regionally and globally), is not self-seeking, it is and distinguished not easily angered, it individuals from across keeps no record of the globe, have wrongs. Love does not congratulated the ULP delight in evil but government on its rejoices with the truth. historic win, and have It always protects, pledged to work with it. always trusts, always We in St. Vincent and hopes, always perseveres. the Grenadines must Love never fails.” thus get on with our lives During the recent and the governance of elections campaign, the our country. governing Unity Labour Still, there is a Party (ULP) framed its minority which seems central message around incapable of accepting an uplifting “Labour that it lost the general Love”, which still elections, and insists, subsists as a pervasive unreasonably, on theme for both good disrupting normal life, governance and good and flagrantly breaking neighbourly embrace. the law under the rubric However, given the of an ill-advised “civil flavour of its partisan disobedience” of origin, it necessarily absolutely no merit. In must evolve into a more the process, this minority all-encompassing and is seeking to impugn the inclusive “One Love”, unassailable integrity of grounded in the the distinguished treasured, tried, and Supervisor of Elections, tested values of our and to damage the good Caribbean civilisation. name of St. Vincent and The general elections the Grenadines overseas. are over; the ULP won The wild and unfounded them. The electoral antics of this political victory has been historic minority fly in the face of in several senses, right reason, law, and including the ULP’s the Christian imperative attainment of a majority of the power of love. of seats and an increased Those whose lives are majority of the popular wholly consumed by the votes. A new love of power are likely government has been to bring further grief to constitutionally, themselves and their

BY DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES PRIME MINISTER OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

T

supporters. Their unfounded complaints about the elections should be pursued in the Court of Law for adjudication, not in irresponsible actions on the streets, which actions are driven by anger, loss of face, and hatred, not love of country and of democratic institutions.

I am absolutely sure that the vast majority of Vincentians, including the bulk of those who voted for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in the recent general elections, are not in favour of that party’s current disruptive tactics. Normal people simply want to get on with their lives in peace, love, and joy. They are especially dismayed at those who seek to induce into their lives and living the spirit of war, hatred, and joylessness. Their dismay is particularly felt in the Christmas Season of goodwill towards men and women, joy to the world, and the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I urge all rightthinking Vincentians to ignore those who are bent on disruption now, or threatened disruption later. I am certain that the disrupters will never succeed with their campaign of bile, unreason, hatred, and

illegalities. The overwhelming majority of our people have faith in God, their country, and themselves; they are hopeful, too, of their future in Christ, and in the building of an even better St. Vincent and the Grenadines; they reaffirm daily that our nation is founded on the belief in the Supremacy of God and the freedom and dignity of man and woman; and they know instinctively that we are one people, one nation, with one destiny under one God. And rightly our Vincentian people are in quest of One Love, an elevating Hopefulness, and Faith made perfect in deeds! They crave for a more united, not a more divided, St. Vincent and the Grenadines!

Jesus Christ is the well-spring and source of Faith, Hope, Love and Unity. We celebrate His divine birth; His promise of redemption for mortal sinners, whom we all are, is real; and His grace which has brought us safe thus far, will take us safely home.

At Christmas 2015, we reflect on the remarkable truth that the Lord is our light and our salvation, and He sent His son Jesus for our redemption.

We reaffirm our belief in Him and His hallowed name and that His will

be done on earth as it is done in Heaven; He is the provider of our daily bread; He forgives us all our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us; we pray sincerely that we be led not into temptation; that we be delivered from all evil; and that His Prime Minister kingdom, Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves power, and glory exist challenging times. But now and forever.

Further, at Christmas with Faith, Hope and Love we will succeed, as 2015, we must strive a united people, in more than ever to be meeting all the good neighbours; we challenges, those which must consider the poor, are externally-sourced the vulnerable and the marginalised, and in the and those which are home-grown. process, the Lord will Finally, I remind all to deliver us in times of eat, drink, and act trouble. At this Christmas season, I urge sensibly and in moderation. A settled that we give generously and open-handedly to the heart applied to wisdom will lead us away from poor, and to do so excesses and to the Holy without a grudging Spirit and genuine heart; and if we do so, joyfulness. the Lord our God will I wish all Vincentians bless us in all our work a Happy and Joyous and in everything to Christmas 2015. May which we put our hand.

Almighty God continue To be sure, these are to bless us all!

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 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@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Ugly Politics AS WE GO TO PRESS, a sense of ‘incompleteness’ prevails here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Try as much as we can, it seems too much of an herculean task for this column to avoid this overwhelming cloud and instead, take a stance to bear witness to what should be the ‘real reason for the Christmas season - goodwill, cheer, sharing, forgiveness, as we, like the ‘good’ Christian people we are, rejoice in the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The ‘incompleteness’ just does not appear to be going away anytime soon; though we would expect it would take something of a ‘rest’ to allow for Christmas greetings, family gatherings and all the temporary niceties that come with the season.

And even this is an act of hypocrisy in a sense — for the uneasiness of the recent general elections will be simply set underfoot, only for it to be released at the strike of dawn after the Holiday season.

That this rest will fall seriously short of any genuine forgiving and reconciliation, is clearly written on the board. So we’ll enter Christmas 2015 with a spirit that runs in defiance of what the season truly should mean.

It is still uncertain as to whether there was a true and embracing victory for the ULP and a death-note defeat for the NDP. One has claimed victory, the other has not conceded defeat. The standoff is not far removed from the classic Western movie gunfight scene, in which the one with the pistol asks the one with the rifle, ‘Do you know what happens when a man with a pistol faces a man with a rifle?’

Sure one party passed the polls with a horse’s length ahead of the other; but the race showed little change from what has obtained in the last five decades of modern Vincentian politics; little to give indication that our 21st century politicians were bent, with all their rhetoric otherwise and their intellectualising when it suits them, to engender a new political attitude.

The communal-baiting and incendiary campaign cannot be assessed in any language or by any scientific means, to read that the end result was a victory for right-thinking people.

When the day was done, it was the high-profile campaign that made the tone of the political propaganda all the more alarming.

For it was that the people fell for what Indian commentators call ‘beef politics’; they fell for the fear-mongering and hysteria, and in the final analysis ignored the stock issues of crime, jobs, agriculture, the economy and so forth, resorting to a political place or party in which they perceived themselves to be safe.

That this is what appeared to have influenced the ‘final vote’ is an indictment on politicians. It may be, some would advance, that to say this now is not to give our politicians, in victory or defeat, the benefit of the doubt as far as them reconsidering their approach to politics going forward. But, if the truth be told, what hope have they left their people, from whom they expect support and on whose behalf they want to govern?

Undoubtedly, when the vote is counted, even miscounted, the reality is that Vincentians, home and abroad, are divided to an extent unequal to any other time in our modern history.

We need no more evidence, it would seem, to support the view that an election that results in even more severe polarisation, cannot give to any party a true sense of victory, nor can those who cry foul in defeat exonerate themselves of the guilt of the end result.

Why, we ask, must we expend so much energy, resources (origins unknown) to (re)create a divided people? There is clearly something fundamentally wrong about our intention — about our politics.

The incompleteness that prevails is an uncomfortable one, to the extent that it could well be lurching in the direction of a threat to domestic cohesion and stability.

Instead of trying to vilify our adversaries, perhaps we should reflect on how much we have contributed and continue to contribute with our stubbornness, to this ugly politics.

The electoral track or the slippery slope to hell LAST WEEK I had forecast the Election result on Wednesday, actual Election Day itself, as my host generally required my submission not later than 6 pm, before the posting of any result at all.

My result varied from the most likely of 10 to 5 favouring the N.D.P, to 12 to 3 for the same party of “change”. Actually, in terms of the allocation of seats, there was no change at all in the first official account. It was 8:7 in favour of the governing U.L.P which the N.D.P hopes soon to reverse in a re-election in Central Leeward, which may be ordered by the court facing a challenge by the N.D.P. Even so, the Government has claimed 4 in a row. The PM prides himself on a similar victory, 4 successive Prime Ministerships.

But most people seem to forget that he started his political career by failing to win a seat three in a row, 1979, 1984 and 1989.

He first won in 1994 when his MNU had merged with Labour Party. Vincent Beache generously allowed Ralph to keep running North Central Windward where he had never beaten him, and laid claim to South Windward for the next three elections. Apart from surrendering to Ralph his strongholds of Georgetown proper and especially South Rivers, Beache actually gave Ralph advanced notice that he was quitting the leadership of the newly founded U.L.P which permitted Ralph to make mincemeat of his competitors — Boyea, Stalky and Straker.

Small wonder that Beache has been grossly over-compensated over his little acts of worship.

This does not lessen the magnitude of Ralph’s accomplishment, only explains the mechanics.

In this numbers game, one should not take his eyes off Arnhim who worked his way through the Public Service to become a Permanent Secretary at 26, followed by a stint as chief controller of all projects at the Caribbean Development Bank. On entering politics he has faced the polls 5 times in East Kingstown and never lost a personal election, including the presidency of his party. Come to think of it, of all our heads of government, everyone, except Eustace, have at one time or another tasted personal defeat at the constituency level: George McInstosh, Ebenezer Joshua, Milton Cato, James “Son” Mitchell and Ralph Gonsalves on three occasions!!

It bemuses me to hear from the chattering classes how Arnhim is not a people’s man; one who endangers his party

by his lacklustre leadership and worse, and cannot explain his commendable support by the same people, and love and admiration of the Dream Team that he created! Arnhim’s drawing card are his humility, honesty, sincerity and simplicity.

In this election, the U.L.P dared to mention their commitment to our womenfolk, all because, unlike N.D.P, they had a single woman as candidate.

Successors to Labour should be ashamed of their record in this area. The women’s league of the Labour Party had staged a demonstration against the then Chief Minister’s wife, Ivy Inez Joshua, against whom they said the nastiest things imaginable. Mrs Joshua had won the North Windward seat in six elections in a row, but that did not seem to matter.

In N.D.P early years, two women M.Ps from the Southern Grenadines were impressive. And Yvonne Francis Gibson had been twice Minister of Education, who was relieved of her instruments of the office of J.P, along with Patrice Reddock, Isolyn Phillips and other worthy women, courtesy U.L.P vicious streak against women.

Vynnette Frederick, called a “Tom-Boy” by the U.L.P, was literally hounded out of the political arena.

We go light on allegations of massive fraud associated with the last elections. The Prime Minister has never recanted on the advice he tendered in 2001 of voting in weak constituencies part of the excess not needed in strong constituencies.

But the open bribery, a kind of lumber, galvanize and cement and raw cash, was troubling to the soul. Trucks lined up daily at the P.W.D stretching for half a mile, reminiscent of the good old days of trucking of bananas, which industry was killed by the U.L.P, this time purporting to distribute building materials for victims of recent floods. It was a massive deception.

In a sense, it was surprising that all the “mouth”, U.L.P could only claim an 8:7 victory for the second successive time, victory that may be reversed in about three months.

As a Christian nation, we now settle down for the Christmas season. Bright and early in the New Year, we shall seek the legal reversal of those results.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 9.

Letters

I want De Comrade to ⁄.

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP. Dr. Gonsalves now stands alone as the only political leader in SVG to have been elected Prime Minister on four straight occasions. That is a place in our history which nobody can take away from him.

And as I wish him and the ULP government all that is good, there are a few things that I hope De Comrade would address during this term, which could well be his last as Prime Minister.

I want de Comrade to introduce Integrity Legislation.

We can’t go on with all this speculation of who getting rich off of whom and all this ole talk. We need to control things now, otherwise it will be the same old khaki pants — only those who close to the system will benefit. We need to ensure that we cut out any chance of corruption at the bud, and this does not apply to politicians in government only.

And while I am on this, I want de Comrade to stop sugar-costing all the mistakes and bad deeds those around him might commit. We could do without another Sexy Pastor

And so, we depart DISCRIMINATION in St. Vincent used to mean “racial”, now it means “political”. We know now that there are the few who skim off the cream from the top and then parade amongst the peasantry dispensing pittances of alms; that is the newly reentrenched culture. You can steal an election, but you cannot steal a people’s minds and souls. We few, ourselves and a few of our friends who still have the means, who have not been crippled by bankruptcy but have been deprived of an opportunity for an income by the ULP, will of necessity be departing this country soon.

Ovid bemoaned his exile because his new neighbours dressed in animal skins and had no understanding of his poetry. He had left a cultured and civil society, and was doomed to live out his life amid barbarians. Some in St. Vincent today find the reverse to be true, and so now need to seek a more welcoming life elsewhere.

We were the future and the possibility of this country, and now many of us will be gone. The future for entrepreneurs and trained and educated young people obviously lies elsewhere. We have loved our country and depart with heavy hearts, but know that the cronyism and patrimony of the newly re-elected Government will not, cannot benefit us or our families or the future of our country. We have felt the lash and have the means to avoid it. “No wonder then if I seek an end of this and beg constantly for another land,” Ovid.

The real estate people will be benefiting by homes and lands flooding the market. At least, someone will be benefiting, but at what price? Best of luck to the left behind. Good-bye.

HUGO

Affair and the behaviour like what Mr. Walters put down before he got an even bigger job in the US. Comrade, it is time you stop rewarding your comrades for doing wrong.

I want De Comrade to do something about Campaign Financing. Every year we talk about how hard the country is then, just like that, a whole pile of $$$ appear for the election campaign. Anybody know where these $$$ coming from? There will be a whole set of speculation about who providing the funding, so before we accuse anybody of

and paint the business of government in a neutral colour.

I want de Comrade to get rid of Mr. Alexander as Speaker of the House, and look for someone whom the public sees as being neutral. We can’t put up with this one-sided approach to the business of parliament. The Speaker has got to be fair and if it means getting rid of Alexander to ensure this, then so be it.

Think you brave enough to do that, Comrade.

Charles

GOPIO congratulates Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International joins with Dr. Arnold Thomas of GOPIO St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chapter, in expressing our congratulations to you, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonslaves, and the Unity Labour Party (ULP) on the victory at the recent St. Vincent and the Grenadines national elections.

We believe that the victory validates your determination and perseverance in the spirit of the forebears of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who overcame enormous obstacles to build a better and cohesive future for themselves and their descendants. We also believe that the victory validates a high level of confidence in the progressive agenda and programmes of the Unity Labour Party with you as its leader and the Prime Minster St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We place high value in your position as Prime Minister of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a country of multi-cultural diversity with a sizeable population of people of Indian origin. We acknowledge the initiatives taken to date, and look forward to continuing progress in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Our very best wishes to you, members of the cabinet and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We look forward to continuing dialogue and

interaction with you and members of Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on matters of mutual interests, and would be delighted to host a lunch or dinner meeting in your honour when you visit New York.

Ashook Ramsaran President, GOPIO International www.gopio.net email: ramsaran@

MAN-ABOUT-TOWN would like to know:

Why I voted MR. EDITOR, I was one of the 65,000 and more who voted on December 9. I was proud to do so,

Statement on women in politics IN THE RECENTLY concluded general elections n St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there were seven (7) female candidates in a total of fortythree (43) Candidates from four (4) Political Parties. This figure is well below the 30% representation per party as recommended in the Beijing Platform for Action for the Advancement of Women.

The Commonwealth Women’s Network (CWN) therefore, welcomes the views of the OAS Observer team “that efforts be made by all political parties, civil society, and government to promote the participation of women in electoral competition…….There needs to be development of legal mechanisms that ensure women are incorporated in the ballot, promote training programmes for women leaders, and strengthen civil society organisations working to promote women’s civil and political rights”.

It is hoped that political parties will heed this advice, especially as in recognition of the gender equality gap, the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) hosted the first ever Commonwealth

accepting $$$ from questionable sources, let us lay the cards, face up, on the table.

Tell us, up front, where the money coming from!!

I want De Comrade to stop painting everything red. I support the airport for example, but I will not be made to wear red to show my support. Sometimes I feel that this country belongs to only those who wear red. Why should that be? So for your next term, especially as you will go out at the end of it, Comrade, make sure that you stop ‘reddening’ up everything,

Women’s Forum as part of its activities.

Here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the door is wide open for the inclusion of these recommendations in a National Policy on Women which would provide the legal framework recommended by the OAS Observer Team. The door is also wide open for the re-visiting of a Referendum on Constitutional Reform which will address issues affecting not only women, but electoral issues that are in contention at this time.

In making this appeal, the CWN calls to mind the research, analysis and action already taken by civil society, as well as at governmental level.

The CWN supports these calls, and expects Government to Budget for a well-resourced plan for women’s empowerment in the area of political leadership, either through local finance, or projects through International Agencies.

Nelcia Robinson - Chair Commonwealth Women’s Network

and it didn’t matter, as far as I am concerned, who I voted for. What was more important to me was what I voted for.

Now that the election is over, or so I am to assume, I thought I would share with you some of what I voted for, since it applies to whichever party won the election.

I voted for a system that would introduce a regular and consistent road maintenance programme, not a repair programme that appears only after we have to drive through craters and then go begging for funds to do some massive road rehabilitation programme.

I voted for regular (daily) police patrols in every community, so that people can feel safe. I voted for a police service that would be a phone call away and not a service that advises that we have to wait on transportation.

I voted for a prison service that is genuine about rehabilitation.

I voted for a justice system that not only punishes the guilty, but also reaches out to the victims of crime.

I voted for a health system in which hospitals and clinics are assured of a regular and sufficient supply of basic drugs and supplies, and that all those well-paid qualified doctors and consultants are made to live up to their oath, and be there when their services are needed.

I voted for a genuine effort, plan and budget to revive agriculture, which is still the basis of our economy, no matter how much we would want to push tourism and this thing they call the informatics industry.

These are some of the things I voted for, not for personalities. I wonder how many voters thought like I did.

A Repeat Voter

MAN-ABOUTTOWN returns after elections and wants to know: * Was that LIAT aircraft that landed at Argyle covered by insurance? Were any international rules/laws/practices broken by having it land at an ‘uncommissioned’ airport? * Wouldn’t it be interesting if a list of all the people who got ‘government materials’ before the election could be made public? And by the way, how come some of the materials run out but people were still getting vouchers for them? The materials went somewhere else or what? * Did the NDP make the same mistakes they made in the last general elections campaign?

Did the team break down, leaving each man to fend for himself? * What is in store for Maxwell Charles? Is he going to be given some big government job or something? After all, doesn’t Comrade look out for all his comrades?

10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V Take your claims to the Courts

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 11.

Government

VINCENTIAN Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is advising the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP) to take their complaints about the results of the general elections to the Court.

He made the urging while speaking at Heritage Square last Monday afternoon, at the swearing- in ceremony of his new Cabinet.

While that event proceeded unimpeded, there was another activity that had unfolded outside the Administrative Building, approximately one hundred meters away, from the early hours of that day.

Supporters of the NDP, clad in yellow outfits and displaying banners, posters and other symbols indicative of their allegiance, were demonstrating their nonacceptance of the results of the December 9 General Elections.

And maybe in reference to what he thought of that activity, Dr. Gonsalves declared that the elections had been “free and fair,” and reflected the will of the people.

He referred to a narrow band of misguided political partisans who, he suggested, were trying to tarnish the country’s name by “targeting the Supervisor of Elections.”

The Prime Minister warned that efforts to subvert lawfully appointed offices will not succeed, and that “no one will be permitted to subvert the will of the people.”

That will, he implied, had been made manifest by the fact that the Unity Labour Party, of which he has been at the helm for the past 15 years, had doubled its margin (of overall votes gained) over the NDP, in the recent elections.

The Prime Minister, who pride himself on having been a political activist for over 45 years, advised the NDP that their present course will “hasten your inevitable demise.”

He promises that his administration will govern with good sense and balance; that he will not discriminate against anyone whether on the grounds of political belief, race, sex, and vowed that

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, promised to govern with ‘good sense and balance’. “that is my solemn vow.”

General elections took place in St. Vincent and the Grenadines December 9, 2015. Results from the Supervisor of Elections show eight seats for the ULP, and seven to the NDP. Observer missions came from the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean Community.

Each observer mission gave the election a clean bill as far as it being free and fair. (WKA)

The Model Printery Ltd. James and Granby Sts., Kingstown Tel: 457-2957 Email: themodelprintery@gmail.com

Season Greetings are extended to all our valued customers, well-wishers and friends.

May the peace and joy of the season be felt by you all at this special time.

Merry Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous New Year.

V

12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

New Emergency Satellite Warehouse to be built THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY Management Organization’s capacity to assist communities to respond immediately to emergencies resulting from natural disasters, is expected to be further enhanced with the construction of another satellite warehouse.

A contract for the construction of the warehouse, to be sited at Magum/Sandy Bay, has already been signed (November 27, 2015) between the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and local joint venture firm Franco

Construction Limited and Williams Engineering Services.

A release from the Agency for Public Information stated that the contract, worth some EC$ 995 thousand, was the lowest bid of the two qualifying tenders received, and is funded by the World Bank under the Regional Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (RDVRP).

The RDVRP is supporting SVG’s efforts to

prevent and adapt to the effects of climate change, strengthen hazard and risk evaluation, and improve decision making, and the work forms part of government’s priority investments to reduce the country’s physical and economic vulnerability to adverse natural events through building resilience to current and future climatic changes.

This is the sixth warehouse to be built in the state. Similar warehouses are planned for Georgetown, Marriaqua, Rose Hall, Bequia, and Union Island. (Source: API, SVG)

Who out there?

Someone knocking on my door, I wonder what them humbugging me for?

I here caught up in all the commotion, Heralded in by the general election.

The parties, them not partying.

They making rivals out of everything.

Some pressing gas; for what, I don’t know, Some saying they getting four-in-a-row.

Vehicles running up and down Bearing colours like some kinda clown.

People ears getting wrecked by sound systems Causing all kinda terrible hearing problems; Don’t talk about the trucks at intervals, That been flinging out music like carnival.

Man, the campaign was like nothing before, I don’t know what them been behaving so for: Artistes competition, venue botheration, cutting one another throat, You remember them campaign meeting at the Argyle International Airport?

Then Election Day reach, all the noise suddenly cease As voters exercised their rights.

Then all eagerly leave town, to write the numbers down Whose party would win the crown?

Results were released, but all Vincentians didn’t yield.

Say, ballot boxes stolen, people’s confidence broken; Bacchanal words spoken, the road to protest taken Now, SVG urgently need peace!

People need to stop, like they want to knock…

I say, who knocking?

Wait I coming…

Oh, Christmas is you!

Where you been so long?

I think you wudda never reach….

15/12/15 Gloria H. Williams Campden Park, SVG. © All rights reserved

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 13.

News

Investigations involving De Freitas on going statements he made on his radio station.

He was accused of inciting violence Commissioner of after he told Police Michael supporters of the Charles confirmed New Democratic that investigations Party (NDP) were ongoing in immediately Douglas De Freitas the matter following the was picked-up by involving NICE POLITICAL LEADER OF the tomorrow preliminary police on suspicion of Radio proprietor New Democratic Party (NDP), (Thursday) all results of last inciting violence.

Douglas de Freitas.

Arnhim Eustace, says that he the filing will be Wednesday’s remains confident for a completed,” he General had received, De Freitas positive outcome to the said.

Elections, to gather at the attempted to leave the country petitions that were submitted This is the polling stations in Central and was apprehended at the to the High Court yesterday. second successive Leeward, to prevent any E.T Joshua airport.

Eustace told THE General Elections manipulation of the ballot “When they asked him, VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that petitions are boxes. where he is going, he said he that the NDP’s team of being filed in the De Freitas is also alledged is going to a friend in St Lucia. lawyers were finalising the local courts. to have appealed to supporters Well, they held him because documents for submission, Prime Minister on Thursday morning to they would have held him on which was expected to have Dr Ralph assemble along the route to reasonable suspicion of having taken place yesterday.

Gonsalves, the Governor General’s committed one or more Arnhim Eustace (right facing camera), Following last Wednesday’s speaking on a Residence at New Montrose, offences. By the time his Political Leader of the New Democratic General Elections, the political radio programme Party (NDP) is confident that all documents and to block the road in order lawyer got involved, he was leader and his team have on Tuesday to prevent the planned going not to a friend but to with respect to election petitions would stepped forward stating that explained that swearing in ceremony of Prime seek medical attention,” have been filed by yesterday. they had significant evidence following the Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Gonsalves told supporters. that the elections were 2010 General that was given some Deputy PM - Sir Louis Straker He was detained and taken anything but free and fair.

Elections, the NDP filed consideration was that and the Attorney General, to the Criminal Investigations Immediately following last petitions – but they were brought on by then Senator Judith Jones-Morgan.

Department (CID) office in week’s elections, information thrown out by the chief Vynette Frederick against His remarks were made in Kingstown for a while and surfaced suggesting that the magistrate on the basis that Prime Minister Gonsalves. response to information that asked to produce a medical NDP’s Central Leeward the petition was frivolous, It was, however, later had surfaced on Thursday that certificate, and then according candidate, Benjamin Exeter, vexatious and an abuse of the discovered that the evidence, the NDP’s candidate, to the prime minister, he was had beaten the Unity Labour court. in this case tapes, were Benjamin Exeter, had won the then allowed to leave the state Party’s (ULP) Sir Louis In another case, the doctored, Gonsalves said, and Central Leeward seat and not saying that he would be Straker.

Director of Public Prosecutions a criminal case was eventually the ULP’s Sir Louis Straker. traveling to St Lucia and And according to Eustace, (DPP) threw out other matters filed against Frederick. That Gonsalves mentioned the Trinidad and would be the irregularities were very on the basis that the evidence matter is still in the court. incident at last Saturday’s returning on January 5, 2016. severe. submitted was insufficient.

(DDD) victory rally at Argyle, saying (DDD) “I remain confident; by The only case submitted that based on information he IT IS YET TO BE DETERMINED if Douglas De Freitas, owner of NICE Radio will be charged upon his return.

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police

Michael Charles said that the investigations were ongoing, and that it was only upon its completion that a determination be made.

“The way police do their work, we may have some

evidence and we pick up a person, but pending further investigation, the individual is released,” he explained.

De Freitas was taken into police custody last week Thursday in connection with

Eustace remains confident

V BBO ready for Boxing Day Concert 14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Culture

THE WORD is out. The Becket Benefit Organization (BBO) is set to stage its second annual Boxing Day Benefit

Concert.

Building on the success of the inaugural concert, Boxing Day 2014, and having reflected on the shortcomings of that first challenge, the BBO says it is fortified and ready to make its stamp, once and for all, on Boxing Day activities on mainland St. Vincent, while keeping the focus on raising funds to aid worthy causes.

According to principal members of the BBO, last year’s event, dubbed ‘An Evening for Patsy’, realized its main objective. All proceeds raised went to Layou resident Patsy Matthews, Cleopatra Hendrickson, to assist in payment of finalist in the 2015 her medical expenses and National Calypso providing general Monarch Competition, is support. looking forward to As the focus shifts as perform in front of her far as the target for home crowd. assistance is concerned,

the BBO said that the 2015 Concert is dubbed “AN EVENING FOR EDUCATION’, with proceeds being earmarked to be donated “to children in a manner that can assist them with their education.”

And heading for this year’s concert at the Layou Hard Court, and to further the cause of the occasion, will be a headline cast of performers that includes the Bowman Brothers, the LIME Soca Dans, Ozarie and Layou’s own Cleopatra Hendrickson.

Deliberately keeping it strictly local and homebased, the concert stage will also feature the organization’s founder and inspiration, calypsonian and performing artiste extraordinaire, Alston Becket Cyrus.

Patrons are in for

more than a treat as cast members have promised to “lay it down in true Vincy style,” with the aid of musical accompaniment by the band K-Netic.

Dee-Jay Stucky Esco will also be in attendance to keep the affair flowing, an affair that promises to commence at 10:00pm sharp.

In related news, the BBO has also announced that it will host its first annual Kids Christmas Party. That already much anticipated event is scheduled for the Layou Hard Court on Sunday 20th December, 2015, from 2:00pm — 6:00pm.

And while it takes the opportunity to thank all its benefactors, wellwishers and patrons, the BBO also wishes all Vincentians a wonderful Christmas and a blessed

New Year, reminds that ‘Tis the season to be jolly’, and invites one an all to Layou for this year’s Boxing Day Becket Benefit Organization’s concert.

Alston Becket Cyrus, the ‘Prince of Layou’, always brings his best to his home-based fans.

The LIME Soca Dans – always ready to perform, always ready to assist.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 15.

V The Holiday Season: 16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Commissioner of Police’s Christmas Message

A time to pause and reflect on our blessings

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles

NCE AGAIN we find ourselves in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space in the city.

However, we can truly say that the Holiday Season is a time when we can pause and reflect on the abundance of blessings we received in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

This year the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force gained top Awards in three (3) categories of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police Regional Recognition

O

Awards Programme.

Awards were received in the following categories: * 1st place - Top Caribbean Career Move * 2nd place - Top Caribbean Community Police Officer * 2nd place - Top Caribbean Crime Fighter Additionally, we were the recipients of a large supply of equipment from the York Regional Police of Canada to enhance the local Sexual Offences Unit.

This year on our roads we witnessed an unprecedented fourteen (14) fatal accidents which resulted in some twenty three (23) fatalities.

These accidents are a cause for concern. As a

result, the Traffic Branch embarked on a vigorous drive to improve road safety by, among other things, increasing spot checks and the inspection of motor vehicles.

Further, Jaric (SVG) Limited in collaboration with a number of local Insurance Companies and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force conducted a series of Defensive Driving Courses involving drivers, several business places, the Taxi Association, NOBA and the Police Department.

These steps among others were taken to minimize accidents on our roads. During this

Yuletide season, I urge our citizens and visitors alike to desist from driving while under the influence of alcohol. Do not drink and drive.

On December 9, 2015, General Elections were held after several weeks of robust political campaigning. After the preliminary and final counting of the ballots, the incumbent Unity Labour Party was returned to govern the state of affairs for another five (5) years, having won eight (8) of the fifteen (15) seats. The opposition New Democratic Party won the remaining seven (7) seats.

The leader of the

opposition has not conceded defeat at the Polls, and has resorted to protest almost on a daily basis. The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will nevertheless continue to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors during the holiday season.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for shopping, and lots of people will be out purchasing gifts etc. I would like you to be aware of a few safety tips that may minimize shoppers’ risk. * Don’t leave purchased items visible in your vehicle, as this becomes a temptation for

thieves. * When leaving home inform your neighbor(s) so that they can monitor your property.

Eternal bliss lies in forgiving one another.

This is the message of this holy festive Christmas Season. Let us be resolute and extend our hearts to everyone, putting our differences behind us, so that St Vincent and the Grenadines could be a peaceful place for all to live.

Wishing you all joy and happiness for the holiday season; may you all be blessed with peace, love and togetherness.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 17.

Court

Woman cleared of gun, ammo charges

by HAYDN HUGGINS FIREARM and ammunition charges were withdrawn against a 24-year-old Ottley Hall woman, when she returned to the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday.

Kim Charles was charged jointly with Denzil Sam, 29, of Montrose, with possession of a .380 firearm and seven rounds of .380 ammunition without licences.

Police apprehended Sam at a house in Ottley Hall on December 3 after just over two months on the run. A search of the house reportedly revealed the gun and ammunition.

Sam was wanted in connection with a number of gun-related allegations.

Charles, who was subsequently arrested and slapped with the gun and ammunition charges, initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday and was granted bail in her own recognizance, to return to Court on Tuesday.

However, when the case against the two was called on Tuesday, Charles was discharged after Crown Counsel Karim Nelson informed Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias that the Prosecution was withdrawing the charges against Charles.

Sam’s matter was then adjourned to January 24, 2016 after Nelson told the Court that Sam had indicated to him that he needed time to obtain the services of a lawyer.

Nelson had no objections to Sam’s request.

When contacted later and asked why the charges against Charles were withdrawn, Nelson told THE VINCENTIAN, “Having reviewed the file, I didn’t think that the evidence was sufficient to establish beyond reasonable doubt, that Charles was in possession of the firearm and ammunition.”

Sam is also charged with the attempted murder of Dexter Rodney, 25, of Rockies, and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger Rodney’s life.

He was not required to plead to those when he initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on December 4. He was remanded after police court clerk Corporal Kenrick Williams strongly objected to bail, stating that Sam was the subject of further investigations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Grenada. A Preliminary Inquiry into those matters is slated for March 7, 2016.

Rodney was shot as he emerged from a Popular business place on Lower Bay Street, Kingstown, shortly after midday on October 1 this year.

Man charged with Election Day shooting An Indian Bay man will return to the Serious Offences Court on January 28, 2016, charged in connection with a shooting incident at Pole Yard, Arnos Vale, on General Elections day.

Bobby Minors, also known as Robert Forde, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Allan Williams of Pole Yard.

Minors pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne BrowneMatthias at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday.

He had been released on station bail in the sum of $10,000. His bail was continued when he made his court appearance.

Reports are that Williams was shot in one of his legs during an altercation at Pole Yard.

Attorney Grant Connell is representing Minors.

(H.H)

18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V Frederick denies social media posting

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 19.

News

FORMER Opposition Senator and PRO of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Vynnette Frederick, a lawyer by profession, has denied the allegations made by Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay, that she (Frederick) posted a photograph of a ballot box from North Leeward and captioned it as that of a missing box from Central Leeward.

“I did no such thing, I posted nothing on social media and I invite and challenge her to prove that I did,” Frederick told THE VINCENTIAN. “If I posted it on FB (Facebook), they can search my page for the exact time when I was supposed to have done this, and see my activity online,” she continued.

She called for Findlay to resign immediately. I did nothing like what she is saying, and when

confronted with that allegation, I denied it then and I deny it today,” she stated, adding, “Why would I do something like that?”

In a statement released on Monday by Findlay, she stated that while the final count process was conducted in a cordial atmosphere, with both parties expressing satisfaction with the outcome, there was an incident of concern which occurred.

According to Findlay, she had granted Frederick permission to take a photograph of one of the ballot boxes from North Leeward, as they were being taken out for the final count.

Findlay, in her statement, went on to say that Frederick, later in the day, posted on social media the same photograph of the ballot

Probe into gun exposure report ongoing

by HAYDN HUGGINS UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing investigations into a report against a man, alleged to be a foreigner, for exposing a firearm on Election Day, during a commotion in the vicinity of the Curriculum Development Unit, at Richmond Hill.

A demonstration of The Unit was being used as a polling station. someone parting his upper garment to Commissioner of expose a gun.

Police Michael Charles confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, that investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Reports are that during the incident, the man parted his upper garment, showing that he had a firearm in his possession.

The police were called, but when they got to the scene, it was reported that the person had boarded a local taxi and was driven away.

When asked about whether the person was a foreigner and if so how he got a firearm, Commissioner Charles told THE VINCENTIAN, “If the person was a foreigner, it is unlikely that he would have entered the state with a firearm, which means that he would have got the firearm illegally”.

box from polling station NLE1, and captioned it as the ballot box for Central Leeward that had been reported missing but had been discovered.

The Supervisor of Elections further stated that when the

information was brought to her attention, and she examined the photograph posted, she publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with Frederick for having misled the public, and for creating chaos in the ,country. (DDD)

Vynnette Frederick, PRO of the NDP, has denied she made a Facebook posting that misrepresented a ballot box in the recent general elections.

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20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Dear returned as President of SVGAM ALFRED ‘JACK’ DEAR has been returned, for the fifth consecutive time, as President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Montreal (SVGAM).

He was re-elected at the SVGAM’s 50th Anniversary Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 6th December, 2015, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, and will also assume the portfolio of Treasurer of the Association.

The full Executive for the 2016 term reads: President/Treasurer — Alfred ‘Jack’ Dear; Vice President - Rosmond Ryan; Secretary - Roxanne Cambridge; Assistant Secretary - Nicole John; PRO — Angela Gurley -

Members at Large - Leo sentiment was that St. Hillaire, Jackie Parris members showed a keen and Abigail Dick.

A report from The SVGAM said that there was “an excellent turnout” of members, all of whom participated actively in discussions that addressed, among other Association activities: the Vincy Brunch; 50th Anniversary Banquet; Bus trip to 1000 Islands, Unity Picnic at Browns Bay; SVGAM BBQ and Church Service; Children’s Christmas Party and Various Caribbean/Community Banquets and programmes; and funding/assistance to nationals and national projects The unanimous

L - R: Leo St. Hillaire, Jackie Parris and Abigail Dick (Members at Large) Angela Gurley (PRO), Rosmond Ryan (Vice President), Roxanne Cambridge (Secretary) Nicole John (Asst Secretary) and A. N ‘Jack’ Dear (President).

interest in the affairs of the Association during

both the formal session as well as the informal social

gathering that followed the AGM.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 21.

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A record victory for the ULP; Four in a Row The Issue THE PEOPLE of St. Vincent and the Grenadines went to the polls on December 9th 2015, and returned the ULP to government, and in the process rejected the dirty, nasty, “down in the gutters” political campaign conducted by the opposition New Democratic Party. The voters sent a strong message to the NDP, that indicates a rejection of their plans in their flawed manifesto, and a rejection of the leadership qualities of Arnhim Eustace.

The people have spoken. They have indicated that they are happy with the record of the ULP; that they approve the manifesto of the ULP, and the plans for the next five years; that they want Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to be their Prime Minister; that they are happy with the slate of candidates put forward by the ULP. Equally important is the message from the voters, that they want the ULP to take the country forward,; to build the new city at Arnos Vale; to open the international airport at Argyle, to pilot the geo-thermal project, and to supervise the port development project, among others.

Ralph Gonsalves, once referred to by the opposition as “one term papa”, is now a “four term papa”, as he now serves his fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister. He is now on track to becoming the longest serving Prime Minister in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In all constituencies, except in Central Kingstown, the ULP candidates increased their voter count, an indication of the decrease in support for the New Democratic Party, and a further indication that there was a swing against the NDP. Even in the NDP strong constituencies, like the Northern Grenadines, the NDP margin of votes was reduced. Now, the NDP faces the pain and the agony of another five years in opposition!

political meetings all interesting and exciting.

Essentially, the Vincentian voter asked himself or herself, what they wanted their country to be in the future. They have observed the governance of the ULP over the last 14 years, and the many projects which have brought benefits to the people of this country. They weighed the manifestos of both political parties, and they examined the leadership skills of Dr. Gonsalves and Eustace.

They asked themselves, are we better off under the ULP, or the NDP? They asked themselves, who is the party that is best suited to govern the country?

The majority of them went to the polls on December 9th , 2015, and gave the ULP the mandate to govern the country for another five years, through a margin of eight seats to seven in favour of the ULP. They also gave the ULP the majority of the popular vote, by a figure of over three thousand votes. This was confirmed by the Supervisor of Elections after the final count, as mandated by the Representation of the People Act, (1982), Chapter 9 and Section 42.

All this of course received the blessings of the observer groups from CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the Organization of American States.

They have all declared that the general election of December 9th , 2015 was free and fair.

The future of the NDP

The NDP now faces a bleak and dismal future. Having conducted the worst and possibly the nastiest campaign in the political history of the country, and having been rejected by the people, the NDP must now take stock of its leadership, and its Why the ULP won the General own philosophy.

Elections Their current level of agitation and civil disobedience will get them It is generally accepted that the ULP conducted a better election nowhere, and their supporters will get campaign than the NDP. The into trouble with the police. Their message, the development narrative, unjustified attacks against the the concept of a “people centered Supervisor of Elections, an individual development” vision, and the of impeccable character and integrity, leadership provided by Comrade will also get them nowhere. Their Ralph, resonated with the voters. The threats not to take their place in the ULP meetings were full of information Parliament of this country will further and entertainment, and indeed many alienate their supporters. Their of the country’s top entertainers were sustained efforts to produce lies and featured on the platform of the ULP. half-truths about the conduct of the The ULP displayed some attractive election, including references to messages around the general theme of missing ballot boxes, has made them Labour Love. “Four in a row” and the laughing stock of the country.

“Ask Ralph” resonated with the Even now, Vincentians are offering supporters of the ULP, particularly prayers, and thanking their lucky the young people. The personality of the Comrade Leader was a feature of stars, that the majority of them made the right decision, and returned the the campaign. That is his style, and Unity Labour Party to government. he is charismatic, while endearing The future looks bright for St.Vincent himself to the people of this country.

The speakers on the ULP platform and the Grenadines, under the ULP, all spoke with clarity and carried the led by Comrade Ralph. And that is same messages, outlining the plans of why we say “forward we go, four inna row”. Congratulations to the ULP for the ULP, and there was never any attempt to go into the gutters with the a job well done, and to the people of NDP. The ULP possessed some St.Vincent and the Grenadines, for dynamic speakers and they all their patriotic performance at the delivered, a factor which made the polls.

The Elections were stolen THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is confident that it has won the general elections that were held on December, 9th 2015. However, there has been unmistakable evidence that the elections were stolen. Most Vincentians are still in a state of shock as to the results of the general elections. The question that is being asked, why would a dying regime attempt to hold on to power against the wishes of the electorate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines? The NDP continues to reiterate its position that it will not accept the results of the general elections.

Immediately after the counting of the ballots, our agents reported a series of irregularities that occurred at polling stations throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. For instance, there were numerous irregularities reported at polling stations in the constituency of Central Leeward. The same night, hundreds of residents of Central Leeward took to the streets to demand justice. That demonstration continued the next day when thousands of NDP supporters joined the people of Central Leeward in their struggle for freedom and free and fair elections. Protests were also held spontaneously at the entrance of the road leading to the residence of the Governor General. The party then called for protest action in Kingstown on Monday 14th.

Meanwhile, our legal team has been investigating those complaints and will take the necessary action following their findings.

Since the general elections, the president of the NDP, Mr. Arnhim Eustace has also made a number of statements concerning the general elections. The following is an excerpt of a statement that was made by Mr. Eustace on Saturday 12th December to the press.

“The NDP has unmistakable proof that the elections were stolen; am not in a position for security and legal reasons to give you all the details at this time. Our legal team will challenge these elections results as I indicated, and that will come starting Monday. So additional information has come out, confirming first of all that there were over three hundred and (320) illegal votes cast in the constituency of Central Leeward alone, and that is only in two (2) polling stations. I can also say that none of those boxes were sealed. I have here a form 16 which is a statement of the poll, after the counting of the ballots by the presiding officer and believe it or not in CLA 1 that’s the polling station, 100% of the people on the list voted.

Where you can ever hear that? When you get 65 or 70% voting in a polling station, you figure you are doing pretty well; but to have 100% of the votes being cast of those persons who are on the list, is really a very serious matter. It can’t happen! That 100% of the people will turn out to vote! It Can’t Happen!

But what is more notable, in that same polling station, a lady from Tobago, living in Tobago, is on the voters list and she voted, but she is still in Tobago. And the lady herself has already been on Facebook indicating that she wasn’t here. Now,

when you combined that with the number of polling stations, I think about three (3) where you had 100% and in one case over 100% of the people voted, it tells you this whole election is a fraud. And we must not accept the results of these elections, and the New Democratic Party will not accept the results of these elections.”

The NDP had two (2) successful days of picketing. On Monday, a picket was staged in front of the Financial Complex, and on Tuesday in front of the electoral office. However, the party will take a break for the Christmas season. As a result, the following is a statement by the president of the NDP, Mr. Arnhim Eustace.

“Since the general elections were held last week, we have repeatedly declared that the elections have not been free or fair, and that as a result, we have an illegitimate government that we continue to refuse to recognize. I am pleased to announce two major developments today. We have written to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) formally complaining about the illegitimate installment of Ralph Gonsalves as Prime Minister. We have asked for the use of regional mechanism to ensure that democracy is saved and protected in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Secondly, our first legal motions regarding these elections will also be filed in our court on Wednesday. We are moving to challenge these flawed elections in the court where we are confident of legal redress. In the interim, we will continue acts of civil disobedience and non recognition of this imposed regime. In all of this, our New Democratic Party will always continue to act responsibly and continue to listen to all sides of civil society. Our many supporters, friends and well wishers, as well as Vincentian patriots, have asked us to be mindful of the already curtailed Christmas observances. Businesses, particularly small businesses and vendors that already had a difficult year in this faltering economy under the Gonsalves regime, have said they want a short period to try to keep their heads above water. We in the NDP have heard you.

The people, ever conscious of their democratic rights, can and will do what they want in this immediate period, but officially our party shall not organize any public action for the next few days, but we are continuing to plan a series of massive protests right after Christmas. The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have also told us to not let this injustice stand, and we have also heard them.

So this struggle shall continue after Christmas. We therefore want to wish the nation a prayerful Christmas. One in which you reach out to God for resolutions to our problems.

Remember that prayer is very powerful”.

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22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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The DRP thanks you THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICAN PARTY (DRP) wishes to thank the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially those who voted for our candidates in the recently concluded general elections. We therefore thank, in a special way, the constituents of North Windward, North Central Windward, East St. George, West St. George, East Kingstown and South Leeward where we fielded candidates.

Congratulations to our candidates George Byron, Haran Grant, Calvert Baptiste, Karima Parris and Wendel Parris who, together with me, displayed courage, conviction and talent in fighting a good fight and running this elections race of 9th December, 2015. History records that you were not afraid and you have run well. Hats off to you all!

We are satisfied and grateful for the people’s help in allowing us to make the good showing we did in our first elections, after only 3 years of existence of our DRP. Our performance was historical in more than one way, in 3rd party history. We operated under a lot of financial and other constraints and challenges, including absence of a level playing field in the treatment of 3rd parties. Nevertheless, we were courageous enough to stand for the noble principles of Republicanism- emphasizing protection of the inalienable rights and freedoms of All. Additionally, half of our candidate slate entered the race just about 3 weeks before the elections and yet we all received votes amounting to 154 in total. We stood in these elections proudly as an alternative of Hope for Vincentians, and offered an opportunity to many who desired genuine and meaningful change from the status quo, and we are happy that more than one hundred and fifty persons agreed with our vision as seen in the vote count. We are also thankful that we were able to run a clean and mature campaign, free of scandals and divisive talk and behaviours. Rather our campaign was characterized by emphasis on the issues affecting Country and people and focus on presenting to the people our plans to improve the situation of our Country and for our people.

Many have expressed congratulations to us for this, and we are happy to know this style has resonated with so many. Indeed it is needed now more than ever.

Let us also express gratitude to those who assisted us tangibly and even with words of encouragement as we came forward to offer ourselves. You all know who you are and we are grateful to you. To the many families, including the children, who welcomed us hospitably as we entered your homes, villages and communities to speak with you, we are truly grateful.

Rest assured that we remain committed to serving all our people and to building our institution to provide the political alternative of hope that our people need from the traditional parties. It is evident that the DRP is the way forward for SVG, our substance and style are the proof. We are the voice of reason amidst confusion, the freshness that rises above the old guard of which we are tired, and the maturity that will unite SVG from the partisan political divide of the day. Join us therefore and let us work together in service to ALL the people. Keep your eyes and ears open and on the look-out for our continued interaction with you, and once again from the depth of our DRP hearts we thank you. God bless you.

Anesia O. Baptiste Political Leader Democratic Republican Party (DRP) St. Vincent & the Grenadines 528-1015

Stalemate AFTER THE SVG general elections of 9th December 2015, it seems like there is no winner. If indeed, the fate of our country is to be decided in a by-election in the Central Leeward constituency, regardless of that result, the people will be the losers.

Both the NDP and ULP are focused on tourism, but this will not bring prosperity to the poor of our country.

Using tourism as the foundation of the SVG economy and following the example of other Caribbean countries, is not the way forward. Nearly all Caribbean countries are highly indebted, have high crime rates, high unemployment rates, high levels of poverty, have a low percentage of their population university educated (some as low as 2%), and rely on foreign aid and begging.

Jamaica, for example, has had tourism for over 60 years: but in 2013, Jamaica had to beg the IMF for a EC$2.7 billion bailout loan, and the World Bank and InterAmerican Development Bank each had to lend Jamaica EC$1.35 billion. Jamaica is one of the most indebted countries in the world; it spends EC$3.24

billion a year — 33 per cent of government revenue — paying foreign debts.

The core problem with tourism in the Caribbean, is that the financial yield to the economy is extremely low. Tourism does generate enough revenue but, according to the United Nations, 80% of the revenue from tourism leaks out of the destination country, as most infrastructure — hotels and airlines — are foreign owned.

At the meeting with CARICOM leaders in April 2015, the President of the USA repeated SVG Green Party’s university message to the CARICOM leaders. Using Singapore as an example, Obama told the CARICOM leaders that if they had a highly-educated workforce they would attract a lot of foreign investment.

Obama said. “If you look at some of the most successful countries in the world, they are actually pretty small countries like Singapore — for example. On paper, it looks like they have no assets, and yet, if you go to Singapore, it has one of the highest standards of living in the world. What it is that Singapore

did that might be replicable? One of the most important things they did is that they made a massive investment in their people and, if you have got a highly skilled [and] highly educated workforce — if you set up rules of law and governance that are transparent and non-corrupt, then you can attract actually a lot of service industries…’.

Tourism will destroy our beautiful country, and unless we focus on education, build universities, educate our people and produce a highly educated workforce, we will find it hard to attract sustainable sources of foreign investment, and find it hard to create a strong economy if we do otherwise. There will still be high unemployment and high levels of poverty.

We hope the matter of the Central Leeward constituency is sorted out soon and fairly. As a nation, we must move on and strive to build a better country.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

An unrecognised evil: Radio Talk Shows THANKS FOR the opportunity to express my opinion on what I am convinced is a growing, clandestine evil in our country — the proliferation of radio talk shows.

Sometimes against my will, I am held ransom to the venom and nonsensical views expressed on some radio stations, by educated and uneducated Vincentians, Christian and non-Christian Vincentians, old and young Vincentians, all class and political persuasions of Vincentians. Radio talk shows, as we know them to be today, are dangerous and a threat to our democracy as they promote division, disrespect, immorality, intolerance, hatred, gullibility, laziness, the inability to think critically and independently, and other unwanted vices and characteristics among our Vincentian people, both here and in the diaspora.

To me, it is frightening that the only information some people obtain is that from their particular radio talk show, which they swallow hook, line and sinker, and then dare to use that argumentatively.

Incredible and sad!

I am sometimes appalled and sickened to hear the lewdness of some of the hosts of these talk shows, among whom are ‘disc jockeys turn radio announcers’, perpetrating some of the vices previously mentioned, and which salaciously and deceptively penetrate the air waves, causing havoc in our country. Do we understand that words are spiritual? The varying responses of callers sometimes are equally ludicrous or often surpass the ignorance and wickedness of their hosts. Gosh, should I mention those radio stations like the privately owned NICE Radio, which partly promotes the perspective and propaganda of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and STAR Radio which was clearly established as the propaganda machinery of the Unity Labour Party (ULP)? These radio stations and others with similar programs undoubtedly contribute to the vices aforementioned, because their listeners only have ears for the ‘information’ they hear on their station. Radio stations like NICE Radio and others who devote part of their programming to political parties or political views should, I suggest, reconsider this decision. Not even censorship of such programmes will work in our present cultural climate. I suggest preventing totally the airing of such programmes

and views on air, as difficult as it might be. STAR Radio should be off air completely.

I welcome programmes like “Hitz Talk”, and any such programme where relevant issues are discussed and which serve to EDUCATE not malign, slander, deceive, bewitch, and manipulate the populace. I call on our politicians, one of the most wicked groups of persons in our country by virtue of the way they use the air waves and other avenues to manipulate the minds of the unsuspecting, to embrace this challenge for the LOVE of our country. I know that political views can be expressed in other media, but since it is easiest to access ‘information’ and create ‘information’ through radio, let’s punish ourselves for our own good. This will coerce Vincentians to read and become independent and critical thinkers, and send a strong message to indecent and selfserving politicians that we are to be respected.

Thanks to Praise FM and Jem Radio, Christian stations which are a tower of strength. I listen to these stations, though not gullibly, and believe me, I am more informed of the happenings in my country than those who religiously desecrate their minds with garbage from the lone radio station they choose to listen. Other radio stations which devote part of their programming to uplifting the lives of our populace, not necessarily with religious programming, must be commended.

There are newspapers, blogs and other media which too can be viewed as propagandist tools, but it takes a disciplined mind to obtain ‘information’ from these sources. Don’t forget the Bible! Its teachings encompass every area of life, even national politics. In fact, I have known persons who became literate after they started reading the Bible — the unadulterated Word of God. I am aware of the educational limitations of far too many of my Vincentian brothers and sisters, but I am sure they will eventually eat the meal provided as hunger pangs become overwhelming.

Let us get rid of radio talk shows which especially promote narrow political views which contribute to the death of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Shermin Pierre-Warrican (amwell4@gmail.com)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 23.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 24.

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Joy to the world

I want to apologize to readers of Plain Talk for my absence. I did not want to turn my column into a pro-ULP screed, and thought it best to excuse myself as I became wrapped into the campaign.

“Joy to the World! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.” — Isaac Watts (1674-1748) IT IS OFTEN QUITE thrilling to be comfortably seated in an air-conditioned aircraft cabin looking down at the clouds. Sometimes we cannot help but reflect on the fact that it has been just over 100 years since the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, invented the first aircraft. These two American brothers, manufactured and flew the world’s first successful airplane in December 1903. They were understandably ecstatic when their “flying machine” was airborne (although for a relatively short time). History records that they immediately telegraphed their sister, Katherine, so that she could share in their excitement.

The short telegraph message read: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.”

Katherine was understandably overjoyed; those two sentences thrilled her. After all, her brothers had actually accomplished the impossible; they had invented a machine that could defy gravity and fly. We are told that she hurriedly visited the editor of the local newspaper. She showed him the message. However, he did not share her enthusiasm. We are told that his nonchalant response was, “How nice.

The boys will be home for Christmas.”

He probably did not believe that the information on the telegram was factual. It is also possible that he missed the significance of this worldchanging event.

In a similar manner, so many persons go through the Christmas Holiday season (and life in general) missing the significance of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The prophet Isaiah had announced his birth 700 years before that first Christmas Day (see Isaiah 9:1-7). His birth was a fulfillment of the prophecy and God’s promise of man’s redemption. So many individuals see this sacred, festive season as a period for revelry. Many homes and neighbourhoods, are “blinded” by the lights, Christmas trees, food, drink, and the excitement of giving and receiving gifts. These activities, although not bad in themselves, so very often take the sight away from the real reason for the season.

We can make this Christmas season one with a difference; one in which we revisit the biblical records (e.g. in Luke 2) of His miraculous birth and the purpose for His coming.

Angel Gabriel had earlier announced the good news to Mary (in Luke 1) and had assured her that there was no reason to be afraid. She was selected to be the mother of Christ the Lord; Christ the Saviour.

Reflections on Elections 2015

There is no need to be distracted by the glitter and glamour that now appears to usher in the glorious Christmas Holidays. Our focus should be on Christ the Lord. We can share the excitement of the shepherds who heard the good news and hurriedly went to visit the infant Jesus in the manger. We can be like the Magi; those wise men who carried their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But our gifts will not be the valuable material offerings from distant lands. We can give of ourselves - our hearts and souls.

Jesus Christ came to this earth to save sinners like you and me. We can never do enough good to warrant his salvation. And we can never be too bad and broken for Him to welcome.

This same Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years to bring joy to the world, wants to bring joy to our lives today. If we want joy, real joy, wonderful joy, we have to let Jesus into our lives.

Christmas is one of those times in the year when many seek to be reunited with their family members.

Some individuals invest significant sums of money and travel long distances to be able to get back home for the festive season. There is something special that appears to happen when family members reunite on this special day. Unfortunately, many families (for a host of reasons) are so fragmented, so broken, that some seek to avoid such reunions.

However, we are encouraged by the fact that Jesus came to this earth to reconcile man to God. That was His purpose for coming from His heavenly throne — forgiveness was His mission.

Forgiveness can be such a valuable gift to extend to a family member or a long lost friend this Christmas.

Reconciliation, and the joy that this brings, could make this Christmas Day a pleasantly memorable one. It can bring joy to the recipient … and endless joy to the giver too.

Joy to the world! The Lord has come! Let us celebrate His coming.

Let us seek to share His love in our homes, workplaces, communities, and church assemblies this year. In doing so, as we share our blessings and we will be bountifully blessed. This will be especially so when we pause to share our time, talent, and worldly possessions with those less fortunate than ourselves. A truly blessed Christmas awaits us as we pause to share the love of Christ our Saviour and King.

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

IN A HISTORICAL TRIUMPH, the Unity Labour Party won a 4th consecutive victory to place PM Gonsalves, astride with James Mitchell as leaders who won 4 in a row and govern their nation state.

The elections were hotly contested and not without controversy and allegations of fraud. However, when the noise tamps down and the dust settles, it will become clear that the results were not tampered with and reflect the true will of Vincentians.

Gonsalves and his ULP ran a focused, unrelenting and determined campaign. They concentrated on the party’s record of achievement over 15 years, quality leadership, and vision for the future. Gonsalves heralded his team of candidates as a unique mix of experience and talent, youth and vigor.

Along with this sound score card, the party pounded away at Eustace and his NDP as a group of old men who lacked a true understanding of the complexities of the modern world.

Eustace and his NDP by contrast ran a horrible campaign. For the 4th elections there was an over concentration of attacks on Gonsalves.

Employing the strategy of ‘Captain out all out’, they pegged their plans on tarnishing Gonsalves’ image with sex, slander and allegations of secret bank accounts with millions salted away.

Further, they recycled old tales forgetting that many of hese allegations were brought before the people in the 2010 elections, and did not win their favour.

Additionally, the NDP offered a confused muddle of ideas as to what it proposed to do. The best expression of this was the health policy and hospital, but that fizzled amidst allegations that the model for the hospital was not a true architectural design, but one lifted from the Farmville computer game. In short, its chorus ‘get rid ah dem’ was not sufficiently attractive because it did not clearly say what the people could expect in return.

The NDP leadership was tagged with preaching a message of doom and gloom, offering failed policies such as austerity that were proven to create pain and suffering across the world where they were tried. The NDP was also attacked for taking the racist argument to extreme lengths. The NDP came across to voters as desperate for power, and devoid of developmental ideas to take St Vincent forward.

For the second straight elections, the people of SVG settled on an 8 to 7 parliament. Both of these elections, rather than being referendums on the government performance and Gonsalves’ leadership, become referendums on Eustace’s leadership qualities and the readiness of the opposition to govern. As in 2010, the people elected to stay with the tried and tested Gonsalves, and rejected surly, dour, ole school, traditional and unimaginative brand of politics and policies of Eustace and the NDP. Proof of this analysis can be found in the way people voted across the country. In the 8 seats that the ULP won, its candidates made significant gains by as much as 100 percent, when compared to the margin of victory in

2010. Barring a catastrophe of grave economic and political proportions, it means that the ULP has placed the Eastern corridor of the Island and Marriaqua out of the electoral reach of the opposition.

There is more bad news for the NDP. In the 7 seats that the ULP lost, 3 of those were decided narrowly by margins of 12, 117 and 147 votes respectively. In the other four, except for Central Kingstown, including those on the Grenadines, the ULP candidates made impressive gains.

Patel Matthews, Nigel Stephenson and Arnhim Eustace, who all barely held on to their seats, are now sitting ducks waiting to be deposed. Therefore, the ULP is now impregnable on the Eastern corridor and central plains of SVG and is poised to so become on the Western flanks of SVG. Significantly as well, the NDP hold on Kingstown is broken. Across the country, the NDP lost ground. It slipped in the popular vote count, while the ULP increased its popular vote margin from just over 1500 to more than 3000.

There is still more depressing news for the opposition. Whereas the ULP showcased a cadre of young, gifted and talented rookies in Luke Browne, Carlos James, Camillo Gonsalves and yours truly, all with potential to grow, develop and lead the party, the NDP had no such person on offer. Its best prospect was the 60 year plus Dr. Jules Ferdinand, but he was soundly rejected by the people of West St George.

Between now and the next elections, the ULP has offered its future high profile positions with opportunity to shine like mighty stars, Saboto at Agriculture, Luke at Health, Camillo at Planning, Carlos James as Senator and Deputy Speaker and your humble servant as Speaker of the National Assembly.

And if you think all of this is grave and does not bode well for the opposition, consider this additional fact. In 2020, Eustace will drift past 75 years old, while Leacock and Cummings, who may assume leadership, if Eustace can be persuaded to give up the leadership of the party, will be approaching the allotted 3 scores and 10.

Eustace, once his mind settles and he reflects on the numbers and conclude that he was not cheated of a chance as prime minister, has a big decision to make. He can stick around and get humiliated by Luke Browne, or may decide to call it quits. But this creates a dilemma for the party, for a Eustace resignation will allow a bye election. The NDP machine will be no match for the ULP, and bye election represents a sure fire way for the ULP to pick up the East Kingstown seat thus breaking the NDP 30 year hold there.

The foregoing shows that the NDP is a ramshackle bunch urgently in need of a makeover. The coming days and months will offer a glimpse as to whether the top leaders of that party are prepared to place our country before themselves.

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

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News

Christmas greetings from SVGTCCU IN THE MIDST of this festive season, the SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (SVGTCCU) extends a Christ-centred Christmas greeting to all. We wish for our Nation, peace and prosperity for the New Year 2016.

The SVGTCCU joins in the celebration with the hosting of its Members Appreciation Day on December 18th, 2015. An invitation is extended to all our members, customers, volunteers, other stakeholders and friends to interact with us from 9:00am until 2:00pm that day.

Various prizes will be given away, on Appreciation day, as we show appreciation to those who stood with us and helped to build the Credit Union over the past thirty-seven (37) years. The first new member to register on December 18th at our Headquarters or at any of our Branches (Barrouallie, Bequia or Union Island), will receive a gift. And five new members can win back their full registration paid.

We will also be conducting blood sugar and pressure screening for anyone entering our doors. Each result will be accompanied with appropriate advice and or referrals.

The activity will be carried live on NICE Radio, and we invite the public to tune in and learn more about their Credit Union.

SVGTCCU, ‘Built by Teachers for all Vincentians’.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 27.

Pentecostal Assemblies’ Christmas Message

Time to celebrate Today, we too must celebrate the birth of a peasant child born in a stable. But who is this child born to parents so poor, and so without influence that they UKE’S ACCOUNT of the birth of Jesus could not access a depicts a joyous celebration of a simple room for a company of angels singing as it mother in labour. were the first Christmas carol.

Isaiah gives us the “Glory to God in the highest, and on answer: earth peace, good will toward men” “For a child has been (Luke 2: 14). born for us, a son given The shepherds, to whom this to us; authority rest jubilation was delivered, raced to the upon his shoulder and small town of Bethlehem to a stable he is named Mighty behind the village inn, and there they Counsellor, Mighty found a new born peasant child lying God, Everlasting Father, Prince of in an animal feeding trough. These Peace”. (Isa. 9:6) ordinary men returned to their sheep, How could one so great even visit celebrating and praising God with such a place as a barn in a low class great enthusiasm for their discovery. town, in a third rate nation — much Unfortunately, this was not big less, be born there? Where were the news in Jerusalem that night. The heralding trumpets? Why has the great Roman Emperor, Herod, missed whole nation of Israel not turned out it. Kings and prophets of old for the celebration? Why do angels and anticipated this event with joy and a choir from heaven make this earthcelebration. shattering announcement to only “You have multiplied the nation, ordinary shepherds? you have increased its joy, they rejoice What in the world was God before you….For a child has been born thinking? There is a clue in Luke 2:9, for us, a son given to us….” (Isa 9:3,6) into what God is thinking by sending

by Bishop SONNY E. WILLIAMS – Presiding Bishop Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies St. Vincent and the Grenadines District

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the Prince of Peace to such a place and through ordinary people.

“Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people”.

The good news is God’s love and grace, “Fear not”; he brings salvation, not condemnation; renewal not retribution; forgiveness, not punishment. That is amazing life-changing news.

In review, the Christmas message begins with parents who are poor, a mother in labour with no place to go, a new-born child with no crib for a bed, and visitors who came to the child who has no influence.

You see, there is no reason to be afraid. There are no hurdles to overcome. No person is too poor or too uneducated or too insignificant to come to Christ. What a message! The message is for everyone.

Join the hundreds across the nation and come let us adore him. Gather to celebrate a story that touches our

hearts at the core. It is a story of love.

God came to us in the birth of Jesus.

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District, wishes all a joyous Christmas season of celebration. May the New Year be filled with goodness and joy.

Merry Christmas to all.

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Election

Nothing ÂfishyÊ about SundayÊs meeting some outstanding administrative work, and that while she was there, she listened to the NDP’s press conference in which Eustace and others highlighted issues of irregularities that they said took place at Central Leeward.

“I therefore contacted the Returning Officer and the Election Clerk, and Sylvia Findlay, Supervisor of requested an urgent meeting to review Elections, has refuted the issues raised at allegations of any wrongdoing with respect to a the NDP Press meeting she held with Conference,” she election officials manning the stated in the poll in Central Leeward. release.

According to the Supervisor of LAST SUNDAY’S MEETING Elections, she decided between the Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay, and that it was best for the the returning officer and the three to meet the following day, Sunday, Election Clerk for Central December 13, “in a Leeward was convened to quiet, uninterrupted discuss the issues of setting. Additionally, I irregularities that were needed to be clear on raised by the New the way forward as the Democratic Party (NDP), during its press conference office continued its post-election duties.” held one day before.

She stated further in Findlay issued a the release that the statement earlier this meeting got underway week amidst public concern that she was seen just after 1:30 pm, following which a with one of the men crowd gathered just involved in allegations of outside the Electoral wrong- doings in the Office on Bay Street in constituency of Central Kingstown.

Leeward.

The meeting ended A group of NDP about 3:10 pm and both supporters gathered Gaymes and Robinson outside the office after it were confronted by the was discovered that crowd as they exited Winston Gaymes (the the building.

Returning Officer) and They were, however, Clyde Robinson (the safely escorted by the Election Clerk) had gone police to their into the Electoral Office respective vehicles. with Findlay.

But Findlay said The day before, the that she continued to NDP’s Political Leader Arnhim Eustace, in a press be verbally abused by the demonstrators, and conference, said that called the contrary to preliminary results, his party had won Commissioner of Police for an escort to her the Central Leeward seat home, and for her and, by virtue, had won brother to drive her, the General Elections. both steps taken as He hinted that there safety precautionary were a number of measures. wrongdoings that had “As I left the taken place by electoral building and entered officials, to see to it that my brother’s waiting the Unity Labour Party vehicle, I was again (ULP) was returned to subjected to more office. verbal attacks by the But Findlay explained protestors who, among that she returned to her other things, demanded office on Saturday, to know why I was at December 12, to complete the Electoral Office on

a Sunday,” Findlay stated in the release.

She, however, responded that the records will indicate that since November 7, 2015 – the day when the election date was announced – she has

been at the office every day until last weekend.

“My work day, even on weekends, ran from approximately 8:30 am to as late as 12 midnight,” the release indicated.

(DDD)

The Electoral office in Kingstown was the focus of NDP protest during the week.

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Th he Management Man ana nag agge gem eme men ent nt and an n Staff nd Sta taf aff ff The of

Metrocint M ettro etr roociint int Ge General en ene ener nera nerrala IInsurance nsu sur uran ance anc nce Co. Co. Lt Ltd Ltd. tdtd..

Paul's Avenue, Avenue, PP.O. .O. . Box 692, Kingstown, St. Vincent Teel: (784) 456-1821 Fax: (784) 457-2821 457-28821 Tel: E-mail: Metrocint@vincysurf.com f m

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ThTTheh e VVincentian i n c e n t i a n PPublishing u b l i s h i CCo. LLtd.d Thank our Clients and the General Public for your patronage during the year 2015.

May our relationship continue to grow in the New Year and beyond.

Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year.

Thank you.

Paul's Avenue, Avenue, PP.O. .O. . Box 592, Kingstown, St. Vincent Tel: (784) 456-1123 Fax: (784) 451-2129 451-2129 Tel: E-mail: vinpub@yahoo.com

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V VincyCares honors 5 outstanding women

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Diaspora

Vincent and the Grenadines before becoming the director in 1984.

Patterson was in the forefront of the Red Cross becoming an independent IN KEEPING with its 2015 society, SVG Red Cross theme, ‘Women Who Empower Society, and was appointed Our Nation’, the Internet-based director general. She served as group VincyCares, Inc. on president of the National Saturday night honored five Council of Women from 1990outstanding Vincentian women, 1993. during its 6th Anniversary Additionally, Patterson was Dinner/Dance on at the Friends a member of the Caribbean of Crown Heights Center in Women’s Association, the R.C. Brooklyn, New York.

Commission for the The group conferred its Development of People, the Lifetime Achievement Award Family Life Commission and on long-standing community Soroptimist. advocate Yvonne Patterson, She was also chairperson and Visionary Awards were for the visiting committee of bestowed on Jean JohnneyHer Majesty Prison; a Justice Findlay, Kimon Baptiste, Dr. of Peace; president of the Jacqueline P. James-Lyttle National Council of Women and Gailene Windsor.

(NWC); and represented the Mrs. Patterson, according to women of St. Vincent and the VincyCares, was honoured for Grenadines at the sub-regional her “significant contributions Organization of Eastern in sports, community services, Caribbean States (OECS) disaster preparedness Conference for the education and women development of unitary states. development in St. Vincent Patterson was instrumental and the Grenadines, and the in establishing the Family wider Caribbean.”

Court of St. Vincent and the The Visionary Awardees Grenadines, with former were recognized for their Health Minister Yvonne “dedication and outstanding Francis-Gibson, the contributions to the coordinator.

Vincentian community.”

Bess-Culzac told patrons In his welcome remarks, that when Patterson told her VincyCares, Inc.’s president to accept the award, on her Franklin Dexter “Supadex” behalf, “I couldn’t reject; I had Richards, a restauranteur and to accept.” prominent graphics artist in Brooklyn, said the honorees JEAN JOHNNEY-FINDLAY “contributed significantly” in Owner/Managing Director of shaping “the lives of many for Mijé Personal Development the better”, and that they and Advertising Agency – “have given of themselves Visionary Award unselfishly so that someone else can have an easier life.”

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

YVONNE PATTERSON Community Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award Yvonne Patterson, née Ross, was born to Henrietta Ross and Charles Wilson on the Sept. 20, 1937.

Over the years, Patterson has served many organizations: President of the Church Council; member of the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), St. Cecelia Choir and the British Red Cross branch of St.

Jean Johnney—Findlay, the wife of St. Vincent and the Grenadines pre-eminent cricketer and former West Indies wicket keeper and manager T. Michael Findlay, said she was guided by the senior residents of New Montrose, Kingstown, and members of the Kingstown Methodist Church.

She is a proud graduate of the St. Joseph’s Convent Primary School; the Centennial School, the Girls’ High School; St. Vincent and

the Grenadines Teacher’s College; the Commonwealth Youth Program; and the Centre for Management Development, University of the West Indies. Her other areas of study are event planning and make-up application.

Over the years, she was involved in many organizations, such as Montrose United; the Kingstown Methodist Youth Group; the Church Choir; Rotaract Club of Kingstown, rising to be District 7050 Representative; the St. Vincent Red Cross; and the local franchise holder for Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant.

Johnney—Findlay taught for 17 years, in the primary and secondary school system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

She is currently manager, Coreas Pharmacy/ Food Xpress, a division of Coreas Hazells, Inc. “A lot of what I do is not me alone,” she said, adding that her husband and their daughter are very supportive of her service.

KIMON BAPTISTE - Fashion Designer and Chief Executive Officer of Kimmystic.Clo Visionary Award

to work intimately as an intern with Fashion Runway runner-up Victor Luna, allowing her a front-row view and insight into the New York fashion industry.

Two years later, Luna collaborated with Kimmystic.Clo in showcasing his collection at her Deja Vu Fashion show.

In 2015, Baptiste took on a small but coveted role for Michael Costello at the 2015 New York Fashion week.

The Kimmystic.Clo 2015 Jersey Collection has been showcased in Barbados and St. Lucia.

Janice Lyttle Foundation, in honor of her husband’s (Keniv Lyttle) late mother, “to help win the battle for heart disease.”

James-Lyttle said the foundation donated over US$500, 000 worth of supplies and equipment to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of the December 2013 floods.

GAILENE WINDSOR – Sports Ambassador – Visionary Award

DR. JACQUELINE JAMES-LYTTLE - Civil Engineer and Entrepreneur – Visionary Award

Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle became the first black female engineering student from the United States Coast Guard Academy to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, in 2000.

She later received the Master of Science degree in Architectural Engineering and a Ph. D in Civil and Architectural Engineering from the University of Miami.

In 2005, the Chateaubelairborn James-Lyttle taught civil engineering courses at the Kimon Baptiste began to United States Coast Guard develop her talent of fashion design and dressmaking at 13, Academy. Two years later, the University of Miami recruited and made her debut in the her to teach courses in world of fashion and runway architectural engineering. shows in December 1999 at That same year, Jamesthe Fashion Caribbean Show Lyttle founded IMARA in St. Vincent and the Engineering Consulting, and Grenadines. currently practices in South A former Miss St. Vincent Florida. and the Grenadines and In 2010, she joined EEP graduate of the University of the West Indies, Baptiste has Investing, LLC as chief executive officer, overseeing participated in numerous the management of several fashion shows, including the companies, the largest of 2008 launch of the St. Kitts which is Tarakon Records, Fashion Week at the Harlem founded by her husband.

School of Arts in New York.

Other brands under the She has also designed EEP umbrella include; winning gowns for many KidsVille, a unique babysitting pageants in St. Vincent and and tutoring concept offered at the Grenadines, as well as malls nationwide; Chill’n other Caribbean nations. restaurant in St. Vincent and In 2012, Baptiste said she the Grenadines; and The was afforded the opportunity

Prior to migrating to New York, Windsor played netball for St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Netball team from 1973 to 1979, inckluding being a member of the SVG team when it participated in its first World Netball Championship.

In the interim, she was secretary of the National Council of Women.

On migrating to New York, Windsor continued her involvement with Vincentian sports and culture, particularly netball, holding several top-level posts, including: President of the American Netball Association; co-founder of the Caribbean American Netball Association; president of the United States International Netball; president of Hairoun Sports Club; and secretary of the Brooklyn Soccer League and Caribbean Cup. Currently, she serves as: treasurer the St. Vincent and the Grenadines-USA Sports Association; general secretary of the 67th Police Precinct Community Council; treasurer of the New York Dynamite Calypso Tent; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York.

On Oct. 27, 2015, during his Independence Message at Victoria Park in capital city Kingstown, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves named Windsor, , among others, as a Sports Ambassador.

Windsor said she was “humbled to be recognized” by VincyCares, Inc., adding that it was a “true honor.”

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“P Peeace, Joy and Love to all mankind”

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News

Never forget God, urges Bishop Williams IF PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his new Cabinet needed a wake-up call, they got one from Bishop SONNY E. WILLIAMS – Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District.

That call during Bishop Williams’ exhortation at the swearing-In ceremony of the new Cabinet of Ministers, held at Heritage Square, Kingstown, Monday 14th December.

In delivering his ‘Charge’, Bishop Williams began by asking, Bishop SONNY E. rhetorically, “What WILLIAMS called does the Lord on members of require of the the Cabinet, to be government?” just, merciful and And in answer, humble. he responded, “Do

justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God.” With reference to the prevailing (political) environment, he evoked an aura of cynicism by suggesting “And it not to ask Ralph.”

He challenged listeners to read Micah Chapter 6 verses 1 to 8.

“The air is tense for God,” Williams outlined.

The pastor used the surroundings as “witnesses” where God, as the prosecutor, made the case.

Speaking to the successful candidates in the recently concluded general elections, Williams urged listeners to “remember where God has brought you from.

“Your God has elevated you. Never forget your God,” he added.

The Bishop proceeded by stressing that there must be “equal access to goods and services to all sectors of the society.”

The government must be all inclusive, he stated, and mentioned all the colours of the parties that contested the last poll.

The Pastor demanded that there must be “justice for all,” and encouraged the leaders to build a robust community where everyone mattered.

A society, he declared, is judged by the treatment it hands out to orphans, widows, the fatherless, poor, needy, oppressed, and hungry, and those who were legally helpless.

He called for justice and righteousness.

“We will await the love for all of us,” Williams added.

The Pastor is praying that the government will be a “good-hearted” one, “like the Good Samaritan,” and not pass the helpless stranger along the road.

Williams is looking forward to the government sharing “love, lavishly to all Vincentians.

“Many people don’t handle success well,” Williams pointed out, and remarked that “we do better in suffering.”

Describing four terms as figuratively equal to surmounting Mt.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves showing some ‘love’ to newcomer Senator Deborah Charles at last Monday’s swearing-in.

Everest, Bishop Williams raised the question as to the next phase. He reiterated the position that Ministers were “Servants of God,” and of their own mortality.

The Pastor is hoping that at the end of five years, the Ministers are found not guilty. (WKA)

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News

Preschoolers feted at Christmas party Preschool; Kingstown Day Nursery; Layou Vinsave Preschool; Unique Day THE CHILDREN WELFARE Fund Nursery and Preschool; New Life, Committee held its annual Children’s Biabou and Marriaqua Methodist Christmas Party on December 3rd, 2015. Preschool.

It was hosted by the St. Vincent and the The open venue allowed the Grenadines Rotary Club, under the preschoolers ample opportunity to run auspices of the Governor General, His about and express themselves in many Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne, and other ways. held on the football field at the The Royal St. Vincent and the Buccament Bay Resort.

Grenadines Police Force Band Over one hundred children were provided live music, a mixture of solos treated to an afternoon of pure and a full band repertoire of rhythmic pleasure in an open-air, ‘Christmassy’ Christmas tempos. atmosphere. Preschoolers from the To kick off the entertainment, each following preschools were invited to preschool, accompanied by its group’s take part in the event: Kingstown teachers, made a presentation of Salvation Army Preschool; Calliaqua carols. Some even experimented with poetry, a la speechmaking.

The adults in attendance did hide their amusement and amazement at the talent on show.

The highlight of the entertainment was the appearance of ‘Mr. Christmas’ Stories by GLORIAH…

Santa delivers a hug and a gift to an awe-struck boy.

Carlton ‘CP’ Hall – ‘Mr. Christmas’ – had the children mesmerized.

himself — Carlton ‘CP’ Hall. The children cheered and ran to the centre of the area where the entertainer encouraged them to enjoy the presentation.

As if that was not enough, Santa Claus, with his huge sack of gifts and helpers, made his way towards the enthusiastic children. He had made their day. Amidst all their shifting, swaying and jumping in excitement, each child received a gift and hug from Santa.

Mrs. Janice Fraser of the Children Welfare Committee, was quite pleased with the affair. She noted that her Committee “is always in the process of

promoting the development of children.” The Children’s Christmas Party was testimony to that fact. She was happy that the SVG Rotary Club facilitated the process by hosting the party.

Additionally, she said, the Committee raises funds annually to assist children through their preschool lives. “Some of these very children going off to primary school,” she said, “will be given sponsorship for a period of time.”

Shafia London-Williams of the Roatry Club expressed her organization’s pride in being involved in such an event.

Security take top spot in Trinity’s Caroling Contest The Trinity Security Choir crooned its way to the top in the inaugural Trinity Staff Caroling Contest, held during the institution’s 2015 end of year staff dinner held at the Paradise Beach Hotel, last Thursday, 10th December.

The competition evoked great interest among the staff, and in addition to the Security Department, other departments competing were Housekeeping, the Deanery, and Drivers.

Each group was required to render a test piece, the traditional ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, and a song of their choice.

A panel of four persons adjudicated: Sergeant Rodwell Swift of the Calliaqua Police Station; Trinity’s Professor of Pathology Dr. Jovanovich; Professor of Microbiology Dr. Tewodros; and Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Conrad Nedd.

The criteria for judging include vocal quality, stage presentation, audience response, judges’ impression, and creativity.

Performing in third position was the choir of some twelve security men, all decked out in their signature black attire and accompanied by an avid guitarist. They gave a soulful rendition of the traditional piece and an interpretation of their choice piece, ‘O Holy Night’, that included the use two dub artistes and segments of them ‘falling on their knees. A total of 708 out of a maximum of 800 points gave them first place.

The wines, Security Department, on bended knees, doing ‘O Holy Night’.

In second position was the choir from the Staff of the Deanery. They did a very well-arranged, melodious rendition for the first performance.

That featured the evening’s best soloists. For their second piece, they concocted a very innovative version of ‘Santa Baby’. It showed the choir of ladies making proposals to Santa and his helper, included in these, of course, were wishes for bonuses and raises. They gained 696 out of 800 points.

Placing third was Housekeeping Choir, who chose to remain truly traditional with their first piece, but contrasted that a dramatic performance of ‘Angels we Have Heard on High’. They enacted an entire scene about going caroling prior to their performance. They totaled 600 points.

In fourth position the Drivers Choir, gave a touch of creativity when they included a large plastic bucket as a drum. Both their test piece and choice piece, ‘O Holy Night’ were rendered in traditional style. They gained 487 of the maximum 800 points.

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Health

WPP Dove Club holds fund-raiser avenues for sharing of patient experiences to would-be patients; ON SATURDAY 28th November, at the provide diversional therapy for Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, the patients on clinic day; and to help World Pediatric Project (WPP) Dove Club raise funds to assist patients and held a thanksgiving tea to raise funds to families in need. She indicated Six-year-old Chole assist patients who have been referred to that the programme attracts who had been born the WPP programme. mostly indigent persons who find with brittle bones The event, dubbed ‘Appreciating difficulty in producing cash to pay Baby Krisy who had been born and had to have Life’, allowed patrons to mix and for things like birth certificates, with a rare form of cancer and had titanium rods mingle, and to be entertained by a passports, US visitor’s visa, and to have her hand amputated to inserted in her leg to number of classy performers, see so on. save her life. stabilize the bone Model showcasing a former patients in action as models, Among the persons providing and help reduce Kimon Baptiste and listen to live and recorded entertainment were singers They all impressed the fact fractures. creation. testimonies of patient involvement Stacey Little, Kelcey Haynes and that without the treatment with the WPP and the Dove Club.

Lauren Taplin and Andy Cruickshank from the WPP and the care from the Caribbean The WPP Dove Club in St. Vincent from the Buccament Bay Resort. The Dove Club in St. Vincent and the Representative of the WPP, Mrs. and the Grenadines was started on audience also heard from spoken word Grenadines, the lives of their children Jacqueline Browne-King, are to: April 20th, 2009 — eight years after the poet Gloria Williams. would not have changed significantly provide moral support to families WPP inaugural visit to the country. It A bevy of young ladies, who had for the better. involved in the programme; provide came as a suggestion by WPP CEO, been patients with the WPP, The WPP Dove Club in St. Vincent avenues for sharing of patient Susan Rickman upon the ‘Hundred showcased an assortment of clothing and the Grenadines was started on experiences to would-be patients; Child Celebration’, an event which from E. D. Layne and Sons. They put April 20th, 2009 — eight years after the provide diversional therapy for commemorated the first one hundred the icing on the cake with Kimon WPP’s inaugural visit to the country. patients on clinic day; and to help children who had received surgical Baptiste’s newest collection, a It came as a suggestion by WPP CEO raise funds to assist patients and procedures in Richmond, Virginia collection boasting Afro-Caribbean Susan Rickman upon the ‘Hundred families in need. through the WPP. fusion in colour and style.

Child Celebration’, an event which She indicated that the programme The WPP Dove Club’s main The it was time to get serious, and commemorated the first one hundred attracts mostly indigent persons who objectives, according to Eastern this came through the riveting children who had received surgical find difficulty in producing cash to pay Caribbean Representative of the WPP, testimonies from Vincentian families, procedures in Richmond, Virginia for things.

Mrs. Jacqueline Browne-King, are to and families from throughout the through the WPP. Dove Clubs have since taken root in provide moral support to families region, including Dominica. Antigua, The WPP Dove Club’s main in Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. involved in the programme; provide Grenada, and Guyana, via video. objectives, according to Eastern Kitts and in Nevis.

by GLORIAH…

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Christmas Message

„Consider the cooperation of Mary in embracing the alternatives‰ THE SEARCH FOR POWER, and the prevailing unrest and anxiety that currently characterize the Vincentian landscape speak to an atmosphere not unlike that around the time of Jesus’ birth. In fact, Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor, had sent out a decree for the world to be taxed, and everyone had to return to his own city, an obligation, if one may say so, not far removed from the call made to cast a vote on Election Day, in the place of your abode.

Among the travellers to comply with the decree was a young woman, Mary, heavily pregnant with the Christ Child. She bore that burden

because she had to go; none could ignore the decree.

When, at the end of their journey, the young woman and her companion sought rest at an inn, there was no room; but the kind innkeeper directed them to the stable, an alternative she had to accept.

Soon after the Birth of the Christ Child, they had to flee to escape the wrath of Herod the King, who understood the Christ Child would unseat his Kingdom, and ordered the massacre of the Innocents — the children within the age range of the Christ Child.

Mary did not panic, did not resist Joseph’s decision to flee to Egypt. She again cooperated and accepted the alternative, while perhaps for

a moment thinking, how was she to survive in a strange place with a newborn baby?

In this time of anxiety, consider Mary who held on to the promise of a more abundant life.

Today, as festivities abound in celebration of the Christmas Season, the stable is romanticized, as are the ox, the sheep and the manger.

But for Mary, that was her place of shelter with all she needed at the time. She “pondered things in her heart”.

On the other hand, in the midst of the festivities, there are repeated cries about injustice and hard times.

“What will we pay taxes with?

Our banana and other

markets for our agricultural produce have failed!”

Instead of blaming the government of 1995 and successive governments for the loss of the markets, we should ask: What is the alternative?

Let us not like Herod destroy the Innocents who also have the right to life. The Christ Child came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Rather, let us seek the alternatives that will meet our needs and produce prosperous outcomes.

One popular Christmas Carol says “Mary, Did you Know?” Yes, she did!

And as we reflect amidst the trying times we should, like Mary, ask: What are we

carrying within ourselves that can give birth to abundant life in our homes, communities and nation?

May the Peace of the Christ Child bear true witness throughout the land.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator Committee for the Development of Women

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 53.

Heritage

Botanical Gardens holds Nine Nights Lighting

by GLORIAH… THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Botanical Gardens, as part of its 250th Anniversary celebrations, has put on what it calls, ‘Nine Nights Lighting’.

This activity, which sees the Gardens decorated with a variety of Christmas lights, was created to coincide with the National Nine Mornings festival.

From 13th to 23rd December, patrons may access the Gardens between the hours of 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm to be entertained by musical groups and individuals who will not only perform, but will also lead the audience in the singing of Christmas carols.

Local food and drinks are expected to be put on sale.

Curator of the Gardens, Mr. Gordon Shallow, highlighted some of the acts for the period: Tracy Crooke, Chad Current, Hayden Bellingy, Jade Carter and the group Dynamics. At the opening on Sunday, 13th December, both the Faith Temple worship team and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band were in attendance.

According to Curator Shallow, “The impetus of the idea to host such an activity comes from our desire for persons to reconnect with the Botanical Gardens and to give it support through patronage.”

He told THE VINCENTIAN that, after the activity would have concluded, the most important concept that he wants the visitor to walk away with is that the Gardens are still there, alive and vibrant; and they should become emotionally attached to it and lend it their support.

The Nine Nights Lighting is slated to be an annual venture.

The Botanical Gardens by day.

The Botanical Gardens during ‘Nine Nights Lighting’.

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54. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Grafton Isaacs: Formidable advocate represented, is paying dividends today. Take for example the number of women in the local constabulary. Grafton Isaacs is credited, during his tenure as Attorney General, as having engineered the laws to make it possible for females who had had children, to join the Police Force.

Isaacs also held the Ministries of Home Affairs, Tourism, Education, Communication and Works at different intervals. But his efforts to have mothers recruited into the constabulary is a hallmark of his career.

He also strengthened the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme in Canada.

Grafton Isaacs (19 Aug 1928-28 Nov 2015) An account of Isaacs’ stewardship was GRAFTON ISAACS SERVED in this disclosed at his funeral service held at country’s House of Assembly from December 9, 1974, to July 25, 1984. He the Kingstown Methodist Church last Tuesday. represented the South Leeward Isaacs, born in the South Leeward constituency. village of Vermont, grew up in Layou.

During that time, he also held a number of Ministerial portfolios in the His first job was as a Primary School teacher and his ambition led him to then St. Vincent Labour Party becoming one of this country’s administration. youngest principals.

Whichever portfolio he held, he is When the Teachers went on strike said to have performed his tasks with dignity and vision. That vision, which in 1963, Isaacs was a front liner in the quest for social justice. he projected for the people he

But Isaacs was never one to rest on his laurels, and he quit that profession and headed for Toronto, Canada where he veered into the media. His next venture was to England where he completed his law degree.

Isaacs joined the St. Vincent Labour Party and distinguished himself as a fighter in the cause of the social upliftment of the people.

For his youngster sister Olive, Grafton was a hero. She recalled holding on to him as he transported her to and from school on his Triumph motorcycle.

Isaacs opted for farming after he ‘retired’ from active politics, and established himself as a horticulturist of immense pedigree.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves paid tribute to the former Parliamentarian.

Isaacs was praised for his “backbreaking legislative work” like the Status of Children Act which removed the stigma of what was termed ‘Bastard children’.

His work on the “Protection of

Employment Act’ is another example of his commitment to working people.

He was instrumental in framing laws to protect women from violent situations at home.

Former Parliamentarian Jerry Scott lost to Isaacs on his first attempt at the polls in 1979, but reversed the tables in 1984. Scott described Isaacs as a “formidable advocate.”

Scott confessed that they did not get along at first, but that they became “good friends.”

Tributes were also paid by Deputy Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker and his wife Lady Lynda, who rendered a solo in operatic fashion.

Isaacs’ wife, Cecily, to whom he was married for 43 years, joined the ceremony at the House of Assembly where the body was placed for viewing. The couple had three children: Renee, Rosella and Carson.

Isaacs had two other daughters Joann, and Yolande.

THE VINCENTIAN extends condolences to the family in their time of grief. (WKA)

V Women power in the Election

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News

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News

International Migrants Day 2015 SVGDC – NY Statement EACH YEAR, INTERNATIONAL Migrants Day is celebrated on December 18. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc. (SVGDC – NY) joins with the 250 million international migrants around the world to mark this day as an important reminder of the great contributions migrants have been making, the challenges they face, and the potential for greater contributions of migrants to their country of birth and their host country.

Today, we witness the dangerous situation facing many migrants around the world. The news headlines are filled with references to dangers faced by migrants in many parts of the world.

During this year, we saw migrants risking their lives to cross dangerous waters and land space in search of a better life. Many have died, suffered injuries, and are victims of human trafficking.

Vincentians are part of the global migrant population, and many of them have experienced extreme hardships during migration, which is a story yet to be fully told by Vincentians themselves. We express solidarity and compassion with all these migrants who experience extreme hardships on a daily basis.

Despite these dangers, migrants still rise with dignity and a high sense of urgency for making full use of

development opportunities. It is important to highlight that migrants around the world sent back remittances to their original societies worth US $ 583 billion in 2014. These remittances have been the financial lifeline for millions of people and communities.

Furthermore, migrants are making outstanding contributions to their host country. They are doctors, nurses, common laborers, economists, politicians, lawyers, artists, athletes, teachers, natural and social scientists, entrepreneurs, social workers, students, police officers, and many more.

There are many Vincentians working in these professions.

If one takes away these

human resources from many host countries, it will impact negatively on the economic and social life of these host societies.

Similarly, if the resources sent to countries of origin are withheld, the reality of even greater hardship also becomes crystal clear. We celebrate these contributions of migrants.

On the occasion of the International Migrants Day 2015, the St.

Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc., wishes all migrants, especially Vincentian migrants, all the best in their endeavors.

Vincentian and Jamaican Nationals Top Gala Awards 2015 REGISTERED CHARITY AFRICAN Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland (ACSONI) - held a Christmas Gala awards event at the Belfast Hilton, to honour those individuals and organisations from Africa and the Caribbean that have made outstanding contributions to the community and wider society in Northern Ireland.

ACSONI’s Executive and Leaders of the African and

Caribbean National Associations created 13 different awards, compiling a nomination list for each category, for the public to vote online and through all social media formats.

Eight (8) of the thirteen (13) different categories were won (see list below) by the Caribbean, specifically St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Jamaica. * Best African or Caribbean

Diaspora Group Award — Association of Caribbean Nationals (ACAN) * Best Cause/Project Award — One Love Production * Business Award — Rainbow Story Telling and Dramatics * Citizenship / Impact Award — Dr Christopher Stange (SVG Consulate) * Community Long Service Award — Dr Christopher Stange (SVG Consulate)

* Intercultural Arts Award — Raquel McKee * Sports and Leisure Award — Leo Brown * Volunteer Vincentian and Jamaican Nationals with their Award — Judite awards at the Belfast Hilton Gala Awards Pina 2015 Sponsors of the awards Dr Christopher Stange of included Community Relations the SVG Consulate Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “I would like to Belfast City take this opportunity to Council, Policing commend ACSONI for hosting Community and such a spectacular event to Safety Partnership, officially recognise those in the Cloud 9 Studios, community that are positively LCDI Ltd, AIVCNI, contributing to society and Craic NI, African their respective countries. It Caribbean Chamber never ceases to amaze me the of Commerce and positive contributions that Enterprise comes from the Caribbean, for Northern Ireland, such a small region, the direct African Caribbean impact we have locally, Forum and regionally and ACSONI. internationally.” (Contributed)

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News

Kingstown Nine Mornings opens despite lull

by GLORIAH… LAST WEDNESDAY, 16TH December, the Nine Mornings activities in Kingstown were launched at Heritage Square, under the theme, “Christ is the reason for the season”. The activity began at midnight of Tuesday, 15th and proceeded into the regular Nine Mornings concert on Wednesday. At the launch, Monsignor Michael Stewart of the Co-cathedral of the Assumption in Kingstown officiated in a full mass. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band followed this with a rendition of Christmas carols.

The next item on The Nine Mornings Mascot. the agenda, the round-the-town parade, could not come off because both organizers and audience waited in vain for the appearance of the pan-round-the-neck steel pan band and the bum drum band, both of which never turned up. While persons waited, there was an obvious lull which caused many to remove themselves from the area out of sheer frustration.

Many persons expressed their opinion that people may not have known that the function was still happening, and that persons’ involvement in the general elections may have caused them to be recuperating and therefore did not turn up.

While one may not be able to pinpoint these issues as clear reasons for this lull, it is clear that the general elections which were held only a few days before the launch of Nine Morning, has had a direct impact on the festival. According to Chairman of the National Nine Mornings Committee, Mr. Michael Peters, “The treatment of the national festival was unfortunate in that it had to give way to general election activities.” When asked to elaborate, Mr. Peters explained that there was a cancellation of the National Nine Mornings Launch scheduled for November 29th, and then there was a last-minute disruption of the Kingstown programme. Added to these, the physical preparation within participating communities was hampered, especially as areas to be lighted or to be used as festival venues, were in many cases also used for political meetings. Mr. Peters also lamented the fact that, because some of these community workers for the festival also worked to carry out election related activities and as a result some communities have not yet got off the ground where preparation for lighting and other Nine Mornings activities are concerned.

In Kingstown, however, the lull did not continue, as the lights were turned on after Cultural Officer, Mr. Anthony Theobalds declared the festival open on behalf of Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Cecil McKie. With this, the programme proceeded, to the absolute enjoyment of the crowd which had swelled to remarkable proportions. The Nine Mornings mascot, “the Fowl Cock”, also made its first appearance on stage.

The activities in Kingstown and in communities around St Vincent and the Grenadines continue until Thursday, 24th December. The festival is here to stay, and this is an opportunity that should not be missed by anyone.

The swollen crowd

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62. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Governance

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Interim Statement on 2015 Elections 12 December 2015 Statement by: Commonwealth Election Observer Team to St Vincent and the Grenadines General Elections 2015 THE COMMONWEALTH ELECTION Observer Team commends the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines for the peaceful and orderly manner in which they exercised their franchise on 9 December. We call on all citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines to sustain the positive spirit of peace and commitment to democratic values that characterised Election Day. We have met with all major stakeholders including the Supervisor of Elections, representatives of all political parties, civil society organisations, church leaders, the media, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force as well as national and international observers.

The Team observed voting in the 13 constituencies on the mainland. The following is an interim statement outlining our key observations of the election process and the electoral environment.

We witnessed the conclusions of the main rallies that were held after our arrival. We observed that these rallies were peaceful, vibrant and engaging.

The fundamental rights of candidates, political parties and supporters to assemble and campaign were broadly observed. However, in our briefings, attention was drawn to the lack of regulation on campaign finance and the absence of legislation surrounding the registration of political parties.

The Team believes that the 15-day special voter registration period does not allow adequate time for political parties, voters and concerned stakeholders to scrutinise the voters’

list, and make objections and appeals.

We note with concern the low percentage of women candidates in the elections. The Team observed that advocacy efforts to progress issues surrounding women’s political leadership face a number of challenges in St Vincent and the Grenadines, primarily due to cultural barriers. We urge political parties to demonstrate visionary leadership on this issue, and to review their selection processes to significantly increase the number of women in representational politics and in positions of party leadership and decision-making.

The poll was inclusive and benefitted from a seventy-three percent voter turnout. We noted that political party agents were present at most polling stations, although not all parties were represented. Recognising the current political context, the Team is of the view that this helped to foster an environment of transparency at polling stations.

At stations observed by the Team, polls opened and closed at the prescribed time. The closing and preliminary vote-counting at the polling stations appeared in line with established protocols and were conducted in a transparent manner by polling officials. We would however encourage political parties to ensure that their party agents are present throughout the entire tabulation process up until the final count conducted by returning officers the next day. In this regard, it may also be helpful for relevant stakeholders in St

Vincent and the Grenadines to initiate a meaningful conversation on the utility of having the second and final count conducted the following day.

We strongly urge more clarity in the law, around the formal announcement of election results to the voting public in relation to the official formation of a new government which has secured the majority of seats.

We commend the Supervisor of Elections for the manner in which she has carried out her duties and steered the process to successfully administer the General Election on 9 December.

The Team nevertheless believes that the time has come for St Vincent and the Grenadines to deepen its democracy by establishing an independent election management body, in order to increase voter confidence. If requested, we urge the Commonwealth Secretariat to support stakeholders in St Vincent and the Grenadines in the establishment of such a body.

Based on our observation and exchanges with a broad range of stakeholders since our arrival, our preliminary conclusion is that the elections were generally peaceful and relatively well conducted. The shortfalls observed to date by members of the Team are not significant enough to put in question the credibility of the outcome.

As of today 12 December 2015, we

have heard allegations of serious irregularities from one political party.

We call upon those making these claims to file formal complaints as prescribed in the electoral laws, and for the relevant institutions to investigate and pronounce on these allegations.

In our Final Report, we will reflect on possible areas for improvement.

This report will be submitted in due course to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth who will subsequently share it with relevant stakeholders before it is made public.

The Commonwealth Election Observer Team was constituted at the invitation of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Team comprised 2 eminent persons: Mr Paulo Cuinica (Team Leader), Commissioner and Spokesperson of the Mozambique Electoral Commission; and, Ms Myrtle Palacio, former Chief Elections Officer (Belize) and currently SecretaryGeneral of the People’s United Party (Belize).

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V Christmas, an unscriptural observance 64. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE EARLY APOSTOLIC Assembly began zealously to witness the truth of the Messiah’s advent to the world. They took the message into the far reaches of the known world. Especially outstanding was the Apostle Paul, who accomplished much through his extensive travel, preaching throughout the Roman Empire.

But, a very strange thing took place. Ancient ethnic peoples could not

maintain sound doctrine.

The pagan people appropriated the account of the supernatural person of Yahweh’s true Messiah, and superimposed His life upon their pagan customs and practices.

Worldly people prefer their traditional pagan practices, but at the same time, they want salvation as well.

With enreasoned abandon, the people of the western world which includes our country- St

Vincent and the Grenadines, spend lavishly for gifts and ‘goodies’ which very often they cannot afford. They indulge in parties featuring alcoholic beverages. They feast on a variety of seasonal delicacies. All of these traditional practices are done in the name of celebrating the birthday of the one they profess to be their king. As a matter of fact, the reverse is true. Through false doctrine, the

Messiah becomes subservient to their own human concepts. Would Yahshua the Messiah approve of such loose conduct to celebrate His birth? Obviously not!

Does the Bible support the celebration of Christmas? Certainly not!

Actually, the diligent Bible student already knows that nowhere within the pages of our Bible can you ever find any commandment to observe a birthday,

especially that of the Messiah. As a matter of fact, three times, birthdays are mentioned in the Bible, and on each of these occasions, a violent death occurred.

Please verify this from Genesis 40: 9-22, Job 1: 4 & 19 and Matthew 14: 312.

The celebration of birthdays was unknown in primitive Judaism, so it is certain that Yahshua never celebrated His birthday.

Apparently, Almighty Yahweh did not wish it to be observed, and consequently, we can readily understand the reason for omitting mention of a specific day in the scriptures.

Did you know that it was over 200 years after the birth of the Messiah before anyone ever fixed December 25 as His birthday? Apparently, the first one to set the date of December 25 for the Saviour’s birth was Julius Sextus Africanus, a historian of Alexandria, Egypt, who

composed a chronicle of events of the world to 221 C.E. Did you notice that date? It took historians two and a quarter centuries after the Messiah’s birth to decide upon the date of December 25 as His birth.

December 25 is not the birthday of Yahshua; but this date is closely tied to ancient pagan worship of the SUN (winter solstice), and it is also linked to the ancient Roman festivals of the Saturnalia and the Mithraic Feast of the Sun God. It is from these idolatrous festivals that most of the traditions of Christmas were derived.

So, should we continue to celebrate Christmas? I think not! Return to the pure worship of Yahweh by keeping His commandments and not the pagan traditions of men (Matthew 15: 7-9).

Ulrick Sutherland Assemblies of Yahweh svg_aoy@live.com 1784 533 1748

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you've neglected the ones you love. It's time to let loose. Your nerves are frazzled. Renovations to your domestic scene will pay high rewards.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your ability to see other people's points of view will allow you to come to reasonable agreements. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may be confused regarding your love life. You won't impress anyone by being overly generous. Your ability to converse with charm will entice someone you may have had an interest in for some time now. Do not let them blow situations out of proportion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You would be wise to consider attending lectures that will broaden your awareness concerning your professional direction. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. Just be yourself. Re-evaluate your motives.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You need more space for the whole family. Your need to be in a leadership position will help you surpass any rivals you might encounter. Be an observer before getting involved. Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations. Don't be too quick to judge those you live with. Your ability to help others will win you points. Don't delay; go to your physician or dentist and get to the bottom of the discomfort.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can make excellent investments if you are in the right place at the right time. Stabilize your own position by locking up your savings. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence. You are best to back away from commitment.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people. Don't let yourself get rundown. You can have a great time if you go out with the one you love. Direct your energy into physical exertion. Residential moves will be favorable.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take the time to close deals that have been up in the air. Stress may cause minor health ailments. You need to pamper yourself for a change. Channel your energy into decorating or household chores.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Be prepared to have relatives or close friends introduce you to new and exciting individuals. Elders may need your help. Be sure not to burn any bridges. You'll get to your destination just as quickly.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Be creative in your efforts. Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known. You should socialize with clients or upper echelons of your industry if possible.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't let the erratic behavior of someone you live with interfere with your professional performance. Look before you leap. Try to bend but by no means should you give in completely. You can make it up to them later.

ACROSS 1. Rock video channel 4. Internet service (abbr.)

7. Singer Jerry 11. Cry of discovery 12. Trendy 14. Rome’s home (abbr.)

15. Maze rodent 16. Reckless 17. Corn spikes 18. Face, to Ralph Kramden 20. Memorable time 22. Exploit 23. Waitress on skates 27. Fashion model Macpherson 30. Alibi __ 31. Adam’s madam 32. Expired 33. Cooking fuel 34. Londoner, informally 35. Fairy 36. Angelina, to Shiloh 37. Bail 38. Ignoramus 40. Flightless bird 42. Barbecue

residue 43. Peanut butter cup maker 47. Good golf scores 50. Served perfectly 52. __-de-sac 53. Name’s first letter (abbr.)

54. Material for Christmas tree snow 55. “You __ Sixteen” 56.

Classification 57. Large ocean (abbr.) 19. Took to court 58. Silent 21. Charlotte gesture of “The Facts of DOWN Life” 1.Swimmer 24. Greek Spitz goddess 2. Siamese 3. Winemakers’ 25. Latin poet 26. Fountain needs or Sampras 4. Land 27. Genesis measures locale 5. Midwest 28. Caron film airport 6. Fleur-de-__ 29.Abandoned 7. Clergyman 30. “__ a Camera” (2 8. From __ Z (2 wds.) wds.)

9. Chem. rm. 33. Batman’s City 10. Raised 34. Sad color railways 36. Behave or 13. __ and print balances

preceder 39. “__ not, want not” 40. Upright 41. Hero’s award, often 44. Peruse 45. 21st-century currency

46. Tundra transport 47. Peach seed 48. No specific one 49. Mr. Van Winkle 51. Undercover gp.-

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 65.

Church leaders act on rumour life and your church life, and you then maybe you will have to should be the one to decide how reconsider and find another place involved a third party needs to to worship. Sometimes it I AM FED up with the people in my is better to just walk church. I am so mad right now that be.

If you are clueless about where away in the interest of I can hardly hear myself think.

A rumour started in the church and why this rumour started, and your own peace of mind. it is affecting you to the point that I was pregnant. The next where you are unable to function, George Dear George, thing I heard was that I had an abortion. The leaders of the church called me into a meeting MY WIFE met me in bed with another woman a few and asked me about this abortion. months ago. I must admit that we have just gotten married I told them categorically that I and do not have any children as yet. She did not make too knew of no such thing, and asked much noise over it and just said that one day I will get a never wants to listen to Dear George, who it was that was spreading taste of my own medicine. me. The different noises in this information. They started A few weeks ago, I came home and met her in bed with my head are driving me asking me about my love life and I do not know what is another man having unprotected sex. At least when I did crazy!! my sex life; when was the last happening to me. I have a my thing, I had protection, but she chose not to. We have time I went with a man, and if it boyfriend with whom I live. been arguing over it ever since. I refused to sleep with her was possible I did so and did not Need Help He has been good to me. without using protection, and she is saying she is not protect myself. I told them that Lately I have been doing having sex with me if I insist on wearing protection. I have was none of their business.

Dear Need Help, some strange things, not slept with her since that time.

To my surprise, there and then including sleeping with other Our very young marriage is headed down a disaster they told me that since I was not You need to immediately men. highway and would soon crash. willing to bring an end to this The truth of the matter is, see a doctor to discuss these issue, I would have to take a step I have been hearing voices in voices that you are Trapset back from active involvement in hearing. If it is not possible my head telling me to do the church. I could not believe to see a doctor immediately, this. The voices sometimes Dear Trapset, what I was hearing, i.e. that the then you can go to the tell me to do some very bad same people who were preaching Marion House and have things. I have not told my about how wrong it was to judge Tit for Tat has never and will never solve any problem someone there assist you, boyfriend about this.

I am others, were here judging me. known to man. There are two issues here: infidelity and which could involve referring caught between leaving I do not know of me being the possibility of contracting a STD. you to a medical doctor. sexually involved with a man and things the way they are, If you have a desire to stay in the marriage, then you In the meantime, you hoping everything would go getting an abortion. need to suggest to your wife that both of you go and get should let your boyfriend away, and telling him what urgent counseling. Suggest this to her and take it from Hurt these voices are saying to me. know that you are not well, there. and suggest that he I cannot help myself, and A stalemate between you two will not help and will only Dear Hurt, when the voices tell me to do accompanies you to get the ensure a steady and sure demise of your marriage. It is not something, it is like I have to help you need. This is a good too late to correct this unfortunate circumstance. Let the It is very sad that you can be time to involve him fully so do it. communication resume between you two, and then make so judged and stained in a place you can have his support all My boyfriend is accusing the decision to get some professional help and coming out of where such behaviour ought not the way. me of not being the same that, the future of your marriage will be determined to be present. There should be a person, but I cannot explain line drawn between your personal to him how I feel because he George George

Dear George,

Tit for Tat

Voices in my head

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68. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

McCoy, Peters, Nero Cricketers of the Year

LEFT-ARM FAST BOWLER Obed McCoy, West Indies fast bowler Kenroy Peters and West Indies batter Juliana Nero are this country’s youth male, senior male and female senior Cricketers of the Year.

The announcement and presentation of these award were made at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. annual Presentation and Awards Ceremony, held this year on Friday 11th December, at the Murray Heights Hotel in Kingstown

Premier Division In addition, team and individual awards were handed out.

In the National Lotteries Authority Premier Division, team awards went to Ist place Team Rivals, 2nd place Guardian General Saints, and 3rd place Lime Radcliffe.

Individual Cash Awards were made to: Salvan Brown of Police Two, who compiled the most runs (373); Dyke Cato of Lime Radcliffe Most Wickets 49; and Miles Bascombe of

Victors One — the best all round performance with 284 and 16 wickets.

Atticus Brown of Victors One made the highest individual score, 147, in the 2015 Competition.

The St. Vincent’s Black Sands Swim Squad who competed in the recent Trinidad’s annual ASATT national invitational swim meet.

First Division National Lotteries Authority First Division team awards, went to 1st place Ruddy‘s Electrical Unique Warriors, 2nd place Combined Youths, and losing Semi Finalists: Smashers and Ishallz Byam Physical Therapy.

Cash Prizes for Individual Awards went to: William ‘Bill’ Edwards — Most Runs (251); Donald Delpeshe Most Wickets (13); and Javid Harry, Best All Rounder with 202 runs and 11 wickets.

Female Cricket The team award in SVGCA Women’s Competition was shared by three teams - United Survivors, Garifuna Stars, and JG Tigress, having all ended on equal points.

Individual awards went to: Juliana Nero of

Juliana Nero Senior Female Cricketer of the Year.

Obed McCoy - Kenroy Peters Youth Cricketer - Senior Male of the Year.

Cricketer of the Year.

Garifuna Stars for the Most Runs (308) and the Highest Individual Score; Samantha Lynch of United Survivors, Most Wickets (10).

an all rounder. They have also served as national selectors, with John extending that duty to the Windwards level.

Allen is a certified West Indies cricket Other Awards umpire.

Addresses Last Friday’s The SVGCA continued ceremony was also its recognition of former addressed by Kishore Shallow, President of the national cricketers and SVGCA, who traced the administration, when it activities undertaken by bestowed honours the Association during recognition on Lance the last year.

John and Selwyn Allen, Ms. Laverne Velox, both former national manager of the St. players and Vincent Co-operative administrators. bank delivered the Both John and Allen represented this country feature address. (More on page 69) at the U19 and senior levels — the former being a left-handed opening I.B.A.ALLEN batsman and the latter

Central Leeward Secondary all the way in schools’ Netball THE CENTRAL LEEWARD Secondary School easily achieved the double when the finals of the schools’ Netball competition concluded last Friday, at the Kingstown Netball Center.

Facing the Bethel High School in the junior final, Central Leeward repeated their 2014 feat, by triumphing 26-12, this after establishing leads at the end of each quarter of 6-3, 14-6 and 1810.

Then Central Leeward had it all their way in the senior showdown with the Bishop’s College Kingstown.

Central Leeward Secondary took the first quarter, 10-5, the second at 18-9, with the third finishing 31-15, before finally winning 41-21.

Prior to the finals, the lone third spot took place, and ended victorious for the Bethel High School senior team, which defeated the Emmanuel High Mespo, 37-15.

In the semi-finals, Central Leeward ousted the Emmanuel High Mespo 21-15 in the seniors,

The combined junior and senior netball teams of the Central Leeward Secondary School.

Inset: MVP of the junior final- Azuba Delpesche of the Central Leeward Secondary accepts her award from principal of the Bethel High SchoolMiriam Pompey.

while the Bishop’s College Kingstown stopped the Bethel High- 20-16.

The junior semis saw the Central Leeward Secondary thumping the Georgetown Secondary 20-7, while Bethel High had an easy passage to the final, as the North Union Secondary did not show for the encounter at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex.

Adjudged the player of the final in the junior division was the Central Leeward’s Azuba Delpesche and Aaliyah Anderson, both of the Central Leeward

Secondary, were adjudged junior and senior players of the finals respectively.

The zonal winners in the juniors were Zone A - Georgetown Secondary; Zone B — Central Leeward Secondary , Zone C Thomas Saunders Secondary and Zone D - St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

Taking the seniors’ Zone B was the Bethel High School, Zone C Georgetown Secondary and Zone D - Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia.

More medals for local swimmers SEVEN SWIMMERS from St Vincent’s Black Sands Swim Squad competed in Trinidad’s annual ASATT national invitational swim meet from 9th to 12thDecember. Shne, Alex and Jamie Joachim, Paige and Shane Cadogan, Dillon Gooding and Cruz Halbich.

St Vincent’s Shne’ Joachim led the way, Shne’ Joachim swimming another recordcame away with a breaking race in the record-breaking 50meters breaststroke, time in the 50 winning the gold medal and metres smashing the Trinidad breaststroke. national record by over one second. Shne’ finished the four days of racing with a total of four gold medals and one silver. Her younger brother Alex also swam himself to the medal podium, taking number one spot with a gold medal in the 800 meters freestyle. A total of six personal best times were achieved by alex over the four days of competing. The youngest Joachim, Jamie, Shane Cadogan demonstrated that she will was also a soon be another of St medallist in his Vincent’s swimming stars. class’s 50 and 100 Jamie didn’t medal at the event but managed to swim meter a total of five personal best breaststroke. swims, dropping her times by over nine seconds in some of her events.

Siblings Paige and Shane Cadogan also put in personal best and medal winning swims. Paige swimming a total of five personal best times and older brother Shane swam himself to the medal podium, bringing home one silver and one bronze medal in both the 50 and 100 meter breaststroke.

King of long distance swimming, Cruz Halbich battled his way to a bronze medal in the 1500 meter freestyle and managed a total of eight personal best swims, and Dillon Gooding swam a total of six personal best times and demonstrated that he will be one of St Vincent’s medal contenders when competing in 2016.

Coach Kyle Dougan said “all the swimmers should feel satisfied with their performances in Trinidad. They competed well against some of the best swimmers in the Caribbean region, and also against some visiting age group swimmers from the USA. St Vincent should feel proud of all of their efforts and performances”.

The last competition for the St Vincent swimmers will be the Black Sands Invitational Sprint Meet which will be held on 18th and 19th of December at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in Ratho Mill. (Contributed)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 69.

Sports

„Your sport should be treated like your job,‰ Velox

Laverne Velox

FEATURE SPEAKER AT last Friday’s awards and presentation of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, Laverne Velox, Manager of the St. Vincent Co-operative Band Ltd., has advised local sportsmen and women that, “Your sport should be treated like your job.”

Velox made this pronouncement as she addressed the topic: ‘Professionalism - A key ingredient for success in sports’, at the ceremony held at the Murray Heights Hotel.

In her delivery, Velox concurred, “Professionalism means you must be prepared… Preparation is not just having the right gear and looking good… Preparation is also mental and physical…You have to turn up ready to execute policy — that’s the game plan.”

She advised: “Adopt an excellent work ethic - approach your game with willingness, assume additional tasks for the love of the game and turn up for every practice session on time…

Work with integrity — always express yourself honestly and do not be afraid to tell your teammates they need to step up to the plate… Don’t be a clock watcher - practise until the coach says no more… Be a team player.”

Continuing her innings, Velox beseeched her audience “..to adhere to policy — the rules which guide the sport and the referee’s commands…

You must possess that ability to think on your feet — be ready for any change in set plays… Always be respectful to your peers and opponents — that’s fair play… Go the extra mile - play your hearts out to the end even if it’s bitter.”

Velox, in stressing on team work, advanced, “Each player has a role and a responsibility to ensure victory for the team, therefore, players need to complement each other by playing with the same mindset…to win.”

Her presentation was punctuated

with applause from the audience.

Velox’s speech could not be completed without her advising sportsmen and women to be respectful of authority.

“While it is your right to differ from the opinions or directives of executive bodies, managers and other sports administrators, do so respectfully…

Discipline must be the hallmark of any professional sportsperson…. Once you have been elevated to the status of sports personality, you are immediately placed under a microscope,” Velox commented.

She implored sportsmen and women here, to always pursue high levels of discipline, and to be always cognizant of their roles in society, as they are often emulated.

President of the SVGCA, Kishore Shallow, and chairman of the National Lotteries Authority, Murray Bullock, also addressed the ceremony.

Selwyn Allen unbeaten on 45

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

“With Mikey (Mike Findlay) in the team and as a West Indies wicketkeeper, I start bowling leg spin and only kept when Mike was on tour”, he explained.

He played at the senior national level before undertaking studies overseas.

Over the years, the soft-spoken Allen has operated in various capacities in the sport, including selector, executive member, team manager, umpire and recently, match referee.

“I am prepared to contribute in whichever way I can, and this is one of the ways in which we can support and help to develop cricket here,” Allen said.

Allen admitted that he is saddened by the apparent falloff in the interest shown by youngsters, and attributes this to the poor performance of the West Indies team and the bottleneck situation where only a few players will make it to the top.

He believes that individual countries will have to

“I HAVE DONE MY PART and I am glad that the SVG Cricket Association has seen it fit to recognise me for what I have done….and it is always better to get that type of recognition when you are still here and not gone to the Great Beyond.”

These were the words of Selwyn Allen after being honoured by the SVGCA for his contribution to the sport over the last 45 years.

Allen, a smooth top order batsman and useful wicketkeeper, was pushed into the annals of local cricket when in 1970 he was named to captain the first ever national Under 19 team. His job was to lead the young Vincentians into battle against the touring young Australians led by Andrew Sincock.

The Australians won the two day match in a day and a half. But Allen covered himself in glory by remaining unconquered in both innings with scores of 41* and 46*.

Prior to the match, it was expressed in some quarters that the Emmanuel High School Kingstown’s Cilene Davis, seen by THE RSVG POLICE Masters have been many as a better ‘keeper, should crowned Champions of the SVG have been the man handed the Masters 20/20 cricket competition, glove, but Allen disagrees. making it the third time they have laid “In the trial match, I was the claim to the title. captain and therefore I had to .The law men defeated Sion Hill play so there was no place for him…I must admit that he was a Masters by 3 wickets in the final of the better keeper, but in order to have 2015 edition of the competition, played in front of an appreciative gathering of balance in the team, I as the better batsman and a reasonable spectators, at the Arnos Vale One keeper, was the best choice in the playing field on Sunday. eyes of the selectors”.

Sion Hill Masters batted first and Allen said the debate never made107 for 8 off 20 overs. Sylvester affected his state of mind, as he Vanloo top scored with 23 and Ronald just went into the match without Medford contributed 22. Parnell Browne giving it much thought and continued his good form with the ball, focused on his game. He admitted taking 3 wickets for 22 runs. that while he did not allow any RSVG Police Masters applied much chances, he had some difficulty caution as they went about their chase with the left arm spin of Henry for victory. The loss of early wickets, John and the offspin of Stanley including that of the inform Gosnel Hinds.

Allen was later made captain of Cupid for 21, may have raised some the first Combined Schools team, concern, but the lawmen stuck steadfastly, the pair of Renford Jack and and led them to the Elvis Browne seeing them to victory, Fraser/Neckles (First Division) title, supremacy of local cricket. with three balls still to be bowled.

He later joined the Saints Cricket Police totaled 107 for 7.

Club as a wicketkeeper/batsman, Browne completed the session with a but was quickly forced to shelf the match winning all-round performance, glove. adding 31 runs to his earlier haul of 3

put programmes in place to arrest the decline in the sport, and points to the work done by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Association as a good example..

He said that his 45 years of association with the sport have been filled with satisfaction, notwithstanding the disappointments along the way.

He has, he quips, been able to retake his guard and focus on what is before him.

Allen, who has been the PRO of the SVG Cricket Umpires Association for the last decade or so, said he has no immediate intention of turning his back on Selwyn Allen still the game. moving forward

Police claim third Masters Cricket title

Uzzah Pope - top run getter in the 2015 Masters Cricket Competition.

Third time Masters Champions – RSVG Police Fore.

wickets. Renford Jack remained not out on 24, which included 2 sixes, perhaps the two shots that swung the pendulum in favour of the lawmen.

Bill Edwards, Andrew Bramble and Ronald Medford each had 2 wickers for the Masters from Sion Hill.

Medium pacer Parnel Browne of SVG Police finished the tournament with the

most wickets, 19. Former West Indies fast bowler Deighton Butler representing North East Masters took the second most, 12.

Uzzah Pope, captain of newcomers RYB Challengers Masters, compiled the most runs 265, followed by Gosnel Cupid with 253.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

70. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Playing by the rules THERE WILL ALWAYS be situations whereby people interpret matters the way they want and make for cloudy storms in the distance. For no matter how anyone puts it, someone can come up with a twist to suit one’s agenda. We are intelligent enough to do that. After all, we are the superior beings.

We have our sense of judgement right? We are free to make choices as we see fit. Given that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is part of the Caribbean, shaped by a legacy of slavery and colonialism, we are in the process of defining our identity. That assumes a broiling and embroiling phenomenon. For there is a uniqueness about the Caribbean that historians are yet to decode.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a typical example. Our combustion and configuration entangle aspects of every race and tribe that has traversed the Caribbean. If there is a case of the melting pot, SVG has far reaching impact. The numbers will not be as widespread and varied as say Suriname, for they have a further Asian-mix, that did not penetrate the Caribbean islands.

But there is still a diversity which has produced to establish the Vincentian heritage. That is something we have to cherish and engender.

Threats to subvert our legacy of peace will not enhance our country as a sporting reservoir. The ongoing battle will have some impact on preparations for the next round of World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 25 and 29. The final rounds will be September 2 and 6.

Unless there is a reversal in fortunes, we will struggle to advance from this round. It will not be because of the absence of talent or skills. There is the adage of the attitude and altitude determination.

The same principle applies to this political situation. That is the similar spectre that looms over the situation with regional cricket. The Caribbean has a tendency of playing spoilers. We would rather throw away the baby in the bath water.

When it comes to nationalism, we are fiery. And every one of us believes that our nation is the biggest in the world.

It is only when faced with the reality of global existence that we realise our size, no matter how macho we purport to be.

Over the years, we have become experts at selfdestruction. We carry the legacy of having wrecked our chances of a unity when we squandered the Federation.

West Indies cricket, one of the survivors of regional unity, is challenged unrelentingly by the elements intent on driving the wedge of insularity deeper.

The cricket story is another classical scenario.

While the world clamours for a strong West Indies squad in the interest of global sport, there are still signs that some of them revel in demoralising the Caribbean players.

Some decisions by the adjudicators reveal those glaring occurrences from time to time.

Sports and racism remain inextricably linked.

It is with a sense of pride that it was the stance of many West Indian Cricket idols that apartheid remained frowned upon by the rest of the world for some time.

We in this region are known for our principled approaches. We are not going to abandon that policy this time nor ever.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015. 71.

Classifieds

ZETA MARIETHA DIAMOND Mount Carmel Spiritual Baptist Church Evesham Sunday 13th December, 2015 2:00 p.m.

ALEXANDER MARTIN Belmont Methodist Church Monday 14th December, 2015 2:00 p.m.

VANDIE MARK JOHNSON

EUSTON PROVIDENCE

Church of Christ Langley Park, Georgetown Sunday 13th December, 2015 3:00 p.m.

S.D Adventist Church Mesopotamia Sunday 13th December, 2015 2:00 p.m.

LLOYD VENNER Berean Baptist Church Saturday 12th December, 2015 3:00 p.m.

CARLTON ELLIS Faith & Life Pentecostal Saturday 12th December, 2015 3:00 p.m.

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 18, 2015

VOLUME 108, No.51

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www.thevincentian.com

BOYCOTT....NO SALARIES Gonsalves said at the victory rally at the Argyle International Airport THE SEVEN New Democratic Party (NDP) last Saturday, hours after the Political elected members, having served as Leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace, Parliamentary Representatives following announced that he and the other six the 2010 General Elections, will, like the elected members would not be taking rest of the public sector workers, receive up their positions in Parliament, that their salaries today. if they did not show up then he would However, should they carry out the enact legislation to prevent them from plan not to take up their seats in being paid, based on the notion that Parliament when it convenes on they had not earned it.

December 29th, then, according to And while speaking on radio Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Tuesday night, the Prime Minister legislative measures would have to be further explained that the individual taken. must first be sworn in as Leader of the

Opposition in order to get that salary.

“The $180,000 or thereabout which we give him to run the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, [he] cannot get that because he has not been sworn in,” Gonsalves explained.

He further explained that the seven elected members of the NDP would be paid based on the assumption that they would be attending the December 29th sitting of the House.

Eustace said at a press briefing last Saturday that he and his team would not be sworn in to office, neither will they go to Parliament until the matter of irregularities he and his team are claiming took place during the election, was cleared up.

The Political Leader of the NDP defended his action by saying that going to Parliament will be a way of conceding defeat.

But according to Gonsalves, ministers and other persons appointed Nigel Stephenson (centre) declared opposition MP for South Leeward, is a second term to executive office are MP who could be without a salary come January. required to take oaths of

EC$1.50

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has promised that he will see to it that no NDP elected member of the House will receive a salary beyond December, if they don’t take their seats in Parliament on Dec 29.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;

office, allegiance and secrecy; however on the 29th, all appointed to serve in Parliament will be required to take an oath of allegiance.

He added that whenever the occasion arises for the appointment of the leader of the opposition, the current opposition leader assumes that position until the first time the House meets following an election.

And according to the Prime Minister, although the members of the NDP may have gone ahead and announced that they will not be taking up their positions in Parliament due to irregularities which occurred during the December 9th General Elections, a formal letter was yet to be sent to the Clerk of the House.

“Until then, there is the expectation that they will be sworn in on the 29th.

So they will get their pay cheque on the 18th, but if they don’t swear in on the 29th, then legislative measures would have to be taken,” Gonsalves warned.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.