THE VINCENTIAN PDF -03-11-23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023

VOLUME 117, No.44

SOL staff donates to Charities Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Relief and tax breaks announced Page 5

More on Everything Expo Vincy Plus Pages 13-16

EC$1.50

North Leeward hosts Sports Awards Page 23

Photos: API

by DAYLE DASILVA and WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE 2023 EDITION OF ‘EVERYTHING VINCY EXPO PLUS’ ended on October 29, and already organizers are thinking about the 2024 edition which they anticipate will be bigger.

Glen Beache, Executive Director of Invest SVG, the organizers of the four-day event which started on October 26 at the E.T. Joshua Tarmac in Arnos Vale, said that in his opinion, the event had been a success.

“But we wait for the feedback from the public and our participants on how things have gone,” Beache said at the prize giving ceremony.

“I do believe that as we watch the history of this expo, it has grown from strength to strength to strength,” he continued.

He said that he and his team were already discussing plans for next year’s event saying that the Guyanese contingent, who participated in the expo, were looking forward to returning next year and that they were coming ‘bigger and better’.

Persons representing the Trinidad Manufacturer’s Association were also present, Invest SVG’s Executive Director said, and are happy with what they had seen and have Continued on Pages 14&15.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

SOL staff donates to Charities

SOL ON WEDNESDAY, MADE donations of EC$13,040.00 to two charitable organisations here. The World Pediatric Project received EC$5,433.00, while the Guadalupe Home for Girls received EC$7,607.00.

Parkland Fuels Inc. of Canada, SOL’s owner, as part of its social Investment Programme called “Parkland Pledge” makes donations SOL Staff with Saline Dopwell who received on behalf of Abigail Govia of SOL presents cheque to Lauren Mc Intosh-Shallow of annually to registered the Guadalupe Home for Girls. the World Pediatric Programme. charities.

Each employee of in the communities that they serve. SOL for these contributions which fit.

SOL can pledge monies to be donated Ms. Salene Dopwell of Guadalupe they said would help their Steve Francis, GM, of SOL to selected charities. Employees can Home For Girls, and Mrs. Lauren Mc organisations to ease their financial indicated that the charities were pledge all their allocation to any one Intosh-Shallow of World Pediatric burdens. (Submitted) chosen due to their outstanding work charity or apportion it as they deem Project, expressed their gratitude to

“Problem Child” donates signage to the RSVGPF

Handing over of signage to the RSVGPF.

ceremony held at the Central Police Station in Kingstown on Monday, October 30, 2023.

Ms. James said “I am here to present this sign to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force on behalf of Shertz “Problem Child” James. He is very happy to have been given the opportunity to donate this signage. I wish to thank the media and Right Stuff for working with us. “Problem Child” wanted to donate this signage for independence and they came through for us.”

Upon accepting the signage, the Commissioner thanked Shertz “Problem Child” James, his sister, and family for the generous donation on behalf of the RSVGPF. He stated that donations of such a nature positively affects the youths.

According to the Commissioner, Mr. James through his music and lifestyle has been a role model to the youths. The Commissioner encouraged Mr. James and other citizens to continue to play a pivotal role in the lives of our nation’s youths to influence positive change.

Additionally, citizens In attendance were would be able to cast Deputy Commissioner of their votes for their Police, Mr. Frankie preferred team on the Joseph, Assistant NTRC website Commissioners of Police, (www.ntrc.vc/vote) after Christopher Benjamin, each category’s Leonard Fergus, and presentations for a Application Category Judging Trevor Bailey, Officer in duration of fifteen minutes on Wednesday * 3:30 pm: The Open Category Judging charge of Central Division, November 15, 2023. The event details are * 5:00 pm: The Results and Prize Giving Superintendent Kamecia as follows: Ceremony Blake, and Head of the * 8:00 am: Opening Ceremony The general public is hereby invited to Public Relations and * 9:00 am: The Secondary Idea Category watch the icode784 competition grand Complaints Department, Judging Superintendent Junior finale live on YouTube or on the NTRC’s * 1:00 pm: The Secondary Mobile Simmons.

Facebook page NTRCSVG.

NTRC’s 2023 icode784 Competition Grand Finale and Prize Giving Ceremony THE GRAND FINALE AND PRIZE Giving Ceremony of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission’s (NTRC) 2023 icode784 competition will be held at the Kingstown Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Teams from different secondary schools and individuals under 35 years old will compete in their respective categories at the competition. The winning team of the Open category will be travelling to Barcelona, Spain in March 2024 to attend an event for startups hosted by GSMA called 4YFN (4 Years From Now).

THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT AND the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is the recipient of a new signage for the Central Police Station, compliments Cultural Ambassador and musical icon Shertz “Problem Child” James.

The signage was presented to Commissioner of Police (Ag), Mr. Enville Williams

by Jamila James, sister of the Cultural Ambassador, at a brief handing over

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 3.

News 3 Green Hill man is SVGÊs 44th homicide victim ON MONDAY 30TH, October after 5:55 a.m., 26-year-old DeShawn Slater, a Green Hill resident was chased down and shot dead.

According to a police report, Preliminary Investigations revealed that Slater was accosted, chased, and shot about his body by two (2) unidentified gunmen wearing masks and brandishing guns, in Paul Over where he had just left his girlfriend’s house.

Slater reportedly attempted to run but was shot multiple times in the head and body. He ran over an embankment in McKies Hill, where he subsequently collapsed. His body was found lying face down in the open field. The scene was processed by the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force

(RSVGPF).

The Green Hill man has had his fair share of run-ins with the law. In August, 2016, he was charged with the October, 2014 murder of Aninka Stowe, Time Keeper, who was also from Green Hill.

However, in April 2017 he was freed of the murder charge, after the office of the Director of Public Prosecution failed to provide the case files in a timely manner.

Slater also had another gun-related charge in the past. Five (5) months after Stowe was killed, Slater was found with a firearm in his possession at Green Hill and was sentenced to three years in prison for possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Reports are that Slater escaped death a few weeks

ago, after gunmen went to his work place with the intention to harm him. This time around, he was not so fortunate.

Slater’s death followed that of Lennox James, a 60year-old of Lauders.

James was found with what appears to be gunshot wounds about his head and back on Thursday 19th, October. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

James’ death comes on the heels of the killing of Delano Patrick, alias “Smokes”, a 33-year-old labourer of Layou. Patrick was shot and killed while making his way home on Sunday 15th, October, sometime after 2am. (KH) Deshawn Slater (ANN News)

3-year-old dies in house fire at Diamond THE POLICE ON Thursday, November 02, 2023 reported in a release that they were investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a 3-year-old child in a house fire that occurred in Diamond on Wednesday, November 01, 2023, at about 2:25 p.m.

Preliminary investigations revealed that at the time of the incident, three minors who are siblings were alone in the house. The mother of the children reportedly went to do a chore not too far away from where the house was located.

The house was a 25x30 structure made from plywood with a concrete floor and galvanized roof. The fire destroyed the house and all of its contents and killed the youngest male sibling. The other two children escaped unhurt.

Police Officers in the district, community members, and Officers from the Fire

Department all assisted in extinguishing the fire.

After the fire was extinguished, the Police searched for the remains of the child.

The District Medical Officer arrived on the scene and later identified the charred remains of the deceased. A post-mortem examination will be conducted on the body to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines has expresses sincere condolences to all those who are adversely affected by this tragic incident.

Members of the public who have information that can assist with the investigation are encouraged to call 999/911 or contact the Officer in charge of the South Central Division at 1-784-458-4200. All calls will be treated confidentially and investigations are ongoing.

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Accused gun toting teen on curfew the sum of $17,000 with one surety.

In addition to the curfew, the Canouan resident Seventeen-year-old Imari Miller was ordered to surrender his travel documents and has been ordered to remain report to the police in Canouan on Tuesdays and indoors from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Fridays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Stop notices will daily as part of his bail be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not conditions on firearm and to leave the state without the permission of the ammunition charges.

Serious Offences Court or the High Court.

Chief Magistrate Miller is charged with possession of a .38 Smith Rechanne Browne imposed and Wesson revolver, and five rounds of the dust-to-dawn curfew, ammunition without license. He pleaded not guilty along with other stringent to both charges when he initially appeared before conditions at the Serious Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Offences Court on Monday, Magistrate’s Court on October 23, as the Serious as she granted Miller bail in Offences Court was not sitting then.

Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre had objected to bail Imari Miller ordered to at that point, stating that Miller was already on bail remain indoors as part of on a similar charge. He added that the teenager was his bail conditions. allegedly found in possession of the loaded firearm Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

at Canouan around 10 p.m. on October 19, and stressed that this was the night before he was scheduled to appear at the Canouan Magistrate’s Court for a Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) on an attempted murder charge. In connection with that matter, Miller is also charged with possession of a firearm without a license and discharging a firearm.

The Prosecutor pointed out that the Court had a duty to protect the defendant, and the public as a whole.

Magistrate Ballah remanded Miller, adjourned the matter to October 30, and transferred it to the Serious Offences Court.

However, when Miller appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato indicated that the Prosecution was no longer objecting to bail, but he requested suitable surety and conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to a later date.

Grenadian charged with P.I date set for wounding Mayreau man Catholic Priest A GRENADIAN, who was initially charged with wounding with intent, will now answer to the charge of simple wounding.

The defendant, Jimmie John, a 29-yearold farmer, had appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week after being charged with wounding Tyreese Alexander, a 20-year-old labourer of Mayreau, with intent, but that has since been reduced to the summary charge of wounding.

Alexander reportedly received a stab wound to the back during an incident at Mayreau on October 22.

John was not required to plea initially as the

charge was laid indictably, and Magistrate John Ballah denied bail at that point.

After Prosecutor Shamrock Pierre informed the Court that John was a Grenadian, and thought he was here legally, the Prosecution was concerned about the possibility of him absconding, given the porous nature of this country’s borders.

The Prosecutor asked that John be remanded at that stage so that the police could complete their investigations.

Ballah remanded John, adjourned the matter to Monday, and transferred it to the Serious Offences Court, which was not sitting at

the time.

However, when John appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato indicated that the Prosecution was no longer objecting to bail. He noted that the complainant was out of the hospital and that John was here legally.

Cato, however, requested suitable surety and conditions.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted bail in the sum of $6,000 with one surety on condition that he had no contact with the complainant, and report to the police at Mayreau on Fridays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. He was also ordered to surrender

his travel documents, and stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit.

However, on John’s return to the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, and based on an application by the Prosecution, the matter was reduced to a summary and therefore would be tried at the Magisterial level. As a result, the charge was read again to John and he pleaded not guilty to wounding Alexander.

The matter was then adjourned to November 3 and transferred to Union Island.

John’s bail conditions were not varied.

Belvedere man on gun charge BELVEDERE resident Akeem Boyea will return to the Serious Offences Court on November 20 on a firearm possession charge.

Boyea was granted $10,000 bail with one surety when he appeared at that Court on Monday after being charged with possession of a GAP .9 mm pistol without a

license.

The offense was reportedly committed at Belvedere on October 26.

Boyea pleaded not guilty when he faced Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne and was represented by attorney Grant

Police Round Up Traffic Department probes into accident in Roseau

Connell.

As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to the Calliaqua Police Station on Tuesdays.

The matter has been adjourned to November 20.

Suzuki Mini, registration number PQ-808.

After suffering injuries, all parties were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where they are still receiving treatment. The motor vehicle sustained moderate to extensive damage.

Investigations are ongoing.

A JANUARY 25, 2024, Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) date has been set for Nigerian Catholic Priest Kizito Igwebudul, who is charged with two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault, allegedly committed recently on a 15-year-old girl.

The P.I. date was set on a Monday when the Priest appeared before Family Court President Coleen McDonald at the Family Court and was represented by attorney Ronald Marks, THE VINCENTIAN was Catholic Priest Court reliably informed. date set for next year.

Igwebudul had initially appeared before Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, in Camera, on October 23. He was not required to plea to the indictable charges, and the matter was transferred to the Family Court.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that Igwebudul was released at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on $8,000 bail with one surety on the condition that he surrender his travel documents and report to the Mesopotamia Police Station every Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

He was also ordered not to have any contact with the complainant or any other witnesses.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit.

McDowall is expected to appear before the Kingstown Magistrate Court to answer the charge.

Cashier charged with wounding

On 30th October, 2023, Police arrested and charged Kenneth Harry, a 33-year-old Cashier of Farmer charged with assault Belmont with the offence of wounding.

THREE PERSONS were hospitalised on Sunday, The accused allegedly unlawfully and maliciously October 29, 2023 at Roseau following an accident assaulted a 24-year-old labourer of Mesopotamia, On 30th October, 2023, Police arrested and that is being investigated by the Traffic by stabbing him on both shoulders with an charged James McDowall, a 62-year-old farmer of Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the unknown object. The incident occurred on 23.10.23 Belair with the offence of assault bodily harm.

Grenadines Police Force. The individuals involved at Fair Hall at about 7:40 p.m.

The accused allegedly assaulted a 45-year-old suffered significant injuries.

Harry is expected to appear before the According to reports, a 26-year-old woman and a Security Guard of the same address by striking him Kingstown Magistrate Court to answer the charge.

4-month-old baby were struck by Dominic Telesford in his face with a wooden stool. The incident occurred on 21.09.23 at Belair at about 4:32 p.m. of Redemption Sharpes while driving a white

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 5.

News

Relief and tax breaks announced

Stories by DAYLE DASILVA

AS HAS BECOME USUAL, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves included a set of ‘goodies’ in his Independence Day speech delivered during the parade on October 27.

Among the announcements made include tax breaks and duty concessions expected to be implemented in 2024.

First, Gonsalves announced that as of January 2024, the tax threshold will be increased from the current EC$22,000 annually to EC$25,000.

“Workers will pay less taxes,” he said adding that the tax measure is expected to cost the Treasury EC$4.5 million in lost revenue.

There was some good news for the nation’s nurses and other nursing aides and assistants that is also expected in January 2024, all 750 of them will be paid a monthly supplementary income for an initial six-month period.

The non-taxable income will amount to 5 percent of their salary to ease certain challenges which they face and is expected to cost the Treasury EC$1 million, the prime minister said.

According to Gonsalves, a review is expected to be done to address a possible upgrading and reclassification of posts within the nursing profession.

There was some relief for those who owed money to the state-owned Student Loan Company for the financing of their university education with a further reduction in the interest rate.

Also expected is the full review of all debts owed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and other health facilities across the country by patients and their families up to October 27, 2022 with the intention of providing relief and waivers.

The prime minister further announced that he has asked for a complete review of debts owed to the Kingstown Town Board (KTB) to also offer some relief and waivers to vendors.

And the 1,185 farmers who presently owed the state-owned Farmers Support Company an aggregate of EC$4.5 million will receive a 50 percent waiver on the principal sums and a full waiver on the interest.

In addition to the 66 scholarships and bursaries that were distributed prior to the Independence Day parade, the prime minister announced more good news for the nation’s youth; including an extension of the ONSITE program, which places employees in the private sector for fixed time periods.

Gun amnesty and more AS THE COUNTRY CONTINUES to grapple with crime and the increasing number of murders in particular, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves unveiled some measures to tackle the problem.

While delivering his Independence Day speech at Victoria Park on October 27, Gonsalves announced six initiatives aimed at reducing crime which included a gun amnesty.

The gun amnesty is expected to be implemented as part of a program called ‘Independence from Fear’ and according to Gonsalves, follows immediately the passage of legislation later this month to increase penalties for the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

“The details will be announced shortly,” Gonsalves said.

“Bring in the illegal firearm or face intensified prosecution and much longer jail-time,” he continued.

Back in 2016, then Commissioner of Police, Renold Hadaway said that the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) was not ruling out gun amnesty as a measure to addressing the issue of crimes being committed here involving the use of firearms.

He however explained that for it to

be a properly executed amnesty, the details must be discussed and agreed on by the police and the Ministry of National Security.

And the details according to the then CoP include incentives for persons to hand over illegal firearms to the police, the duration of the amnesty and the consequence of failing to comply with the amnesty.

There have been previous amnesties under Commissioners William Harry and Keith Miller, but the general consensus is that many Vincentians are of the view that the previous amnesties yielded little success.

In addition to the gun amnesty, Gonsalves spoke of the placement of CCTV cameras across the country, and the use of body cameras for the Police Force as one of the crime fighting measures to be implemented.

According to the prime minister, there will be the implementation of a program for the further placement of streetlights; the passage of particular pieces of crime fighting legislation within the framework of the strategic plan of the police force; a structured program to rehabilitate police stations and the expansion of an out-reach initiative between the Police and the community through the police.

Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves delivering his Independence address at Victoria Park, Thursday October 27.

Gonsalves announced that a new batch of employees will be selected to be employed during 2024 and 2025.

And 44 additional PRYME grants to micro-entrepreneurs amounting to EC$350,000 were being issued on the nation’s Independence anniversary bringing the total number of grants disbursed to 1,300 at a value of EC$6.5 million and the program will also be extended into 2024 and 2025 he said.

There was some relief in the works for other members of the public with Gonsalves announcing the continuation of the relief granted to domestic consumers of electricity to pay no Value Added Tax (VAT) on

their bills for consumption of 250 Kwh or below pre month.

He added that government intends to provide a one-time duty reduction on new tyres beginning on January 1, 2024, and that the existing time-bound duty-free concession on cement would be extended up to the end of 2024.

“This will continue to ensure that cement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the most affordable in the OECS,” he said.

And perhaps the most anticipated announcement, Gonsalves said that the duty-free concession on barrels is expected to commence on November 15, and will run to December 31, 2023.

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Outstanding two honored at 44th Independence Anniversary Ball in NY Brighton native, who serve as COSAGO’s financial trustee and member of the Fundraising Committee, THE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK-BASED respectively, were also Lennox Joslyn receives citation from Vincentian umbrella group Council of St. presented with Council Member Mercedes Narcisse Vincent and the Grenadines, USA, Inc. proclamations and (second from left), flanked by his wife, Ava, (COSAGO), in conjunction with the citation by Mayor Eric and COSAGO President Crispin Friday, Manhattan-based Consulate General of Adams and Council right, and Consul General Rondy “Luta” Celia Bramble, center, receives award from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the Member Mercedes McIntosh (left).

COSAGO President Crispin Friday, to her United States, on Sunday honored two Narcisse. right, flanked by Consul General Rondy outstanding community workers during COSAGO’s General Thompson, COSAGO’s vice “Luta” McIntosh, second from right, and the 44th Gala Independence Anniversary Secretary Ancilla Friday, who serves president and immediate past Bramble’s family members.

Ball of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at on the Mayor’s Caribbean-American president, accepted the award Russo’s on the Bay in the Howard Beach Advisory Committee, presented the on his behalf. section of Queens, New York. proclamation on behalf of the mayor.

“I congratulate our honorees, Col. Retired Registered Nurse and Haitian-born Narcisse, a registered Celia Bramble and Lennox Joslyn, for Colonel in the US Army Reserve Celia nurse, who represents the 46th their outstanding humanitarian Bramble and US Army veteran Council District in Brooklyn, was on Lennox Joslyn were honored with hand to present the proclamation and service in the Diaspora,” said COSAGO President Crispin Friday in COSAGO’s Lifetime Achievement citation to Bramble and Joslyn, his welcome remarks.

Award and Humanitarian Award, respectively.

Before presenting the proclamation respectively, before over 450 patrons COSAGO also presented a Special to Bramble, Narcisse said that at the very spacious and elegant Award to veteran Caribbean Bramble, her nursing colleague and catering house on Cross Bay broadcaster Don Bobb, a Vincentian Boulevard in Queens. national, who usually serves as Master longtime friend, has dedicated her life Bramble, originally from Evesham of Ceremonies at the Gala Ball. In his to nursing education and service.

“Her commitment to the Vincentian Laverne McDowald-Thompson, in the Marriaqua Valley, and Joslyn, a absence, Laverne McDowaldCOSAGO vice president, receives community and contributions to healthcare have been remarkable, and award, on behalf of veteran Vincentian broadcaster Donn Bobb, were fittingly recognized at this flanked by COSAGO President prestigious event,” she said.

Crispin Friday, right, and SVG Consul Narcisse also noted Joslyn’s contributions to humanitarian causes General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh (left). and his “unwavering dedication to one, -and we must work together as we uplift and support the Vincentian are stronger as a collective than on our community.” own.”

“It’s always an honor to recognize He also appealed to Vincentian individuals who have made such a nationals to indulge in “a few things” profound impact on our community,” she said. “Both Celia and Lennox have in his “begging bowl”.

“I beg that you apply for the day off shown dedication, passion and commitment in their respective fields, for our 2024 flag-raising ceremony; I beg that, in 2024, you participate in as and it was a pleasure to honor them many independence activities as tonight.

“Celebrating the 44th Anniversary possible; I beg that every Vincentian get a Vincy passport; I beg that every of the Independence of St. Vincent Vincentian get a Vincy passport for and the Grenadines alongside such inspiring individuals makes this event their children and grandchildren born all the more special,” Narcisse added. here; I beg that you invest more in Bramble told the ceremony that, “to sweet SVG; I beg that more say that I am honored and humbled to organizations be affiliated with COSAGO,” he said. receive the Lifetime Achievement “Once again, let me wish all Award would be an understatement.

Vincentians a happy 44th Anniversary “I am extremely grateful to Ms. Erlene King, who felt that I deserved of Independence, and may the this nomination, as well as to all those Almighty continue to bless our nation who supported her,” she added. “I am and our people,” he added.

Erlene Williams-King, a member of thankful that the work that I have COSAGO’s Fundraising Committee, been so passionate about resonates who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, with others.” asked for a moment’s silence for the Joslyn thanked COSAGO for the passing of Vaughan Toney, the award, adding: “Each of us can do Vincentian-born, former president and something that I did.”

In addressing the ceremony, Consul chief executive officer of the BrooklynGeneral Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, said based Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., who died on the Diaspora is “dear to the heart” of Labor Day, Sept. 2; and Colin Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Liverpool, a Vincentian-born lawyer, Gonsalves, adding that it is “so dear who also went to the Great Beyond that he recently amended the earlier this year.

Immigration Act to allow for second The Vincentian-owned D Magma generation Diasporans to become Band and DJ Supa Eyes provided citizens of St. Vincent and the entertainment to the sell-out patrons.

Grenadines.”

Williams-King’s daughter, Abena McIntosh said although each Amory, rendered the National Anthem Caribbean country is “unique in its of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as own way and has a lot to boast about, well as provided the opening act for D let me remind you that we are Magma Band.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 7.

Regional

CARICOM denounces VenezuelaÊs referendum on Guyana

CARICOM heads are of single voice in denouncing Venezuela’s referendum on Guyana which seeks to get Venezuelans support for their country’s annexation of a portion of Guyana. (caricom.org) and satisfactory solution for Venezuela and Guyana, in relation to the dispute over the territory of the Guyana Essequibo?

3. Do you agree with Venezuela’s historical position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial dispute over the Essequibo Guiana?

4. Do you agree to oppose, by all means, in accordance with the law, Guyana’s pretension to unilaterally dispose of a sea pending delimitation, in an illegal manner and in violation of international law?

5. Do you agree with the creation of the state of Guyana Essequibo and the development of an accelerated plan for the integral attention of the current and future population of that territory, which includes, among others, the granting of Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and International Law, CARICOM expressed that two questions if approved by Venezuelans, would permit the government to embark on the annexation of twothirds of Guyana’s internationally recognised territory, to create a state within Venezuela known as Guyana Essequibo.

“CARICOM reaffirms that international law strictly prohibits the government of one State from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another state. An affirmative vote as aforesaid opens the door to the possible violation of this fundamental tenet of international law,” the group said.

The Venezuelan The Maduro government is taking no chances; it is government said the rallying public support for the Essequibo claim. (AFP)

THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) said Venezuela’s upcoming referendum on the annexation of disputed territory with Guyana is not valid.

“CARICOM insists that the Referendum proposed by Venezuela has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law in relation to this controversy; the Referendum is a purely domestic construct, but its summary effect is likely to undermine peace, tranquillity, security, and more, in our region,” the 15 memberintegration movement said in a statement on Thursday, as it expressed unwavering support for Guyana in its border dispute with Venezuela.

CARICOM expressed concern with the five questions being considered in the referendum which Venezuela has scheduled for December 3, 2023.

The questions Venezuelans will vote on are: 1. Do you agree to reject, by all means, in accordance with the law, the line fraudulently imposed by the Paris Arbitral Award of 1899, which seeks to dispossess us of our Guyana Essequibo?

2. Do you support the Geneva Agreement of 1966 as the only valid legal instrument to reach a practical

referendum is predicated on the National Assembly exercising its constitutional authority to engage in a consultative process with the Venezuelan people. “This process will

outline the legal, diplomatic, and political strategies required to assert the nation’s rights over the Guyana Essequibo territory,” Venezuela said in the statement issued on Tuesday, October 24. (Source: Loop news, caricom.org)

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Views 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.

Editorial

Not forgetting the crime issue YES, AS EXPECTED, the country rapped itself in the national colours of blue, golden yellow and green, communities moved to clean and decorate their surroundings to an extent that they hadn’t done for years, many persons took to picnicking while others found others ways of frolicking.

But the underlying fact of the 44th Anniversary of Independence was that we marked the occasion under a proverbial cloud of having achieved a recording-breaking (43) number of murders/homicides for the year to date.

Nothing to celebrate, if we may say so!!

For certain, there are many in our society who have grown so tired of hearing and reading about the ‘crime game’ that they have accepted that we have been on a merry-go-round that has not yet stopped on any genuine plan for combating crime.

The truth is that many people, as fearful as they are for their lives and property, have become indifferent to the situation, have become fed up with the blame game and chose to “find safety” in their barricaded homes. For many, their social lives have changed significantly.

They are perhaps telling us, and this is not new nor has it not been articulated before, that a holistic approach has to be adopted to fight or prevent crime The demographic indicates that violent crime in our society is perpetuated primarily by the youth.

And because of this, poor parenting has been advanced (even by those in government) as one reason for the youth getting involved in crime.

But there are other factors which contribute to the increasing level of crime. For instance, schools, and we admit that we are not certain of the extent to which this might be so, tolerate bad behaviour of students.

The school might just have lost it place among the institutions that discipline young lives, setting them on the straight and narrow. School fights are now too prevalent in this small society!

The space allocated for classroom use must be commandeered by the teacher and that authority must not be allowed to be usurped because teachers want to win favour with their students.

The Ministry of Education must be cognizant of its policies governing school operations, especially as it relates to the

type of carnivals/festivities, even the music allowed in school. Relaxation on these school “activities” cultivates attitudes that noise is concomitant with the school environment and society at large.

Further, as said before in previous columns, the crime issue should not be politicised. Intelligent people would know, regardless of who is at the helm of the Ministry of National Security, that no one person would be able to solve crime. The question is, does the Minister of National Security subscribe to this approach?

And while we are at it, maybe we could for the first time (?) have the word MURDER included in the annual fiscal package… not just ‘crime, police, national security’ and the old rundown references. Let what is allocated be clearly defined in terms of its purpose.

Perhaps we would hear of government’s decision to depart from its approach to fighting crime.

In so doing, perhaps, we will see an acceptance that there is a serious role for the Opposition to perform when it relates to making and amending legislation. If this is done, the citizens will all have a better chance of controlling crime.

That’s why it’s important for the Government, law enforcement agencies and political leaders to address the issue of crime transparently and effectively. Not to involve the opposition as an equal party could well breed hints of corruption or cover-ups, and could undermine the trust of the population and the rule of law.

And it is essential that the authorities communicate progress or updates to the public to maintain trust and accountability.

Transparency, accountability and a commitment to upholding the law are crucial in such situations. Citizens have a right to expect that their safety and security are being upheld, and that those responsible for criminal activities, no matter how influential, are brought to justice.

Addressing these concerns and maintaining the rule of law are paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.

Further, to jump out front with a bold supposition: If crime does not abate appreciably, significantly abate, it will significantly inform the results of the next general election.

Open letter to the Acting Police Commissioner Dear Sir: PLEASE ALLOW ME to congratulate you on your recent appointment to the most demanding job in SVG. I hope if you want to do the job permanently, you will be given a chance to do so.

Allow me to suggest a few ideas from my management experience that may be helpful as you try to address the many policing issues confronting your department and the nation. You can start this Christmas season by expanding the Christmas concert to include performances by community and church groups.

Next, you should consider developing a “Business Liaison” team to be ambassadors to the business community. This team’s primary responsibility is to interact with the businesses in Kingstown. They would be the first point of contact for any public safety issues confronting a merchant.

In addition, every successful police department in the world has a community outreach team. This team has a significant responsibility; they must actively engage with the community. For example, they facilitate the setting up of programs like neighborhood block watch, senior citizen weekly welfare checks, or citizen academy, to name a few. With the government initiative to add more CCV cameras in Kingstown, this is an excellent opportunity to expand electronic surveillance by inviting private businesses and residents to sign up for your team to provide access to their camera footage when needed to solve crime. My experience is that most people will willingly give this information when asked. Think of a day when you would not even have to ask for camera footage that may be helpful to your department, but instead, citizens would call you to report something suspicious recorded on their camera.

This is an opportunity to make a big statement about working with the community. Maybe you could work with Flow and other internet providers to give discounted internet connection fees for residents who sign up for your electronic neighborhood watch team. By the way, the person heading this team could be a civilian with a mass communication background.

Another example of a small thing that could pay extraordinary dividends is what has been referred to in your industry as the “Broken Glass” theory.

The primary tenant of this theory is to pay attention to the small things and preempt the more significant issues. For example, an abandoned car on the side

of the road may be stolen. If left unattended for an extended period, it could be vandalized. A simple note to the owner that it must be removed or it will be towed to an impound lot at the owner’s expense could avoid a crime.

Yes, enforcement of the window tinting standards is a part of this theory. In short, these illegal activities may be considered harmless but will lead to the overall breakdown of law and order. Another similar activity that must be addressed is the proliferation of excessive after-market lighting on vehicles.

Don’t forget you have a Fire Department. These guys could be your “best friends.” Use them to interact with the community. They can visit schools and other community organizations, sharing messages of fire prevention tips and other healthy living environmental tips like properly disposing of trash instead of burning or dumping it in the rivers.

Use the recently announced gun amnesty by the Prime Minister to regain some trust in the community. I hope the implementation of this program consists of a very public display of the destruction of any weapon recovered. All weapons recovered during the amnesty, and other confiscated illegal guns should be destroyed publicly.

Now, for something some may consider controversial, but I feel this is an absolute necessity, a bulletproof vest should become a standard part of the department’s uniform. You see, Mr. Commissioner, as soon as you begin to take the wind out of the sails of the guntoting criminal elements, they will turn their guns on the police. We need to equip your officers for the pushback that’s coming. Every police officer has a right to expect to return home after every shift.

Body cameras are a welcome addition but must be monitored, and the officers need to be trained on their proper use.

That’s a given. Our police officers must be assured that the cameras will not be used to victimize them. During the initial phase, expect every defense attorney in the state to ask for copies of the camera footage, so don’t fight it or make it difficult for them. Set the protocol and follow it. This will serve you and the department well.

Good luck. I wish you success.

Remember, the target is less than ten homicides per hundred thousand. I am just keeping it real.

Horatio.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 9.

Letters

Independent Learning

SINCE our two best academic schools are Girls High School, and St. Vincent Boys Grammar school, a few years ago I decided to duplicate the classroom learning conditions in Forms 1 to 3 at Union Island Secondary.

At each level the classes were made up of only boys and only girls respectively.

It was to be the basis of my PhD research dissertation since I was studying Classroom

Instructions. I wanted to determine whether having classes with only one sex in a coed school would improve the learning for the students.

Everything was going well until the management of the school changed and derailed my experiment by putting the students together again. From then on, I decided not to do any research that depended so heavily on

others. The questions are yet to be answered.

For the short duration of the experiment there were some benefits. The sports the boys engaged in were usually cricket, football, and basketball, while the girls focused on netball. Boys mainly studied Woods, and Technical Drawing while girls did Home Economics, and Food and Nutrition.

Additionally, it is

To the powers that be I WRITE to express my concern regarding the road leading to the cemetery, petroglyphs, and quarry in the town of Layou.

It is well-known that people are living in many houses in the area and

they, I am sure, pay all their required taxes.

However, the road is deteriorating at a rapid pace and appears to be overlooked by those who are responsible for taking the necessary action.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING: * Will any other officer in the chain of command governing the securing of monies of the Customs and Excise Department be reprimanded or charged for the matter? * Are the police of this administration to simply give a tap on the wrist of those who have been negligent and whose negligence lead to greater consequences? * Is the API now all about following around the Prime Minister? * Is something wrong with the sentencing process for certain crimes in SVG? Or is sentencing structure bent to benefit some? * Who won more kudos for their trip to Canada, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves or Dr. Godwin Friday?

I am aware that other roads in several areas warrant attention also, but given the fact that this important road in Layou has become extremely dangerous to drive on, urgent repairs are necessary. I am surprised that with the revenue generated from the vast number of vehicles licensed in our country so many of our roads are not maintained.

We the people of Central Leeward do not want our roads to be repaired only at the time when it is near to general elections. This must not be a special gift for a vote. The maintenance of roads is a ‘basic necessity’.

Resident of Layou

known that boys and girls develop at different rates and learn differently. Having them in separate classes would allow teachers to tailor their classroom instructions to meet their specific needs and interests. What the outcome would have been is still unknown but nevertheless would constitute a worthy line of inquiry. Our same sex

schools still outperform our cooed schools and if we can do something differently to benefit our students, we should.

We seem to be doing the same thing every year to the detriment of our students. Many are afraid to try new ways of teaching, and our students suffer consequently.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Creating a platform for youth Too many broken promises participation by the ULP Address by Sen. Hon. Shackell Bobb, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, at the launch of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Youth. benefit of the country on a whole. That to me is no small feat. Here we are tapping into the leadership skills of IT IS CERTAINLY pleasing to see all of you young people and then ensuring that here this evening to witness such a their voices are valued at the pinnacle of momentous occasion for youths in St. decision-making stage.

Vincent and the Grenadines and by > Honor the youth voice and give extension the Caribbean region and I account - In this way, we must ensure include the region because I know for a that the advice and recommendation fact that our regional counterparts are communicated are valued and when looking on or will be looking on. implemented or acted upon, hold We often say youths are the future, ourselves accountable in ensuring that which is a cliché saying albeit true; but we revert to these persons on how the how often do we stop to think of the information was acted upon. significance of this statement. We may > Offering Guidance - being willing to look around and observe that about 1/3 share experience, adult power and of our population are youths but make privilege in order to make the no mistake, no matter how small or large the number, the youths are in fact community a better place for both young people and adults alike.

100% of our future. It is therefore not I must highlight the motto of the lost on me that an initiative such as the YAC, which is “Balancing Experience formulation of the Prime Ministerial with Youth”. This is well thought Advisory Council on Youth is of great through given that this is not an significance to our country, and to the diversification of governance here in St. experiment or fishing expedition. Those who came before us must be willing to Vincent and the Grenadines. I must share their power, privilege and commend the Prime Minister and by experience where possible. This is very extension our government for the important because in order to know opportunities that I am positive will be where we are going, we must know made available to our young people in where we are coming from, as such the effecting change. guidance of the government and other I always say that we as young stakeholders is much needed and persons need to be advocates, it doesn’t mean that when an issue arise you have appreciated.

We have come along way under the to speak or argue with someone about it current government, and we also have but it means that we must know where we stand on issues and when a platform come along way as a country. I am esteemed to be a part of this new is provided for us to speak on matters journey of governance where the voices which affect us, we do not shy away or of our young people are valued. When I hide in the shadows. Social media influence has kidnapped the mind of our met with the council last week, I was proud to say the least, to sit in a room youths, and has subjected them to full of young experts in a number of irrelevant considerations as they go varying sectors in SVG. Notably, a lot of about their daily lives. We, the council these persons I can say for a fact have intend to change that narrative for the benefited from nay I say, the superlative youths in St. Vincent and the initiative that is the education Grenadines. A lot of us have the revolution. The relevance of the capability to make a positive impact education revolution resounds through through advocacy and action, however we often do not know/or see the support business places throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines and beyond and now that may make us feel empowered to it anchors its relevance in this initiative speak. One major component in youth that is the Prime Ministerial Advisory engagement that is overlooked is youth empowerment, consequently the Council Council on Youth.

Tonight, we are here to launch this will focus on the key aspect of youth council and it couldn’t be at a more empowerment on a whole and the empowerment of the voices of our youth. fitting time. In the true spirit of Our aim is to be successful; it will not be patriotism and nationalism, and in an effort to give back to our country, these a rushed process, as such we intend to persons who will be identified later have create a solid foundation by tackling accepted the challenge and has chosen to foundational issues such as the further the development of our country. aforementioned. Afterall, a structure is only as strong as the foundation. And we We are in fact the newest agents of change in this country, our peers are do not deal with shaky foundations. watching and our country is watching, Youth Empowerment will be we cannot and must not let them down. promoted within all communities and sectors so that they may be inspired and I commend you for accepting the challenge and I cannot wait to work driven to take control of the future. I with you to make this Council a believe that with this goal in mind, we successful and meaningful one that will can help them to discover their full transform the lives of persons in our potential and capabilities which will country. I also encourage persons to be ultimately result in unleashing their bold, assume your civic duties and best traits and qualities as human responsibilities by stepping up to the beings. To truly empower youth, the Youth Advisory Council aims to be very plate if an offer is made to you to sit on any of these sectorial committee. I intentional about the way in which we cannot stress how much your choose to maximize on youth inclusion. involvement will help to enhance your Some of the ways which have been lives personally and professionally. proven to be successful in that task In closing, I leave you with these which I will expound upon are: > Include youth in decision-making inspirational words of Kofi Annan who processes - The Prime Ministerial served as secretary general to the Advisory Council, aims to enhance youth United Nations “Young people should be involvement in the decision-making at the forefront of global change and process of the Government here in our innovation. Empowered, they can be key country. This is not a tokenized agents for development and peace. If, committee, and as a result the work that however, they are left on society’s will be put in and the advice and margins, all of us will be impoverished. recommendations from the council will Let us ensure that all young people have be communicated to cabinet and every opportunity to participate fully in considered in making decisions for the the lives of their societies.”

(Excerpts of PRO of the NDP, Lavern King’s, presentation at Town Hall meeting in New York)

professionals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are frustrated because often times no matter how much you I STAND before you representing a portion of the Vincentian population who try, because the conditions are not conducive to our success; we find that are deeply frustrated. I bear a heavy we still come out struggling and in the burden knowing that in our beloved St. ‘red’.

Vincent and the Grenadines, we face a I want you to picture with me that near 50% unemployment rate among our you have a young person, a brother, a young people. It is a harsh reality that sister or a cousin in St. Vincent and we cannot ignore any longer. the Grenadines and you send money Some people think when we speak to them to help them through school. in the NDP, we are exaggerating.

Friends, it is a fact that many aspects You help to pay their fees for of our nation are in the ‘red’. I have in university. That person did all the my hands a list of over forty-four (44) right the things and graduated with a degree and still cannot find a job at promises from the ULP’s manifesto.

Pledges they have made for the young home. Friends, our country is in the ‘red’ and it is not working for young people of St. Vincent and the people.

Grenadines. I will highlight three (3) of these promises, not to exaggerate but to illustrate that our concerns are ULP Government adopting policies from the NDP very real.

First, let us talk about the book Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced loan scheme, which is in the ‘red’. In recently that his government intends the ULP’s manifesto, they said that to cut the interest rate on student they would enhance the book loan loans. The reduction of interest rate scheme. In the year 2000, under the on student loans is an NDP policy that then NDP government, we allotted was a key plank of our 2020 general $2.7 million dollars to the book loan scheme. In 2023, one would expect the elections manifesto.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) ULP to at least match that figure. welcomes it when the ULP Instead, they allocated a mere $1 million. Twenty-three (23) years later, government adopts its policies because people benefit. However, we cannot be we are putting less money into the sure that the ULP will not just say book loan scheme. This is not what people like and not implement progress; this is regression. them.

Our streets are ‘red’. More blood is Other policies that have been being shed and people no longer feel proposed by the NDP, which the ULP safe in their homes and on the streets.

This is point number two. Remember, government has adopted entirely or in I said that I am going to pull three (3) part include: 1. Expanding the YES programme of the broken promises to our young to include private sector placements; people. The ULP said in their 2. Expanding the Technical manifesto that they were going to focus on community crime prevention Vocational Education and Training and early interventions to give young (TVET); 3. Reduction of customs duties for people the best chance at taxi operators; rehabilitation and personal growth.

4. Introducing stiffer penalties for And, they would provide legislatively crime. and practically, sensible alternative Leader of the Opposition and sentencing particularly to first time President of the NDP, Honourable Dr. and young offenders. They have failed Godwin Friday, said, “We know to implement such a policy. Instead, imitation is the best form of flattery. we have more and more of our young We in the NDP welcome it when people going down the wrong path.

Gonsalves adopts our policies and says Instead of them getting the they would implement them. The opportunity to learn a skill and to be problem is, after two decades, we redirected, they are just left to a one cannot trust them to follow through on size fits all system which does not any of their many empty promises. It consider rehabilitation and as such would be safer to have an NDP they end up becoming hardened government to implement NDP criminals. Further, it must be policies and ideas.” disheartening for you to be reading Dr. Friday went on to say, “Only the news about what happens back home, because I know that it feels like last month, we launched the Youth almost every week, you expect to read Guarantee Pledge that promised a job, of another crime, be it gun violence or training or placement in an education program or an internship for every robbery.

Thirdly, I will touch on the promise young person. Maybe, this is something that can be discussed by to restructure the disadvantaged student loan program. I will touch on the PM and his youth council. We want to improve the lives of everyone it because I feel this pain. They said in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that they were going to waiver the especially young people looking to interest on student loan payment make it here. We are looking forward during the COVID months and they to rolling out more plans for our were going to reduce the percentage on the interest of those loans and here country in the months ahead. Ralph we are today in 2023 and that too did can copy them if he wants to. But, we look forward to changing government not happen. so that we can implement them and I am telling you that the young improve our country! ”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 11.

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Guy Fawkes’ Night of Yesteryear

Independence and Development

“One of the supreme achievements of the English Renaissance came at its close, in the King James Bible...It is rightly regarded as the most influential book in the history of English civilization...the King James Version combined homely, dignified phrases into a style of great richness and loveliness. It has been a model of writing for generations of Englishspeaking people.” - Compton’s Encyclopedia

I WAS TAKEN ABACK by lingering questions about the vitality and importance of the quest to regain our sovereignty and national independence. I did not think that 44 years after we attained political independence, some voices believe that we would have been better off with colonial overlords.

To be sure, I subscribe to a school of thought which gives little credence to the mere attainment of political independence. At the time when the conversations about independence were in the air, many of us in the progressive movement expressed disdain for ‘flag independence’ and the mere change of a white racist misruler to one with a black face. The Trinidadian developmental economist Lloyd Best aptly labelled such a person, ‘AfroSaxon.’ The more clearsighted and visionary among us talked about Genuine Independence, People’s Ownership and Control.

Back then, progressives were clear that to chart a developmental course that was meaningful and sustainable, we had to first wrest political control from the colonialist who interrupted our independence course, destabilised our culture, dehumanised our people, and mercilessly raped and exploited our country.

So convinced were we of the potential for development that when former prime minister James Mitchell opposed our country’s transition to independence with the spurious argument that in ‘associated statehood with Britain we are as protected as sardines in a tin’ many laughed in his face and told him where to go.

Therefore, it is disappointingly surprising to learn that there is nostalgia for our colonial times. The argument is that the remaining colonies in our region are better off economically and score higher on the social and developmental index. This argument neglects the fact that many colonies are akin to colonial showcases that responded to the regional independence movement, which began in the 1960s.

The argument completely erases the fact that the colonial authorities sabotaged the efforts to unify the region and worked for the collapse of the West Indies Federation, which was formed in 1958. More importantly, having ‘sucked the region dry’ to quote Eric Williams, the former PM of Trinidad and Tobago, Britain has steadfastly refused to engage the region in a reparatory conversation that will lead to real and sustainable development.

It is this criminal neglect of the Caribbean by the former colonial powers which has forced postindependence regional leaders to borrow excessively, thus turning the Caribbean into one of the most indebted regions on earth.

Even so, as we will see, inequality in both independent and colonial states within the region is very high. In the colonial enclaves, the white settler class totally and completely dominated the economy and social environment.

Consequently, notions such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Per Capita Income are deceptive concepts that do not offer an accurate picture of how the people in the region live.

The GDP measures the size of the economy and offers an indication of how the economy is performing.

However, the growth rate of Real GDP provides a clearer picture of economic health. Many people now understand that economic growth does not necessarily mean economic development.

THE CHILDREN OF MY GENERATION anxiously looked forward to celebrating “Guy Fawkes’ Night” each 5th November.

This was the time when we invested our “pocket change” in the purchase of “star lights” (5-inch implements with sulphur at the end that sparkled when lit), “bandits” (3-inch-long paper cylinders with sulphur on the inside that exploded with a loud bang when lit), and “bombs” (small 1-inch diameter balls of gunpowder, wrapped in paper, that exploded when thrown to a solid surface). The more adventurous among us would walk long distances to harvest the stems of the bamboo plants that would later be converted to making “bamboo cannons”. These were often four to six feet long and craftily designed to imitate the sound of cannons when charged with kerosene oil and lit with a flambeau. Rural and urban communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines considered it “normal” to be bombarded with these various explosive sounds on Guy Fawkes Night. Over the years, the “celebration” of Guys Fawkes Night has faded significantly but we periodically hear the sounds generated by the “bamboo joints” in some rural communities during early November.

The star lights and the bandits referred to in the preceding paragraph were imported items. However, the bombs were locally made. Most of these had been manufactured by the Paul’s Avenue resident named Altan.

We never knew where he obtained the gunpowder to make these little bombs.

However, some time in the late 1960s or early 1970s something went wrong with Altan’s preparation of his “big pot of explosive ingredients”. There was a huge explosion as he blew himself to shreds. His demise also resulted in the subsequent unavailability of the locally made bombs.

As children, we never knew the background to this “celebration”.

However, during our teenage years we discovered that Guy Fawkes (15701606) had been associated with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 as efforts were made to assassinate King James 1 of England (1566-1625) during a meeting of the House of Parliament.

The King James version of the bible is widely read and revered throughout the world. King James had commissioned its publication in an effort to make God’s word readily available to the people of his generation. Prior to this, the masses relied on the clergy reading segments of the scrolls and parchments in Latin or Greek (foreign languages to the masses). It is therefore easy to understand and appreciate how such a translation to English would enable readers and listeners to better understand an interpret the scriptures.

However, there were members of the English society who were angered by King James’ determination to make the scriptures readily available to all people.

Guy Fawkes, who had converted to Catholicism in his youth, was a member of the Catholic conspiracy, led

by Robert Catesby, that was opposed to the Protestant King’s desire to have the parchments available in English.

Guy Fawkes, who had expertise in gunpowder and explosives, was considered to be a most valuable asset to their efforts as they planned to assassinate King James 1 by blowing up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament on 5th November 1605.

However, the authorities received an anonymous tip in relation to the plot and surprised the perpetrators as they sought to position 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellar beneath the House of Lords on the night of 4th November. Fawkes was arrested and tortured in order to reveal the names and locations of his co-conspirators.

All of the participants in the attempted assassination were tried and sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered on 31st January 1606.

Based on the foregoing, it could readily be understood and appreciated why the “celebration” of Guy Fawkes’ Night has shrunk from relevance.

After all, it symbolizes anarchy and revolution. However, there are still some communities in England (and some commonwealth countries) that commemorate the event with bonfires, fireworks, and the burning of figures of Guy Fawkes on 5th November. The focus, therefore, is not commemorating the attempted assassination but more so highlighting its failure.

King James 1 of England was determined to establish religious unity throughout his kingdom. His reign marked a period of relative religious tolerance among Catholics and Protestants throughout England. He continues to be admired, respected, and appreciated for his commitment to the publication of the King James Version of the Bible, which was first published in 1611, and continues to be available around the world.

Our reflections of the Guy Fawkes’ Night of yesteryear therefore provides us with ample opportunity to appreciate the multiple blessings that have been bestowed upon us as a result of having God’s Word readily available in a format/language that we can better understand and appreciate. We are fortunate that Guy Fawkes’ plans for 5th November 1605 failed. Had he succeeded we may not have had the distinct privilege of reading God’s holy and precious word so liberally.

Many modern translations of the English bible are now available. These translations (e.g., the New Revised Standard Version and the English Standard Version) have proven to be especially useful to and among biblical scholars and theologians. However, many Christians continue to revere the old English writings appearing in the King James version of the Bible; a publication that is available as a result of Guy Fawkes’ foiled attempts to assassinate King James 1.

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

The same holds for concepts such as Per Capita Income or the amount of money earned by each individual in a given country. For example, the per capita income in SVG is now over $8,000. But we have a poverty level of close to 40 percent and an unemployment level of over 40 percent.

Taken together, this means that the vast majority of Vincentians can be categorised as working poor. Therefore, per capita estimates are bogus and do not reflect the actual state of affairs of citizens.

The infrastructure in many of the colonies is indeed better than in the independent countries, but that’s a function of the fact that the colonial masters in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Washington have turned the none non-independent territories into playgrounds for their economic elites.

Small wonder then that residents of all colonial territories can be found in great numbers as they go in search of greener pastures. Puerto Ricans, Guadeloupians, and Martiniquians are found in considerable numbers in the metropoles. In the smaller colonial territories, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, BVI have large numbers of residents from the other islands who search for work and a better life.

The cultural vitality of independence is the fact that many Caribbean people assert a strength and determination in the metropoles of North America and Europe because they are accustomed to seeing persons looking like them in positions of authority in politics and the economy.

Conditions for the indigenous populations in colonies are similar to residents in the independent countries.

For instance, unemployment in Martinique, Guadeloupe and Cayenne is 18, 22 and 23 percent, respectively.

Life expectancy at birth is 83, 82 and 77 years. Considering that all three societies have large white settler communities compared to predominantly black independent countries, the life expectancy numbers are hardly surprising. The metropoles look out for their own.

There is also the argument for maintaining colonial relics as the Privy Council. It is claimed that our judges all go to the same schools and know each other. Proponents of this view forget, dismiss or disregard a cardinal point: the law is rarely about friendships and more about class and political interest. Just as our lawyers go to UWI or British schools, British judges attend private schools such as Eton and King’s College. They are no brighter than our jurists. To say that you prefer a stranger preside over your legal matter than a homegrown judge is a sad commentary on what we think of ourselves. Such thoughts play into the views inculcated by the colonial overlords that our people are subhuman and thus possess inferior minds.

To hark back to the ‘halcyon days’ of colonial rule reflects a lack of confidence and self-worth. Such views are predicated on an inferiority complex, which sees others as better than us in matters of state.

Onward to Genuine Independence, People’s Ownership and Control.

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

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Crying for the village of Troumaca TROUMACA, the village which had played a central role in the parish of St. David which these days is more popularly referred to as North Leeward, has been in recent weeks, experiencing what seems to be more than its fair share in the loss of life of its villagers.

A few weeks ago we gathered at the Methodist Church in Kingstown to say farewell to Pat, she was one of the village’s strong and beautiful daughters.

She was blessed with having lived her three scores and ten. She was an off-shoot of the Moore and Sheen families which had for decades been recognized as strong dependable threads in the societal fabric of the village. The men and women of those families were well respected.

Pat has represented them commendably well!

One cannot help but reflect on the days when Troumaca was a vivacious community and because of that, we were able to cope with the stresses brought on by the second world war which ended in 1945. Prominent contributors to that vivacity were the two women’s organizations that were very active in the village in those years. They were, the ‘Busy Bee Club’ and the ‘Endurance Club’. They organized exhibitions in the village, which attracted support from as far away as Kingstown.

There were at least three men’s cricket teams in the village. There was a very active juniors’ team which was known as Mikey’s Team; it is our good fortune to still have him with us today. He is distinctly one of the cadre of our precious sportsmen

and sportswomen who in yesteryear, fortified the psyche of this nation when they honourably represented us on the field of sports. Our gratitude to them should be reflected in the quality of the support measures which are put in place, so that when in their retirement from sports it must be evident that their contribution was appreciated. We must remember their efforts were not financed by the state!

It must not be forgotten, that for several decades the Primary School which serves the communities of Rose Bank and Rose Hall was the one located at Troumaca. And since ‘Parcel Post’ services to the district was located in the town of Chateaubelair, the residents of the villages of Coulls Hill and Spring Village had to pass through Troumaca to access those services.

Over the last several decades’ migration has seriously impacted the societal development of those villages and the palpable neglect under our postcolonial administrators, now sits like an impenetrable cloud of blight on this once vibrant and cohesive society, the health of which had been fortified by nutritious vegetables and a dependable supply of fresh fish provided by the community itself. Yet in recent weeks the continuing state of mourning for the loss of life in our village seems to be indicating something.

In recent years, quite a number of our leaders and scholars have been encouraging our people to read more and we are endeavouring to increase the number of university-trained individuals in our nation. With that approach, we hope to enhance the development and prosperity of the nation. It must be noted that over the last six decades, residents of the village of Troumaca have been making useful contributions to the welfare of our nation in various fields of service.

So to me, it is more than baffling that forty-four years after we have become an independent state, when a son of the village of Troumaca is the representative of the constituency in Parliament and is an important player in Cabinet, that we could be hearing of the suspension of Library services to the village. The strong impression is that the villagers have not been appropriately informed!

From the mound on which I sit, this situation must be addressed energetically by responsible citizens. These exhibitions of indifference to the welfare of citizens must be arrested.

I am still pained by the fact that Troumaca has been without a playing field for decades. Have we forgotten the value of sports to the society? Michael Findlay and Wilf Slack had their beginning on the Troumaca Playing Field, and they were world-class.

We are allowing shallow-rooted men to prevent us from producing more men of honour like Michael Findlay and Wilf Slack.

May the souls of the villagers of Troumaca whom we have lost recently, now rest in peace!

LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 13.

Everything Vincy Expo Feature

At Everything Vincy Expo:

A case for climate adaptation TWO VINCENTIANS TOOK THE opportunity to share how their education at the Richmond Vale Academy (RVA) has transformed their lives and put them on a path to help to preserve the planet at the Everything Vincy Expo Plus held last week.

Dexter Williams, 28, of Old Montrose and Rose Hall, and his cousin, Nemron Miller, 30 of Layou, used the expo to introduce other young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the scholarship opportunities at RVA. In November, Williams, a Mechanical Engineering graduate of the St. Vincent Technical College, will take up studies under a scholarship, after which he would sign a two-year contract to work for RVA. “I’m doing the ecological farming programme for six months. And I’ve been granted a good opportunity because Richmond Vale Academy has gotten approval for a grant, which will ensure that after my six-month programme, I will be doing a two-year contract where I help make 100 home gardens in St. Vincent,” Williams explained.

“And that’s a real blessing because I want to actually save the country and let people know that organic farming is healthier for them. And it’s better for the country because of less chemicals. We would not be affecting the sea as much,’ he added, noting that RVA also has a course in coral restoration in which Miller is involved.

Williams explained that he first learnt about RVA and the fact that Vincentians can apply for and obtain

scholarships to study there from his cousin.

He said that back then, he was impressed with a home garden that his cousin Nemron Miller had built.

“It was so breath-taking,” Williams recounted. He said he grew up in a community, where traditional, chemical-based farming is done.

“And he (Miller) did it organically … using grass that he had trimmed, rather than chemicals, for weed control.

“It was really intriguing that you take nature to make nature better. So, from that, I was always telling him, ‘You need to let me join the programme with you so I could be doing what you are doing.’”

Williams, however, said that his cousin told him to wait as participants in the programme must be focused.

“Then I realised you have to be serious about it. That if I am not really serious about it, I would really just waste my time.”

William said he finally signed up in August and has been visiting RVA frequently since then, and would commence his programme next month.

“And since then, I’ve just been a part of the family because I’ve been there, like six times since August…

“I got a scholarship from Richmond Vale Academy. So, they’re going take care of my room, my food and transportation for the six months.”

He said that the programme is “very educational” and one in which, as many people as possible should enroll.

“Because in the long term, it’s very

Dexter Williams (left) and Nemron Miller (right) of Richmond Vale Academy at the Everything Vincy Expo Plus in Arnos Vale on Thursday.

beneficial. Because there’s global warming and climate change that’s affecting the world rapidly every day,” he said.

Williams opined that St. Vincent and the Grenadines should aim to produce 60% of the food its people consume and should do so organically.

It is a view Miller also shares, saying that he sees first-hand the impact of climate change.

After completing his six-month programme, which was also financed by a scholarship in 2019, Miller returned to RVA about two years later as a full-time employee.

At the RVA, he is the conference centre host and educator and a diver under the coral restoration programme.

Before his encounter with RVA, which a friend introduced him to, Miller was at home “doing nothing”.

“Now, I have a fiveyear contract with RVA and most likely, I might do an extra five years,” he said.

Miller is hoping to save enough money to buy “a good amount of land”.

“So, then I can really show people that organic farming is actually working and it was working before we were conditioned to think that we need synthetic fertiliser, spraying with Gramoxone and all Dexter Williams (right) and Nemron Miller (left) of Richmond Vale Academy interact with a visitor to the academy’s booth at the Everything Vincy Expo Plus in Arnos Vale on Thursday. these different

pesticides. Because we don’t need them.”

He said that in the long run, they end up in the groundwater and in the sea, destroying the marine ecosystem.

“If you learn about permaculture and how it works, you don’t need to do these and also you can create more jobs for the other people in the community, instead of spraying with chemicals.”

He said that his six-month programme at RVA was funded by a scholarship and while studying there, he received a stipend that he used to pay for his first open water dive certificate.

With this certification, Miller could use a skill he had had from childhood to help earn a living, as he is employed in the RVA’s coral restoration programme.

He, however, said that their coral farm is being affected by climate change, as evidenced by the ongoing heatwave that is affecting SVG. “We had to move our corals and the trees down into deeper water because the temperature is too high. Right now, it’s between 30 to 31 degrees Celsius and coral usually survives best in like 28 to 29 degrees,” Miller explained.

He urged everyone to do what they can to help to reduce the impact of climate change. “… because we might be a small country or we might maybe do like 0.001% of damage compared to the bigger countries but we still contribute,” he said.

Miller encouraged people who are interested in the RVA’s programme or in having a permaculture garden set up at their homes to visit their staff at the expo, which is taking place at the site of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport. (Submitted)

4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

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16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Everything Vincy Expo Plus

Mavcom hails Everything Vincy Expo Plus a success

An ecstatic Team Mavcom.

PAUL MORRIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MAVCOM, is full of praises for the recently concluded Everything Vincy Expo Plus hosted by Invest SVG. “I was really pleased by the amount of visitors and the interest that they showed, not just in Mavcom, but in the booths in general”, he said. “The platform gave us the opportunity to advise people and

businesses and offer tips on network security, reducing printing costs and equipment maintenance and repairs” he added.

“There were a few hiccups during the expo, however, they were minor issues which did not detract from the overall success of the event” stated Morris. He offered heartiest

was participating in the Expo for the first time, his staff took to the task “like ducks to water”, and this was reflected in the interactions with visitors to the booth and the feedback he received. He noted that his team was pleased to have been visited by Wayne Hull, Manager of Flow; Fanta Williams of Digicel; Dr. The Hon. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition; Minister of Finance — Honourable Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Education — Honourable Curtis King, and Dr. Jerrol Thompson CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority among other Mackrie Ryan receives his prize from persons.

Mavcom’s Jusan Mapp.

The team at Mavcom extends congratulations to Mackrie Ryan, one congratulations to Invest SVG and of the many persons who participated remarked that “in spite of the weather, in the Mavcom booth promotion. Ryan the event was well organized and won an Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop managed”. He also took the with a Nvidia 3050 Video Card, 20GB opportunity to congratulate the other RAM 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD. participants in the Expo, commenting Mavcom participated in the that the attention paid to layout was Everything Vincy Expo Plus which ran impressive. He made particular from October 26th to 29th 2023, in the mention of Kareen’s Henna and Miss electronics and Information Cassandra’s.

Communications Technology category.

Morris joked that although Mavcom (Submitted)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 17.

18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make changes that will enhance your appearance and entice potential partners. Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals. You may want to pull out some of those unfinished project you've got tucked away. Expressing yourself in novel ways should lead you down new avenues.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Be creative in your pursuits. Your words will be taken out of context if you're evasive with coworkers or employers. It might be time to make a fresh start. Rely on yourself and you will look good to superiors.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Move into a leadership position if you are determined to do so. Work quietly behind the scenes for best results. Ask a close friend for advice. You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your ability to deal with others will help you accomplish your goals. Your leadership qualities will come in handy.

Don't be too eager to cut those who have disappointed you from your life.

Disappointments are likely if your mate embarrasses you in front of friends.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Be prepared to neutralize any threats. If you can include them in your plans, do so. Try to make amends by planning a nice dinner for two. You need to distance yourself from the situation for a little while first.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Social activities or travel should be in your plans. Don't be shy to promote your own interests. Be innovative. You can make financial gains through investments and dealing with other people's money.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead. Spend time with youngsters this week. Business or pleasure trips will be knowledgeable as well as highly successful.

Don't be too eager to start any debates.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) The stamina you possess will be apparent in your approach to your hobbies and creative projects. You should expect to have changes in your home. Plan to do things with your faithful pet or with youngsters who have interesting hobbies.

Visitors may relieve the tension.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action. You will be in an overly generous mood this week. Pleasure trips will be emotionally favorable. Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can win points if you present your ideas this week. Not the best day for business trips. Observations will be far more productive. Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex this week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your home environment may be hectic, which could result in emotional upset if you aren't well organized. Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation. Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized. Things aren't as they appear.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Relatives may not be telling you the whole truth about a family situation. Organize your house and be sure to include the whole family in the projects you have set out to do.

ACROSS 1. Royal home 7. Checks into financially 13. Ancient debarkation point 14. Travelling amusement show 16. Swiss canton 17. Contemplate 18. Require 19. Intact 20. Numbers, abbr.

21. Marvel supervillain 22. Managed care grps.

24. Slow talk 29. Porterhouse counterpart 35. Wan 36. A resume is one, in the business world 38. Big name in educational grants 39. Time when it’s pretty chilly 40. Digger 42. Anthill 43. Blue-pencils 46. Shadow 51. concealed, as a motive 55. Narrow margin in a baseball game 56. Criticize 57. Provoking 58. Outside the law 59. Coarse fabric 60. Daisy-like flowers 61. Acquiescence DOWN 1. Pens 2. “You ___ kidding!”

3. Christmas giver 4. Pick up the tab for

5. Heaped upon 6. Common Latin abbreviation 7. Metal suit 8. Camera support 9. It goes with wine 10. Russian John 11. Noted gallery 12. Coaster type 14. Vehicle’s speed maintainer 15. Relative 21. “Untrue!”

23. Approx. camera flash duration 25. NZ forest tree 26. How you buy a used car, often 27. Owl’s question?

28. ___ Redgrave (actress) 29. Dosage amts.

30. Sort of signal 31. Earthen stewpot

32. Can. Province 33. Van Gogh painted here 34. Smooch 37. Garden ornamentals 41. More creepy 44. Little nicks 45. Kappa follower 47. Becomes merged

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 21.

48. Groom’s partner 49. Dustup 50. Apprehensive feeling 51. Annapolis sch.

52. Neighbor of Cambodia 53. Shade 54. Vogue rival 55. Boat in “Jaws”

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Honeymoon period over Dear George,

I MET MY boyfriend four months ago and he was an absolute sweetheart. I thought I had found my life partner. It was too good to be true.

All of this started going sour very recently. The jealous side of him has now begun to come out. My phone rings and he wants to know who’s calling me.

He even went as far as to ask me for the password for my phone and computer.

We go out together and if a male greets me with a hug you can bet your life he is going to bring it up afterwards. We do not live together, but if I get home from work after a certain time, he would ask me to explain why. He never showed me this side of him when we met. I mentioned it to him and his excuse for his behavior is he cares about me and loves me that much. I am not comfortable, but yet I am still there in the relationship. I am not feeling the same way I felt some months ago and I’m wondering if it’s going to get better.

He assured me that it will but so far, it’s all talk and no real action.

Worried.

The honeymoon period is over and your boyfriend now feels comfortable enough to display his true colours. His insecurity is getting in the way so much so that he will never be able to allow you to be yourself. Once you are not free to be yourself, you can never be happy and the relationship will suffocate as a result. For the relationship to breathe, trust and commitment must be at its core. If those elements are absent, you will forever have a problem. Most individuals have a hard time trusting others because they do not trust themselves. Of course, these areas can be worked on, but that will be dependent on how much time you are willing to invest to get things to that point. Having said that, no one who has major insecurity issues and is overpowered by jealous tendencies should enter a relationship with another person. Your boyfriend has a lot to work on and ideally that kind of work should be done before mixing with anyone else.

Dear Worried,

George.

Big, big mistake

with him in return for him to be quiet.

To make matters even worse I believe I may be pregnant, for whom I’m not sure.

Dear George, I GOT MYSELF in one hot mess and all in the name of helping my husband. He has no clue of the situation and I am not sure whether or not I should make him any wiser.

He came home one day complaining that his boss was on his case and is threatening to let him go. I know this is all because his boss is jealous of him having someone like me for a wife. His boss tried several times to get me into his bed but failed each time. Of course, this was before I met my husband and he got even more irritated when I chose my husband over him. Now that we have a mortgage and car payment, he is threatening to fire my husband. I went and spoke to him about it and asked him to accept the fact that he cannot have me. His response was to give me one week to sleep with him or else my husband would be joining me at home.

George, I had to break and give him what he wanted. Losing that job would give my husband a mental breakdown.

He almost had one before when he was in a similar situation before he met me.

I did not want him to go down that road again. The real mess I am in now in is, he is threatening to brag to my husband that he is sleeping with his wife and wants me to keep sleeping

About to go Nuts.

Dear About to go Nuts, According to you, your reason for getting into this man’s bed was so that your husband could keep his job, but what you ended up doing was giving him power over your husband. Because of you he can now dictate the narrative which is why you are in the predicament you now find yourself in. It is just a matter of time before word gets to your husband’s ears and you would have to deal with the overflow. You did your husband a huge disservice by doing what you did and I strongly suggest you open up to him with the hope that he would somehow understand why you did what you did.

Your actions have put your marriage at risk, and it is going to take a great deal of work through counselling and other support structures to get things back on track. As far as the pregnancy goes, you can take the necessary tests at the appropriate time to settle that question. You can be encouraged to know that a relationship that is built on true love has that ability to withstand whatever is hurled at it.

George.

Just a rumour? Dear Shocked and Discouraged,

You have stopped listening to your pastor and you are ready to leave the church all because of a rumour. That A SISTER in my church told me in interaction between you and your confidence that our pastor is sleeping church Sister sounds, looks, and with another church Sister. Since she smells like gossip to me. If you are told me that, I cannot bring myself to having sleepless nights why not go to listen to him preach anymore. your pastor with the Sister who As a matter of fact, I am confided in you and get to the bottom contemplating leaving the church. Do of the matter? I am sure your pastor you think I should leave and also will definitely respect you for taking should I leave without confronting that route and appreciate your him about it? This is giving me readiness to nip gossip in the bud if it sleepless nights! in fact turned out to be nothing but that.

Dear George,

Shocked and Discouraged.

George.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 23.

North Leeward hosts Sports Awards

Ojay Mathews - Most Goals in Futsal

Carlos James Netball Champions

Kirtney Franklyn - Sportsman of the Year

Areka Hooper - Sportswoman of the Year

KIRTNEY FRANKLYN AND AREKA HOOPER were awarded the top awards of Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively, when the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Association held the sports awards ceremony last weekend.

Other awards went to: Shanel McKie, Female Cricketer of the Year; Shakaya Bowens, Junior Netballer of the Year; Ajay Delpesche, Junior Male Athlete of the Year and Zekisha Kelly, Junior Female Athlete of the Year.

Verrol Sam was awarded Senior Male Athlete of the Year, while Senior

Female athlete of the year was Teia Laborde.

Ceon Nash emerged Junior Male Footballer of the Year, while Keshorna George was the Junior Female Footballer of the Year.

Senior Male Footballer of the Year was awarded to Garvin Brown, while Senior Female Footballer was Areka Hooper.

Junior Basketballer of the Year was Kirtney Franklyn, while Senior Basketballer of the Year went to

Carlos James Futsal Champions Aswall Hooper.

J-Quan St. Hill was the Senior Male Table Tennis Player of the Year, while his female counterpart was Shanecia Delpesche.

Junior Male Table Tennis Player was Kimoni Shoy, while Junior Female Table Tennis Player was Mikhail Harry.

In the team’s category, Carlos James Netball Team were the Netball Champions while the Carlos James Football Team took the Futsal Champions title. Ojay Mathews scored the most goals in the Fusal Football Tournament with 8 goals.

I.B.A. ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Jayden George wins Handicap Squash title

REIGNING JUNIOR CARIBBEAN AREA Squash Association Male Under-15 champion- Jayden George, was the last man standing, when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association staged its Independence Handicap Tournament, October 26, at the National Squash Centre, Paul’s Avenue.

George beat national senior player- Jules Snagg, 15-3, to end the day as the lone person to play undefeated.

For winning, George walked away with beverages compliments the East Caribbean Bottlers Inc. Others to be rewarded were Niara-Skye John, Savante Padmore, Aiden Defreitas, Ethan Webster, Zoe Martin, Ciara George, Kyle James and Jaydon Williams.

They were among twenty-two competitors who

were part of the tournament.

The tournament entailed, that the stronger player received a handicap, so that each match was even.

In addition, handicaps included playing with different rackets; playing with a non-dominant hand or starting with negative points.

As such, every competitor played at least three matches.

Jayden George Reflecting on the evening’s activities, President of the St. Glasgow disclosed that all proceeds from the Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association event, will be channeled towards the participation of Amber Glasgow, shared, “It was really a good way to George, Nadira Morgan and Jaydon Williams, as celebrate the country’s 44th anniversary of they contest the US Junior Open in Philadelphia, Independence”.

USA, December 16 to 19, 2023.

James Bentick wins Malaysian Squash title again VINCENTIAN JAMES BENTICK HAS ON THE third occasion, champed the Malaysian Masters Open Squash Championships.

Bentick won the Men’s 55 + title last Wednesday, October 25, 2023, as he played unbeaten.

Held at the Rain Tree Club, Kuala Lumpur,

Bentick beat Kenny Oon of Malaysia 11-9, 11-5, 112, and saw off Hong Kong’s Ken Chan, also in straight sets, 11-7, 11-2, 11-3.

Bentick thus retained the title he won last year.

He was also the winner in 2019.

Titles are not new to Bentick, as he has won

Sweaterz champs Vincy Masters Independence Cup ROCKSTONE SUNDAY Sweaterz has trumped the 2023 Comsports/ BDO Vincy Masters Independence Football Cup. They did so last Sunday, October 29, beating Roger’s Photo Older Boyz, 1-0, in the final played at the Comsports Facility at Arnos Vale.

Lerone Isaacs scored the winner for Sweaterz, who collected the firstplace trophy and $2200.

Older Boyz, thus earned a trophy and $1200.

Sweaterz reached the final, Champions- Rockstone Sunday beating Largo Height 2-0, while top goal scorer with five goals and the MVP of the Older Boyz overcame South Leeward 3-1, in the final was Lennox Fredericks of Sunday Sweaterz. other semi- final.

Other competing teams in the second edition of Largo Height went on to take the third spot, the Independence Cup, which is Seven-a-Side affair, beating South Leeward 2-0. Largo Height pocketed were last year’s champions- Hope International, as $600. well as 2022 runners- up, Sion Hill, along with Meanwhile, Largo Height’s Emery Bailey was the North Leeward and La Clery Masters of St. Lucia.

several titles here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as OECS competitions.

Additionally, Bentick is a multiple Over-40s singles winner at the Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) tournaments.

He has copped other invitational Masters tournaments, namely in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

A former St. Vincent and the Grenadines and OECS Head Coach, Bentick also served as President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association (SVGSA).

James Bentick

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2023. 25.

Sports

Who’s vexed and what’s next?

YESTERDAY, Thursday, November 2, India and Sri Lanka played. Today, Friday 3, Netherlands and Afghanistan are battling. Before this paper hits the streets, the results would have been known.

Points for any team will be vital. They bear down on who plays at the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The top seven teams from tournament will join Pakistan in that showdown.

That scenario came as a surprise to teams even at the ongoing showdown in India.

Tomorrow’s double header features New Zealand and Pakistan, while England and Australia renew their rivalry.

Afghanistan is proving to be the surprise package and will consider themselves in for the semifinal crack as long as things go as they have been. Netherlands will be hoping for another march on, especially with the prospect of a champion Trophy berths an extra incentive.

The India/South Africa game this Sunday has the bearing of a potential semifinal drama. The Bangladesh/Sri Lanka fixture Monday still has its context as the ICC Championship looms.

Bangladesh may have been eliminated from semifinals consideration, but they like Sri Lanka, are keen on making in the top eighth just for safety and upward mobility.

There is an Afghanistan/Australia match November 7. With all the itinerant factors, no one will be taking anything for granted. Australia has found their groove and seems to be in championship mode, but Afghanistan is finding its groove and seems intent on inflicting any wounds they can deliver.

Wednesday, November 8 could be a rude awakening for the Netherlands. For with England at its most questionable defense, the Netherlands may just find that they are a little more unpredictable than usual.

Thursday, November 9, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will play, with the burden of the ICC trophy weighing heavily on everyone’s shoulders.

Friday, November 10 will be the ultimate showdown - Afghanistan and South Africa will meet. Normally, South Africa is expected to wrap a win as a matter of formality. , but no one will overlook a rampaging Afghanistan squad.

The preliminary round winds up Sunday 12 with India and Netherlands in action. One will anticipate a massive and overwhelming Indian victory.

Given the pattern at the World Cup and even Netherland’s propensity for turning up some kind of unusual results, nothing can be ruled out.

India would have been unbeaten thus far, given the course of normal events.

I admit that anything and everything that I write could be wrong. But considering the odds and what’s trending, there will not be room for many other different scenarios.

The semis will be over Thursday 16, while the final is scheduled for Sunday 19.

My circle is narrowing speedily. Coping with the loss of Hugh Osborne Wyllie is heavy. His memory is etched on my mind forever.

The death of Maxwell ‘Challis’ Porter pierced my heart.

I knew him in New Montrose where we were neighbours in school days. We merged in some progressive and journalistic paths. I have to pay him tribute.

School’s football action continues.

Inter School’s football action JAHMARIE LAYNE went on a goal spree, when the C.W. Prescod Primary faced off with the Kingstown Anglican School in the Inter Primary School Football Tournament on Tuesday at the Richmond Hill Playing Field. He found the back of the net 6 times, with Kishorn Williams and Dejourn Davis, each scoring twice, and Pryce Little scoring once to give C.W.P. an 11-0 win.

Meanwhile, a hat-trick from K.J. Ollivierre gave reigning champions, the Paget Farm Government, a 3-0 win against Lodge Village Government, and Kingstown Prep beat Lowmans Leeward Anglican 2-1. Shaquille Dublin scored both goals for

Kingstown Prep, and Kyle Daniel scored for Lowmans Leeward.

At the Chilli Playing Field, Langley Park Government beat Sandy Bay Government 3-1. Goals were scored by Martin Shallow, Zavique Nickie and Dwayne Johnson, for Langley Park; and Kareem Henry for Sandy Bay. Andino Haywood scored a hat trick to give Biabou Methodist the win over Park Hill Government.

Georgetown Government won against Diamond Government 5-0, with Samarje Martin and Treznol Adams netting twice, and Zorono Lewis netting once.

Tourama Government and Fancy Government played to a 0-0

draw, and Lowmans Windward Anglican won by default over South Rivers Methodist.

The Secondary Schools Netball Junior Division match saw Bethel High School playing to a 12-12 tie with the Troumaca Ontario Secondary; Sandy Bay Secondary trouncing North Union Secondary 21-1; and the Bishop’s College beating the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown 8-3.

In the Senior Division, Emmanuel High Mespo beat Bethel High, 16-11, North Union won against St. Clair Dacon 21-1 and St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown edged Bishop’s College 15-14.

Independent Masters Bowls Off

Action between All Pro and New York Masters.

WINDIES Masters and Munro Road Masters were two of the teams in the winners’ row, when the 2023 National Lotteries International Independence Masters T20 Cricket Festival continued on Tuesday 31st October.

At the Cumberland Playing Field, Windies Masters beat Mustique Company Masters by six wickets in the Fete Category. Mustique Company Masters only managed 75 all out from

15.2 overs. Oneil Thomas was the spine of the innings with 31.

Rajendra Dilraj had figures of 6 for 10 from 4 overs. On the way to victory, Windies Masters then took 18.5 overs and lost four wickets, reaching 79.

At the Stubbs Playing Field, Munro Road Masters held off Trinbago Leatherbacks Masters by nine runs.

Munro Road Masters made 121 for 6 in their allotment of 20 overs.

Rohan Boodoo hit 33, Ramesh Singh 26 and Anil Barlo 25. Micah Joseph picked up 3 for 10 from 3 overs. Trinbago Leatherbacks Masters’ reply got to 112 for 9.

Harvi Mohammed hit 25 and Freddie Rambaram 21 not out. Lutchman Rampersad took 4 for 14 from 4 overs.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

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26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Shane Cadogan, a national swimmer is this country’s youngest person named Sports Ambassador.

Shane Cadogan named Sports Ambassador TWENTY-two-year-old Shane Cadogan, has become St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ youngest person to be named as Sports Ambassador, and the first from the Swimming fraternity to do so.

Cadogan, a national swimmer and scholar, was announced as the lone recipient last Friday, October 27, 2023, Independence Day, at the Military Parade at the Victoria Park.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who made the announcement, underscored Cadogan’s contribution to the national landscape.

Gonsalves thus stated that Cadogan, “has been doing amazing work in his Non-Governmental Organisation, in assisting and mentoring young persons in their athletic and academic pursuits”.

Reacting to his appointment, Cadogan, who heads the recently formed group Athletes in Action (AiA), expressed humility in having such a position bestowed on him at his relatively tender age.

“It just ties in with the motto that I live by, which is what happens in the dark puts you in the light …It is not a reflection of me, but a reflection of Vincentians as a whole, because as a people, we have so much potential … It is just for us to tap into it and to really make it blossom. That speaks to me as an athlete and the organisation that the team and I have been working hard [with] since August of this year”, Cadogan said.

Cadogan is at the forefront of AiA, whose mandate is to forge linkages for promising Vincentian athletes through life-changing scholarship opportunities to US colleges and universities.

Still processing the realities of the title, recognition and what comes with it, Cadogan disclosed that it is all God’s doing.

“I can’t leave out how much God has played a part as well and I thank him every day for the blessing he has been able to bestow on me… The appointment is nothing but God’s work, because I know he sees what I and others try to do, and the award is just breaking the ice”, Cadogan related.

Cadogan is among other Sports Ambassadors named over the years.

V

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VOLUME 117, No.44

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SUSPENDED TEACHER AWAITS HER FATE on March 8, 2022, the Court granted SUSPENDED SECONDARY the prosecution’s SCHOOL teacher and social application to have activist, Adrianna King is the charge amended expected to know on December to attempting to 13 whether a case against her obstruct the Prime stemming from anti-government Minister from going protests in Kingstown over two to Parliament. years ago, will be discontinued.

King maintained Magistrate John Ballah, her innocence, and sitting at the Kingstown the then Senior Magistrate’s Court on Magistrate Rickie Thursday, October 26 ordered Burnett adjourned that lawyers representing the the matter to March prosecution and defense 30, 2022. prepare and submit written The matter was submissions before December further adjourned on 13 to show whether the several occasions, matter, which has been in the and when it was system for just over two years, called for trial last should be continued or not. week, King’s lead The Magistrate is expected attorney Kay to give his ruling on December Bacchus-Baptiste 13. indicated that she King was initially charged wanted Prime with, ‘that on August 5, 2021, Minister Ralph in Kingstown, while being a Gonsalves and Commissioner stranger, did obstruct Mr. of Police (Ag.) Enville Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Williams to be there to give Minister and member of the witness statements, and be House of Assembly from going subject to cross-examination. to the House of Assembly, But Prosecutor Renrick Cato contrary to section 25(a) of the told the Court that the House of Assembly Privileges, Prosecution had no intention Powers and Immunity Act’. to call the Prime Minister, and The Belmont resident, who requested yet another was 41 at the time, had amendment to the charge appeared at the Kingstown which was again granted.

Magistrate’s Court on September 21, 2021, in Abuse of power connection with that matter, about a month following her “Oh, another amendment”, appearance in the same Court Bacchus-Baptiste reacted on four charges in connection sharply, adding that her client with violating the Public was on suspension with half Order Act, stemming from the pay for over two years. same protests. Those were The lawyer said it was an discontinued by the Director of “abuse of process” for the Public Prosecution (DPP) in Prosecution to come some two December 2021. years after the charge was laid The matter, about with a second amendment. obstructing the Prime The lawyer insisted that it Minister, was adjourned, and was unfair for King to be during an appearance at the coming to Court on such a Kingstown Magistrate’s Court minor matter when she has

by HAYDN HUGGINS

been on suspension for Lawyer Kay Bacchus-Baptiste (right) with her client Adriana King. over two years on half matter should or should not be But Bacchus-Baptiste pay. She also pointed out that contended that the issue at struck out”, the Magistrate it was prejudicial to go to trial hand was her client’s right to declared, before adjourning it without the Prime Minister a fair trial within a reasonable to December 13. and the Commissioner of The charge now reads that time, based on the Police (Ag.) present to give Constitution. on August 5, 2021, ‘while witness statements and be “We are not speaking about being a stranger with intent to subject to cross-examination. six to eight months. We commit an offense, obstruct She noted that the offense talking about two years when Mr. Ralph Gonsalves, the carries a maximum penalty of the defendant is on half pay”, Prime Minister of St. Vincent $1,500 and six months. and the Grenadines, a member she stressed.

Bacchus-Baptiste said that The prosecutor noted that of the House of Assembly, according to the Chief from coming in the precincts of the prosecution is relying on Justice’s practice directions, a two witnesses and those the House of Assembly, did an matter should not stay over witnesses are in Court. act which is more than merely six months before coming to But Bacchus-Baptiste said preparatory to the commission trial. She noted that King’s she did not even know what of the offense’. matter had been in the system the amended charge was, and In December 2021, King for over six months without and seven others charged with asked that a copy of the trial, and ought to be struck charge be sent to her. violating the Public Order Act out. in connection with protest Magistrate Ballah noted But Prosecutor Cato told that the wording changed the actions in Kingstown earlier the Court that the matter has charge and added that it was a that year, had their matters had several adjournments summary matter that had discontinued by the Director of which was not always the been before the Court for a Public Prosecutions (DPP). fault of the Prosecution, and little while.

King has been on some of those adjournments suspension since those charges “I will like submissions were the result of requests from both sides as to why this were laid. made by the defense.

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