THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 01-09-23

NO CONFIRMATION OF CoP’S RESIGNATION

Dr. Gonsalves drove home the point further by reiterating that he could say “emphatically, Colin John has not resigned because it is not within his interest.”

While acknowledging that the CoP is eligible to request early retirement, Dr. Gonsalves told the media that he was not going to comment on whether John had requested early retirement.

He went on to explain that it is the Police Service Commission which will have to sign off on the request for early retire and he, Dr. Gonslaves, was not aware as of Tuesday that this process had been pursued.

nation’s top cop.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, the law provides for the Governor General to appoint a Commissioner of Police, upon the advice of the Police Service Commission.

In arriving at a recommendation, the Police Service Commission is obligated to consult the Prime Minister and if the Prime

Minister fault with the person the Police Service Commission would want to recommend to the Governor General, that named cannot be advanced.

“So, the name which goes to the Governor General has to have the approval of the Prime Minister,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

Continued on Page 3.

WHETHER OR NOT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE(CoP) Colin John had indicated he was about to demit office and had requested early retirement was, as of Thursday, still a matter of speculation among the public at large.

And the speculation surrounding the news which broke last week that John expressed in one way or the other an intention to demit office,

only heightened on the return to the state of Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Dr. Gonsalves sought to ‘clear the air’ on the issue of John’s resignation after being pressed into doing so during a press conference he hosted last Tuesday.

The Prime Minister told those gathered that he can confirm that the

Commissioner of Police had not resigned.

And in stating categorically that the CoP had not resigned, as some people had said and as one newspaper here purported, the Prime Minister proceeded to question the reasonableness of John resigning by asking, “If you are in the Public Service all your life, would you resign and lose your pension?”

As an aside, Dr. Gonsalves affirmed that he has been involved in the appointment of five CoPs since he came to office in 2001.

John was appointed in 2016. He was, immediately prior to that appointment, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

The reference to his involvement in the appointment of Commissioners of Police preempted his explanation of the process involved in the appointment of the

Colin John, Commissioner of Police, has not made any statement regarding whether he intends to resign or has resigned.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and national Security Mintser went about dispelling the ‘news’ that the Commissioner of Police had resigned.

CXC still to answer queries

SEVERAL QUERIESrelating to the results of the 2023 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) by the Ministry of Education remain unresolved as of Thursday this week.

Some of the queries relate to the grades received by some candidates at various institutions across the country.

Curtis King, Minister of Education, while speaking at a principal’s seminar on August 29, said that up to

that time, the Ministry of Education was yet to release any (summary) report based on the preliminary list released on August 25.

According to King, there was usually a high level of interest among the general public, and “every year the Ministry of Education makes public a report on the performance of the students in various subjects and at various schools.”

As per specific queries, Minister King pointed to begin with, to he case

Women Entrepreneurs to convene in Barbados

THE CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

(CDB) will host several women entrepreneurs from the region at its Barbados headquarters on September 26, 2023, as it launches the SheTrades Regional Hub in the Caribbean.

According to a press release, the SheTrades global initiative was formulated by the United Nations, World Trade Organization’s (WTO) and International Trade Centre (ITC, with the purpose of providing support for women-led and women-owned businesses as a means of economic empowerment.

The symposium will explore several critical topics and identify solutions for both online and in person participants. The agenda includes knowledge sharing by accomplished Caribbean women entrepreneurs, and business support organisations, discussions and recommendations on making women-led and owned businesses

become globally competitive, as well as an interrogation of the significant socio-economic impact of women starting or leading export-ready and competitive businesses.

Speaking about the initiative, the Bank’s Acting Head, Private Sector Division, Lisa Harding, said, “We are excited to operationalise the SheTrades Caribbean Hub! CDB looks forward to facilitating increased access to training, coaching, mentoring, networking, investment, and export opportunities for womenowned MSMEs in the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries. The SheTrades Symposium is indicative of our commitment to bolster the economic capacity of women entrepreneurs.”

With 14 Hubs across 30 countries, She-Trades operates to champion

Curtis King, Minister of Education, gave a synopsis of the situation as it related to queries made regarding the 2023 CSEC/CXC exam.

where students received ‘Ungraded’ for Communications Studies at CAPE.

Students of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College were expected to write the said examination on June 23 — the very day that the country was shut down as a precautionary measure for the expected passage of Tropical Storm Bret.

King told THE VINCENTIAN that after consultation with officials at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), it was agreed that the candidates would be graded using a modified approach, although he (King) said that officials here were seeking a new date for the students to write the exam.

However, when the results were released, those students all received ‘Ungraded’.

Similarly, following the leak of Paper 2 leak of the 2023 Mathematics paper, King said that CXC officials again said that they would apply a modified approach when grading the students.

And while King noted that the pass rate for the subject for this year was 37 percent compared to 29 percent in 2022, he referenced that in the past when the modified approach was used to grade students, the country scored pass rates of 50 percent and more.

Another issue that was raised with CXC was the case of some students, from various schools, who sat the CSEC Accounts and Theater and

Drama who did not receive a grade, but who were again ‘Ungraded’. These were just some of the issues that King highlighted saying that how the issues raised were addressed could have an impact on the results.

“And we felt that given the number of issues, it might be useful to have these resolved before putting out anything,” King told THE VINCENTIAN.

Nevertheless, King said that overall the results indicated that there was an overall pass rate of 70 percent, which was encouraging following the previous years that had been plagued with issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption in 2021.

Up to press time on August 31, ministry officials were yet to receive a response from CXC. Once that is received, King assured that a summary and comparative analysis of the overall performance will be made available to the public. (DD)

quality data, enact fair policies, secure government contracts, strike business deals, enable market access, unlock financial services, and grant ownership rights.

The SheTrades Regional Hub in the Caribbean is a collaborative 2-year programme supported by the ITC being implemented by CDB.

No confirmation of CoP’s resignation

Continued from Frontpage.

And in closing his attention for the matter of John’s resignation, the Prime Minister reiterated “….whether the Commissioner of

Police has intimated orally or in writing his request for early retirement, I say to you that I am not either going to confirm or deny that.”

There has been no

public response by Commissioner John to any of what the Prime Minister had to say and what continues to abound in public discussion here and abroad.

Lisa Harding, CDB Acting Head, Private Sector Division, says the initiative demonstates the bank’s commitment to bolster the economic capacity of women entrepreneurs.

AnnamayÊs matter given final adjournment

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

THE MATTERinvolving Layou resident Annamay Lewis, who has been charged with throwing missiles during a protest action in Kingstown in 2021, has been given its final adjournment.

When the case which had been adjourned on numerous occasions, was called again at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, there were still issues relating to disclosure, and the unavailability of one of the Prosecution’s main witnesses. As a result, Presiding Magistrate John Ballah adjourned the matter to November 29. But he made it clear that this would be the final adjournment, and both parties would have to, “get their house in order,” by then.

Lewis has been charged with, that on August 5, 2021, at Kingstown, in a public place, White Chapel Road, threw missiles to the danger of persons there at the time. She has maintained her not guilty plea, and is on station bail.

The woman had also been charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on the same date by striking him on the right side of his head with an unknown object. She had also pleaded not guilty, and was granted $3,000 bail. The Prosecution, however, withdrew that charge at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on

September 15, 2021.

Prosecution witness absent

When the matter, in connection with throwing missiles, was called on Monday, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel informed the Court that prosecution witness Sergeant Emel Jacobs, a certified digital forensic examiner, attached to the I.T. Department of the Police Force, was overseas, and the prosecution would be making an application for that witness to give evidence via video link.

But the Magistrate questioned, “Why was this application to have this person give evidence by video link not made before?”

The Prosecutor responded, “I did not know the witness was out of state until today.”

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, representing Lewis, said she had made an application for the arrest warrant, as it is a minor offense, and the matter is not one of those cases in which you could arrest without a warrant.

The Magistrate then ordered that all documents in relation to the matter be disclosed.

“This is a 2021 matter. I am going to give this matter a final adjournment, a long one, so that everybody could get their house in order. On the next occasion, all parties must have their house in order,” he warned.

Layou jailed on ammo charge

LAYOU RESIDENTOzar Findlay was sentenced to one year and five months, after taking the rap on an ammunition charge at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Findlay, 29, was charged jointly with 18-year-old Kemel Thomas, also of Layou, with possession of one round of .38 ammunition, without license. However, while Findlay pleaded guilty Thompson maintained his innocence.

The Prosecution accepted Findlay’s guilty plea, as well as the facts of the case, and withdrew the charge against Thompson.

The Court heard that around 5:30 a.m. on August 29, Sergeant 193 Gart Deshong led a combined operation involving police officers from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), and the Barrouallie, Layou, and Vermont police stations. They journeyed to Findlay’s home at Layou to execute a search warrant.

Findlay was met at home with another person, and he (Findlay) consented to a search, during which a silver box was found, between two mattresses, in one of the bedrooms. The box was opened in the presence of the defendant, and a police officer, revealing one round of .38 special

ammunition. He was cautioned, and replied, “Officer ah mine”. He was taken to the Layou Police Station where he was cautioned again, interviewed, and HE admitted, in writing, that the ammunition belonged to him. Findlay was then taken to the Ottley Hall substation, where the ammunition was examined by ballistics expert, Station Sergeant, Julian Caine, and found to be in working condition.

Checks also revealed that Findlay did not have a license to hold a firearm or ammunition.

In applying the sentencing guidelines Magistrate John Ballah placed the offense in level C and Category 3, and started at two years and five months, which is 30 percent of the maximum penalty.

Firearm or ammunition possession carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison in the Magistrate’s Court.

The Magistrate found no aggravating factors in relation to the offense, or the offender, neither were there anything mitigating for the offense. In relation to the mitigating for the offender, Ballah noted that Findlay had not previous convictions of a similar nature. He was also granted a one-third discount for his early guilty plea.

“I don’t know what you mean by everybody. It has to be the prosecution,” Bacchus-Baptiste interjected.

Magistrate Ballah explained that if the Prosecution is ready and the defense is not ready on November 29, the Court will proceed with the trial, but if the defense is ready and the Prosecution is not, the matter will be dismissed.

At this point, the prosecutor handed something to Bacchus-Baptiste, and told the Court, “I just handed the warrant of arrest to Counsel. Everything else has been disclosed to Counsel.”

But Bacchus-Baptiste insisted that to date she had not seen the video footage, which is an integral part of the Prosecution’s evidence, nor a copy of the electronic interview the police conducted with her client. She also indicated that she had requested the station diary for September 7, 2021.

Bacchus-Baptiste said that the disclosure letter she received had nothing to show that these things were disclosed. But the prosecutor maintained that everything was disclosed to the defense.

Ballah suggested that the Prosecution and defense have a “side bar”, outside the Court, following the adjournment.

“You all have to work to a common understanding.” he told both parties, and ordered that all applications must be settled by September 6.

No warrant

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN, following the adjournment, BacchusBaptiste said, “To date, I have not

seen the evidence they (Prosecution) are relying on. Even though they sent a disclosure letter, there was nothing in the letter to show that these things were actually disclosed.

Ammamay Lewis will continue on station bail as she awaits the outcome of a case which stemmed from an incident in 2021.

“I have not seen the video footage, and that must be crucial to the Prosecution’s case.

The lawyer added that Prosecutor Samuel handed her a document, purporting to be a copy of the arrest warrant, but Bacchus-Baptiste said she believed they prepared that document after her client was arrested.

“My client told me they had no warrant when they arrested her, and I believe her. If they don’t have a credible arrest warrant, the case would have to be dismissed because the arrest would have been illegal,” Bacchus-Baptiste told THE VINCENTIAN.

She believes that after the Prosecution dropped the more serious charge, they were so eager to get her client on something they arrested her on this charge, without going through the proper procedure.

The attorney hastened to add, “We are not relying on that. We are going to defend this case fully. Our case is that she did not throw any missiles.”

The charge against Lewis stemmed from protest actions in Kingstown on August 5, 2021, organized by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and other organizations.

Prison officers get training

SIXTEENjunior prison officers at His Majesty’s Prisons have completed a 3week basic prison officers training programme.

The training ran from August 6 to 25, and covered a range of topics, including prison rules and regulations, Mandella rules, searches, mental health, laws of evidence, reception and gate rules.

The training was conducted by

members of the prisons’ staff, along with several facilitators from government ministries.

Acting Superintendent of Prisons Dwayne Bailey described the exercise as, “an ongoing effort to have trained professional prison officers deliver a service to the public, and to better secure the prisoners, and the facilities.”

The 16 prison officers who recently received training with staff of His Majesty’s prisons.

Towards food security

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union and OSV Group are joining forces to ensure that the region’s food import bill is reduced.

The Credit Union is offering loans towards this end. Members are offered up to $25,000, some of which they can use to purchase equipment from OSV Group.

Minister of Agriculture Forestry, Fisheries, welcomed the collaboration and cited it as a “good juncture in the country’s development.”

He is pleased that food producers can get money to carry out their business but he cautioned persons who borrow money to be “honest” and repay their loans, and juxtaposed this with the reluctance of lending institutions to make money available for food production.

Caesar projected to a turmeric venture, a meeting of which is slated for Friday September 1. He believed that

farmers in that venture will need funding,’ and hopes that the SVGTCCU would continue to make money available to borrowers.

OSV – offering what the farmer needs

Caesar praised the OSV Group for the quality of equipment they offer. He projected on having five of this country’s “major exporters” on one platform, and have the information of their sales relayed to lending institutions so that deductions could be done in an approved manner.

OSV Group is veering into the ‘blue economy” and will be bringing boats. Caesar is overjoyed that his vision of agricultural and fishing expansion is supported.

Jules Ferdinand, representing OSV, acknowledged the “positive evolution” in farming and highlighted the involvement and business-like nature of women in the food industry.

Ferdinand highlighted the role of farmers altogether and of his Group’s commitment to agricultural and fisheries development.

He stressed on the stealing of crops and livestock. As far as Ferdinand was concerned: “We still have a little way to go.”

Ferdinand urged producers to check out his company for equipment they need to increase yields.

Kenisha Belgraves, representing the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union pointed to the flexible arrangements her institution can make with borrowers.

“We tailor payments plans with what you are doing,” Belgraves outlined.

Testimonies of farming people

Testimonials came from Tishorn Edwards, Kirk David Browne and Lennox Lampkin. Edwards from the North Leeward district of Chateaubelair, described himself as a farmer “going out there to give life to something.”

Kirk David Browne, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly here, recounted difficulty of getting

money for farming and praised the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union for rescuing him. As far as Browne is concerned: “I feel like family at the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union. They deal with you like a good parent.”

Lampkin looked at “risk management” that borrowers face and how that affected their interest payments. He noted an absence of respect for farmers and the scarcity of information on farming operations.

“There ought to be a measure of production planning,’ Lampkin identified. He called for the improvement of roads to farms and that consideration be given for producers to have smaller type vehicles suitable for farmers, at a reduced registration. (WKA)

Just a small display of the equipment/aids that farmers can avail at OSV.

Dr. Julian Ferdinand (left) of OSV in conversation with Agricultural Scientist Clive Bishop.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The PM-CoP Âbassa-bassa NIS Reform suggestions

HAS OUR POLICE FORCE been politicised? There is a strong school of thought that it has.

But before we begin to point fingers and accuse one side or the other of intensifying this politicisation, let us acknowledge that politicization of the police, whether by the Government or what is now the opposition, is downright unacceptable.

This politcisation of the police force is demonstrated, though not confined to, who heads the force, who make up the high command, and how ‘justice’ is dispensed throughout the force.

History records a period of Mitchell and Toussaint which gave rise to public perception that the police force was in the hands of one political entity.

That public perception was heightened with the appointment of Keith Miller by the Unity Labour Party, an appointment that was ‘justified’ by a process of ‘accelerated promotion’ which became a hallmark of the ULP’s modus operandi.

The fallout of this appointment was the direct frustration (through transfers) of many good men who were perceived to be supporters of the opposition.

After all, wouldn’t the Prime Minister of the country want to know that the person who heads the police force is one he can trust, though there are those who are wont to say, someone he/she can manipulate?

Notwithstanding the Prime Minister’s expectations of a Commissioner of Police, the result of the broader splash of politicisation is demonstrated by the ‘bassa-bassa’ in which it appears, the Prime Minister/Minister of National Security and the Commissioner are embroiled.

When news broke last week, while the Prime Minister was on one of his seemingly unending overseas ‘missions’, that the Commissioner of Police had planned to demit office, it caused ripples through the ranks and file of Vincentian society. Never before has a Commissioner of Police demitted office mid-term, made that announcement himself, and without a process of succession ‘kicking in’. Even without any convincing

evidence, the public took the ‘news flash’ and ran with it, speculating wildly about what could have prompted this move by Colin John, considered a protégé of the Prime Minister. Did Commissioner John simply have enough of the ‘uncertainties’ that had come with the office? Was there unnecessary pressure to ‘toe the line’?

Whatever, it is not good for the country that there would be this uncertainty with respect to the seat of Commissioner of Police.

Yes, it may be that the Prime Minister succeeded in convincing the public that Colin John had not resigned, and that it would not be in John’s interest to ‘retire’ at this point in his career, but whether he quelled any sense of uneasiness within the police force is another question altogether. And that is the bigger issue that we must bring to the fore in the interest of the national good. We must ask: Is all well with the constabulary?

If we are allowed to speculate that all is not well with the Royal SVG Police Force and if those in authority prefer to sweep whatever it is under the proverbial carpet, then we open ourselves to a festering of a sore whose puss could well overflow into the wider society and bring a sense of hopelessness. We can ill afford not to trust our police force especially at a time when we are grappling with a marked increase in the incidence of crime in our modern history.

So, if the relation between the Commissioner of Police and the Prime Minister has been fractured to the point of it not being able to mend, then the citizens of this country must know of this.

If there is an amicable parting of the waters between the two, would it translate into John following his police colleague Bertie Pompey and be handed a magisterial posting?

Governments that feel they are entitled to run roughshod over the arm of the state that provides for our safety, and feel their survival depends on the degree to which they politicise the police force in their favour, will feel the backlash sometime and somewhere along the way.

SVG is no exception.

TODAY,I will go out on a limb and offer some suggestions on some of the reforms we should consider for the NIS. I know this is dangerous, but I will anyway. I will also comment on some of the things being suggested for consideration, by the administration.

Unfortunately, some of you may consider this an attack on the Government, but that is not my intention. I am only commenting on the ideas put forward for public consideration and offering a few suggestions of my own. I cannot comment on the position of the opposition because the opposition has not and probably will not put forward any ideas. Remember that they said not to look towards them for any solutions to the NIS problem.

Mr. Haynes, as I recall, one of the burdens on the NIS system was the payments to non-contributors. I understand that we are not adding any new person to that list of recipients. If that remains the administration’s policy, that’s a good thing. I suggest that the Government make an annual payment to fund the cost of all those non-contributors who continue to receive monthly payments for the NIS. A more economical option for the Government would be to have an actuary calculate the unfounded liability and make a lump sum payment now. That would also be the best option for the fund.

To be clear, I believe no one else should be added to this list, even if the Government makes the necessary payments. This well-intended programme idea presents a public relations problem.

It seems like the additional payments during the COVID-19 pandemic also put some strain on the system. This extraordinary event was unforeseen; you did what you could to help in that emergency. I wish you and the Government were upfront with our people back then about the source of some Covid-19 payout. What is done is done; let’s move on. By the way, the same can be said for the ill-advised discount by VINLEC and CWSA. By the way, how much did that cost us? Bearing another unforeseen circumstance, we will be okay. We will recover; a few million dollars in a halfof-a-billion fund will not have a longlasting effect on the fund’s overall performance. I am not concerned about the few

dollars paid to successful students at the CXC level. If the economy performs as expected, these people will enter the workforce soon and significantly contribute in time to the system. This is another programme that has become an easy target for some people.

The idea of arbitrarily increasing the retirement age to some higher number is dangerous, uncalled for, and probably illegal. It will likely be tied up in courts for years if it’s done as it is currently being discussed. We cannot just raise the retirement age for employees presently vested in the system. The same is true for the early retirement age or a reduction in benefits - 60% to 55 %. These suggested changes must be applied to new employees and to anyone not currently vested in the system to avoid a lengthy and drawn-out court battle over these changes.

Some employees are circumventing the system by classifying otherwise legal employees as contractors and, therefore, not paying into the system. We must capture a penalty from any employer who hires someone currently collecting retirement from NIS. One idea is to collect the employer’s portion of the NIS contribution even if the employee is no longer paying into the system. Participation in the system should be mandatory.

We need to increase the portion of the ordinary salary subject to NIS tax. The amount of salary subject to the tax should be adjusted (increased) each year automatically. Another clever avoidance tactic by some employers is to classify a sizable portion of the employee salary as an allowance, making it exempt from all taxes; this is an area for review.

Tax avoidance on international investment as a long-term option will take some time. Still, we must lobby for special consideration when investing in foreign stock and bond markets for tax relief from taxes on investment earnings.

To the people of SVG, NIS will be a political football for the foreseeable future. You can pick your side and have a go at it, but regardless of which side you are on, the issues must be addressed maturely. The commitment to the people must be honoured at all costs, and creating undue panic among the citizens is unacceptable and, most importantly, unnecessary.

Horatio

The system fails the youth

MR. EDITOR, the devil appears to have taken control of our current day political and religious leaders. They are here called upon to change their teaching and practices.

It’s a shame to see how our youth has been physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually abused. We (Global Citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven) believe that the youth is critical to building a just, righteous, peaceful and sustainable work environment, without hate, division, and poverty. We know that they have the potential to be global citizens, to think of global history, create a fairer, more peaceful, and sustainable future for all peoples on earth. All they need is the space to think of their (Garifuna) history, their values, and be given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge so that they can make changes in our societies.

The so-called ‘education revolution’ has failed to change the young people’s mindset from one of divide and rule and hate to the taking of action to bring about the oneness of humanity. The ‘education revolution’ has failed to train our youth to understand that we are citizens of the universe. Where is the National Youth Council? Where is the parliamentary youth group? Where is the space for the youth to understand the social, environmental, and economic plight to drive them towards local, regional, and international decision-making?

Yeshua said that his kingdom/government belongs to the youth. The youth need to know how they can work together with global citizens to use and share the earth’s resources fairly and uphold the human rights of all people on earth. Exploring local and global connections is vital to molding the views, values, and assumptions of our youth especially as they relate to justice locally and globally. Yes, a mindset of our youth that focuses on the complexity of global issues is vital. That is to say, opportunities to make informed, reflective actions and for the voice of the youths need to be heard.

This cannot be done by the ULP since it has not been done for the past 22 years. The new government will educate and empower the youth on righteous principalities. It’s just a matter of time. God is shortening the time.

Christian Democrat.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* Will we ever get the real truth and nothing but the real truth concerning the Commissioner of Police’s intention to demit office?

* Why is the government always ready to blame other — including foreign operatives — the blunders they have made?

* We plan to spend another set of millions at the Arnos vale Playing Field. Is there any guarantee that international cricket will return to this venue?

* Are the rates for use of the MRI machine, as published in last week’s VINCENTIAN, discounted rates?

* Doesn’t the NDP realize that time is running out and they should by now have their slate of candidates for the next election in place?

Responsibility

THERE AREmany tough decisions to be made but no one wants to take the responsibility to do it. Rather than doing what we can to help the situation, we expect others to act. We want to claim credit for the achievements and blame others for the failures. We have become a permissive and irresponsible society.

A child at birth is entitled to correct biological identity. Even though we have the technology to assist us many fathers are not registered on the birth certificates, and some are erroneously included. Many children are denied child support because we fail to identify the fathers. Some lose their inheritance as a consequence also. We know the whereabouts of runaway children, but we do not care enough to return them home or at

minimum keep in touch with them to ensure that they are not victims of human trafficking. We keep the consent age at 15 to serve the purposes of depraved men. We observe a crime and claim that we did not see it because we do not want to get involved. We aid and abet wrongdoing by our silence, or we go along with the crowd for material gain. Yet we expect peace and justice. We could make the task of teaching easier by telling students to be of good behavior and obey and follow the direction of their teacher. Instead, we listen to complaints against those in authority and reinforce bad behaviour. We know that it is better to spend time reading and playing real games rather than spending time on gadgets, yet we allow children to be raised in

ignorance, wasting away their lives.

We borrow and refuse to repay and make it harder for future borrowers. We give little but expect much. We engage in nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism, and yet expect to reap the fruits of meritocracy and increased productivity. We have not planted yet we expect to reap. We did not study yet expect to pass. We engage the services of others and refuse to pay into their pension fund. When these workers are old, we do not take responsibility for their sustenance.

We speak with our lips, but our actions tell a different story. We say that we are a parliamentary democracy but will not entertain contrary views nor a motion of no confidence.

We expect children to have desirable morals

Customer Service

Mr. Editor: Thought this letter that was published in the Jamaica Observer, Aug. 29, might be of interest to your readers.

Paul Roberts Jamaica

Dear Editor, THE BANKScontinue to dish out poor customer service to their clients because competition is largely nonexistent in the financial sector, and the imposition of transaction fees helps to boost their profits.

The meltdown of the financial sector has resulted in the banks operating more like cartels.

On August 25 I tried

to facilitate a transaction from one bank to another.

The bank from which the transaction was being made asked that I present them with the code of the branch where my account is located. I called the branch and a so-called customer service representative with a thick accent came on the line. I had to repeat what I was saying several times for him to figure out what I was requesting.

He said the only thing he could do was to provide me with the contact number for the branch - the very number on which we were speaking. I asked to speak with a supervisor, he said that

person would tell me the same thing. I, however, insisted. After a long wait, he came back on the line and told me that no supervisor was available to speak with me.

This bank was established in Canada in 1832 and came to Jamaica in 1889. Are the people of Canada subject to the service being given to Jamaicans by this bank?

Garfield L. Angus

but do not take them to church nor do we teach them the bible. We do wrong and want to be excused because we were following directions from higher authority. We expect children to be disciplined when we fail to discipline them.

We eat junk food laden with sugar, fat, and salt yet we expect our lifestyle diseases of Diabetes and Hypertension to be controlled. For obesity, we know that we must eat less and exercise more, instead we eat more and hardly exercise.

We expect to have good governance when we engage in corruption. We allow people to be registered and vote in areas where they do not live and yet expect good representation. We need Integrity Legislation now more than ever before, but it is almost impossible to help an unethical person to develop this character trait.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

The importance of cultivating wellinformed citizens geared towards civic and social responsibility: Pt 2

Address by Senator Hon Benarva Brown at the Launch of the Institute of Governance and Politics for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Leadership

Now, let’s zoom into leadership. Latin America and the Caribbean have been privileged with extraordinary leaders who have served for generations.

Hugo Chavez, in 1977 age 23, founded a revolutionary movement.

Mia Mottley contested her first election at age 25

In 1968, our own Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, announced himself as a regional leader when he led a student protest against the deportation of historian and intellectual Walter Rodney by the Jamaican government. He was just age 22.

Despite such exemplary individuals, among several others who have been stalwarts of our region and our civilization, theorists have observed a potential leadership crisis in this region. Whether there is merit in this opinion or against it, there must be a consensus for the continued investment in identifying and fostering effective leadership.

Being a leader

Being a leader is not a position, title, role, or authority. There are leaders in every profession, discipline, and field in every type of organization, industry, religion, and country; you find them from young to old, male and female, across every ethnic and cultural line.

Leaders are not just found at the top of organizations, they abound at all levels. Leaders exist outside of formal organizations. They are in your communities, our churches, sports teams, discipline, and even our families.

Leadership is a relationship

The human connection in any leadership role must be recognized. Leadership is a relationship. It is a relationship between those who want to lead and those who choose to follow, and this is true whether you are leading one or millions.

Prime Minister, the Honorable Ralph Gonsalves, alluded to the fact that leadership was a relationship in his book, A Time of Respair, when he stated, “At the same time, people as a whole, or the overwhelming majority of them, must be in solidarity with each other, and the political leadership of the government has to be in communion with the people always. This is a complicated process in a competitive multi-party democracy and veritable tower of babble, frequently uniformed and poisoned with the bile of personal ambition, a jaundiced partisan political agenda, fueled by a complaints industry propagated on various social media platforms.”

Tonight, I want to put forward five practices that exemplary leaders exhibit.

1. Illustrate/Model the way.

Great leaders know that if they want to earn the respect of the people around them and achieve the highest standards, they must be models of the behavior they expect of others.

2. Inspire a shared Vision.

When performing at their best, leaders Inspire a shared vision. Leaders, like architects, envision what success will look like in their minds and then act on making this vision a reality.

So, visions seen only by leaders must be revised to create an organized movement or significant change. People will only follow if they embrace your idea as theirs. People must see exciting possibilities and a future for themselves. So, leaders have to be clear not only about why it is important to them, but they must be equally clear about why it is important to those they lead. To perform at their best, leaders enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared ideals and aspirations.

3. Challenge the process

Great leaders are pioneers. They are willing to step out into the unknown and continuously search for opportunities by seizing the initiative and looking outward for innovative ways to improve.

While they are proactive, leaders aren’t only the creators or originators of new programs, services, or processes. It’s more likely that they are not. Innovation comes from listening rather than telling - more from asking questions and hearing what others think and say. When challenging the process, the leader’s primary concern might be the ability to recognize and support good ideas.

I also highlight that leaders must experiment and take risks, continually generating wins and learning from experience. As a leader in any field, it is essential to understand that innovation and change involve trial and error.

4. Motivate/Enable others to act. No man is an island; great leaders understand that they can’t do it alone. Grand dreams don’t become significant realities through the single action of one person. Leaders strengthen others by increasing self-determination and developing competence and confidence. When people have faith in you and your relationship with them is based on trust, they are most willing to take risks, make changes, and maintain momentum.

5. Encourage the heart

Genuine acts of caring, whether in dramatic gestures or simple actions, uplift people’s spirits and motivate them. A leader’s job is to recognize contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence. Recognition and celebration aren’t about fun and games only; leaders also encourage the hearts of their constituents.

I hope my presentation tonight will be part of the movement to build higher levels of civic responsibility. I am also encouraging youths and the working-age population to become more involved in national development and take on more civic responsibility. This will result in high democracy, better governance, and a better future for all Vincentians.

I want to leave you with the words of Kofi Annan, the former UN SecretaryGeneral.

“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime.”

Therefore, an active citizen has evolved to embrace civic responsibility to pursue social good and democracy.

Strong civic responsibility will require quality leadership. Therefore, as the theme suggests, we must create, nurture, develop, and sustain tomorrow’s leaders today.

THE CURRENT SITUATIONat the National Insurance Services (NIS) is NOT a ‘Big Lie’. We maintain that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government has mismanaged the NIS and it is in trouble. Further, we demand to see the government’s plan to save the NIS.

The 11th Actuarial Review calls for action, urgently. At (pg.5) it says, “With the National Insurance Fund projected to be depleted in less than 15 years, meaningful changes are urgently required. Even if all of the recommendations made above are fully accepted and implemented by January 2022, additional contribution rate increases will be required to ensure the continued payment of benefits without Government support. Policymakers should therefore not depend on ‘hopedfor’ results but instead adopt rational responses for the specific challenges that lie ahead.” Be reminded that 11th Actuarial Review was done in 2019.

In a recent press conference, Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, made the following comments about the NIS. He said, “In the Executive Summary of the 11th Actuarial Review, it is stated at (p. 2): ‘None of the contribution and benefit related recommendations in the report of the 10th Actuarial Review were made during the review period.’ (i.e., 2017 to 2019).

The crisis at the NIS jeopardises the pensions of all its members, with serious financial and economic implications for the whole society. It threatens to shred our most important economic safety net. Most of the pensioners (85%) have no other source of income during their retirement. This means the NIS is their only lifeline in retirement. Therefore, as a country we cannot do without the NIS. It must survive and be made healthy again.

How did the NIS get to the point of crisis? The government must take responsibility for it. They failed to act when they were advised to do so. They dithered and postposed action that would have been easier if they had been done in a timely manner and would have averted the current crisis. They put politics ahead of the welfare of pensioners by giving the impression that things were not as bad as they seemed. They did so, for e.g., in their 2020 manifesto when they said to voters that the 11th Actuarial Review would likely result in improved pensions and other benefits. They knew better when they promised that because the previous actuarial review had made similar findings to those in the current review.

I don’t have that review (10th Actuarial Review) because the government did not present it to Parliament though the law required them to do so. But, in the current review, when summarizing the projection sets, the actuary states (at p. 3): ‘These results are similar to those of the 10th Actuarial Review and once again show that the Fund is not financially sustainable over the medium and long-terms at the current benefit provisions and contribution rate.”

We demand government’s plan to save NIS

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is calling on the government to outline its plan to save the National Insurance Services (NIS), with a particular focus

the crisis at NIS

on the range of measures it is proposing to strengthen and ensure long-term stability.

It is only through full transparency and accountability that everyone — opposition, trade unions, and pensioners — can understand the scale of the reform required and the state of the fund.

The 11th Actuarial Review recommends the need for urgent reform. Moreover, recent media reports about the use of the fund for political purposes makes it clear that it is only through full accounting that the scale of reform can be fully understood.

Recommendations to shore up the declining NIS were made in the 11th Actuarial Review, but the government has failed to implement any of these measures to protect people’s pensions or set out any plans for reform.

The government has been told repeatedly by the IMF, the World Bank and the NIS actuary that it needs reform — but it has failed to take the tough decisions or take any action whatsoever. Because of the government’s lack of action, the NIS is in crisis. This is a mess of the government’s own making.

The NDP is committed to the longterm sustainability of the fund and wants to protect those who need support, while the government has failed to take action.

We demand to see the government’s plan for NIS reform.

Our principles for reform are simple:

* It should be a stand-alone entity with the sole aim to act in the best longterm interests of its members.

* Investment decisions and fund management decisions should be made by an independent board.

* Assets and other investments should only be undertaken or divested if demonstrably in the best interests of the fund.

* Under any reform, no person currently in the scheme should be worse off than he is at present.

* Transparency should be at the heart of everything the NIS does. Regular updates, in a form and manner that is easily understood should be provided regularly to all.

Recently, Camillo Gonsalves said in Parliament that the government would implement NIS and pension reforms beginning in budget year 2024. However, the Executive Director of the NIS has said reform will have to be made before 2024 in order to avoid “draconian changes”, such as an increase in contribution rates by 10 per cent.

President of the NDP, Honourable Dr Godwin Friday, said, “The threat that faces the NIS is a problem created by the lack of action of the ULP. The ULP has been in charge of the NIS; they cannot blame anyone for the current problem. The government has been sleepwalking into this crisis. The Minister of Finance said that reforms were needed. When will the government outline its plan so that everyone can understand the long-term implications? The government must stop playing politics and put the country first. Everyone will suffer the consequences.”

ULP government must take responsibility for

Assisting the restoration of those recovering from mental illness

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close (born 1947) – American actress who has received three Tony Awards and three Emmy Awards.

MENTAL HEALTH is a critical aspect of overall well-being. There had been times when individuals suffering from mental ill-health were ostracized and ridiculed. Within recent times, however, progressive societies have been encouraging public discourse in an effort to have citizens better understand and appreciate that mental health should receive the same care and attention given to physical health. This is most encouraging since modern research now confirms that mental illness is much more prevalent than previously considered and has an intense impact on the individuals who succumb to this illness as well as those in their immediate environment (i.e., homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, church assemblies, etc.).

Research has shown that mental illnesses are complex and can originate from a combination of factors. These may include biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental influences. Understanding and appreciating that these factors may contribute to bouts of mental illness therefore become critical in the development of strategies to avoid the onset of the illness. In addition, care givers are better able to help the healing and restoration processes involved. For example, it is known that early life experiences such as traumatic events, neglect, and abuse can generate mental health issues in later life. Thus, being armed with such information, care givers can be more thoughtful and tactful when dealing with childhood challenges and exacting discipline.

Stress, trauma, social isolation, and socioeconomic factors are also known to be contributing factors to mental illhealth. Depending on their intensity and duration, these can trigger or aggravate mental health conditions.

Substance abuse and misuse (including alcohol and drugs) can increase the risk of developing or worsening mental health disorders. These, combined with unhealthy habits such as inadequate nutrition, lack of physical exercise, poor sleep, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits, can weaken an individual’s constitution and subsequently have a negative impact on their mental health.

Research has also confirmed that while genetics can influence susceptibility, they do not determine whether an individual will succumb to a specific mental illness. However, they may provide some caution having identified that the individual may have a predisposition or vulnerability. It should also be noted that there are specific life changes that may impact mood and intensify the exposure to depression or anxiety. For example, research has shown that the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger intense emotional pressures and, if not properly controlled, can result in mental ill-health.

Based on the foregoing, we may understand and appreciate that mental illness is not the result of personal weakness or the lack of willpower. The emotional and medical situation

highlighted here can affect anyone regardless of socioeconomic status, age, or gender. It is therefore imperative that professional help is sought whenever there is suspicion that someone is struggling with mental health challenges. Individuals who succumb to mental health challenges need the support of caring, empathetic, and compassionate family members, friends, and caregivers. Such support is critical as efforts are made to assist the weary pilgrim on their road to recovery. We can do so by lending a listening, nonjudgemental, ear. Such individuals may often still have the need to ventilate (to get things off their chest). However, we should not seek to be a “bush psychiatrist” or “bush psychologist” and must therefore avoid the temptation to diagnose or prescribe their treatment. If per chance it becomes evident that they need professional counselling we should be prepared to carefully and tactfully recommend such … because we care. Showing empathy and letting the individual know that we care can often go a long way in providing the healing balm that they seek. Our words and actions should therefore seek to heal and not hurt. In all of this, it is important to avoid stigmatization. It is understandable that such individuals are likely to be “super sensitive” and extremely cautious. These sensitivities are highlighted in Jenny Lawson publication titled “Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things” as she highlighted the thoughts shared by an individual who recovered from a bout of mental illness. It is shared here to aid us in better understanding and appreciating the recovering from mental health setbacks:

“When you come out of the grips of a depression there is an incredible relief, but not one you feel allowed to celebrate. Instead, the feeling of victory is replaced with anxiety that it will happen again, and with shame and vulnerability when you see how your illness affected your family, your work, everything left untouched while you struggled to survive. We come back to life thinner, paler, weaker … but as survivors. Survivors who don’t get pats on the back from co-workers who congratulate them on making it. Survivors who wake to more work than before because their friends and family are exhausted from helping them fight a battle they may not even understand. I hope to one day see a sea of people all wearing silver ribbons as a sign that they understand the secret battle, and as a celebration of the victories made each day as we individually pull ourselves up out of our foxholes to see our scars heal, and to remember what the sun looks like.”

May we care enough to intercept with intent as we assist in the restoration efforts of those recovering from bouts of depression and mental illness.

Crisis at the National Insurance Service

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICE is in crisis. A big reason for the crisis is that governing politicians use the fund as a scheme. Governments need to understand that social security plans are akin to a legacy fund that allows people to keep body and soul together later in their lives. Therefore, the NIS must be seen as something other than an ATM from which any hare-brain scheme can be funded.

The crisis at the National Insurance Service is reflected in the urgent attention it is receiving from the NIS leadership and the Gonsalves administration. The urgency is well placed. An aging population and increasing life expectancy of citizens put a strain on the fund. We face the spectre that more money will be paid out to pensioners than is collected from employees. The latest study found that unless there is a one percent increase per year in collection over the next five years, the fund will lack the necessary funds to make pension payments by 2034. The collection problem is aggravated by the high unemployment rate of over 40 percent. High unemployment means fewer payments to collect.

The actuarial report and the KPMG audit flagged discretionary expenses as a significant problem at the NIS. Discretionary spending is deemed unessential to the proper, efficient and effective functioning of the NIS. For at least a decade, NIS money has been used to pay $500 to each student with at least 5 CXC passes. It is estimated that $50 million has been paid to persons who have not contributed to the NIS. The sad reality is that there are noncontributors who collect more from the NIS than retirees who paid into the service for all of their working years. Discretionary expenses may have climbed through the ‘roof’ as elections approached in 2020 and the continuing difficulties faced as a result of the covid plandemic and the eruption of La Soufriere.

Another area of concern in the actuarial report is the high percentage of NIS investment in the public sector. The figure stands at 50 percent, with 24 with the BOSVG and 13 percent to the central government and National Lotteries. The industry standard demands that at most 20 percent of the investments be tied to the government. This investment imbalance is particularly ominous because PM Gonsalves exerts total and complete control over the bank and the lottery. The hard-earned pension money of the people is being used to finance the government’s projects and to perpetuate its dominance in the political arena.

A few years ago, the opposition revealed that the government was found to be committing a crime against the nation by refusing to pay over to the NIS money it took from the salary of public employees.

Citizens may remember that in 2014, the government took a $15 million loan from the NIS to meet outstanding payments it owed the NIS. Former opposition leader Arnhem Eustace consistently warned against the misuse of NIS funds.

The actuarial report pointed to one NIS bright spot. It found that in

2019 the total reserves at the NIS were $488 million. This figure was said to be six times the expenditure for the same year. The Covid years and the financial commitments that the government forced on the NIS must have caused further destabilisation of the fund’s financial health. In the US and other developed countries, NIS funds are viewed as off-limits. Here in SVG, the board of directors lacks financial expertise, integrity and independence. Consequently, the directors rubber stamp literally every spending or investment proposal made by the government.

Recognising the lack of independence as a significant problem, the actuarial report called for replacing two of the three cabinet (think prime minister) appointed members on the investment committee. The recommendation is for persons with financial and business experience and expertise to be placed on the investment committee. Remove the square pegs in round holes!

Management fees also came under scrutiny in the report. In five years, the management fees increased by 186 percent. Even if management fees included employee salaries, PM Gonsalves’ explanation for the massive increase was not persuasive. In fact, he stumbled through the answer. His vain attempt to regain balance was to accuse the opposition of lying.

PM Gonsalves has the bad habit of reducing everything to partisan politics. On the vexed issue of crime and violence, he damns the opposition. One remembers his buffoonery in Trinidad, where he warned his prime ministerial colleagues not to take seriously opposition forces.

Knowledgeable Vincentians must resist the temptation to wallow in his cesspool. Hearing him say that he warned NIS boss Stuart Haynes from speaking to the opposition was nauseating. And why was Mr Haynes required to talk to him about his meeting with the opposition? His responsibility is to the board of directors and not to the political directorate. Trained and qualified bureaucrats in the state administration need to find their voice and assert their independence.

Some issues and policies are so national in scope that responsible governments must ensure that they do not become mired in partisan squabble. National security and pension reform rank high on the list of priorities. Gonsalves has offered ample proof that he is incapable of rising above the partisan fray. His actions retards the forward movement of our nation. He is way past his self-life.

Gonsalves has to go if transparency, good governance best practices and principles are ever to have an opportunity to assert themselves. It’s time to break the spell.

Saluting The UWI on 75 years of service

ON BEHALFof my community, I wish to express thanks to the administrators of the University of the West Indies (The UWI) for at last arranging for the recommissioning of this facility. It has been a painful three-year waiting period for us here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I have “the sneaking suspicion” that quite a number of the discussions which we ought to be earnestly engaged in over the next fifteen months, will be held in this valuable building.

Saluting Dr. Kenneth John

I do not think it would be considered impertinent to use this opportunity to salute posthumously one of the distinguished sons of this land, Dr. Kenneth John who had given valuable contribution to the societal development of our country. I first came into contact with Kenneth John when we attended the Grammar School as youngsters. He was recognized even then, for his having a handle on the happenings in the society. It may well be that this propensity was conditioned by the fact that his father was a senior police officer. Even at that young age, he seemed to have been preparing to be “the Historian”. As a matter of fact, he was at school popularly known as “Cahier John” and I have “the sneaking suspicion” that he earned that name because of the fact that he had been recording his historical works in an exercise book — ‘Cahier’ is French for ‘exercise book’.

Kenneth was born in 1938, just three years after the 1935 riots in St. Vincent and several other British colonies in the Caribbean which resulted in the historic “MOYNE COMMISSION” and introduced a new political climate to our region.

The loss of Kenneth John followed so painfully close on the loss of several brothers and sisters who had noticeably demonstrated, that they had the qualities to have effectively carried SVG forward to higher planes. We had seemed to have had our sights set on those higher planes since 1951. Kenneth John was at that time a teenager, conscious and informed.

Failing in our responsibility?

The best-intentioned of men have made identifiable mistakes during their earthly sojourn, but I sincerely believe that the documented endeavours of our late brother, Dr. Kenneth John — ‘Cahier’, will be keenly referenced and many of his propositions will be adopted successfully, by the next block of citizens who will fashion the way forward for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It will be an onerous task indeed!

It is the painful responsibility of those of us remaining of that block of citizens — stewards, of which Kenneth John had been a prominent and consistent player, to acknowledge, that we have failed to exert ourselves to honour the responsibility that we ought to have recognized rested with us, to endeavour to advance the

welfare of our beloved country.

The evidence of our failure is pervasive! While our farmers grieve today, in the shadows of neglect, our visitors who used to be so impressed with the view of our Marriaqua Valley covered in bananas, Argyle in peanuts and Grand Sable in arrowroot, they are now baffled by our cultivating of grass in the drains of our capital. A “wutless” exhibition of the lack of pride!

So, we have said goodbye to our brother Dr. Kenneth John who was so keen on enhancing our development, let us commence the discussions which would see the construct of a plan of development, in which many citizens like Kenneth John, will come forward offering their services toward the retrieval of peace, justice and honour in the once Land of the Blessed, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

With respect to the issue of reparations

At this time of discussions on Reparations related to the enslavement of Africans in the Caribbean, in which the University of the West Indies must play a leading role, Kenneth John, a distinguished scholar of that relevant historical block, would have been an important voice indeed.

His dependable consistency, as reflected in his writings over several decades, was definitively representative of scholarly discourse which remained close to the people. There are some whose trademark is decorative erudition, not anchored in sincerity, but essentially on the design of hoodwinking the captive audience. They have proved to be untrustworthy!

Dr. Kenneth John was not so! What he said in his column, “THIS WEEK”, in 2021 is consistent with what he had said in 2000. May he now rest in peace!

For the people of Africanorientation, though, the subject of “Reparations” relative to the Slave Trade is a very big issue and we must be very careful of those whom we select to lead the change.

From the mound on which I sit, there are enough scholars and people of intellectual competence, of suitably historically related orientation, to make our case for us in this world today. We cannot have our pursuits in the delicate matter tainted, by moneydigging, ego-driven personalities, whose history of whimsical recklessness and jagged inconsistencies, seem to morally discredit them from being given any prominence in so delicate and momentous a task.

Do we stir the baby’s milk with a dutty spoon? No!

I look forward to hearing our African-oriented scholars speak clearly on this issue without delay.

LeRoy Providence

Dr. Kenneth John

Mayreau Day is: „All ah we ting‰

organizers of the event, when he was a child around seven years old, he remembered the music during those picnics being provided by string bands.

Vincy and other music, while the children splashed merrily on the beach, the adults gyrating to the sweet DJ music. According to Munro Forde, one of the

by Donald De Riggs

Photos: Omoro De Riggs

WHAT WAS AN ANNUAL AUGUST PICNICin the Tobago Cays for Mayreau residents more than thirty years ago, has been revived after a lapse of a few years, and is now a much-anticipated outing for Mayreau residents and their friends from nearby islands.

And this year it was definitely ‘all ah we ting’ as picnickers came not only from Mayreau, but Union Island, Petit Martinique, Canouan and St. Vincent.

The picnickers traveled by speed boat, catamaran, sailing boats and other power boats, all converging on Petit Rameau (in the Tobago Cays), which has all the amenities, like BBQ grill

and other basic infrastructure to host picnic events. The catamaran “Ambience” took the majority of the picnickers in comfort from Mayreau to the Tobago Cays, while a local DJ entertained the well-behaved crowd with some of the latest soca and Caribbean music. Some brought hammocks, while others brought mats which they spread out under the many trees on the islet, where they unpacked their prepared foods and

local drinks. The more adventurous hiked through the dense vegetation before dipping in the crystal-clear waters of the Tobago Cays. It was an accident-free activity and when the picnickers returned to Mayreau, an after party was held on the jetty to finish off the food and drinks not consumed while in the Cays.

While on Petit Rameau, the picnickers played dominoes, danced to the sweet rhythms of

Claude and Jean Alexander, both elders of the Mayreau community, also remember the Mayreau Day picnic as always being held during the month of August and

was a much-anticipated outing which entire families attended, sharing food and drinks among each other. Commenting on this year’s activity, all who were involved in its organization, agreed that it was the biggest event so far since it was revived many years ago, a tradition they hope to keep alive.

Picnickers disembarking on Petit Rameau (Tobago Cays).

Right: The Coast guard was present ‘just in case’.

Picnicker returning to Mayreau wearing Mayreau Day t-shirt.

Enjoying the feeling of putting foot on paradise – Tobago Cays.

Wouldn’t be a ‘Vincy’ picnic without a ‘friendly’ game of dominoes.

Two for Vincy Music Hall of Fame

initial Vincy Night event 35 years ago, and legendary performing and recording artiste, Winston ‘Soso’ Lockhart.

The Hon. Consul General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh, will conduct the induction ceremony.

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

VINCENTIAN ELMO ‘THE

MAGIC’ CHRISTIAN, considered New York’s number one promoter during the early 70s and 80s, and beyond, continues his tradition of bringing the finest in entertainment to New York audiences with this year’s Vincy Night Extravaganza.

And Christian has enhanced the event with the introduction of the inaugural Vincy Music

Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The ceremony will take place on Labor Day Saturday night, Sept. 2, during the annual Vincy Night Extravaganza in Brooklyn.

Christian said this year’s Vincy Night affair - which traditionally showcases Vincy calypso and soca artists, “during a night of elegant

dancing on the Labor Day Saturday night, will be from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. at K&L Manor, 4501 Glenwood Road, at East 45th Street in Brooklyn.”

According to Christian, Vincy Night 2023 will feature the band Touch, direct from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and popular artistes, such as Skinny

Fabulous, SVG’s reigning Soca Monarch Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, and Kemmy Christopher, 2022 Vincy Mas Road March Monarch.

“The night of festive dancing and enjoyment will be highlighted by the Vincy Music Hall of Fame induction of the band Touch, winners of multiple road marches, which was part of the

As for how artistes become eligible for induction into the Vincy Music Hall of Fame, Christian pointed out that they will do so 25 years after the release of their first recording.

Once recommended, they will be judged on the extent of their influence, significance, and contribution in the music industry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Elmo “the Magic” Christian is said to be the first promoter to

introduce a Caribbean Music Awards event in New York, with the 1989 Vincy Music Awards. He promoted events in over 10 countries, and hosted shows and parties with artistes such as James Brown, Nancy Wilson, Ray Charles, The Manhattans, The O’Jays and Percy Sledge, the latter in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He has also produced and promoted Vincy talent, including Becket, Poorsah and Winston ‘Soso’ Lockhart, along with bands Blacksand, Touch and New Direction.

Elmo ‘The Magic’ Christian has never been far away from promoting the music of Vincentian artistes.

The band Touch – one of the inductees - and ‘the Magic’ first hooked up some 35 years or so ago.

Winston ‘Soso’ Lockhart passed away in 2021. He left a legacy of partytype calypsoes.

YRM Conducts historic radio operation

support from regional radio amateurs (Hams) conducted a field operation from Mayreau and the Tobago Cays on August 26th and 27th, 2023 respectively.

And according to the Director of the YRM, Don De Riggs J88CD, the field testing was a great success with the basic equipment used.

Using battery power only, recharged by solar panels, the rugged Barrett field radios were deployed using three types of antenna with the results being, in most cases, better than anticipated.

made with St. Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Montserrat, Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana, St. Maarten, Tobago and another portable station in Mayreau.

During the commissioning of the Barrett equipment in Mayreau (on the day), several persons from the community were given a brief introduction to ham radio, how the system functions and its usefulness during times of national emergency when cell phone service is not available.

with several Caribbean and US stations. This was the first time that the YRM has operated an HF radio communications activity from the Tobago Cays.

Submitted by:

Donald De Riggs

Photo Credit:

Omoro De Riggs J88NFG

IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP ITS MEMBERSactive during the 2023 storm season, the Youlou Radio Movement – YRM, with

The focus of this exercise was to establish reliable regional contacts via Ham radio, as during a natural disaster, our neighbours would be the first to respond. The radio testing was conducted at several times of the day to test propagation on the different HF (High Frequency) bands allocated for Ham radio operations.

Reliable contacts were

On Sunday, August 27, the 2-man visiting team comprising YRM Director Don De Riggs J88CD and his son Omoro De Riggs J88NFG, joined Mayreau residents for a day at the Tobago Cays as that island was celebrating “Mayreau Day”. The YRM team took the opportunity to conduct another field exercise using portable equipment to establish and maintain contact

Also conducting a portable operation on Sunday 27th, using a car battery for power from the end of the runway of the decommissioned airport at Arnos Vale, was YRM Director IT, Sean Patterson J88CU, who set up and successfully operated a field station with equally satisfactory results, making reliable contacts with all Caribbean and US stations heard at that time.

The YRM/RRL is currently fine tuning a communications outing for the Independence weekend from several national parks. The public will also be invited to witness and be part of the communications experience, where knowledge can be shared and lasting friendships created. The dates and locations will be made

got their first experience with Ham radio on Mayreau.

public shortly.

The YRM is also looking for a suitable spot on Mayreau to install and house the radio and meteorological equipment on a permanent basis. A few years ago, permission was granted to use an emergency shelter to house the equipment, but that location is no longer amenable for that type of operation.

The Director of the YRM is publicly thanking the owners of the “MV Gem Star” and “Jaden Sun” for providing complimentary transportation for the YRM team to and from Mayreau. Thanks also to both local and regional radio operators who provided propagation reports during the entire exercise.

A group of secondary school students on vacation,

Donald De Riggs, Director of the YRM, commissioning the use of a portable HF operation from the Tobago Cays for the first time.

North Leeward students get steel pan training

A FIVE-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME, a joint effort between the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra and the UK Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust, has exposed twenty-four young people to the steel pan artform.

The programme which targeted twelve students each from the Troumaca Government School and the Troumaca Secondary School, concluded last Sunday, August 27, with a Graduation Ceremony at the compound of the Troumaca Government School.

At that ceremony, the graduates were able to execute their newly acquired skill as they rendered on pan: ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, ‘What is Love’ and ‘I know who I am’.

The students were trained by Septimus Caine of the Sion Hill Euphonium and Stefan Taylor, Music Teacher at the Troumaca Secondary School.

Administrative Director of the UK Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust- Mrs. Dularie Malcolm, addressing the Graduation, exuded gratitude to all who played a part in seeing the programme to its successful completion.

“We have to be grateful for the tenacity of the children who came here each day… We have to be grateful for the tenacity of the parents who sent their children each day… It shows the love, the care, the dreams that you have for your children… that you are aware that our Vincentian children have a multitude of talent,” Malcolm said.

Warren Knights, Chair of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel

Orchestra outlined the continued outreach of his outfit to the rural areas.

“This year, we continued our journey by expanding the programme to the North Leeward side of the country, specifically Troumaca. …The Troumaca Government School, with its existing set of steel pans, became the perfect collaborator in our mission (and) through a harmonious blend of efforts between both the government and secondary schools, we ensured that the magic of steelpan music resonates through the hills of Troumaca once again… This accomplishment stands as a testament to the strength of partnerships and the tenacity of our students,’ Knights emphasised.

Speaking directly to the graduates, Knights implored, “Graduates, as you move forward, equipped with new skills and experiences, remember that this is just the beginning. …Your journey as a musician has taken flight, and your talents are now a source of inspiration to those around you. Continue to embrace opportunities for growth, foster collaboration, and let the sweet sound of the steel pan serve as a reminder of the power of unity.”

Last year, the same collaboration between the two entities, resulted in the involvement of students from the Sandy Bay Secondary School in a similar steel pan training programme.

This Sunday, September 3, the Sion Hill Euphonium will turn out another cohort of new pan players, following six weeks of their training programme.

Graduates of the North Leeward Steel Pan Training Programme with Dularie Malcolm (front extreme left) and Warren Knights (front extreme right).

Wycliffe Caribbean, 30 years in the region

WYCLIFFEBible Translators Caribbean, WBTC or Wycliffe Caribbean, is a not-forprofit charitable entity, part of the international umbrella organization Wycliffe Global Alliance. We are an active part of The Americas zone.

Wycliffe Caribbean with current Regional Office in Jamaica was established 30 years ago!

Back then in 1993 the Regional HQ was in Trinidad; we were in the UK and Europe Zone and the first Chief Executive Officer was a nonCaribbean missionary. However, from the start the Board had the widest Caribbean representation including Vincentians and we are now on our 3rd Caribbean person in that Regional Executive Director role.

The main objective of the organization still is to mobilise and train Caribbean missionaries for the Bible Translation movement. At this point in human history many years from The Tower of Babel fracas it is estimated that there are 7000 human languages spoken on planet Earth. Wycliffe Caribbean personnel, like

many others in the world’s Bible Translation Movement, are actively facilitating language group projects where people express the need and desire to have The Old and New Testament in their own language of the heart. That is the language on which we express deep emotions. It has been found that this is an aid to understanding and transformation.

Over these 30 years, Wycliffe Caribbean has equipped and sent personnel to Africa, Asia, Europe, and The Pacific to serve in various roles. WBTC also has some of our own Caribbean persons serving locally as Missionaries. This continues!

In 2019, Wycliffe Caribbean hosted a Bible Translation Conference to examine possible Regional needs among our Caribbean Territories. Seven territories attended that Conference. We note that there are Vernacular/Creole New Testaments in Saint Lucia, Belize, San Andreas, Jamaica, and also in Haitian Creole, in Garifuna and Papiamento.

At this 2019 Conference, Belize, San

Andres and Jamaica indicated a strong desire to have an Old Testament translation also. These translated their desire into decisive action following a January 2020 Bible Translation Workshop where Oral Bible Story Tellers, Exegetes, Church Leaders, Creole Speakers and potential Bible Translators and persons from major Theological Institutions in Jamaica met. There a Consultant from The United Bible Society conducted sessions in “Introduction to Bible Translation”. By the end of this workshop our dynamic participants had a translation of Jonah chapter 1!

Participants continued to be so inspired that they insisted on moving the process forward even without any funding in sight, and Churches volunteered their facilities free of charge to keep the process going. The work continued during COVID-19 and three Old Testament books of Esther, Jonah and Ruth in the three Creoles of Belize, San Andreas and Jamaica have

been finished and printed!

Following this outburst of continuous focused activity, The SEED Company which “exists to connect people from every nation into a global movement of partnerships to get The Word of God to every people group in our lifetime” put in some funds into the activities.

Online Bible Translation estimates have it that since 1993 two billion people have been reached with God’s Word the Bible in their own language, and as at 2022 there are 2000 projects where folks are engaged in Africa, The Americas, Asia, Europe, The Middle East and Pacific.

Wycliffe Caribbean is in great company since one of SEED Company’s Partners the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy, and Bible Translation (GILLBT) celebrated 60 years in Bible Translation and boasts of Ghana having only 7 of its local languages left to translate The Bible into! (Contribution by Translation Team SVG)

Participants in the 2019 conference came from seven Caribbean territories including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, represented by Martin Quashie (4th from right front row).

VINLEC awards scholarships

ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES

LIMITED (VINLEC) marked its 39th year of supporting academic excellence by presenting yet another cohort of students with secondary school level scholarships.

This year’s recipients: Kyle Robinson, Azizah Jack, Tyler Sterling, Kezanni Wilkinson and Zahndra Roberts, and their parents attended the Scholarship Awardees Orientation meeting last Friday, 25 August, 2023, where they were officially welcomed to the scholarship programme.

Dr. Vaughn Lewis, VINLEC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) encouraged the youngsters to take the scholarship opportunity seriously, remain humble in their successes and true to their core values passed on by their parents. Lewis noted that developing a good work ethic is also important as it is a value that institutions such as VINLEC seek when hiring new employees.

“You can reach very far in life and achieve your goals with a good attitude and good work ethic. Many organizations value these traits even beyond individual brilliance,” the CEO said.

Noel Jackson, the General Secretary of the National Workers Movement (NWM) urged the students to prioritize their goals and contemplate their future career paths. Jackson highlighted the crucial role parents play in shaping their children’s character; “the teacher can only impart knowledge but the character of the children must be led by the parents”.

The NWM representative also commended VINLEC for its commitment to supporting teenagers’ education, noting that children who once benefitted from the scholarship, have seen their own children gaining good grades and becoming recipients of the same scholarship.

The VINLEC Education Award Programme (Secondary Level) provides financial and social support to employees’ children. There are currently 24 students benefitting from the programme. (Source: VINLEC)

VINLEC CEO, Dr. Vaughn Lewis (centre rear) alongside 2023 VINLEC Scholarship recipients: Kezanni Wilkinson (left), Azizah Jack (fifth from left), Kyle Robinson (fifth from right), and Tyler Sterling (third from right), in the company of parents and NWM General Secretary, Noel Jackson (right).

Zahndra Roberts (centre), one of five VINLEC scholarship recipients with her parents.

Raped, now pregnant

Dear George,

I AM A 19-YEAR-OLD FEMALEand my mother and I live together. My mother is seeing this guy with whom I have problems. No matter how I try to convince my mother that he is up to no good, she gets mad and tells me to stay out of her personal life.

This man has been after me since my mother brought him to the house. She refuses to hear that he is no good and has asked me not to destroy what she has with him.

Well, the worse has eventually happened. My mother’s man raped me and I am pregnant for this man. My mother does not believe he raped me. The only other person I told about this was my aunt, and she and my mother have begged me not to go further with it, as it would bring shame on me and the family.

I have been living with this for some weeks now and I cannot carry it any longer. It is like I’m going crazy. I want this man to pay for what he did to me. Are my mother and aunt right about this? How do I find peace in all

of this?

Confused and Angry.

Dear Confused and Angry,

It is sad that you did not get any real emotional support from your own family.

Try to find another relative or friend in whom you can confide and who can accompany you to the police where you can make a report.

You may have to do this alone if needs be but just so you know you can also confide in a counselor who can provide you with that support.

This situation warrants you standing up for yourself and to that man who should be made to pay for his crimes.

Ole George.

No sex in our marriage

Dear George,

IS IT NORMALfor a wife not to want to have sex with her husband? It has been 45 days since my wife last made any attempts to touch me. As far as I know there has been no issue between us.

The situation is that whenever I try to touch her, she would stiffen her body and mumble something like I had a hard day and need to rest. How can she be having so many hard days when she is at home for most of the times?

I am beginning to get suspicious. A friend has suggested she could be dealing with another man or woman. Could this be the case?

I have my needs too. It is not going to be much longer before I start looking elsewhere to satisfy my sexual needs.

Unhappy and Suspicious.

Dear Unhappy and Suspicious,

Your situation is not at all normal. There must some underlying cause for your wife to have zero interest in you sexually.

I strongly suggest you tackle this head on. Ask her about it. If her issue is with you then she needs to discuss it and give you a chance to rectify whatever it is.

Having said that, looking for sexual satisfaction outside of the bounds of marriage should never be an option. Continue to make valiant efforts to get things back on track. If it avails to nothing in the end, then the records would show that you did try.

George.

Who gave her the right?

Dear George,

A FRIENDfrom Grenada is visiting my wife and I. Now, that friend, a female, is encouraging my wife to come to Grenada to explore the possibility of getting work there since, as she said, it is better in Grenada economically and otherwise.

She never consulted with me but spent all of her time working on my wife. Neither my wife nor I suggested we were looking to move anywhere and I considered it very rude of her to be interfering in our business.

I discussed this with my wife and she defended this woman, saying she was just looking out for our best interest.

My wife is failing to see the point and this is beginning to cause issues in our marriage. Somehow it is beginning to sound like my wife had already agreed to our invitation about

the possibility of working in Grenada. What could she be possibly planning and am I included in those plans?

Bad Mood.

Dear Bad Mood,

It is unlikely someone would be persuading your wife to consider moving away for the sake of finding employment, unless that person’s got a hint, directly or indirectly.

Be that as it may, use the opportunity now to synchronize your plans. Your wife now has the duty of telling her friend that she is good where she is until both of you decide it is time to move away in search of better.

Once the communication line is open and healthy between both of you, there should be no issue going forward.

George.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20)

Work quietly behind the scenes. Take time to deal with the concerns of children. Travel may be confusing. Try looking into new ways to make extra money.

TAURUS (APR. 21 - MAY 21)

You will have to face each issue separately and in person. Be aware of any emotional deception. Do not sign legal contracts or documents this week.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Concentrate on your career and on making money. Insincere gestures of friendliness may be misleading. Plans to make physical improvements may lead to psychological changes, too.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

You’re eager to learn. Problems with your partner are apparent. Your reputation will be affected. You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG 22)

Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. Avoid friction with your mate. You will find that you can work progressively at improving yourself this week.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 23)

Your dramatic approach to life has probably gotten to your mate. Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23)

Put your money into a safe place that will ensure a profit if you let it sit long enough. You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22)

You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time. Make residential changes that will lift your spirits. Be careful disclosing information.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 21)

You may find that getting together with colleagues after hours will be worthwhile. You may want to clear the air where older relatives are concerned. Take time to deal with the concerns of children.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 20)

Your energy will be high; however, if not channeled suitably, temper tantrums may erupt. Don’t be alarmed. Jealousy may get in the way of a good relationship.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19)

You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. Don’t be too eager to give a piece of your mind or even your opinion this week.

PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20)

This will not be the day to have minor surgery. Later in the week, your boss will pat you on the back for a job well done. You will impress others with your initiative and ability to accomplish while on short business trips.

1.

1.

White House, abbr.

2. French clerics

3. Corporate logos, e.g.

4. Horse food

5. Gofer’s job

6. ____ and wants

7. Sediments

8. “Love ___ Many-Splendored Things”

9. Like a good war plan

10. Four-sided polygon

11. Areas of interest

12. Home, in Mexico

13. Lion tamer

14. Circled

18. Ogler

21. Powerful projectile

24. Dips for chips

25. Bound by contract

26. Baptism, e.g.

27. Ghoulish

28. 3-D representations

29. Make ready for use

30. Brace

31. Gridiron specialist

33. Preferences

35. Montana city

36. French story

37. Betray, in a way

38. Female contraction

40. Apt rhyme for “defeat”

SVGÊs first National Archery Champions

RAYAN CLARKE, Marese Burgin and Jared Nichols are the first ever National Archery Champions of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The three distinguished themselves at the inaugural National Archery Championships held last Saturday, August 26 and 27, at the Diamond Track Facility.

Clarke thus trumped the Beginners 20m range, ahead of Keon Pope and Gian Carlo Tiezzi in that order.

Up the skills level, the Open females and males shot from a distance of 30m, shooting two rounds of 36 arrows.

In the Female Open, Burgin outshot Richol Richards and Divya Jiandani into second and third places respectively.

And, in the Male Open Jared Nichols stood head and shoulders above his opponents.

Docking in behind Nichols was Quincy Primus, with Sanjay Jiandani completing the top three archers.

Archers were first involved on Saturday in the preliminary round, before the cream rose for Sunday’s title deciders.

In total, seventeen archers, ranging from age 14 to 71, pit their skills against one another in a quest to ink their names in the history books.

The next agenda of the Archery Association is St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the World Archery Caribbean Development Championships to be held in Tobago from September 29 to October 1, 2023.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented by six archers and a coach at this event.

BSSS tops National Swimming Championships

BLACK SANDS SWIM SQUAD (BSSS) with 1,306 points won the 2023 SVG Gallagher National Swimming Championships held August 24 to 27, at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre.

In second place was Blue Marlins with 1,277 points. Solid Base Swim Club from Grenada placed third with 196 points and Pirates Swim Club from Barbados was fourth on 85, while Grenfins Swim Club from Grenada was fifth

on 64. Unattached swimmers accounted for 49 points.

BSSS won a total of 177 medals inclusive of 74 gold, 57 silver and 46 bronze, while Blue Marlins won 126 medals -42 gold, 45 silver and 39 bronze.

Evie Twum Barimah of Grenfins was the Female 8-and-Under winner, with Mateo Thomas of Solid Base taking the Male 8-andUnder.

Barimah and Thomas were also their respective

age groups’ Sprint Challenge champions.

Belle Adams and Cahgry Williams, both of Blue Marlins, were the 910 Female and Male champions; Tayeah St Hilaire- the Female 1112 champion and the 912 Spring Challenge Champion.

BSSS’s Tyler Robinson won the Boys 11-12 title and 9-12 Sprint Challenge.

Blue Marlins’ Rhonyah Jack took the Girls 13-14, with Matthew Ballah of BSSS

taking the Male title for that age group.

The BSSS duo of Abigail De Shong and Alex Joachim won the Female and Male 15 and over titles, respectively.

The winners of the 13and-Over female and male Sprint Challenge were Kennice Greene and Matthew Ballah.

Apart from the individual titles, there were some stand out performances.

Among them, Joachim claimed 12 gold medals in 12 races, in which is

recorded 7 national records and 10 personal best times.

Tyler Robinson also copped 12 gold medals in 12 races including 12 personal best times; Adams, did likewise with scalped 12 gold medals in 12 races with 10 personal best times; and Matthew Ballah, procured 11 gold medals: 1 bronze medal in 12 races, inclusive of three age-group records, one national open record and 9 personal best times.

Also, Tayeah St. Hilaire secured 10 golds:

1 silver and 1 bronze medal in 12 races, with two age group records and 11 personal best times. Caghry Williams had 8 golds and 4 silvers in his 12 races.

Kentreal Kydd, a Para Swimmer attached to BSSS, was specially recognized for his continued participation in local championships. The championships served as a gauge for the swimmers, as they prepare for the OECS Championships set for St. Lucia in November.

Ryan Clarke – Beginners’ Champion.

Marese Burgin, first ever Female National Archery Champion.

Jared Nichols shot his arrows with accuracy that earned him the accolade of first ever National Male Archery Champion.

Evie Twum Barimah Rhonyah Jack Matthew Ballah Kentreal Kydd

Tyler Robinson Mateo Thomas

ITDAT Summer Camp closes

ITDAT Academy completed, August 25, yet another Summer Athletics Camp and Sorenya Miller, one of the coaches attached to the camp, was confident in declaring the camp was a success.

Over 80 persons registered for the camp which ran for six weeks at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

“It was a very successful camp. We had a lot of regular members and also a lot of new athletes who are very promising,” Miller noted.

In fact, Miller highlighted, “We had quite a number of athletes at the primary level so they are still learning and growing. The overall objective was to introduce track training to the younger ones and the older ones to have that condition over the summer while getting them ready for the athletics season next year.”

Miller also shared that, “The addition of Kanhai Senior, Senior Lecturer head of P.E Department at GC Foster College, and specialize jump coach, was a great addition to the camp and we saw a lot of potential in the jumps the (hurdles and long jump).”

She admitted that “the hurdles are a kind of neglected event here, but added, “I definitely know we have the talented athletes who can reach far in the event and take it to the next level.”

Miller believes the camp will benefit the athletes. “There will be physical benefits including endurance, strength, more so, it’s just good for the overall development of the athletes because sports

are where you learn discipline, hard work, commitment, so there was a lot to be learnt from the camp.”

A number of young athletes attached to ITDAT have gone on to gain scholarships. Miller is confident that ITDAT will assist others in this regard.

Vultures: New Richland Park Netball Champs

HIGHPerformance

Vultures were crowned new champions of the senior division of the Richland Park Netball competition, when the tournament concluded at the Richland Park Primary School hard court on the weekend.

They earned the title when they defeated High Park United 59-54.

Meanwhile, in the junior finals, JLC Warriors retained their title with a 50-19 trouncing of 3Js Valley Strikers.

In the third placed playoffs, in the junior division Conquerors beat BA Strikers 23-17 and, in the seniors, National Properties Netters defeated TCCU Girls 38-35.

High Performance Vultures took away $1,800.00 and a trophy for the

first place. High Park United earned $1,200.00 and third placed National Properties Netters netted $800.00.

Among those recognized in the senior division, Joseann Antoine of High Performance Vultures was the overall MVP and Best Attacking Player; Skiddy Francis High Park United, with 204 goals, was the leading scorer; Shania Pompey of High Park United was the Best Defender; and Sheria Christopher of National Properties Netters - the Best Midcourt Player.

Repeat junior champions - JLC Warriors - earned themselves $1,000.00 and the champion’s trophy. Second placed 3Js Valley Strikers received $500.00; and Conquerors, third, $300.00.

MVP and Best Defender among the Juniors was Dian Toney of JLC Warriors. Her teammate, Annisia Dallaway, scored the most goals (204) and was Best Attacking Player. The Best Midcourt Player was Tahalia James of 3Js Valley Strikers. The most promising players Waynel Thomas of Vsports Youths, Tahalia James of 3Js

Joint TT Camp a success

THESean Stanley Table Tennis Academy and Caribbean Unity Sports Inc of Barbados Summer Camp, was a success.

This was the unambiguous comment by Sean Stanley, Director and Head Coach of the Sean Stanley Table Tennis Academy.

Stanley shared the sentiment at the conclusion of the camp which was held at the West St. George Secondary School from August 11th to 23rd, 2023.

The camp attracted young players and coaches from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, as well as host

Valley Strikers and Kimora Quashie of Conquerors. There was an MVP from each of the participating teams.

The organizers were grateful for the following sponsors: Tust-T Water

(Corea’s Distributors Limited), Digicel (St. Vincent Ltd), Sunil Ambris, National Lotteries Authority, Marriaqua Friendly Society, Ministry of Education, National Netball Association and Nex Media.

country St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The main focus of the training camp…. was to create some level of competitiveness among the youths. … We had a person as young as six years and we would have seen improvement over the ten days,” Stanley related.

“We were able to separate the different levels of players which was very good. And the whole system of training twice per day will improve the work ethic of the players, just one of the things we try to instill in the players if they want to go to the next level,” Stanley added.

He is confident that there would be increased participation in next year’s camp.

“We are hoping to make it bigger next year by inviting more countries.

The main idea is to try to forge relations among the different clubs within the Caribbean region.

“At the same time, I believe with the different approach by the coaches it will help to improve the players which we are hoping will have a great impact on the development throughout the region, especially the Englishspeaking Caribbean,” Stanley added.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

Participants in the 2023 ITDAT Academy Summer Camp. Sorenya Miller, is happy with the talent and enthusiasm exhibited during the Camp.

Retired National Shooter, Skiddy Francis, seems not

High Performance Vultures - new Richland Park Netball Senior Champions.

Sean StanleyDirector and Head Coach of the Sean Stanley Table Tennis Academyis optimistic about the expansion of the Camp.

Participants in the 2023 Sean Stanley Table Tennis Academy and Caribbean Unity Sports Inc of Barbados Summer Camp.

Hugh’s Loss for the nation

There is a tinge of sadness that pervades the North Leeward village of Troumaca, and indeed the entire country. Hugh Wyllie ended his life ‘s journey last Saturday.

He was a stalwart. His educational journey started at the Troumaca Primary school, and continued to the Boys Grammar School. He distinguished himself at that institution and cultivated a reputation of dedication to his duties. A member of Lopey House, Hugo as he became known, identified with his House in all its endeavours. He perhaps was not an outstanding athlete, but his loyalty was unquestionable.

When he left the Grammar School, he went straight to the Teachers College and thereafter climbed up the ladder becoming one of this country’s leading educators.

Many parents took their children to the school where Wyllie served as principal. Two of those institutions were Rose Hall Government and West Wood Methodist.

He undertook his duties as an educator with deep sincerity and served in many a capacity in the administrative level after he vacated the classroom.

Hugo was an activist keen on operating on behalf of the oppressed and down trodden. He was a militant in the Teacher’s’ strike of 1975, and when the authorities sought to uproot the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School in a plan to merge it with the Petit Bordel Secondary School, Hugo was part of a committee that spearheaded protests against that mission.

He was an adventurous personality. I recalled him making a trip as part of a trio around mainland St. Vincent during one school vacation.

That path took him from Troumaca, up the Leeward coast, and over the path from Baliene to Fancy. He didn’t have to give me any details of that encounter for I was one of the trio.

We slept at the Sandy Police station on the first night of that excursion. The second night was at Cedars in an unfinished house being built by one of our school friends who resided on the Windward cost.

The third night was in New Montrose in Kingstown where my family occupied an apartment. The home journey took us over the L’anse Mahaut Road over to Cumberland and then to Troumaca.

Another sojourn saw us journeying to the Northern Grenadine island of Bequia where we camped out a few days. Trips to Spring Estate in Bequia were highlights.

The journey continued to Union Island by ferry, then to Carriacou where we stayed at a Pastor’s residence. He was from Troumca and was happy to welcome his villagers. The next phase was on the mail boat to Grenada.

Once there, a homely welcome awaited, for a group from St. Vincent and the Grenadines was camping at the Grenada Boys Secondary School overlooking the Tanteen Playing Field where a regional Netball tournament was taking place.

A few days in Grenada were enough to satisfy us and Hugo and I returned to Carriacou, then Union Island before touching Kingstown and Troumaca.

Hugo’s contribution to the social life of Troumaca was profound. He formed part of the management of a cricket club that maintained the village’s traditional values. He was versed in many aspects of social life.

There will be other accounts of his flexibility and versatility. Rest in peace my brother.

THE NEWLYformed Athlete In Action (AIA), a NonGovernmental Organisation, is set on transforming the sporting landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

That is the vision of the grouping as summarized by founder and President, national swimmer and scholar- Shane Cadogan.

According to Cadogan, “Essentially, our vision is to transform St. Vincent and the Grenadines sports’ landscape by creating a thriving ecosystem that integrates sports and education, empowering youth with the tools they need to excel both on and off the field.”

The AIA’s vision is also to use sports as a vehicle for “positive social change, doing so through its wellplanned programmes,” Cadogan added.

“We envision that through our unique programme, that enables every young athlete, not just to be a player, but a well-prepared individual who possesses the confidence, values, and skills necessary to face life’s challenges head-on…in partnership with the community, schools, and stakeholders,” Cadogan expounded.

In addition, Cadogan cited the empowerment of coaches, as well as mentoring, and having parents equipped with the knowledge and resources to support youth development holistically, as pathways towards buttressing the AIA.

The AIA president noted that much is made publicly when Vincentians procure scholarships especially to US colleges and universities, there are sometimes challenges faced by the recipients.

The AIA, through its networking, plans to play a role in this regard.

“One of our pivotal strategies in bridging the gap

is through our focused support funding for scholarship opportunities… We are acutely aware that underprivileged youths often face barriers to education and personal growth due to financial limitations…To address this challenge, Athletes in Action is dedicated to sourcing funding to provide support for scholarship opportunities for deserving youths in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, Cadogan related.

vision beyond the immediate.

He disclosed that the AIA’s role is also about prepping the sports scholarship recipients before they embark on the fulfillment of their sojourns.

“In this regard, we will be having workshops and clinics, where they will not only refine their athletic skills but also develop essential academic and life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience…The assurance of support adds a layer of purpose to their efforts, fostering a drive to consistently strive for excellence both in sports and academics”, Cadogan stated.

Apart from Cadogan, the directors of AIA are Jules Snagg, Oalex Anderson, Sebastian Cyrus, Solomon Bascombe, Handal Roban and Alex Joachim.

Tahj Bailey is the Treasurer and Paige CadoganSecretary.

AIA to change the sporting landscape Out Ah Trouble adds 10/10 title

COUNTRYMeets Town

Out Ah Trouble Family, the reigning T/20 champions, has added the Caesar’s Real Estate Nar Fren Dem Greiggs 10/10 Softball Cricket title to their bounty.

Out Ah Trouble showed their prowess facing Sion Hill Tallawahs in the final last Sunday, August 27, at the Greiggs Central Playing Field. They registered a six-wicket win.

Talllawahs posted 71 for 5 from their 10 overs; Denson Hoyte leading with 48 not out (1x4, 5x6). Alwyn Quashie took 2 for 2 from his two overs.

In reply, Out Ah Trouble rushed to 77 for 4 from seven overs. Leading the response was Sunil Ambris, who struck 2 fours and 5 sixes in his 39.

Preceding the final, Owia and Bank of SVG All Stars squared off in the third place play off.

Owia took the third spot with a 50-run win over their opponents.

Owia made 125 for 7 from their 10 overs.

Owia replied with 75 for 7

from their allotment.

Out Ah Trouble thus gained the winner’s trophy and $1500; Sion Hill Tallawahs- a trophy and $1000; and Owia- a trophy and $500.

Player of the Series was Denson Hoyte of Sion Hill Tallawahs. Taking the most wickets13, was Allison Lavia of Owia; while Sunil Ambris of Out Ah Trouble scored the most runs- 217.

Following last Sunday’s conclusion of the T/10 format, action shifts to the longer T/20 edition in the next two weeks, as Out Ah Trouble seeks to remain as champions.

Shane Cadogan heads an organization that has set its

Champions- CMT Out Ah Trouble.

Player of the Series –Denson Hoyte

Sunil Ambris (left) gets his trophy and cash prize from Hon. Saboto Caesar.

EC$1M spent on school furniture

PRINCIPALS, headteachers and teachers have been asked to impress on their students the need to take care of school furniture.

The appeal came from Minister of Education Curtis King as he addressed a principal’s seminar on August 29.

The principals were meeting to address issues surrounding the start of the new school year on September 4.

“What I would promise is that we would continue to make that effort to try and meet your needs, but I am asking you as leaders that you have to impress on your school’s population that look, furniture — they are expensive,” King told the primary and secondary school leaders assembled at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.

“Greater care must be taken of these things, if you don’t then obviously you are going to have a challenge replacing them and I am telling you because I visit schools — we have too much unnecessary destruction of our furniture in schools putting a lot of pressure on the system to replace them,” he said.

He later told THE VINCENTIAN that as much as EC$1 million is spent on school furniture annually.

“This (present) was the high point when furniture would be needed at some of the nation’s schools, but there was also the problem of schools needing, or having to change furniture during the school year,” King noted. (DD)

Principal, heads and teachers met to discuss issues related to the opening of the new school year.

JOINT POLICE ACTION NABS EIGHT

AJOINT police operation involving the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), the Narcotics Unit and the Special Services Unit (SSU) in Paul’s Avenue at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday 25 August 2023, resulted in the arrest of eight (8) persons and the seizure of one hundred and eighty-two (182) rocks of cocaine, which is equivalent to thirty-six (36) grammes, a quantity of cannabis, and cash in the amounts of $448.00 USD, $2270.00 ECC and $20.00 BBD.

During the operation, the police searched several persons, houses and businesses.

As a result of the seizures, two (2) suspects were charged. Lemar “Chak” Isaacs, a 21-year-old unemployed man of Mc Kie’s Hill, was charged with possession of eight (8) grammes of cocaine with intent to supply it to another. Dimron Mc Donald, 33 years self-employed of New Montrose, was charged

WOMAN ACCUSED OF BURNING CHILD

by HAYDN HUGGINS

A 42-YEAR-OLDVermont woman was remanded on Tuesday when she appeared in Court charged in connection with inflicting serious burns to the body of her 12-year-old daughter.

The accused, Josette Garraway, a domestic worker, has been charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to the child, with intent. She was unrepresented.

Garraway was not allowed

to plead to the charge as it is an indictable offence, when she appeared before Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Corlene Samuel told the Court that, at this point, the Prosecution was objecting to bail. She highlighted that the victim was a 12-year-old and warded at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, with serious burns to her body.

Samuel asked that

Garraway be remanded for two weeks pending an update from the medical authorities on the victim’s condition.

The Prosecutor noted that Garraway is also the mother of two other children who are now in the custody of the state.

Garraway is alleged to have used an electric (clothes) iron to inflict burn between the legs of her daughter and to have struck her with a hammer on her leg, at Vermont, on August 29.

The matter has been

with possession of eighteen (18) grammes of cocaine with intent to supply it to another. The other six (6) persons were discharged pending further investigations.

Both men appeared before the Magistrate Court on Monday 28 August 2023 and pleaded guilty to the respective charges. McDonald was fined $636.00 ECC forthwith or two (2) months in prison, while Isaacs was fined $273.00 forthwith or one (1) month in prison.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has opened an investigation into the monies that were confiscated. These operations are part of the RSVGPF’s strategic plan to combat illegal activities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Source: RSVGPL Complaint and Public Relations department)

adjourned and transferred to the Serious Offences Court to September 11 for bail review.

A hot (clothes) iron was allegedly used to inflict burns on a 12-year-old girl.

Cocaine seized by the joint police action.

Dimron Mc Donald

Lemar “Chak” Isaacs