THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 08-12-23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023

VOLUME 117, No.49

Union Island Uprising Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Colin John concerned Page 4

JTP launching out Page 16

ICC assesses Arnos Vale Page 24

EC$1.50

Poor Relief: $5.00 more Page 28

ANOTHER BLOODY WEEKEND: KILLINGS IN BELMONT AND EDINBORO The Belmont man’s death followed (MCMH) for medical treatment but that of Edinboro resident Alando Guy, Guy succumbed to his injuries and was aka Orlando Guy, a 36-year-old pronounced dead a few hours later. labourer and part time worker with Howard is said to be in stable the Port Authority. condition and still warded at the Alando Guy, homicide #51.

Guy is one of two men who were MCMH. shot during an attack in Edinboro on Sources told THE VINCENTIAN Stories by KENVILLE HORNE the morning of Saturday, December 2. that Guy was involved in an Reports are that Guy was making altercation with another man on ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES his way to his home at about 7:20 a.m. Friday at Little Tokyo. The conflict continues to experience an upsurge in when he was ambushed by a masked escalated at Rose Place resulting in homicides and gun related crimes, this man who shot him several times.

Guy and the other man trading as the country recorded the killing of two When the gunman was fleeing the punches. men and four other shooting incidents scene, he encountered another Guy avoided his home on Friday but between Saturday 2nd and Tuesday 5th Edinboro resident, Deejay Howard, 29- was gunned down on his way home on December. year-old labourer, and shot him also.

Saturday morning.

Up to press time, Belmont resident Both men were transported to the Demron Delplesche, homicide #52 Demron Delplesche, 31, also known as Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Continued on Page 3.

‘Cheetah’, was this country’s latest murder victim. He was gunned down on Sunday 3rd, December, in his community.

His death marked homicide number 52 for 2023, 10 more THE GRENADIAN LAW Esau Pier, the chief of the investigations continue,” than the previous record of 42 ENFORCEMENT criminal investigation Though Pier did not set last year.

AUTHORITY is reporting a department, announced that provide the identity of the Reports are that the significant breakthrough in the Grenadian police had person arrested, indications Belmont man was walking multiple cases of murder on apprehended three are that he is a Trinidad and along the Belmont public road the island, including that of individuals in relation to Tobago national. when he was attacked by an Vincentian national Dexter separate shooting incidents Chance, who faced charges armed assailant and shot Chance. and two cases of murder.

The in connection with a $4 several times, with three of the Chance, originally from homicides, Pier said, million cocaine seizure in bullets hitting him in the face. encompassed the killings of Grenada in August 2019, He was pronounced dead at the Chateaubelair, a community in the North-western district both a citizen from Grenada was acquitted in July 2022. scene by a medical doctor. of mainland St. Vincent, was and Vincentian national So far for the year, His mother, Gloria fatally shot while inside a Dexter Chance.

Grenada has recorded 18 Delpesche, on arriving at the vehicle in Woburn, St. He confirmed, “In homicides. Six of those scene, was reduced to tears.

George’s, on Monday, connection with the Woburn involved the use of firearms.

She referred to her son as a September 11th. He was 51 at (Chance) shooting, one person good boy, who took care of her. the time of his death. has been arrested and Dexter Chance was returned to St. Vincent for a ‘folk He was the first son for his Last week Wednesday, charged, and the hero’ type funeral in his native Chateaubelair. mother.

ARREST MADE IN CHANCE’S MURDER

V Fair Hall student wins KCCU Quiz 2. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Education

LOUKHYA PREMRAJ is a student of the Fair Hall Government School, and she has contributed to the school’s development, with an injection of funds to the institution.

The money comes with the first prize package Loukhya won in the 2023 KCCU Annual Primary School Mastermind Quiz, the finals of which was held last week Thursday, November 30, at the Methodist Church Hall.

She also took home a laptop, her own cup and goodies compliments the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union.

She also won a trophy for her school.

Loukhya racked up 4,650 points.

She beat five other finalists drilled through multiple choice, closed end, buzzer rounds and Math trivia.

Questions ranged from Science, Civics, Spelling, General Knowledge, and Credit Union matters.

On her way to victory, the young lady shared the Math segment with five other students, shared the buzzer

round with the student from the New Grounds Primary, and took the Close ended category by herself.

Loukhya has been living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the past five years. Her mother, Shiplap Kerkira, is an Associate Professor at the Trinity University School of Medicine, based at Ratho Mill on mainland St. Vincent.

The mother and father witnessed the reception and beamed with satisfaction with their daughter’s performance. The mother thanked the Fair Hall Primary School for helping Premraj with the adjustment to life in the Vincentian pattern.

K-Ailla Jackson, a student of the New Grounds Primary School, placed second with a haul of 4,350 points. Her school is $1,000 better off, and she collected a laptop, in addition to trophies and plaque.

Yuvraj Campbell, a South Rivers Methodist School student placed third.

He received $500, a smart phone,

trophies and plaque.

Campbell shared the Multiple Choice segment with Bequia Seventh Day Adventist student, Kamani Ash. Ash placed fourth with 4,150 points.

He also was among the Math trivia winners.

Bernadine May, representing the Owia Government School, took fifth position with 3,150 points. She was also in the Math trivia winners list.

The other finalist was Marcus Samuel from the Spring Village Methodist School.

Rewards also went to teachers guides for their contribution to the event.

Thirty-seven schools took part in this year’s quiz. Twelve progressed to the semifinal. Preliminary stages went from November 7 to 17 from which twelve semifinalists emerged.

Those addressing the ceremony

Loukhya Premraj (centre front row), winner of the KCCU Mastermind Quiz, shares a photo-op moment with the other finalists and KCCU personnel. which followed the final rounds, included: Nicole Byron, KCCU Education Committee Chairperson who thanked the teachers for their role in sharpening the students; and Education Officer Mavis FindlayJoseph who welcomed the partnership involving the KCCU and the Ministry of Education, in a shred commitment to promote and produce well-rounded citizens.

The gathering was treated to an interlude of music, including Yuletide numbers, by African born violinist, Samuel Toka. (WKA)

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News 3 NSPD puts talents on show

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023. 3.

Mrs. Jacqueline Nelson-Lowe with her display of beaded items.

clothing, condiments, woodcraft, beaded necklaces and earrings, as well as crocheted pieces, among others.

President of the NSPD - Andrea Ashers, who expressed joy at the handy work of her members, noted that they are endeavouring to sustain themselves amidst the economic challenges.

“As you can see, our members are putting their talents to use, despite their disabilities… It is our hope that the general public will support our ventures and in turn President of the NSPD- Andrea Ashers, is happy with the work of the support our members,” Society’s members.

Ashers said.

The NSPD President AS PART OF THE WORLD 1 to 8. focus with the underlined that the CELEBRATION of Staged at the international theme: items that were on International Day of organisation’s base at the “United in action to display at the Exhibition Persons with Disabilities, old Anglican School rescue and achieve the last Sunday, December 3, building, Higginson Sustainable Development can be sourced at the Society quarters on 2023, the National Society Street, in Kingstown, the Goals (SDGs) for, with Higginson Street or for People with DisAbilities exhibition featured work and by persons with making contact at SVG (NSPD) hosted an by members of the disabilities”.

Exhibition from December NSPD, much in keeping Items on display were telephone number: 784456-8888.

Remembering the Union Island Uprising THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 marked the 44th Anniversary of the Union Island Uprising.

Steve Stewart, a native of Union island, reminded us in THE VINCENTIAN of December 6, 2019, in a piece he penned on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Uprising, that the Uprising had all to do with the resident of that island declaring that nothing was done on the island a year after (1979) the Stalwarts of the 1979 Uprising (L-R): Chris Adams, Peter Regis, Camillo ‘Introductory Consultation Adams and Lennox ‘Bumba’ Charles.

Meeting on the Social Problems affecting the galvanizing of a band of Union morning of December 7, 1979, Grenadines’ held in Bequia.

Island activists under the entered into the annals of history The Island, as per Stewart, “… leadership of Lennox ‘Bumba’ on December 7, 1979, with its faced with economic and social Charles. armed uprising. stagnation”, giving rise to the That group on the fateful

Another bloody weekend Continued from Frontpage.

The source also stated that someone had tried, on a previous occasion, to kill Guy and a relative after firing at them while coming from a fishing expedition.

The deceased was the father of three children, a son and twin daughters. A man was detained and later released without charge following the shootings.

Shootings Also on Saturday, Joveka Gaymes, 27, the brother of Leon Gaymes who was murdered in Layou last month, was shot in an area of Layou known as Cashvill, sometime around 10.45.pm.

Gaymes sustained gunshot injuries to the left leg and back. It was at least his third brush with death. In May of 2018 he was shot in his face and reports are that two months ago he was shot at but escaped injury.

Leon Gaymes was one of four men who have been gunned down in Layou in a matter of 6 weeks.

And law enforcement officers here were kept busy into this week as they responded to a shooting incident that occurred in Green Hill on Tuesday, December 05, 2023.

A police report indicated that Junior Woods, a self-employed resident of Green Hill, and his girlfriend were targeted by an unknown assailant while on their way home in motor vehicle P4556, a blue Starlet. Woods sustained gunshot wounds to both legs during the attack and was up to Wednesday, being treated at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

Woods is known to have had at least one brush with the law in 2017, when he was in a vehicle in which police discovered an unlicensed firearm.

Police also reported that on the same day, Michael ‘Metal’ Lescott, a 20-year-old unemployed individual from Old Montrose, presented himself at the MCMH with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Lescott’s shooting came one day after he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on a charge of wounding.

Earlier this year, he was charged for cocaine possession and also received a suspended sentence for wounding his 16-year-old brother.

Investigations into the matters involving Woods and Lescott are ongoing.

Meanwhile, with most of the 52 homicides here unsolved, citizens are questioning the effectiveness of the police force and the security apparatus of the country.

V Concern for young offender’s future 4. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

She withdrew EC$300 from her account and put SENIOR MAGISTRATE Colin John the receipt in her handbag thinks that the necessary legal without looking at it. procedure should be followed to When she later checked prevent first-time offender, Jemor the receipt she discovered Jack, from getting a criminal record, that a large portion of the which may affect his future. money was missing from The Senior Magistrate raised her account. When she his concern with the Prosecution inquired at the bank, she at the Kingstown Magistrate’s was informed that Court on Tuesday after Jack, 21, EC$176,200 had been of Arnos Vale, pleaded guilty to transferred from her stealing monies amounting to account.

EC$176,200 from his mother The woman reported the Rocita Jack’s account, between matter to the police and July 1 and September 30, 2023. investigations led to the John is expected to give his arrest of the defendant. decision on the matter today When cautioned, he (Friday) when the young offender admitted that he took the returns to Court. In the interim, money and used it to he has been granted $2,000 bail purchase a passenger van. with one surety.

That vehicle is currently in The Magistrate thinks that in police custody as part of arriving at a decision, the the investigations. youngster being given a chance to When the boy’s mother redeem himself should be was called to the stand, considered. she told the Court, “All I Prosecutor Corlene Samuel want is just my money.” cited that Jack is charged with The Magistrate told the stealing EC$48,200 from his young man that he should mother between July 1 and start by apologizing to his mother.

August 1, EC$38,000 between Jack then told his mother, August 1 and 31, and EC$90,000 “Mommy, I am sorry for what I between September 1 and 30. have done, I was not thinking The Court heard that the boy’s straight at the time.” mother had worked as a sailor on When questioned by the a ship, but had to stop working Magistrate, Jack said he was after receiving an injury due to an employed as a security guard accident on the job. She opened a before he purchased the van. bank account and signed up for an The Magistrate told him that if online banking service so as to he wanted to purchase a van, he facilitate the deposit of should have discussed it with his compensation cheques she was mother and asked her to assist expected to receive. him.

She was given an ATM card The woman said she always and a passcode which she placed tells her children not to watch in her handbag. what people have.

She was living with two of her “Some people struggle for what children including the defendant. they have”, she stressed.

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

The accused told the Magistrate ‘she couldn’t go with the tri tri’.

Woman bonded for stealing tri-tri

Senior Magistrate Colin John wants consideration to be extending a second chance to a young man who is accused of stealing money from his mother.

The boy said that he had already told his mother that he would hand over the van to her.

But John said that the van would have to be signed over to his mother. He noted that EC$176,200 was a large sum of money.

John, a former Commissioner of Police, and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, was sworn in as Senior Magistrate on Friday, December 1.

OOPS!!! Guilty plea in murder case Re: THE VINCENTIAN of December 01, 2023, page 4, Article headlined ‘PRISON OFFICER FREED OF RAPE’.

In paragraph three in the sub-section ‘Defence lawyer rebuts’, it read’ “Connell said that 75 percent of the questions he asked the complainant...” should have read, “Connell said that 75 percent of the questions he asked the investigator… .”

We apologise to all concerned and our readers for the misrepresentation.

KESHURN SAYERS is expected to know his fate on January 17, 2024, for the August 16, 2019 murder of Odonald Sylvan Nanton, a 41-yearold mechanic of Diamond.

Sayers, who was a 26-year-old labourer of Keshurn Sayers – Brighton at the did not waste the time of the incident, pleaded court’s time. guilty to the murder just before his trial was slated to commence at High Court 1 on Wednesday. He had initially pleaded not guilty.

Justice Brian Cottle has adjourned

sentencing to January 17, 2024.

Nanton’s body, with multiple bullet wounds, was discovered in a vehicle at Diamond close to 6 a.m. on August 16, 2019.

Attorney Jomo Thomas represented Sayers.

A BARROUALLIE woman was bonded on Tuesday after pleading guilty to stealing a bucket of tri-tri from a Layou man.

If the defendant, Susan Solomon, breaches the bond, she would have to pay the Court $1,000 forthwith or go to prison for six months.

Senior Magistrate Colin John handed down the penalty at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after Solomon, who was unrepresented, pleaded guilty to stealing a bucket valued at EC$5.00, containing a quantity of tri-tri valued at EC$500 belonging to Augustus George.

The offense was committed at Granby Street, Kingstown, on November 14.

In presenting the facts, court clerk Constable 196 Lynnosia Constantine told the Court that around midday on the day in question, George went into the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCC) building on Granby Street asking people there if they wanted tri-tri to buy, leaving his bucket of tri-tri outside on the sidewalk.

When he returned, he noticed that the bucket of tri-tri wasn’t there. He made a report to the police, and during investigations, the police obtained CCTV footage showing the accused walking away with the tri-tri.

Solomon was arrested and during an interview with the police she said, “I see the bucket outside KCCU, I look up first and see the Security Guard turn his back, so I take up the bucket and carries it in the parking lot, and leave it behind a car.”

When the Senior Magistrate asked her why she put the bucket with the tri-tri in the parking lot, she replied, “I couldn’t go with it.”

Prosecutor Corlene Samuel told the Court that nothing was recovered.

The tri-tri charge was read to Solomon, in addition to a charge of stealing a Salvation Army Christmas Appeal Kettle containing money, on which she was reprimanded and discharged.

Another charged in Ministerial Building burglary A SECOND person has been charged in connection with a recent burglary at the Ministerial Building, Kingstown.

Garnet Thomas of Kingstown, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being charged with entering the Ministerial building as a trespasser, between

November 5 and 8, and stealing a HP Laptop valued at EC$3,000, the property of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Thomas pleaded not guilty when he stood before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

When the issue of bail arose, Prosecutor Corlene

Samuel informed the Court that another person, Dwayne Cupid of Kingstown, had appeared in Court on November 20 on the same charge, and was granted $2,500 bail with one surety.

She requested that Thomas be granted bail with similar conditions.

The Magistrate granted her request.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 5.

6. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 7.

Business

SVG Microgreens gets ECEI grant

A VINCENTIAN owned business is among ten (10) deserving recipients of US $10,000 seed grants from the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative (ECEI) as part of its Greenpreneurs Incubator program.

The ECEI, which is dedicated to fostering and championing environmentally and socially responsible business endeavours within the Eastern Caribbean region, announced that SVG Microgreens, owned by Shane Compton, for its esteemed award given to greenpreneurs selected from the program’s third cohort because their exceptional green businesses have exhibited remarkable

dedication and innovation in the realm of sustainability.

SVG Microgreens combines traditional organic farming methods with technology in a controlled environment agriculture, that allows them to produce crops that are more nutrient-dense than traditional vegetables. The business thrives on its use of certified organic seeds, soil and fertilizer for crops and never spraying pesticides on its produce.

The other green businesses to receive the US$10,000 seed grants are from Grenada, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis.

According to the ECEI, every one of these worthy

enterprises has exhibited outstanding potential within their specific industries, showcasing a distinct dedication to sustainability and a determination to contribute positively to environment and/or social issues. They not only completed all the assigned tasks with precision but also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and green business practices.

“We are excited to unveil the awardees of the $10,000 seed grants for the 3rd Cohort of the Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Incubator Program. These enterprises exhibit significant potential to catalyze sustainable transformations in our region.

With this initiative, our goal is to equip them for elevated success, nurturing a future where green innovation flourishes, “commented Dr.

Kristin Deason, Caribbean Representative at GGGI. In May, five (5) other Vincentian owned businesses were awarded this seed grant in the second cohort of the ECEI. The Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Incubator program is a free, carefully curated training and mentoring program designed to support green entrepreneurs to build robust and sustainable business models, and the skills, tools, and confidence to implement them for success. The program featured a 12-week virtual green business training based on the lean start-up methodology, a mentorship program 1-on-1 coaching and networking opportunities culminating in the Business Plan Competition. The program is part of the Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs

Shane Compton - owner of SVG Microgreens.

Initiative which was launched in 2021 and is being implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute in collaboration with the OECS Commission with funding from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). The initiative also features a green business Accelerator Program, which supports established green business through interest-free loan financing and access to a green investor network. (Submitted by CED)

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8. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 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

Guyans vs Venezuela:

A military option?

THERE IS NO ‘EASING-UP’ in the border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana as Venezuelan citizens approved their country’s expansionist ambitions and rejected the authority of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Reuters reported after Sunday’s referendum: “Voters in Venezuela rejected the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) jurisdiction over the country’s territorial dispute with Guyana, and backed the creation of a new state in the potential oil-rich Essequibo region in a Sunday referendum.”

This after the Friday 29th ruling by the ICJ that Venezuela “refrain from taking any action which would modify that situation that currently prevails,” referring to the dispute over Essequibo, land long held by Guyana.

The basis for the recent heightened tension between the two South American countries rests on Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region since 1811, when it gained independence from Spain. It has never accepted the border between Venezuela and what was then British Guiana, established by international arbitrators in 1899.

Venezuela’s government, as voiced by its president and other high-ranking officials, denounced the ICJ and its jurisdiction and went ahead with a fivequestion “consultative” referendum, Sunday, December 03.

All questions passed with what the Maduro’s government said was a 95% approval from 10.5 million votes cast.

Interestingly, Venezuela has more than 20 million eligible voters and Reuters witnesses who visited voting centres reported that many had few or no people waiting inline. The true turnout of voter is another story What follows from hereon in is anyone’s guess. Recent military manoeuvres point to a certain development that if it plays out, will not augur well for ‘peace’ in the region.

No one, if he/she is honest about what obtains currently would fault Venezuela for wanting to safeguard its borders given that the area under contentions will see a heightened presence of USA corporate investments, e.g. ExxonMobil, which is always a “good excuse” for a US military presence. But an incursion (by Venezuela) into a sovereign country’s territory is another issue.

Guyana is already on record as requesting Venezuela to explain what it said was that country’s “increasing personnel and executing military exercises by Venezuelan troops in close

vicinity to our borders”.

And reports are that there has been a heightened presence of Venezuela troops within its birder with the disputed territory.

All this while US Special Forces have been training with the Guyana Defence Force for assignment in the disputed Essequibo Region.

‘Not a blade grass’ for them has become the rallying cry in Guyana.

Not to be excluded from the heightened tension is Brazil which “has intensified defensive actions” along its northern border as it monitors the dispute between its neighbours, Guyana and Venezuela, the country’s defense ministry said.

Obviously, Brazil would not want any of its territory to be encroached upon by either of the ‘waring’ parties.

Now all of this might be outlandish thinking bordering on being alarmist.

However, it is a probability CARICOM cannot ignore.

CARICOM has made its position clear; it stands with Guyana even though there would have been some attempt by a CARICOM member to want to “apologise” to President Maduro for the stoic stand taken by its colleagues.

CARICOM does not owe President Maduro any apology or explanation for its stance. For it to have even considered not lining up with Guyana would have being traitorous.

Venezuela under severe sanction by the all-powerful USA is deserving of our support as it shakes off all the restrictions to its own development that those sanctions enforce.

But that is not ground for us not to condemn Venezuela for its expansionist intentions against one of us.

Venezuela, it seems, has no alternative, if it so haughty about wanting to expand its territory and increase its oil reserves, than to invade the region and enforce a dictatorial hold on a region that makes up more than two-thirds of another country, and hosts 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens, whose history, culture and language are foreign to that of Venezuela.

We would hope in the name of good sense and peace in the region, that Venezuela would respect the overwhelming expression that it refrains from doing anything foolish.

None of the English-speaking countries in this hemisphere has ever been engaged in a war to protect its sovereignty… its territorial integrity.

This is no time to change that.

Tired of waiting WE ARE NOT CALLED to move the rock alone but to push collectively.

And sometimes, we will not see the movement but that does not mean we should stop trying.

When we got to 35 murders earlier this year, I said I was not going to join in on the chorus. After all, I was already on record asking for the removal of the police chief for his inability to control crime.

When we hit 40 murders, I said to myself, “Be calm”; the Prime Minister (PM) and the Police Chief promised a plan to deal with the problem. It will take time. So, I waited and kept looking for the rollout of a new program to arrest this cycle of violence. So far, I’ve seen nothing.

Now that we are at 52, I say there is no more time to wait and see. The elected officials and the police seem incapable of addressing the situation or are unwilling to work together toward a solution.

Feeling a sense of desperation, I am forced to make one last desperate plea; this time, I am asking you, Madam Governor General, to step in and appoint a Committee for the Reduction of Crime. Something must be done, so I am forced to turn to you for help. The following is a simple articulation of the objectives of this proposed committee: 1. Reduce homicides, robberies, burglaries, and gun-related violence; 2. Invest in violence intervention and prevention strategies that provide support for at-risk youth and young adults, to interrupt the cycle of violence; 3. Review and make recommendations to the administration regarding the age of consent for children; 4. Recommend an alternative distribution of funds to support the needs and objectives and make any recommendations for new programs; 5. Receive draft performance reviews to provide feedback; 6. As appropriate, make recommendations to the cabinet following the independent review of the program evaluation; 7. Report issues identified in the annual fiscal and performance audit to the Governor General and the Cabinet; 8. Recommend changes to the laws as necessary to achieve the primary goal of violent crime reduction.

Funding: Having spent the last few months listening to the local talk

radio in SVG, I know this question is coming. So, this is how I think we can fund this committee.

We can use a portion of the one percent custom service charge added a few years ago to fund membership in regional and international institutions like UWI and the UN. As I recall, when this additional tax was assessed, it supported ongoing commitments of $3-4 million. I estimate that collection is about $10 million annually (absent are updates or audits). Assuming I am correct and confident that I am, we can use 50% of the surplus funds collected to fund this committee and its program – about $2 million.

Another alternative funding source would be to increase the “Bed tax” charged on hotel occupancy by 2% to cover the cost of making our community safe for everyone. Once again, I say the best time to increase the taxes on a particular interest group or industry is before a significant new investment comes online. We expect nearly twelve hundred new rooms to become available within the year. Again, by my estimates, that should make about $2 million, more than enough to start this initiative. This tax will have zero impact on the citizens of SVG. The thousands of visitors will pay for it, thus having no impact on the residents.

And since I think you cannot have any direct involvement in day-to-day operational items, Madam Governor, you will have to work with the PM and the Minister of Finance to pass this law and oversee the daily operations.

Any amendment to allow for the carving out of this revenue from customs duty or the Bed tax must be restricted to ensure this program is adequately funded. These funds must be used to support programs to reduce homicides, robberies, burglaries, and gun-related violence.

The committee should comprise persons recommended to you by the PM, Leader of the Opposition, and other civil-minded individuals of your choosing.

Madam Governor General, please excuse my boldness and understand I mean no disrespect. But this plea is out of a sense of desperation.

We need your help and intervention.

Horatio.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 9.

Letters

A foolish referendum NEVER in my wildest imagination would I ever have dreamt that a leader of a socialist democracy would rally his supporters to invade another country by means of a referendum.

I mean this is totally ridiculous! I will provide an analogy later but any Caribbean and by extension world leader who supports such hegemony, must be condemned and derided publicly for such connivance.

First of all, let me establish this fact.

Mankind has NEVER produced one iota of any of the minerals, precious metals and resources found on this planet. We came and met them here, exploited and over exploited them in many

instances, and the sad reality is that we cannot take one iota with us, save salvation of our souls, if we made it right with our Creator, God Almighty.

The resources of the planet must be for the use and pleasure of ALL mankind on earth, not for just a few wealthy oligarchs. Christ Jesus did this miracle more than once to show the importance of the concept of equality that socialists venture to achieve but fall far short of. The two fish and five loaves is representative of the few persons in the world who own most of the wealth generated from this planet (capitalism) … the five

thousand who were fed as a result of that miracle represents the billions who are underpaid, under fed, under nourished, and overexploited.

The underlying message of that miracle is that if the resources of this planet are distributed according to one’s needs, everyone will be satisfied and there will be enough surplus generated to keep all of us happy.

But No, greed has defined all those who want their names published on the Forbes list of the richest women or men on this planet.

How foolish can we be, because we CANNOT take one thing with us

Quick look at the NDP

East St. George seats for the party?

A QUICK thought on the New And What of North Windward?

Democratic Party (NDP).

The NDP has another chance to That party lost the general election return to government. The question of 2001 and has lost every election is, can they make use of it? since. Granted, they have increased their share of the seats and even Elliot increased the share of the votes, and in the case of the last election commands the popular vote.

However, when I look at the make-up of the NDP it really hasn’t changed much.

They will go into the next general election IT MUST be one hell of a letdown having played offering us. generally unbeaten right up to the final of any sport event, speaking, the same especially one of world level like the ICC Cricket group of candidates World Cup, and lose. they have put up for That’s the story of India as they flattered to the last three or so deceive after all their dominance to go under to the elections. In that Australians in the finals of the World Cup. sense, they have not As I see it, the Indians got carried away with the shown any progress as occasion playing as favourites in front of one afar as attracting new hundred thousand and more fans. (That is like faces is concerned. playing to the population of St. Vincent and the Dr. Friday, it Grenadines and more.) On the other hand, Australia seems, has been won the World Cup by going back to basics, by around for as long as keeping it simple. we can remember, yet it has taken the last The Aussies’ quicks, Cummins and Starc, showed two or so years for the plan by bowling line and length. You couldn’t him to realise that he get it ‘more’ basic. And what was the result? A far needed to get himself from challenging total by the Indians. out there and sell The Australians did what they do best… they himself as a national stayed in the game regardless of what it threw at leader. them. Reputation for them is not important; what The trouble is, he is is important is getting to the finish line, and getting doing it all by himself. there first.

If I am to be honest, There is a hell of a lot that we can learn from the he doesn’t not possess Australians. One of those things is to learn that it the character and is not about playing to the gallery, it is about political punch like sticking in, fighting for the team.

Dr. Gonsalves and Take nothing away from the Australians for they therefore cannot win have proved once again that they are the real force any election for his in cricket in the world. They are never to be party. The question underestimated. are: Can he help the Congrats to Pat Cummins and his team of party regain the fighters.

North Leeward seat?

Can he help win the Charles, Edinboro.

West St. George and

Australia is the force in cricket

when we die, save salvation! Local ‘barefoot millionaire’ OT Mayers reminded us during his funeral that we came empty handed, and empty handed we must go!

Many Vincentians may or may NOT know that a little part of Carriacou called ‘Gun Point’ is part of the territory of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Now do you think any sensible leader in SVG will conduct a referendum for Vincentians to agree that we claim the whole of

Carriacou, and if the majority vote ‘Yes’, we just move in and take over and give them a Vincentian ID and passport? NO WAY!!!

That na’ah ah go happen!!! Well, that is exactly what Venezuelans voted for on December 03.

Dotishness!

Shame on any country in this world supporting such a backward referendum, but let me add in conclusion, that the planned invasion is just about OIL, and some really big fish in this WAR. But I plead of

behalf of conscious Vincies and by extension Caribbean people, please let this region remain a ZONE OF PEACE! Donald De Riggs

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10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

A Decade of Despair - A Time for Hope (Excerpts of MP for East Kingstown, Honourable Fitz Bramble’s presentation at the ‘Hope for Youth’ Rally) TEN YEARS IS A LONG TIME. Twenty years is even longer. For most of you young people, for almost all of your lives you have only known the ULP. In your parents’ time, unemployment was low, poverty was low, crime rate was low and murder rate was almost non-existent. For those in your forties and your parents during the time of the NDP in government that was the St. Vincent and the Grenadines they knew, the society they enjoyed. Fast forward now, ‘leh we talk’ about the last decade.

Never in the history of our country have we had so many young people out of school at home and on the streets with nothing to do…. 42% youth unemployment. Never in the history of this country have we had so many people living on less than $14.00 per day…..living in extreme poverty.

Today, our young people are leaving St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the hundreds, leaving to find opportunities in other countries. Never before have we had so many young men killed in the streets. We have been breaking the murder rate records for two years straight. All this is happening while the Prime Minister, Minister of National Security is on his farewell world.

And all of this while our national debt is the highest that it has ever been since settlement and conquest.

(Current debt is over $2 billion; debt to GDP ratio is 89 percent; per capita debt is $2 billion divided by 110000).

Prime Minister Gonsalves not too long ago quite insensitively quipped that the $600 million loan from Taiwan to fix roads is a hook in the gill of Vincentians …When we are dead and gone, is you the young people who have to repay these loans. The ULP’s strategy for managing this humungous national debt is manifested in its economic ingenuity (I’m being sarcastic here) of borrowing from the NIS to pay back the NIS. This past decade has seen us brought to our knees as a nation.

People have been in despair over the cost of living, and what has been a consistent downturn in the economy.

Unemployment is at record levels. Not to mention underemployment, just ask SET employees with their degrees working for $1000 per month, ask them how they feel…they can never be happy….. It is true to say that we have been a nation without hope. A nation in despair.

What have we heard from the ULP government? Promises and promises from the ULP and they have failed to deliver. The ULP government’s evidence of success is successfully dividing our nation. That is the centerpiece of their success. Over and over, the government has been failing and now they want us to believe that failure is success. They want us to believe that this is the best our country can do. Is this the best our young people can hope for?

After a decade of promises, of waiting…..no national stadium. Our national footballers have to play home games in Grenada. After a decade of promises, no indoor sporting facilities, no indoor cultural center….so our artistes must think about running from rain during performances. We have heard your cries young people, and the Cultural Centre will be yours, indoor sporting facilities will come with the NDP in government.

Central to the four pillars of development of our country is a revitalized economy that will push job creation. We must be a nation where new businesses can start up easily; where innovation will be rewarded; where our young people are more than photo ops, and props for empty rhetoric. Can you imagine, it took the Unity Labour Party government 23 years to establish a Prime Ministerial Youth Advisory Committee. After 23 years, you suddenly got an epiphany that you need to be advised about youth. It’s an admission that the ULP administration has failed you.

Empty promises must be left in the past. The last decade of despair must be replaced not just by hope but by action and performance. Young people demand it! We are hearing you! We are listening. “Political Leaders should harness youth to solve nations problems, not to create problems.” The New Democratic Party is the vehicle for change but you the youth must help us move this vehicle forward.

We will actualize the four pillars, which Dr. Friday and his team have identified as the foundation for modern development (Agriculture; Tourism; Blue Economy; New/Orange economy). This must be underpinned by relevant and effective local government which will embrace the skills, talents and experience of all Vincentians regardless of your political coloration.

This foundation brings hope for a better life for all Vincentians including you the youth. The NDP is the key for providing more and better paying jobs.

The NDP is the key for unlocking endless opportunities in education, sports, culture and entrepreneurship.

The NDP is the key for unlocking the door for a safer society where our young men can live to more than 50 years old. The NDP is the key for revitalizing and reenergizing our young population so that they will stay here at home instead of leaving for other countries. The NDP is the key for jump-starting the vehicle of and for change in this country.

We bring you hope. Now join us and let us create the change that is necessary and desirable. Be the change that you deserve and want. Do not be afraid to pursue and bring about that change. Rise, Rise, Rise!

“We cannot always build the future for our youth but we can build our youth for the future.” Franklyn D. Roosevelt 32nd President of the USA.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 11.

Views

Communication, Trust and Commitment

Hope does not live here

“Three issues you need to take good care in a relationship; trust issues, commitment issues and communication issues.” – Romeo Huerbana (born 1979)

IT IS PAINFUL FOR LARGE SECTIONS of the population to live in SVG. For an even larger section, listening to conversations about our reality is mind-numbing. For me, the official version of anything local is jarring to the ear. I have to read it. I can’t listen any more.

It is as if we live in an Orwellian world where reality stands on its head: Underdevelopment means progress.

Stagnation is celebrated as development, mediocrity is hoisted as excellence, revolution is reduced to a word, and leadership becomes a smiling photo op.

For our little nation of 110,000 to be ranked as the most deadly nation on earth as regards homicide is not a pretty or pleasing sight. SVG clocks killings at more than one per week (53 with three more weeks in 2023). Yet officialdom carries on as though it’s business as usual. Rather than face up to our deadly and depressing situation, we are reminded that our neighbours have recorded more homicides than us without conceding that our neighbours have far more citizens than we do.

Rather than telling the police high command that it has to mend its relationship with communities, it swore to protect and serve, we engage in public relations gimmicks of antiviolence marches and rallies. Highsounding, get-tough speeches are thundered from rostrums while the people go about their business offering contempt and disdain for the charade.

Clearly, those in the corridors of power lack the imagination to see that the minister of security needs to go.

The police need to lead by example.

Officers have to understand that illegal activities have consequences. You cannot brutalise citizens, steal cocaine from the evidence room, beat young men into a pulp, shoot and kill and build confidence. People have to be convinced that the law is for everyone.

Justice cannot be two-faced.

IF THIS WRITER HAD BEEN AT LIBERTY to edit the Romeo Huerbana quotation that was used to introduce this essay, the reference to these three powerful variables would follow the way they appear in the article’s title: communication, trust, and commitment.

For communication to be effective it must be regular and clear (unambiguous). Such communication engenders trust. And that unwavering trust is fundamental in creating and sustaining commitment. This writer often refers to this as the CTC formular for building, sustaining, or rebuilding relationships. This is as true for the romantic relationship as it is for personal and professional bonds.

These three elements form a symbiotic link. They strengthen one another.

Remove any one of the CTCs and the relationship is likely to falter and crumble.

This writer cannot pretend to be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or an expert at building and/or repairing relationships. However, experience has taught me that communication is the lifeblood of all relationships. It is the means by which individuals express their thoughts, emotions, desires, ambitions, and needs. It must never be considered a one-way street (as sometimes happens when a senior member of staff dominates the discussion or a parent insists that their child keep their thoughts to themselves while they, the parent, takes full control of the discourse). Effective communication involves both speaking and active listening; listening with the intention of understanding the other individual’s thought as opposed to listening with the desire to provide rebuttals or defensive arguments.

Open and honest communication enable all parties to better respect and tolerate opposing views. In turn, this encourages empathy and mutual respect. Our homes, schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and churches could experience much greater harmony when individuals feel comfortable and free to express themselves freely and respectfully even as their thoughts (e.g., political and religious views) may be totally misaligned. This is considered critical in avoiding or reducing conflicts, in maintaining harmony, and in rebuilding defective relationships.

Trust is foundational to all relationships. This holds true when examined within the family setting as it does in the workplace. Without trust, the relationship becomes fragile and often appears unsustainable.

Sometimes words and actions can erode trust and result in multiple hurts and deep emotional chasms. While such situations may be repaired, we must understand and appreciate that rebuilding trust is not automatic. Dr. Steven Covey (1932-2012) reminds us that the magnitude of the “emotional withdrawal” created by the breach of trust can often determine the level of comfort/discomfort that will emerge as efforts may be made to rekindle trust.

Using the analogy of an account at the bank, he reminds us that we should make every effort to make regular deposits of positive affirmations so that when (not if) emotional withdrawals

occur as a result of our words or actions, we may be able to weather the resulting emotional storms. Covey also points out that trust is generated through consistent and reliable behaviour. Individuals can bask in the glow of trust when they understand and appreciate that they can rely on another’s words and actions. A sense of safety and security will also exist on such occasions. However, when trust is absent the relationship becomes vulnerable to bouts of suspicion and doubt. This, combined with the absence of effective communication, can result in shattered relationships.

Conversations about commitment may sometimes generate uncomfortable feelings among some individuals. This may be especially so among those who may have experienced some form of hurt in relationships or may have observed the emotional devastation of individuals who cared enough to be vulnerable by investing time, finances, and energy in a relationship that went bad. These situations happen. People change.

Individuals sometimes outgrow relationships. Some abandon others when they least expected it. However, as difficult as these may seem, it is possible to trust and recommit following such heart wrenching experiences. With greater wisdom and a better sense of discernment it is possible to learn to trust and recommit again.

It is probably accurate to say that these three elements (communication, trust, and commitment) are most visible in a romantic relationship.

However, their value can be observed and appreciated in all relationships.

Open communication among partners, colleagues, and associates allows for the clear (unambitious) expression of concern and appreciation. Such open interactions build trust and enhances confidence that the individual’s words and actions can be relied upon. These are foundational to successful relationship growth and conflict resolution. This is considered most valuable when we note that all relationships will periodically experience conflicts.

Places where people congregate (e.g., workplaces, service clubs, churches, etc.), and discover that relationships are harmonious and uplifting, can often pride themselves on having mastered the CTC approach to building and sustaining strong bonds. They realise that these three elements of communication, trust, and commitment are interwoven in a manner that fortifies interactions. These are considered significant variables in strengthening associations. They are deemed to be essential pillars in reinforcing bonds and sustaining them against the periodic tectonic shocks that will emerge as relationships develop. We are assured that we strengthen the fabric of all relationships when we master the significant variables of communication, trust, and commitment.

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

persons.

Many young people have been YES workers for years. For some, It’s now a full-time job that pays a few hundred dollars monthly. The pay is not enough to help these young people meet basic needs, but they, too, are counted as employed.

They work for starvation wages and live in poverty. They have joined the growing ranks of the working poor.

But the government tells us the unemployment situation cannot be bad because when Sandals held its job fair, only 1,500 persons attended. For good measure, we are assured that many of those were already employed.

Therefore, claims of high unemployment are anti-government propaganda.

When a regional research company broke the news that SVG had some of the lowest salaries in the region, we were told that wages don’t tell the whole story. Look at the cost of living.

We looked. It’s high here as well.

Think of the Human Development Index, which measures life chances.

SVG has a better social safety net than some of our neighbours. Pray tell, which neighbour? Last week, those receiving poor relief support got a $5 increase. The poor are supported with a whopping $8.33 per day. They need assistance carting that amount to the shops and stores for Christmas.

Talk about absurdity.

In their narrative of the absurd, they hold the future of our nation in contempt and fail to acknowledge that they are the cause of the blanket of hopelessness and helplessness that pervades the land.

They no longer speak of poverty, which is close to 40 percent. However, there was a time when poverty alleviation was a hot-button issue that rolled off the tongue of officialdom. The Kiara consultants’ reports were SVG needs a shake-up. The people need to frequently cited. Poverty rates were wake up. reportedly falling, and incidents of indigents tumbled from 28 to under 3 We cannot have entire classes of percent. But when the 2019 census students unable to read at grade level report found that poverty wreaked and gangs of young boys roaming the havoc among 4 of every 10 Vincentians, streets begging and doing what else, the power elite lost their tongue. When and the minister of education goes to the report was leaked, they cursed the parliament and says that the school messenger and dismissed the message. dropout rate has fallen dramatically.

We have come to accept that our The reality on the streets belies the roads are deplorable. We pay the official narrative. licensing and insurance fees with the knowledge that money has to be found Tell no Lies, claim no easy victories. to buy brakes, shocks, suspenders, and tires. We pay for repairs caused either The World Bank says more than 40 after falling into craters or colliding percent of Vincentian youths are with other road users in a vain attempt unemployed. The Government to avoid craters. estimates that youths comprise more But do not worry; government than 60 percent of the population. officials reaffirm that everyone knows Observers conclude that upwards of 30 our roads are bad. In 2015, $86 million percent of our citizens are unemployed. was borrowed from the Kuwaiti Fund The government says no way. The for the mother of all road repairs number of unemployed is twenty program. That baby remains stillborn. percent. One wonders if the power elite Earlier this year, the Works minister travel across this country. Do they pay announced a $120 million road repair. attention to the mushrooming hustle That’s $200 million in less than a on the roadways along the Windward decade. Yet there is no marked and Leeward highways and in the improvement in our roads. Once village? Do they walk the blocks and tourists can travel safely along the witness the teeming bevy of idle hands windward and leeward highways in and empty minds hopelessly awaiting relative comfort, to hell with the the devil’s command? people.

Underemployment is another We must refuse to settle for the absurdity that is made normal. The absurd. government’s Youth Employment Service (YES) is a job attachment Send comments, criticisms & programme that provides employment suggestions to and job-related training to young jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Doing little or nothing for work

by ANTHONY G. STEWART, PhD THERE IS SO much to be done and many people are on the job, yet the work is not being done. In too many areas, those charged with the responsibility are idling. Apparently, they do not realize the harm that is done to our economy by their intransigence, negligence and ineptitude. How long will the façade of dressing up every day and going to “work” be maintained? In the final analysis little or nothing gets done, no value is added to the organization, department or company.

One farmer reported that there are more “workers” in the Ministry of Agriculture than there are trees in the forest. Additionally, the number of available Veterinary doctors is sufficient to have one for every island in the country. If all these workers were deployed either on their own farms or as extension officers to advise other farmers, there would be a remarkable increase in our agricultural production rivaling our best productive years. Additionally, if those trained in marketing are appointed to positions where they can function, we can expect better local and foreign markets for our products.

Some say that a mini-Ministry of Agriculture should be set up in the various constituencies in the country, diversifying the current workers.

The Education Revolution should result in better prepared students, but poor management has taken a toll on our children to such an extent that many have poor reading skills and are unable to function in society when they leave school. The failure of the school is blamed for the high crime rate. Schools should add value to the students they admit. Those who need to bring their reading level up to grade level should be given the assistance they need. Many need to learn a skill and the school is best positioned to teach them. All need to succeed, and the school should focus on helping the weakest student meet the standard rather than spending so much time on the “highflyers” who will succeed on their own. Poor performance by students may be an indicator that

there is much idling or inadequate deployment of staff.

The civil service is the engine of governance and when the economy stagnates, this may be an indicator of inefficiency or idling on the job. We expect a reasonable budget in keeping with our capacity to earn and spend.

We expect the audited report for last year’s accounts. When plans are submitted, we expect approval within weeks. Ministers must confine themselves to policy making and allow the civil servants to do their work.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

The policeman needs to reclaim his position as the first magistrate and live in the communities where they work so they can attend to their first duties of peace keeping. Being among the people will allow them to better gather evidence should matters proceed to court. As it stands now many are idling, moving from place to place, keeping aloof from society while crime is increasing. Lack of training and meritorious promotion opportunity are deterrents to adequate police work.

Proper management of finances is essential for any economy. Free monies and resources encourage corruption. Rather, revolving funds should be made available so those who are willing to use them and replace them for the next entrepreneur. People care better for what they must toil for. Gifts represent dead money but low or no interest loans are alive and keep on working for the communities.

Let us move all these dead entities to the performing sectors of the economy.

We need a revolution in our work ethic. We need to work even when the boss is not watching. Idling on the job is robbery of the organization. It is a theft of time, our most valuable possession. Some may claim that they do not know what to do but a little research on your job description will be enlightening.

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14. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

YET ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NIS Pensioners Appreciation and Heath Day held on Friday 1st December 2023, in the yard of the NIS headquarters, Upper Bay Street, Kingstown.

We could have captured the event in words but thought that the adage ‘a

Above: It was another wellpatronised NIS Pensioners Appreciation and heath Day. picture is worth a thousand words’, better captures the spirit of the occasion. (Photo Credit: Donald De Riggs)

Health personnel were on hand to administer basic checks and tests and to answer any health-related questions.

Lennox Bowman (STANDING), Chairman of the NIS Board of Directors, exchanges pleasantries with senior citizens Sebastian ‘Bassy’ Alexander (right) and Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva.

NIS Staff sorting and arranging NIS paraphernalia for distribution to pensioners.

Pensioners were treated to an array of fruits, healthy snacks and beverages.

Visitors from a cruise ship docked at the nearby terminal were attracted by the music that entertained the gathering and stopped to take in what was happening.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 15.

Production

Some of the exhibits to commemorate CARDI Day, December 5, 2023.

CARDI celebrates 49th anniversary

Donaway Jackson, local CARDI Representative.

THE CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL INSTITUTE (CARDI) celebrated its 49th year of existence on December 5 with an exhibition to showcase some of the work that it has been engaged in over the years.

Having been established in Georgetown, Guyana in 1974, CARDI has been active in agricultural research, has provided technical assistance to Agricultural Ministries, and has published numerous research paper and handbooks.

“CARDI is one of our premier institutions that does research work within the Caribbean,” Donawa Jackson, this country’s CARDI Representative said.

“We are tasked with the mandate to ensure that we enhance our agricultural productivity and competitiveness

within the region,” he continued.

Looking back, Jackson highlighted some of the contributions that CARDI has made to innovation and technology including the introduction of four different white yam cultivars, its extensive work on dasheen resulting in the introduction of 25 cultivars for evaluation of which two have emerged as successful.

And throughout, CARDI has partnered with many stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the exhibition, Jackson said, was a manifestation of that partnership which has provided the necessary technical and other logistical support.

Today, the entity is focused on a wide range of crops including sweet potato, coconuts, vegetables and various other root crops.

Going forward, there is more work to be done in assisting farmers who have been complaining about pests and diseases which affect their crop, especially sweet potato, Jackson noted.

Former Minister of Agriculture Montgomery Daniel commended the organization for its contribution to the local agricultural sector.

According to Daniel, CARDI has delivered tremendous success to St Vincent and the

Former Minister of Agriculture, Montgomery Daniel spoke of the work that the 49 year old CARDI had done over the years.

Grenadines over the years.

But while there have been some success stories, there are some challenges ahead, Daniel said.

These include but are not restricted to: the wars around the world which affect food production; presence of foreign pests (e.g. Giant African Snail) which damage crops, and diseases (e.g. Red and Black Sigatoka) and the Citrus Burning Disease which has taken its toll on the nation’s limes, oranges and other citrus.

“And so CARDI as a research organization must work consistently with this sector so as to bring greater relief to the problems faced by our farmers,” Daniel contended.

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16. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

JTP at Gate 3 ready to fly

performance. Join music lovers thus, for Jazz after Sunset, and experience an elevating preChristmas outing that you will forever recall.

Should it be that you unfortunately did not attend the JTP Independence show in October, here are the highlights to tempt you!

Jazz Tropical Project (LTP) Well, it did rain, but JTP had from left Dexstar Rose- Bass everyone covered, literally; a Guitar, Juan Carlos Cepedarefreshing welcome drink Keyboard, Bryan Ortiz- Sax. included! The opening set kicked off with a cover of George

by MARALYN BALLANTYNE Benson’s Breezin’, setting a cozy LLB. Hons. tone followed by a Michael Jackson mini-tribute with THIS COMING SUNDAY, 10th Human Nature and Lady in my December, one of SVG’s most life back to back. Sheer outstanding musical ensembles, perfection on a rainswept Jazz Tropical Project (JTP), evening sunset. promises to transport you to jazz While the rain trickled, so did paradise at Gate 3 Restaurant in the steady throng of JTP fans, Arnos Vale. The change of venue but at a faster pace. Very from Villa to Arnos Vale reflects the dynamism of JTP, the capacity quickly, it was near standing of the band to embrace new socio- room only and one could not fail a virtual Caribbean catwalk, economic dimensions, and to men and women elegantly respond to circumstances in the interest of fans while maintaining attired, though not pretentious or embellished; true Vincy style its relevance and high-quality

and so appropriate to our natural setting. From fulllength gowns to fitted shorts and snazzy cotton dresses in our flag colors, short dresses called ‘shifts’ back in my day. I quickly carried out discreet inquiries and proved myself correct…all were designed and meticulously sewn by various talented Vincentian seamstresses.

The evening unfolded gently as a mellow, velvety sweetness permeated the air. Sponsors ECGC have surely chosen a great vehicle to advertise their Fab juices and Zess Cola products. The tempo shifted to Jazz infused Reggae numbers and built up to a great spirited Latin segment, now a beloved JTP hallmark.

The strains of Tropical Jazz themes blew the fans away…no pun intended! Thereafter people seemed to focus on love, subtly fondling each other, and exchanging tender kisses, as the penetrating beat of People Fall In Love In Mysterious Ways dominated the scene. From fire to fury…..a vocalist with a magnetic voice appeared out of thin air offering Sade’s Sweetest Taboo. It was now Cleo’s

The band XTA-C, featuring the McIntosh brothers Tariq and Tyrese and vocalist Angelina ‘Angel’ Questelles. moment of truth and she dedicated By Your Side to her dear hubby, Glaston Hendrickson, affectionately pointing at him and smiling. As it turned, this was to be his last JTP outing. He passed mere days later; the mysteries of life indeed. Our deepest condolences to Cleo Hendrickson and family and all who mourn.

But what was the surprise at the independence edition? It was the showcasing of a new band XTA-C…yet another example of Dexter Rose lending a helping hand, carrying on the legacy of Mama Rose, his mother! This gesture is well in keeping with the JTP mission

statement which emphasizes lifting young musicians and assisting all musicians as practical. JTP chose to extend an opportunity to XTA-C, this vibrant new band led by the talented keyboard and bass playing crooning McIntosh brothers Tariq and Tyrese, that is going places. They did not disappoint. Their young female vocalist, Angelina ‘Angel’ Questelles, is not only a super sweet charmer of the highest order but quite prescient also, as she ended the show on ONE DESTINY FO ALL AH WE. A most fitting rejoinder for our 44th year of Independence celebrations.

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18. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 20223 . THE VINCENTIAN

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20. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Community

Handing over party (Left to Righ)t: Chairman - SCSN Board of Directors - Janelle Allen; SCSN Principal - Naseem Smith; Chairman - PMAD Advisory Council - Gregory Bardouille; President, Rotary Club of St. Vincent - Mikasha Ramsaran; Representative - PMAD SVG - Dawnette Constance; Past President, Rotary Club of St. Vincent - Joe Sheridan. (Credit: Rotary Club of St. Vincent)

Special Needs Children get new bus THREE ENTITIES were named recipients under the 2023 round of the compliments Republic Bank EC’s Power to Make A Difference (PMAD) programme, launched in 2022.

One of those was the Rotary Club of St. Vincent which was provided with funding to

procure a new school bus to serve the Kingstown School for Children with Special Needs and the Helping Hands Centre.

According to a release from the Rotary Club, this bus will replace the original bus which was also procured through the efforts of the Rotary Club in 2011.

As the original bus did, the new one will transport children “who attend the School for Children with Special Needs and the Helping Hands, between their homes and school, from across mainland St. Vincent, on a daily basis,” the Club said.

The bus was officially handed over to the School authorities on Monday 4th December.

The other two beneficiaries under the 2023 round of the PMAD were: St. Martin’s Secondary School for the purpose of providing atrisk youth with training and psychosocial support to make them more employable; and the Rotaract Club of Kingstown to aid in their promotion of literacy, improving access to books and cultivating a spirit of generosity among primary school aged children. (Source: Rotary Club of St. Vincent)

Flow donates to Caroling contest

Left to right: PC 353 Rockel Coombs received phones from FLOW rep. Allica Smart. (Credit: PR&C/RSVGPF) THE 2023 POLICE COOPERATIVE CREDIT Union-Police Christmas Caroling Contest received a shot in the arm from corporate SVG last week.

This came when, on Monday 4th December, Ms. Allica Smart, Retail Sales Agent at FLOW, handed over three (3) Samsung Galaxy A14 Cellular phones to Police Constable #353 Rockel Coombs of the Public Relations and Complaints Office.

The donation, which was made at FLOW’s Corporate Headquarters, Halifax Street, Kingstown, will be used as prizes for impromptu performers at the Annual Police Christmas Caroling Contest, slated for Friday, December 15, 2023, at Central Police Station. This, according to a release from the Public Relations and Complaints Department of the RSVGPF. Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Enville Williams, and other ranks of the RSVGPF thanked the management and staff of FLOW for their continuous support and partnership with the Constabulary, to ensure the successful hosting of the Christmas Caroling Contest.

This is the twentieth (20th) Anniversary of the contest which began in 2003 under retired Commissioner of Police, Mr. J. William Harry.

(Source: PR&C/RSVGPF)

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22. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Don’t rush into bed Dear George, I HAVE PROMISED myself not to have sex before marriage. I am now 29 years old and on track, having never even kissed a boy.

I have been seeing this boy since the beginning of the year. He is the first boyfriend I ever had.

Trouble started when I finally agreed to let him kiss me. I have never experienced such sensation in all my 29 years! I never knew a simple kiss could be that powerful.

Somehow, I managed to stop myself from going all the way. My boyfriend is mad at me for taking him to the brink and leaving him high and dry. He even threatened to leave the relationship.

I do not want him to leave but I realise the only thing to get him to stay is for me to make love to him.

George, I do not want to do it but at the same time I do not want to lose him.

Seeing that I know he is serious about settling with me, can I just oblige him just once to appease him and at the same time save my relationship?

Just Don’t Know.

Dear Just Don’t Know, The power of a kiss should never be underestimated. If your objective is to remain celibate until marriage, then I strongly suggest you refrain from any sort of touching or kissing which you now know can lead to sex.

If your boyfriend genuinely loves you and wants to make a life with you, he would be the one to appreciate the quality of person you are. It would be in your interest to revisit why he is with you and what exactly he wants from you. Have that conversation with him.

There should be no rush to get you into bed. He has just shown you a yellow card and you need to proceed with extreme caution.

George.

ÂDie with your dignityÊ married in the coming year and I get this from MY BOYFRIEND wants him? I am getting the funny feeling that I am me to sleep with his nothing but a sex toy to friend so he could fulfill a sexual fantasy. I could him.

What would his friend not believe him!! Here I and the people he would was, keeping myself to talk to about this, think myself and jealously guarding him from other of me? I want to know if I should continue this women, and there he relationship or not. was not caring about who else sleeps with me.

I am so disappointed and Terribly Disappointed. have never felt so cheap Dear Terribly in all my life.

We have been together Disappointed, for 7 years and are This situation, if planning on getting

Dear George,

nothing else, proved that your boyfriend has little or no respect for you. If you were that cherished and unique package to him, he would not be that ready to risk making you the talk of the town and lowering your value as a woman and wife.

Know your value and maintain your integrity. That may even result in you finding a better life-long partner.

George.

Try making amends Dear George, MY 14-YEAR MARRIAGE of has produced one two-year-old child.

Things started to get rocky about a year ago and my husband became abusive. We started sleeping in different rooms. Soon, I started seeing another man after I became desperate for sex. I ended up getting pregnant.

My conscience could not allow me to keep the truth from my husband.

But when I began by telling him I was pregnant, he went on a tirade, telling me I must get an abortion since he didn’t want another child; that if I had the child he would have nothing to do with it, and threatened to walk out on the marriage. All the while I thought he believed he was the father.

George, the man who got me pregnant is happy to be the father of my child and is ready to give full support when the time comes. As a

matter of fact, I’m wondering if it would not be better to get out now and let this other guy into my life; after all he is willing to take on the role of Daddy.

Feeling Vulnerable.

Dear Feeling Vulnerable, At the end of the day, your husband deserves to know the truth about your pregnancy. His outburst about not wanting the child is not enough reason to keep the truth from him. It is true that his utterances may have caused you deep hurt but he still deserves to know.

This is as good a time as any to get in touch with a therapist/counselor to help navigate the best route out of this quagmire. You may be surprised to discover that your marriage is strong enough to survive this rather sticky situation.

George.

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Limitations will set in if you haven't followed the rules. Difficulties may be encountered while traveling in foreign countries. Relax, I and enjoy what you've accomplished when you're finished. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships. You can make headway if you share your intentions with someone you care about. Financial limitations may add to your depression.

Frustrations and limitations could cause anxiety this week.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home. Take care of any dealings with government agencies. You are best to look into investments that will grow in value over an extended period of time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You should be able to get a lot done. Get involved in creative groups. A change of attitude has probably disrupted your home environment. Your tendency to dramatize may be a little much for your partner to take constantly.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may experience financial loss if you don't use good judgment. You may have a hidden adversary who wo-uld love to prove you wrong. Organization will be the key to avoiding discord and family feuds. You'll have problems with authority figures if you don't play by the rules.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Opportunities will unfold; however, you must be willing to pay the price. You will need to finalize important deals this week. Try to satisfy both of your needs.

Avoid scandals of any sort.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You could have a change of heart if an old flame waltzes back into your life.

Communication will be your strong point and you should be able to persuade others to see things your way. Put your energy into self-improvement programs that promise to make you into a better you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity. Visit friends or relatives who have been confirmed.

Deception is apparent. Travel will be favorable.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Unrealistic promises will only get you in trouble. The personal problems you may be having are interfering with your productivity. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans.

Your irritability will lead to family squabbles.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others. Deal with the needs of children. Exercise programs will be effective. Confusion regarding other people's money and joint ventures will come to a head.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try not to be too emotional with those around you. This will be a good day for research and for sitting down with some good, informative reading material. Spend time getting to know each other. Pamper yourself this week.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Take your time before making personal decisions. You won't be well received by superiors or by your spouse. You need to make changes that will raise your selfesteem, such as a new hairstyle or a new image. You're on the right track and you can make money if you are willing to go out on a limb.

ACROSS 1. Acts like the Gulf Stream 6. Economizes 13. Bering Sea native 14. Goat hair 15. Regis’s cohost 16. Speared 17. Emergency door sign 18. December figures 19. Proud-peacock link 20. Belonging to a place by birth 22. Squabbling 23. Cuspid 24. Digger 25. African grazing areas 26. Buttressed, with “up” 27. Locales 28. Endings for ectoand proto29. Run 30. Acts like a coquette 31. South American range 32. Skullcap 33. Bleacher feature 34. Dominican monk 38. ABA member 39. A Van Gogh 40. One way to stand by 41. Lawsuit participants 43. Reliable, as a citizen 44. Showy birds 45. Title woman in a Jim Carrey movie 46. Gives one’s word 47. Autumn drink DOWN 1. Rouse from slumber 2. She plays songs

to order 27. Low tables 3. On again with mirrors 4. Involving several 28. Is in the institutions, in money medical trials 29. Indian bean 5. It’s often sloppy 30. Spreads 6. French philosopher 32. Loses a 7. Political buff’s stare-down channel 34. Back support 8. Sorority letters 35. Went 9. “As I see it,” in text nowhere 10. Soldiers 11. Heads 12. Calmed down 14. Church laws 16. Dresses 18. Last word in an Elvis song title 21. Prizes 22. Requiring evidence for validation 24. Zhivago portrayer 25. Blood feuds 26. Moves furtively

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 23.

36. Garment cut 37. “Edward Scissorhands” actress 39. Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant 42. Post-E.R. place 43. (As written)

V

24. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

ICC/ CWI officials assess SVGÊs readiness

THE READINESS OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES to host matches in the 2024 ICC Men’s T/20 World Cup was assessed last Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

This, when a highpower team of officials from the International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies made a visit here.

While here, the officials visited the cricket grounds as well as hotels that would be engaged during the period, June 2024.

Head of Operations, Khushiyal Singh, who was part of the delegation, outlined to

the VINCNETIAN the focus of their assessment.

“We are assessing the venue (Arnos Vale Playing Field)… This assessment is critical for broadcast especially, to locate their spaces, their overlay requirements (as well as) find spaces for their operations,” Singh outlined.

He noted that Tuesday’s visit was a follow-up to one in April of this year when the full preparation plan was rolled out.

Singh agreed that assessments have to be rigorous and meticulous, as the minimum standards continue to

rise, especially in the face of very little improvements being made to stadiums since the region hosted the Cricket World Cup in 2007.

Accordingly, Singh proffered, “The sport has moved far and wide in terms of its requirements and minimum standards, so against that first venue inspection, what we are looking at is advising the government on the necessary upgrades, and this will be a continuous thing where we partner with government”.

He underscored that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, like the

other host territories, ensure that there is enough space to host at a very high standard, teams, match officials, media and spectators.

Reports are that the Arnos Vale venue, along with the Sion Hill Playing Field, will go through some upgrades ahead of hosting of the matches in June, 2024.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be part of a historic event, as this the ninth edition of the Men’s T/20 World Cup will involve a record twenty countries.

A total of 55 matches will be played across the venues.

Apart from St. Vincent

Georgetown takes senior schools’ netball title The Secondary Schools Junior Final was also closely contested with the Petit Bordel Secondary School (PBSS) squeezing passed Girls’ High School 15 — 12.

The PBSS dominated the outstanding individual performances in the junior final: Naliah Kydd was the MVP; Asanique Edwards the best center court player; and Alicia Lavia — best defender.

Shakyra Kydd from the PBSS scored the most goals of the Junior category - 41 goals of 48 attempts.

Fancy Government School dominated the Primary School final with a 16 — 6 thrashing of Sion Hill Government School. Kaylee Lavia of Sion Hill netted the most goal - 66 from 136 attempts.

Georgetown Secondary School new senior secondary school netball champion.

Right: Petit Bordel Secondary School are the junior secondary schools’ champion.

THE GEORGETOWN SECONDARY SCHOOl (GSS) are the new champions of Secondary School Netball in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

They clinched the title when they came from behind in a closely contested final, played on November 30 at the New Montrose Netball Centre, to defeat defending champions Central Leeward Secondary, 24 — 21.

The match seemed to be going the defending champs’ way with them taking the lead at the end of the first three quarters. But substitutions in the goal attack and centre positions injected a

I.B.A. ALLEN new life into the Georgetown girls who took the lead and held on for the win.

Outstanding performers in the final were all members of the GSS: Juneka Quow — MVP; Giada Small — best centre; and Tahlia James — best defender.

Kayla Lewis of the Emmanuelle High School Mesopotamia was the championship’s leading senior scorer with 51 goals from 84 attempts.

Fancy Government School too the Primary Schools’ netball title.

Head of Operations, Khushiyal Singh (right) in conversation with Minister of Finance- Camillo Gonsalves (left) and Thaddeus Michael Findlay (center) at Arnos Vale last Tuesday. and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, St. matches will be hosted in Lucia, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and the USA.

Bruce re-elected Chess Association head ISRAEL BRUCE was elected unopposed as President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chess Federation, when the organisation held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 25th November 2023, at the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Also elected at that meeting were Mrs. Ronnia Durham-Balcombe- Vice Attorney Israel Bruce President, Ms. Kazene was returned as Pierre Secretary—Treasurer, Ms. President of the SVG Chess Federation.

Orisia Robinson- Public Relations Officer; and Mrs. Maxine Cottle- Committee Member.

The AGM which was deferred from November 4 for lack of a quorum, heard reports from the executive, including the financial report, and updates from Commission/Committee chairpersons.

One of the highlight decisions taken at the AGM was that members of the Federation who are under 10 years of age will not pay an annual membership fee to the body, while those ages 10 — 18 will pay EC$50.00, and persons 18 and $120.00.

With the AGM out of the way, the newly installed executive is tasked with hoisting the third edition of the Annual Tyrone Jack Memorial National Chess Championships.

Also for attention will be the selection of a female team by January 2024, to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the FIDE Chess Olympiad scheduled for Budapest, Hungary in September of 2024.

And, right on cue with his re-election, Bruce attended the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) Assembly, held in Panama City, Panama during December 2 to 3.

At that meeting, Bruce was able to procure 100 chess sets, on behalf of the SVG Chess Federation.

These are earmarked for use in the inaugural National Schools Chess Championship slated for 2024, along with preparation of national representative teams.

V Durrant has a plan for rugby

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 25.

Sports

DELLON DURRANT is marking his first anniversary as the youngest serving president of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union (SVGRU) and the youngest member of World Rugby.

Armed with the knowledge gained and the enthusiasm derived from his first year, Durrant wasted no time, recently, in outlining his plans for solidifying rugby as a thriving sport in SVG. One of the President’s primary objective is to enhance the infrastructure and resources for rugby.

He translates this as establishing facilities dedicated to rugby; improving existing training grounds; ensuring access to quality equipment and building on the success of the Get Into Rugby School Programme.

He is especially bent on introducing rugby to more students by reaching more schools so as to inspire love for the sport at a young age.

He strongly believes that it is

through building this foundation that “the talent pipeline and participation in rugby will continue to grow,” which of course, he admitted, can only be endured through investing in the necessary infrastructure to provide a conducive environment for players to train and compete.

Durrant also recognizes the importance of fostering closer relationships with regional and international rugby bodies.

By engaging in regular exchanges with neighboring countries and global rugby federations, he aims to facilitate opportunities for international competitions, training camps, and sharing of knowledge and expertise.

All of this is aimed at elevating the standard of rugby in SVG and providing exposure for the national teams.

The development of coaches and match officials remains a priority. His plans include organizing training

programs, Dellon Durrant – seminars, and President of St. certification Vincent and the courses to Grenadines Rugby ensure that a Union (SVGRU) is larger pool of intent of qualified establishing rugby’s professionals contribution on and are available to off the field of play. support the growth of the sport.

Durrant is also dedicated to promoting rugby beyond the playing field. His plans involve implementing community outreach initiatives that leverage the sport to address social issues, promote inclusivity, and foster unity among different groups of people.

By highlighting the positive values of rugby, Durrant envisions the sport becoming a catalyst for positive change within society.

I.B.A. ALLEN

George scoops two Squash titles VINCENTIAN Jayden George champed the Mixed Under-15 and Mixed Under17 titles in the Junior segment of the Barbados Open Squash tournament held from last Thursday to Saturday, November 30 to December 3, 2023.

Mixed in this case, meant that males and females played in the same grouping.

On both counts, George defeated Barbadian- Daniel Sealey.

In the final of the Mixed Under-15, George beat Sealey 11-9, 12-10, 11-9, and in the Mixed Under-17 Final, George came away winner: 11-9, 11-2, 11-1.

George’s sojourn saw Jayden George him registering an 11-1, warmed up for the 11-2, 11-5 victory over 2023 US Open later Guyanese, Emily Fungthis month.

A-Fat in the Mixed Under-15.

In his dominance in the Mixed Under-17 bracket, George had an 11-6, 11-1, 11-0 triumph over Barbadian- Narad Neblett, then overcame another Barbadian, Kai Shepherd, 11-7, 11-2, 114, in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, another Vincentian- Savante Padmore took the third place in the Boys Under11 and was fourth in the Under-13 category.

In the Under-11 consolation play off,

Savante Padmore held his own among his peers.

Padmore beat Elian Hamati 11-7, 11-3, 11-2, but faltered in the Under-13 third and fourth place match, losing to Finn Graham of Barbados, 13-11, 5-11, 11-7, 5-11, 5-11.

George, the reigning Under-15 Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA)

champion, will be part of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team to the 2023 US Open, set for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 16 to 19.

SVG U15 cricket squad named ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES cricket selectors have announced a 14-member squad that will represent this country in the Windward Islands Under-15 Tournament, to be held here from December 11th to 18th, 2023.

The squad will be led by Jordon Charles who represented the Windward Islands last year in the West Indies tournament.

The other members of the squad are: Alston Bobb Jr, (Vice-Captain), Zach Thomas, Cody Slater, Delroy Tittle, Lason Hoyte, Eddon Baptiste, Juarez Baptiste, Tyrese Hackshaw, Mattanish Stapleton, Javon Johnny,

Ahmad Boyea, Shane Roberts and Alexander Jordan.

Four reserves have been named: Lee-J Phillips, Ronel Lavia, Chrisriano Adams, Zade Da Souza.

There are five players returning from last year, namely Jordon Charles, Cody Slater, Zach Thomas, Ahmad Boyea and Delroy Tittle.

These five together with Alston Bob Jr., who played previously but missed out last year, are expected to take the lead in the team’s performance in this year’s tournament.

Head coach impressions Head coach of the team

Bertrum Stapleton is full of expectation for the boys.

“My expectation is for them to apply their knowledge and be determined to compete for the championship and places on the Windwards team,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. “I don’t know the strength of the other teams from St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica, but I am hoping that our boys will give a good showing of themselves and represent our country in a competitive manner,” the coach added.

As for the squad’s preparation, Stapleton thinks that this has gone fairly well.

“The weather has been accommodating, the facilities have been made available and

the players have turned up for training and match practice consistently,” Stapleton said in support of his view.

As for actual preparation, the lads met two days weekly since September with various coaches assigned by the Cricket Association; were involved in a number of matches and ‘games sense training’ on Saturdays; and have attended two weekend camps.

The head coach admitted that the batting was his main concern but noted that “we have been working to get our batters to occupy the crease for long periods.”

While the coach is anticipating that the fast

Bertrum Stapleton, head coach of the U-15 SVG Cricket team. bowlers would improve on their line and length, he is comfortable with the spin department of the team, describing it as “solid.”

St. Lucia is the defending champion of Windward Islands Under-15 cricket.

I.B.A. ALLEN

V

26. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Here comes Uganda THEY ARE NOT known as world beaters. The fact that they have qualified for the International Cricket Council T/20 World Cup signals a shift in the fortunes of African cricket.

One would have expected that Zimbabwe would have been an automatic qualification. As everyone knows, the game takes place on the field.

Uganda overcame Zimbabwe and took care of matters. Zimbabwe had to rely on a Uganda loss, and that never happened. Namibia ensured they endured no hiccups and completed their qualification unhindered.

Besides the hosts, USA and the West Indies, the line up in the 20 team showdown bears some hard core combatants and others keen to break through on the big stage.

This platform is as ideal as can be.

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Netherlands Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Sri Lanka complete the squads.

So it’s the fine-tuning with the uncertainties of life and living, for there is the reference, that “anything can happen.”

The matter of St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosting some aspect took legitimate turn at the House of Assembly in its recent exercise.

When the inspectors finish their inspection December 15, they will have information pivotal in guiding the hosts on steps needed for a successful competition. Some venues earmarked for the display include Arnos Vale, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The hand books like to locate the venue as Kingstown, St. Vincent. I can tell you that some fans could come to St. Vincent and not see Kingstown.

They can land at the Argyle International Airport and when they get to Arnos Vale, Kingstown could be off the route. Of course it is not far, because anything within the State is within reach.

Fans may choose to come by boat, and the main Port of Entry is indeed in Kingstown. One can even island hop from Trinidad to the south to Grenada then the Grenadines, including Carriacou, under Grenada’s patronage, through Union Island, Mayreau, Mustique, Tobago Cays, Canouan, and Bequia before docking at Port Kingstown.

When the World Cup was staged in these waters in 2007, there was a “sunset Legislation which effectively gave visitors a one stamp on their entry certificate once they touched any country.

I suspect that measure might be reintroduced so as to avoid the cumbersome immigration prospects that will be on offer.

According to the schedule, you can continue on the boat ride north to St. Lucia and see what happening at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground.

The Kensington Oval in not far from St. Lucia and there is the close earn Caribbean circuit that the region contains.

Victors to the region may have to go through more stringent entry requirements for the games slated for Central Broward Park, Lauderhill Florida, USA, Eisenhower Park East Meadow, New York, USA, and Grand Prairie Stadium Texas, USA. Matches at those venues will that added outreach given the accessibility to those places.

With the mix of population marking the American continent, one can anticipate a veritable universal assembly.

That is the injection the ICC can benefit from, and serve as a reheahsal for the sight of cricket at the 2028 Olympics.

All the while West Indies have to give themselves more bouts of positive juices so as to ensure that they are normal reach of regular tournaments. Those are based on rankings, and especially with the broadening base of countries, there is no room for complacency.

Out Ah Trouble again!!!

COUNTRY MEET TOWN OUT AH TROUBLE FAMILY registered their fourth straight lien on the Caesar’s Real Estate Nar Fren Dem Greiggs 20/ Softball Cricket Competition, with a four-wicket win over Owia Strikers last Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the Greiggs Central Playing Field.

The disciplined Out Ah Trouble clan successfully chased Country Meet Town Out Ah Trouble Champions of Greiggs Softball cricket. down the 143 needed for victory, losing six wickets in the process, but with the luxury of seven overs and four balls to spare.

Leading the way was Player of the FinalStein Joseph, who smashed one four and six sixes in his 42 not out. Sunil Ambris -25 and Javid Harry- 23, were the other major contributors.

Shamic Roberts, Denson Hoyte and Kerwin Williams had two wickets apiece bowling for Owia Strikers.

In the first half of the match, Owia Strikers posted 142/8 from their 20 overs. Shamic Roberts top scored with 46 and Denson Hoyte Dillion Woodley – Best contributed 34.

Davian Barnum – wicket-keeper.

There were two wickets each for Asif Hooper, Most runs.

Wesrick Strough and Travis Cumberbatch. history of the Greiggs By virtue of winning Softball Cricket Competition. the 2023 edition, Out Ah Trouble added to T/20 Awards titles pouched in 2018, 2019, and 2022. The 20/20 First place- Out Ah Trouble earned a trophy and titles go along with back $2500; second place — Owia Strikers collected a to back T/10 wins last trophy and $1500; third place RSVG Police pocketed year and this year. This - $1000. accumulation of titles Owia Strikers’ Denson Hoyte was named Player makes them the most of the Series for his 288 runs and 18 wickets. He successful unit in the also claimed the most wickets award.

Out Ah Trouble’s Davian Barnum, with 297 runs, was the leading run scorer and Dillon Woodley of Denson Hoyte – Series Hard Hitters was adjudged the Best wicket-keeper. top player.

Tallawah Into TBPO finals SION HILL TALLAWAH have booked their place in This weekend, in the third-place play-off, Kombat the final of the National Lottery Authorities/TBPO Warriors will play the losing team of the Out Ah T20 Softball Cricket Competition, to be played this trouble-BOSVG All Stars semi-final clash.

Sunday.

This will be followed by the final between Sion They will face the winner of this Saturday’s semi- Hill Tallawah and the winner of the other semifinal between CMT Out ah Trouble and BOSVG. final.

On the field of play in the quarter finals last weekend, Out Ah Trouble beat Young Stallion by I.B.A. ALLEN 155 runs. Out ah Trouble made 218 for 3 in 15 overs - Sunil Ambris 74, Jabari Cunningham 57, Stein Joseph 36 not out, Davian Barniam 33 not out. In reply, Young Stallion reached 63 for 7 in 15 overs.

Terrance Patterson 35 not out. Bowling for Out ah Trouble, Mikel Mapp 3 for 18.

BOSVG All Stars defeated AIA Reload by 4 wickets. AIA Reload set a disappointing 56 all out in 12.2 overs.

Courtney Mc Dowald captured 4 for 5 for All Stars. In reply, All Stars reached 57 for 6 in 9.5 overs. AIA Reload’s Jerando Jardine took 3 for 5.

In the first semi-final, Sion Hill Tallawah beat Kombat Warriors by 3 runs. Tallawah made 109 for 9 in 20 overs, Kerwin Williams getting 45. In reply Kombat Warriors reach 106 for 9 in 20 overs - Marcus Hackshaw 37, Romano Pierre 28. Bowling for Sion Hill Tallawah will look to capture another title.

Tallawah, Shamic Roberts 4 for 17.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023. 27.

Classifieds

Kettle thief reprimanded and discharged

From Backpage

matter was investigated, and someone attached to the In presenting the facts, court Salvation Army recovered and clerk Constable 196 Lynnosia handed over the damaged kettle Constantine told the Court that to the police. around 9 a.m. on November 23, Solomon was later taken into the complainant, who is a custody and volunteered a member of the Kingstown statement in writing, admitting to Methodist Church, was in front of the offense. The money was not Coreas City Store, Hillsboro recovered.

Street, manning a Salvation She told the Court she was Army Christmas Kettle Appeal. walking across the area, saw At about 1:30pm, she went nobody at the Kettle station, and inside the City Store to use the “I cut the string and took off the bathroom and when she returned, kettle.” discovered the kettle with the The woman said that when she money missing. She made checks spotted the police she threw the but failed to locate the kettle. A kettle back onto the store’s report was made to the police, the compound.

“I didn’t trouble anything in the kettle”, she insisted.

Prosecutor Samuel told the Court that the damaged kettle appeared to have been “stabbed and cut with a knife.”

After handing down the penalty, the Senior Magistrate advised the woman, “You have to take control of your life, you have to take your treatment, you have to work on your mental problem”.

Solomon, who was on station bail, was arrested on a bench warrant, and taken to Court on Tuesday, after failing to show up on her first Court date to answer the previous charges.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2023

VOLUME 117, No.49

KETTLE THIEF

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Susan Solomon was also accused of stealing a bucket of tri tri on a previous occasion.

REPRIMANDED AND DISCHARGED reprimanded and discharged on both charges. She was unrepresented.

SUSAN SOLOMON, a Barrouallie woman who recently Before the charges were read to Solomon on created national attention when she stole a Salvation Tuesday, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel asked the Army Christmas Appeal Kettle containing monies to Court to send the defendant to the Mental Health assist the poor and needy, was reprimanded and Centre for a mental evaluation, as the police at the discharged when she appeared in Court this week.

Barrouallie Police Station had some concerns Appearing at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court regarding the woman’s mental state. on Tuesday, Solomon pleaded guilty to stealing a But Solomon told the Court that while she did red kettle, valued at US$92, which at the time have a mental health problem when she took her contained EC$150 in cash, the property of the medication she was okay, but when she did not, her Salvation Army. She also admitted to damaging the behavioural pattern changed. kettle.

Observing Soloman’s demeanor in the dock, Both offenses were committed at Hillsboro Street, Senior Magistrate Colin John said, “She sounds Kingstown on November 23, and Solomon was okay to me.”

by HAYDN HUGGINS

John then asked Solomon some general questions to determine whether she was of sound mind, and based on the woman’s answers, he decided to read the charge to her.

Continued on Page 27.

$5.00 INCREASE IN POOR RELIEF

payment of the Poor Relief/Public Assistance.

The Minister explained that with the introduction of payment through the BOSVG Reloadable Card Payment Mechanism, i.e. the use of automated teller machine (ATM) cards, it meant that recipients of the Poor Relief Assistance, in particular, would not have been able to withdraw the full amount ($275.00) since the ATM did not dispense five dollars.

So as not to disadvantage the recipients who The Poor Relief monthly payment was adjusted might want to withdraw the full payment, Minister upwards to accommodate the ATM service that Daniel said the amount was increased by a recipients are now required to use. minimum of $5.00 so as to accommodate unencumbered payment at the ATM. LAST FRIDAY, during a press conference, Minister What was even more revealing was the Montgomery Daniel announced that Cabinet had Minister’s disclosure that the new method of approved a $5.00 increase in the monthly Poor payment, and by reference the increase, will save Relief Assistance/Public Assistance payment. the government EC$833 monthly or an average of This increases the monthly Poor Relief EC$10,000 annually.

Assistance payment from $275.00 to $280.00.

Daniel also said that the (old) cash method of Apparently, the increase has more to do with payment cost the state EC$22,290 monthly or addressing a ‘glitch’ of sorts with the new method of EC$267,480 per year.

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

We recall the then Minister of National Mobilisation, Frederick Stephenson saying in 2020 that there were 4,300 persons on the public assistance programme and every month, the government spends $2.315 million in its programe that caters directly to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cabinet approved in August 2021 to pilot the BOSVG Reloadable Card Payment Mechanism with 500 beneficiaries.

For a six-month period ending December 2022, this Payment Mechanism was expanded to the VEEP Project for three thousand, nine hundred and ninety-four (3,994) beneficiaries and the Covid19 Relief Income Support Project for six hundred and eighty (680) recipients.

To ease the transition to card payments, the BOSVG applied an administrative charge of $16,000 per year, which has been included in the Budget submission for Budget (2023-2025), for a maximum of 10,000 beneficiary cards to be built and maintained.

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