Continued on Page
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 VOLUME 116, No.36 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 KentonpassesKirbyPage2 CourtPagepolicechides4 Gov’t, Unions in Pagetalks16 Luta on ParkwaythePage13 handedHousesoverPage24 TWO KILLED, TWO INJURED
Isiah Carter – Homicide victim #30.
Left: Opposition leader Dr. Godwin Friday has called out the government as having been overcome by the crime situation in SVG. Right: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as a step towards combating crime, beckoned, especially the young people, to explore and make more use of the opportunities that are available to them.
ON THE HEELS OF A WEEKEND of shooting deaths and injuries, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday, while speaking on Monday’s New Times radio programme on Nice Radio,“Whendeclared:theULP came to office, they said they will be tough on crime and the causes of crime. It seems like crime is tough on us and it has beaten them into submission because they don’t seem to have no solution or any stomach to even think of a solutionFridaynowadays.”described a situation of much unease and fear in the country, created he said, by the homicide situation that currently stalks the land. He singled out the police as having an obligation to deal with the matter of crime, i.e.,
Mosiah ‘Siah’ Westfield – Homicide victim #29.
Stories by: KENVILLE HORNE TWO KILLINGS over the weekend have pushed the homicide number in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to 30. Two males died as the result of gunshots during three separate shootings on Saturday and Sunday, in Ottley Hall and Cane Hall respectively. In addition, one man is warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) reportedly in stable condition, and another was treated and discharged. It all began on Saturday 3rd as Mosiah ‘Siah’ Westfield of Ottley Hall was on his way home. Reports are that he was ambushed and attacked by two gunmen. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds about his body and was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer. According to reliable reports, after Westfield was shot and fell, laying motionless on the ground, one of the gunmen stood over him and pumped more bullets into his body. Moments later, Isiah Carter, a 19year-old labourer, also of Ottley Hall, sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach. He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for medical attention where he later died. Also on Saturday, in a separate incident in Cane Hall, Tommy Grecia, 39, of Villa was the target of gunfire. He sustained multiple gunshots about his body and was taken to the MCMH for medical attention. Up to press time he was warded at the MCMH reportedly in stable condition, police said.The shooting returned to Ottley Hall on Sunday 4, and on the discharge of gunshots, Dwayne ‘Robbery’ Davy, 32, unemployed, of Ottley Hall, sustained a wound to his body. He was taken to the MCMH where he was treated and discharged. Tension mounted among the citizenry when on Wednesday a threeminute recording was making the rounds on social media. The recording featured what could only be described as a conversation between warring gangs, with one side committing to avenge the death of ‘Siah’ before he was buried. “We telling you straight what happening and what coming because we ain’t talking (expletive) just so. You feel is any media war? I go show you something. Before ‘Siah” bury (expletive), all ah you. Bet you!” one of the male voices promised in the recording.Infact, one of the sides of the conversation threatened to continue killing the members of the other side, promising that there will be “no white 3.
“to find the causes and the perpetrators and look for solutions as to how we are going to address this question.” But even as Friday addressed the crime situation on Monday, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had addressed the issue during WE FM’s Sunday Continued on Page 3.
‘CRIME IS TOUGH ON US’, FRIDAY
Kenton Kirby (2nd from right) is pictured making a contribution on a TV Panel of Journalists as they discuss current events at a weekly media conference, in the USA.
by NELSON A. USnaking@verizon.netKINGCORRESPONDENT
From whence hecame Kenton Kirby was born on Sept. 15, 1945 in the Central Leeward town of Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Hewasa police officer in the local constabulary, where he excelled in playing the trumpet in the police band and became one of St. Vincent and the accomplishedGrenadines’ trumpeters, plying his trade with the top musical bands of the time, including the renowned Latinaries. On leaving the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, he became a reporter for THE VINCENTIAN, elevating himself to becoming chief reporter. He also corresponded for the Barbados-based Caribbean News Agency (CANA), renamed Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC); the United Press International (UPI); Radio Barbados; and Radio Antilles, the defunct, Montserrat-based radio station that was considered the most powerful in the Eastern Caribbean. His USA sojourn In the United States, Kirby became the editor, then editor emeritus of Caribbean Life, the Brooklyn-based largest Caribbean-themed newspaper in the US. On Jun. 21, 2013, during the 47th Independence Anniversary Celebration of Guyana, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Patricia Jordan Langford, president of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, presented Kirby with a “Special Independence Award” for his “exceptional contribution in the field of journalism,” according to Tangerine Clarke, a Guyanese-born reporter for Caribbean Life. Clarke said Kirby’s work was “duly noted in the pages of the Caribbean Life, where he has (had) served for more than 20 years” (including being editor).Shesaid Kirby was also a public information specialist, who earned his Bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of the West Indies and Master’s degree in journalism from the International Institute for Journalism in Berlin, Germany.“Heis(was) hailed as one of the most generous professionals in the business,” Clarke said. The impact of the man On hearing about Kirby’s death, Bert Wilkinson, a veteran Guyanese journalist, who also writes for Caribbean Life from Georgetown, the Guyanese capital, said Kirby had urged him, 15 years ago, to join a team of freelance writers at the paper. “He was adamant that I should,” Wilkinson said. “We did a quick trial the very next week, and there has been no turning back ever since.
KENTON KIRBY,a former senior reporter for THE VINCENTIAN, died on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at a nursing rehabilitation center in Brooklyn, New York. He was 76. Kamla Millwood, Kirby’s daughter, said her dad died on Tuesday morning at NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney on Albany Avenue in Brooklyn, where he was a resident for some time. While Kirby’s cause of death is not immediately known, Millwood told THE VINCENTIAN that her dad was “suffering for a long time” after sustaining injury during a “headstand” about 10 years ago. “So, he had a sports injury and, later on, he began to decline,” said Millwood, a Brooklyn-based author, speech writer, business consultant and life coach. “They found him unresponsive.“I’vebeenpreparing myself for this,” added Millwood, who, on Jul. 13, had dedicated her Caribbean Life Newspaper Impact Award to her dad. “Many people in the Caribbean looked at him as a “Heking.always gave somebody a start,” Millwood continued. “With me being a public figure, the politicians see in me what they see (saw) in my father. When I go to certain places, people know me because of my dad. “I learned from my father because of so many things he taught me,” she said. “We sat together and watched ‘Reporter’s Round Table’. He was such a gentleman. I have the spunk and love from mommy (Pamela Kirby, née Mandeville), but the journalistic expertise, drive from him.”
TributeV 2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
Kenton Kirby: Former VINCENTIAN reporter dies
Kenton Kirby will be remembered as a stalwart newspaper reporter, outstanding musician, cultural activist and simply just a good honest human being.
“Other more prominent publications have come and gone, and Life (Caribbean Life) has grown under Kenton’s leadership initially and more recently under the reliable leadership of current Editor Kevin Williams (Grenadian-born),” he added, thanking Kirby for encouraging him to join CaribbeanWilkinsonLife.said the publication has given him and other contributors “great scope to write extensively on an array of issues.” “May his soul rest in peace!” he said.Milwood said the family will honor her dad’s wishes for his body to be cremated, and the ashes flown back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and spread in Morgan’s Bay, Barrouallie, where he swam frequently as a boy. Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized, Millwood said.
„We conduct clean business,‰ Sealey
Dwayne ‘Robbery’ Davy –escaped with injuries that saw him being treated and discharged from the MCMH the same day.
Two
Continued from Front Page. flag” or “peace treaty” and that it is not a “media war” or “police war”.
Continued from Front Page. programme Issue at Hand. Gonsalves, after he confirmed that he had been brought up to speed on the latest shooting deaths (Westfield and Carter), proceeded to remind that, “There’s so opportunitiesmanyfor young people. They have to just stop this obsession with guns and following some bad company … all this violence they see on socialThemedia.”PMreturned to the issue on his segment(Wednesday)weeklymorning)onNBCRadio. He, not for the first time, referred to a section of the young males in the country that had a fascination with firearms, and repeated that everybody should make sure that they took advantage of the opportunities which are available.Hewarned, “The gun is going to lead you to one place: the cemetery. It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but as sure as the sun rises, it going be day after tomorrow,” the prime
Father of four children including a five-year-old and another eight years, Browne insists on seeing the children get a good education. “I know they going get big up,” the Lotto winner declared.Heplans to have a home of his own, as he admits I live in my mother’s house. “I have to look for something for myself,” the Lotto winner outlined. Manager Sealey encouraged Browne to spend the money wisely. For Sealey, $595,000 “is good money in any language.”Hepointed to increased sales for the NLA over the last year to $91m, up from $84 the year before. Sealey pointed out that 60 cents of every dollar go to prizes. Ten cents are reserved for the Canadian Bank Notes Incorporation, and nine cents to Agents.TheNLA has 128 workers attached to facilities here. He pointed to Lionel Browne (right) is all smiles as he collects his half a million and more from McGregor Sealey. (Photo Credit: NLA Facebook page)
The spinoff of that interception was that of the four occupants in the vehicle, three were released after one, Zouch Mills, 25, a resident of Barrouallie, claimed ownership of the firearm. He was taken to the Serious Offences Court on Thursday charged with possession of a .38 revolver and 6 rounds of .38 ammunition, which were found in the revolver when it was discovered in the vehicle. Mills pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 42 months on the gun possession charge and 10 months on the ammunition charge, sentences to run concurrently.Inthemeantime, the police are asking people with information that can assist to telephone 1-784-457-1211 or 1784-456-1810 or any police station or police officer with whom they are comfortable. Westfield and Carter’s deaths have been officially listed as the twenty-ninth and thirtieth homicide respectively for the year 2022.
killed, two injured
MCGREGOR SEALEY, Manager of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) has dismissed suggestions that the institution selects winners to the games. He is inviting anyone to come at any time to witness a draw. “We conduct clean business,” Sealey said last Monday, Sept. 05, at the NLA headquarters, Paul’s Avenue, during a presentation ceremony to the latest LottoSealeywinner.admitted that he met the latest jackpot winner- Lionel Thomas/Browne for the first time the Monday before. A Van driver from the North Windward district of Overland, Browne went to the NLA office on Monday, August 29 to pick up the $595,000 announced for the winner of the August 26 draw. He had purchased the winning ticket at Stages in Langley Park minutes before the cut-off point. He went to another Lotto booth around midday the following Saturday. His first glimpse at the results gave him an inclination that he might have been close. He recalled four of the numbers on his ticket but he had to wait until he got back home to confirm the fifth. His winning numbers were 6: 10, 18, 19, and 21. “I say watch here. I can’t believe I win. I feel light… like a weight come off me,” Browne recalled.
A Press release signed by the Commissioner of Police and dated September 07, 2022, confirmed that the police had knowledge of an audio recording “of persons purportedly issuing threats.”
‘Crime is tough on us’, Friday ministerParents,said.schools, churches, communities, the police, the law courts, the social safety net systems, sports, and culture were cited by the Prime Minister as being integral to building upright citizens.Butthe Opposition Leader retorted saying, “You can’t throw in the towel and just simply say that people have a fascination with guns, that they’re seeing these things on social media. So, what are we supposed to do? Social media ain’t going away. Guns are not going away. So, are we saying that this is how it’s going to be? This is a new normal? That is not policing.” Friday proceeded to lambast the authorities for not dealing with the situation of growing violent crime, especially shootings in the country.“Weunderstand that things will happen, there will be crime, there will be incidents, but you need to give assurance that you know how to deal with the situation and that you are in fact dealing with it, that you’re not throwing in the towel,” the Opposition leader said.
The recording, the release said, was being investigated. The release went on to report that on the evening of Tuesday 6th September 2022, as part of the investigation pursuant to the shootings, “a vehicle was intercepted and searched. A firearm was met in the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested.”
Tommy Grecia, up to press time, was warded at the MCMH where he was nursing multiple gunshot words.
V News 3 THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 . 3.
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
RichardsonDelano Court chides police for defying instructions
However, Jacobs and Bristol’s sonTyrone ‘Toney’ Maloney who lives at Greiggs, have a history of violence between them, which reflects the situation generally between young men from Lowmans Windward and Greiggs.OnJune 17, 2022 about 10pm, Maloney came to visit his father and mother, bringing ground provision for them. Bristol was sitting at the front door of his house peeling bananas and his son was about to leave the yard when he (son) received a stone to his head. The stone was thrown from above the road. He fell to the ground, but managed to get up, crawled inside the house, and locked himself in a bedroom. Bristol then closed the house’s front door and sat in a chair next to the door.At this time Jacobs appeared in Bristol’s yard with a cutlass, and he and others began pelting stones at the house, while he yelled to Bristol to, send out ‘Toney’ (Maloney), and “I killing all ah you today”. Jacobs managed to open the front door and attacked Bristol, chopping him on his head and hand with the cutlass. He started chopping a table then left the house. The matter was reported to the police. A team of lawmen visited the scene and met Bristol with what appeared to be blood coming from his head and hand. He was taken to the Modern Medical Centre in Georgetown then transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was warded for three days. Investigations ensued resulting in Jacobs being arrested and charged. Jacobs told the Court that Bristol’s son had damaged his ‘soldier’ some months ago. “You cut his head and his hand,” the Chief Magistrate emphasized, adding that the incident could have resulted in something more serious, and Jacobs could have been before the Court on a more serious charge. “I don’t understand you all, you don’t have enough to do?” she questioned.“Lookat the hour, 10 o’clock in the night, you walking around with a cutlass. You jump into his (Bristol) yard. What you go in there for? This man was injured in his head and took sutures. Suppose he did drop down dead?” a visibly upset Magistrate told the (Maloney)“Youdefendant.saidhedamaged your ‘partner’ some months ago. In your head you will be saying, it’s not fair. There will never be a satisfaction, so it’s tit for tat. “You all are too idle, and because of this, lives are going to be lost. This was mitigatingoutweighedaggravatingcontendedMagistratepenalties,downBrowneunnecessary,”totallysaid.Inhandingthethethatthefactorstheones.She applied the sentencing guidelines, weighed the aggravating and mitigating factors, and did the calculations to arrive at the“But”,penalties.she told the defendant, “you are fortunate that you had no previous convictions, and you pleaded guilty. That is why this sentence is at the lowerGrievousend.” bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of seven years in the Magistrate’s Court.
An irate Magistrate Browne responded, “They made an error, charge him under the wrong name. You created a charge sheet in a wrong name, and you still kept him in custody overnight even through you were told what to do. This cannot be allowed. This is wrong. How could you make such a gross error? The name is not even close. … You have no concern for a person’s rights!”Browne noted that the Prosecutor had made reference to a document he saw in which the defendant had signed his correct name. The assault charge was read to Richardson on Tuesday after being brought back to the Serious Offences Court. He pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in his own recognizance. The matter was transferred to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court, and adjourned to SeptemberRichardson21. had been in police custody since Sunday, September 4.
LOWMANSLeeward resident Daren Bobb will return to Court October 24 on charges of unlawful possession and handling stolen goods. Appearing at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Bobb pleaded not guilty to possession of five screw drivers, one knife and one flashlight for use in the commission of the offence of burglary. Bobb is also charged with possession of those items, reasonably suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained. Both offences were reportedly committed at Lowmans Leeward on September 2.
Youth jailed for chopping old man
Unlawful possession matter adjourned
The matter involved Delano Richardson of Glen who was charged under a wrong name. Richardson appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday to answer the charge, but he was charged under the name of Lano Whisky. When the name Lano Whisky was called there was no response, and when the defendant was asked if his name was Lano Whisky, he said no with a degree of surprise. He repeatedly denied that Lano Whisky was his name and gave his name as Delano Richardson. Based on this development, the Chief Magistrate directed Prosecutor Cato to contact the Calliaqua Police Station to have the matter verified. The Magistrate also granted the accused bail and ordered that he appear at the Calliaqua Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
THE VINCENTIAN understands that Cato contacted the Calliaqua Police Station, during a brief adjournment of the Court, and relayed the Magistrate’s instructions. However, the police there did not comply and the defendant was kept in custody for the night, and brought back to the Serious Offences Court the following day. The investigator was not present. The Prosecutor told the Court, “I find it rather strange that he (defendant) is still here because I spoke to the investigator yesterday.”
Tuckron Jacobs, a 23-year-old resident of Lowmans Windward, is into his fifth day of a three-year prison term for inflicting grievous bodily harm on an elderly man, by chopping him on his head and hand with a cutlass. Jacobs, who was unrepresented, received the three-year sentence at the Serious Offences Court on Monday after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on George Bristol, 69-year-old farmer of Lowmans Windward. He was also sentenced to nine months in prison, after pleading guilty to damaging several household items, including a glass and aluminum window, wooden and glass panel door, wooden table, glass louver, unpainted galvanize sheet, plastic table cloth and curtain belonging to Bristol, amounting to a total value of EC$2,020.Thesentences, handed down by Chief magistrate Rechanne Browne, will run concurrently. That is, Jacobs will serve only three years behind bars.The facts presented by Prosecutor Renrick Cato earlier revealed that Jacobs and Bristol are from the same community, and know each other very well.
CHIEF Magistrate Rechanne Browne, on Tuesday, chided police dealing with a case of assault and bodily harm, for defying the instructions of the Court and Prosecutor Renrick Cato, who is also a Station Sergeant of Police.
CourtsV 4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
Bail granted for gun, ammo charges
DAVID RICHARDS, a 26-year-old resident of Calder, who was remanded last week Tuesday on firearm and ammunition charges, was granted bail on his return to the Serious Offences Court thisRichards,week. charged with possession of a .22 rifle and four rounds of ammunition, was initially denied bail when he appeared in Court on Tuesday, August 30, following objections by Prosecutor Renrick Cato. The Prosecutor had told the Court then that Richards was a person of interest in a number of burglaries and gun-related offences, being investigated by the police. He was remanded until Tuesday, September 6 for bail review. On Richards’ return to Court, the prosecutor indicted that he was waiving his objections to bail, but requested suitable surety and conditions. Richards was then granted bail in the sum of $1,500 with one surety, with reporting conditions. He was ordered to surrender his travel documents, and placed on a daily 7pm to 6am curfew. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of exit and entry, and he is not to leave the state without permission of the Serious Offences Court, the High Court. His next Court date is on September 13. Richards, who was unrepresented, has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Tuckron Jacobson his way to begin a threeyear prison term.
Prosecutor Aliston Stapleton did not object to bail, but requested suitable surety and conditions, and that the matter be transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court. Bobb was granted $1,500 on condition that he report to the Questelles Police Station every Friday. He was also placed on a daily 7pm to 6am curfew. He was unrepresented.
FRONT (left to right): 2022 Scholarship recipients Mesah Salandy, Alina Gilbert and Kaela Bobb. BACK (left to right): Noel Jackson, General Secretary of the National Workers Movement; Richard Salandy; Mr and Mrs Anthony Gilbert; Dr. Vaughn Lewis, Chief Executive Officer (AG) and Kejoe Browne-Etienne.
EducationV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 5.
THREE NEW scholarship recipients have been welcomed to St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited’s Education Awards Scheme. The awardees - Kaela Bobb, Mesah Salandy and Alina Gilbert - were presented with their awards on August 31st during a Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Dr Vaughn Lewis, Chief Executive Officer (Ag) congratulated the awardees and offered words of advice as they embarked on their new academic journeys. “I am not a pastor but I believe that God created us for a specific purpose. We must find that purpose and contribute to the world,” he said.
NEMO summer programme concludes
Michelle Forbes, Director of NEMO.
Noel Jackson, General Secretary, National Workers Movement (NWM), also delivered remarks at the award ceremony. He urged the 2022 recipients to utilize fully the opportunity provided. “This opportunity that has been provided to you, you must grab it with both hands so that at the end of the five years of secondary school, you will come out with a handful of subjects…do your Bachelors, because that is the world. You must not restrict your vision…you must see yourself as a citizen of the world,” Jackson said. He urged parents not to dismiss their children, but to listen to them keenly and provide the parental guidance and protection that are necessary.VINLEC’s Education Award Scheme is geared towards assisting employees’ children with their educational pursuits and has been in operation for the past 38 years. Annually, a maximum of five students receive assistance for their secondary school education and two students receive assistance for tertiary education. (Submitted by VINLEC)
by GLORIAH...
VINLEC assists with secondary education
Last week, Director of NEMO Michelle Forbes divulged, “We did three-school in three communities. We invited children from the community of Spring Village in Leeward, then Dickson and Park Hill. The turn-out was excellent.” She highlighted the contents of the programme: “NEMO has been engaged in the summer programme, in particular looking at completing that whole culture of readiness and preparedness within our youth.... the children really enjoyed interacting, learning about: naturel hazards and the environment — what they can do in their community to help minimize or mitigate against disasters.” She elaborated on the impact of the exercise. “One of the things that the children enjoyed in that programme was actually a field visit on the last day of the programme. We did a field trip to the Met Services and the Air Traffic Control Tower. They DirectorRecreationWarriacoupicnicthenenjoyedthoroughlythatandwehadaatthePark.”TheNEMOexplained that that final event was an opportunity to bring all the natural hazards, environment and other issues into a discussion. “That’s a programme we would want to continue each year. It is becoming popular. It was oversubscribed to some extent,” and expressed regret that some children had to be turned away because there was a limit on the number of places available.“These are children we would like to have catered for and we have to look at expanding that into 2023 and beyond,” she projected.
The CEO (Ag) noted that VINLEC is a diverse company with more than 300 employees and lends itself well to assisting recipients with carving out their respective career paths. He further advised recipients to strive to be well-rounded individuals and to listen to the guidance of their parents, stressing, “The academic part of your life is important but there is more to life than academics. Participate in other activities; in school, in church.”
THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY Management Organisation (NEMO) concluded its 2022 Annual Summer Programme in three locations across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Horatio 6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN ViewsV
Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
andEducationCrime
IF ANYONE THOUGHTeven for a minute that we were about to turn the corner that would take us away from the path of violent crime and homicides, that thought was, for all intents and purposes, wasted. We awoke on Sunday (Sept. 4) to learn that the “Home of the Blessed”, “The Ancestral Homeland of the Garifuna”, had recorded its 29th and 30th homicide for the year. Once again, two young males lay dead - the victims of gunfire. Guns, they say, don’t kill people, people kill people. The truth is, however, that the gun makes the act of killing so much easier and when they are available as they are in our case, it makes the crime oh so much easier to commit. So, once gain the discussion on crime heightens. What is responsible for the spiraling crime, especially homicides, in our midst? And in case anyone is afraid to ask it, we will: Who is responsible? Are there phantoms who actually drive the crime that has forced us to be imprisoned in our own homes? The usual causes of crime and miscreant behaviour will surface: unemployment, poverty, unequal opportunity, breakdown of family values, poor parenting and upbringing, to list a few. All of that is fine, redundant but applicable. But, is there a place in this whole scenario for education or lack thereof?Whyeducation?
If we are to accept what our government for the last twenty-one years tells us, we are in an ongoing Education Revolution. The policymakers would want us to accept that never before in our history has education opportunities/access to education been made available from pre-school to university. ‘No child shall be left behind’ is the mantra that drives this Education Revolution. Let us say from the outset that it is vital that the policymakers understand that one of the most effective forms of crime prevention is achieved through education. That what they devise as education programmes must have clearly defined intentions to use the tool of education to inculcate proper social behaviour and proper relationships with one another. They must also recognize that school absence, truancy, drop outs lead to less social interaction and can result in some children completely losing touch with friends, their support mechanism, opening them to influences at large. Research by the Norwegian Social Research (NOVA) institute speaks to those young people without close friends to confide in, as more likely to have depressive symptoms than those with close friends; making them weak, unprotected and impressionable, i.e., exposing them to the vultures who are on the lookout for easy prey. And this column challenges anyone to prove it wrong when it says that there are GANGS in secondary schools across the land. In this Education Revolution, the mission of the Ministry of Education should be focused on developing sound educational policies that enable the creation of a genuine knowledgebased society. It is imperative that it provides equitable, inclusive and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities to all children, whose potential must be nurtured so that they become productive citizens. Parents have a great role to play in the education of their children. The efforts of the Education Ministry will be thwarted if parents are not encouraged and facilitated to play their part and show genuine interest in their child’s education. Education is the key to preventing crime. Less educated people are more likely to be convicted and their children are more likely to commit crimes. A population that is better educated has less unemployment, reduced dependence on public assistance, less if any poverty and provides greater tax revenue. Education plays a key role in the reduction of crime, improved public health and greater political and civic engagement. Education is a powerful tool that tackles and breaks the cycle of poverty, unemployment, purported as primary contributing factors in criminal activity.
Email: Mailingthevincentianpublishing@gmail.comAddress:TheVincentianPublishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
I ATTENDED THE WREATHLAYING ceremony in March of this year at the Obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill, to honor National Hero Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer. It was what I expected based on the previous years’ reports. The elected officials dominated the presentations by trying to outdo each other. For some unreasonable reason, I expected better. I expected the Minister of Culture and the Prime Minister to coordinate their presentations and present us with a cultural initiative to unite us as a nation. Yes, this was the first year I experienced the ceremony in person. I will keep hoping for an occasion like this to bring out the best in all of us.Every time I visit this hallowed ground, I can’t help but feel like we need to do better. No, I will not join the new chorus calling for a statue of the Paramount Chief. I still have difficulty accepting the images we have to date of this great leader. I will, however, offer my unsolicited comments on ways we could improve the site. The lack of ongoing maintenance of the area around the obelisk and the school is appalling, so let’s start with hiring a team of maintenance workers to keep the space properly manicured. Now the long-term plan should include the relocation of this legacy primary school. Let’s build a modern school for the kids in the area. One that we can be proud of. So as not to upset the traditionalist, our ancestors, and many other living relatives in the village, I propose keeping the school in the same general area. I suggest the government purchase the land below the driveway for the school, the cemetery, and the SVGTV. You know, all the land west of the playing field. A well-designed school on this land could also provide a small pavilion for the community to host cultural events as well. This site could accommodate a multipurpose community hard court and a small Home-Ec garden. Yes, I said it, “Home-Ec.” Our primary schools should include a designated space to teach our kids the value of locally grown food and how we can process them for marketing or preserve and enjoy them year-round. This new multipurpose facility would also breed new life into the cricket field, a field that produced such elite cricketers like Zepton and Linton Greaves, and where Goland Greaves honed his skills to become a top-notch local and regional cricket umpire.Once the school is relocated, all focus could turn towards reconfiguring the top of the hill into a true monument of the Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer - A National Heroes Park. The Ministry of Culture could then take over the current classrooms to display various artifacts from the Garifuna and Kalinago people. Or better yet, the facility could be turned over to “The Garifuna Heritage Foundation,” a local non-profit organization, to operate. A survivor shop selling unique local Kalinago and Garifuna artwork could also be a part of the Heroes Park.
Editorial Managing Editor: Desiree Richards
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Budget planning again
The question for us therefore: If Education is a proven contributor in preventing crime, why after twentyone years of an Education Revolution are we still plagued by spiraling crime, not least being increased rates of murder/homicide?Wehavemuchintrospection to do.
By re-orientating the focal point of the National Heroes Park to the south, visitors to the site would see the two key historical markers in the lives of Chief Chatoyer and the Garifuna people - a view of Kingstown to the southwest and Balliceaux to the south. Since I am proposing this be included in next year’s budget, let’s pencil in $10 million, subject to grant funding and work on making it happen.Weshould also commission a fitting memorial monument to celebrate the life and values of our nation’s Garifuna and Kalinago people. A piece that will incorporate our history and inspire present and future generations. We must also recognize that while today this site honors Chief Chatoyer, it will also be the site celebrating other National Heroes one day. Or are we thinking each subsequent Hero will have their own place? I hope not. Another thing, whenever we build that elusive cross-country road, let’s name it the Chatoyer Way.
Foreign Affairs and Trade
direction as it relates to the sport being recognized and accepted by the International Olympic Committee as an Olympic sport. (Both sexes must play the discipline for acceptance to take place).Back to the Championship.recentAtthe event, we saw regular appearances by the Minister of Sports Hon. Frederick Stevenson and his Permanent Secretary Mr. Raymond Ryan, but noticeably absent from the entire period of competition was the Coordinator of Sport- Mr. Nelson Hillocks.Henever saw it fit to grace the venue with his presence and gave no explanation, leading to much speculation. Maybe he believes the sport is for females only, hence, showing up may have classified him as someone condoning what he considers to be wrong?This raises an even more pertinent question: If such is the case, how can the chief sports administrator, a representative of the government and one who is well aware of the Olympic Charter, take such a stance? How can one who holds such a position not show support for Netball in its quest to become an Olympic sport?Itis certainly not the kind of leadership we need now or for the future.
PART TWO DR. GONSALVES, as we saw, was one of the leaders of the threeheaded monster party (UPM) in the 1979 general elections, By 1984, he was the leader of the Movement for National Unity (MNU) in that year’s general elections; then leader of the MNU in an election accommodation with the St. Vincent Labour Party (SVLP) in the 1994 general elections; deputy leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) in the 1998 general elections, and leader of the ULP in the 2001 general elections. We now take a look at developments, especially political developments, from Mitchell time to the Grand Beach Accord. Under the NDP the economy was driven by agriculture, agroprocessing, tourism, off shore banking and enjoyingconstruction.WiththeNDPallfifteen seats in the parliamentary, the MNU Congress was advised to seek an ‘election union’ with the SVLP. Towards this end, Ralph Gonsalves and Mike Browne were selected to meet with Stalky John and others of the SVLP. An accommodation was arrived at but not before Stalky John was removed as leader of the Labour party. The MNU and SVLP contested the 1994 elections as separate parties but with a sharing constituenciesof — nine for the SVLP and six for the MNU. No MNU candidate would be fielded against a SVLP candidate and vice versa. In the 1994 elections, Vincent Beache and Louis Straker from the SVLP and Ralph Gonsalves of the MNU won their seats, reducing the NDP majority to 12 to 3, from 15 to 0. Stalkey John did not win his seat. By the time of the 1998 general elections the ULP was fully established and Vincent Beache led the party to a 7 — 8 defeat, though capturing the popular vote.He theMitchell,parliamentarians.gratuitiesnewtobydemonstrationsstrikesseriesbysoonleadershiprelinquishedtoGonsalvesafterthatelection.Whatfollowed,andledGonsalves,wereaofanti-governmentandstreetsparkedParliament’sattemptpassaBilltoapprovepensionsandforGonsalvestoldJamestheleaderofNDP,thatiftheBill passed parliament,throughthe country would be closed down. The street activity continued and after talks between Mitchell and Gonsalves on Grand Beach in Grenada, it was decided to call general elections on 31st March 2001, more than two years ahead of the constitutional deadline. The ULP won 12 seats to 3 for the NDP. We will continue with the drama of the Grand beach Accord and beyond. Christian Democrat
* How come it took almost a year before those houses at Orange Hill were handed over to eligible residents of the area?
* Why at the opening of a new school year we still doing repairs to some schools or some schools still awaiting repairs?
* Is the Minister of Education Mr. Curtis King going to apologise to the nation for saying that we were all set for the reopening of school last Monday? Perhaps Mr. King didn’t know about the situations at Prep and Stubbs schools, for example?*Arewe heading for a record year in homicides?
WE WELCOMEthe new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We know that it means increased administrative costs but we hope that increased revenue generated as a result of increased exports would compensate for this. We must develop our commodities for export so that we can generate foreign exchange and bring wealth into our country. In recent times Tourism seems to be the main product that we are developing. The construction of new hotels should generate much economic activity. The work provided by the construction work itself and later the hotel workers should contribute. We question whether the funds invested by the National Insurance Scheme would generate dividends and would be repaid. We must do our due diligence and not allow what happened at Buccament to be repeated. Our workers must be paid on time and utility bills must be paid on time also. Taxpayers should not be saddled with debt from foreign investors. The market forces should be allowed to prevail. We have the potential to develop an excellent Tourism Product that can be marketed by our new Minister of Trade. This means developing all our tourism sites and improving our road network, and transport by sea and air and their connectivity via the internet.Crops/products from the land and sea must be developed to meet the local and export market. For trade to improve, we must have commodities to sell.Diplomacy can develop when there is a career path for those who work in that area. Workers having to train a Calypsonian in diplomacy could be challenging. We want it to work and await the outcome. Connecting our people in the Diaspora to their homeland could be lucrative to our economy. How well this task is improved would be an indicator of the success of our new Minister. Our relationship with other countries should focus on how they can benefit us as a market for our produce. Therefore, we must increase our production of what the market demands.
Anthony G. Stewart, PhD
up‘Bigging’Becket
SportsPS lover and developer
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 7. LettersV
* Is it true that brown sugar is available on the local market but we holding it back so that we could get off as much of the white sugar as possible?*Isanything being done to ensure that the true, true makers of carnival are welcomed at that new CDC lounge or whatever it is called?
PEOPLE ARE ASKING: THE worldorigin,startedfactsfemales?knownareCongratulations!eventualAfricansGrenadines.hostSouthfrompackedChampionshipAmericasRECENTLYconcludedMenNetballwasafullaction-eventinvolvingteamsAntigua,Grenada,Jamaica,Africaasguestandthecountry,St.VincentandtheWesawthepaceoftheSouthandtheJamaicans,thewinners.Onemayaskthequestion:WhymeninvolvedinasporttobeplayedprimarilybySomesaytherearehistoricaltoshowthatthegamewasbymen.Regardlessoftheitismyopinionthattheisheadingintheright
MR. EDITOR,I couldn’t let this week pass without getting in a public congratulation to one of this country’s greatest cultural icons, if not the greatest. I speak of the great Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus who will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of the West Indies. Now, I don’t know much about how the university business works, but I understand a doctorate to be the highest level of qualification you can get from a university. Whether it’s honorary or otherwise you must have done a lot of study or accomplished great things that had positive effects on your country to get one of these awards. At least that is how I understand it as a person of humble abode. ‘Becket’ has nothing else to prove in terms of how much he has contributed to putting SVG on the map, and making Vincentians all over the world and from all walks of life very, very proud. I thank him for putting his talent at the service of our nation and people and I extend my sincerest congratulations to him, letting him know that he fully deserves the award. Becket, you have worked for this award and this nation should stand behind you in full support.
Position on male netball
Charles, Edinboro
Keeping on doing what you’re doing, bro.
From E.T. Joshua to R.E. Gonsalves
* Why the PM and his Ministers don’t take some time and go shopping at our supermarkets? See how far $100.00 would get them?
8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN News/ ViewsV
Recently, we heard the Prime Minister repeating that there aren’t enough skilled workers in the country.
“The government alone cannot do everything, so therefore persons and institutions that are in a position to help must do so,” said Horne, who had high praises for the workers at the SVG Port Authority for their helpfulness and understanding in getting the items donated through the import process.
If that is the case, it is a colossal failure on Gonsalves’ ‘Education Revolution’. Or, is the government preparing the way to bring foreign workers into the country. The Prime Minister further encouraged persons to get their Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs), and said that he would place a greater emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education. After twenty-one (21) years in government, Gonsalves has now seen it fit to encourage persons to get CVQs. Is the Prime Minister serious? Prime Minister Gonsalves, you are fifteen (15) years behind. The following excerpt is from the Honourable Terrance Ollivierre, the shadow Minister of Education as he dealt with government’s failure to implement CVQs: “St. Vincent and the Grenadines is behind in the implementation of the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs). Since the establishment of this initiative in 2007, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had only begun to grant CVQs in 2016. It must be noted that other CARICOM territories are offering CVQ’s at levels 1 & 2 with much success at secondary level. This means that our students are left behind their counterparts in the region because the necessary instruments are not in place to facilitate the implementation at the secondary level. Alternatively, our students are not only left behind in the achievement of educational development and skills at home, but also in the region.” Despite the increased access to secondary education, enough is not being done to cater to the diversity of the expanded population or the varied ability of students.
Simon Brooker (stooping) poses with athletes from the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School after donating active wear kits.
The ULP Government is not providing quality education
THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) congratulates all the students who were successful in their CSEC and CAPE examinations, and extends best wishes to those students who have begun the 2022 – 2023 academic year. Once again, there has been numerous problems at the beginning of the school year. This can only be described as a lack of effective planning by the Ministry of Education. The most anticipated day for students is to return to school on the first day at the beginning of an academic year. This anticipation was dampened when some students turned up for classes on Monday 5th September, and had to return home because their schools were not ready for classes, although they were given the assurance by the Minister of Education that everything was in place for a grand reopening. Instead, some students and teachers were greeted with the scent of paint, roofs being repaired, pieces of boards were seen in classrooms and along walkways of some schools. The question that is being asked, why would the government wait until the end of the long summer vacation to begin repairs of schools?Theschool year has also started with some of our best teachers out of the classroom because of the government’s draconian vaccine mandate. If we are serious about quality education then quality teachers must deliver the curriculum. The NDP is reiterating its call for the government to reinstate the teachers and the other public sector workers. Employing forty (40) additional relief teachers will not solve the problem.
The way forward In the NDP, we envisage the creation of a whole new world filled with ammunitions to capture the creativity of our young people, giving opportunities to all to reach their full potential. The way forward is to reengineer our education system. We must re-engineer our education system to cater to the needs of all in a technological environment. The context in which schools operate and the purpose of education are undergoing drastic and rapid changes through the action of technology. We must pilot and provide new initiatives filled with ammunitions for our people to learn and perform, in pursuit of opportunities to change their circumstances, their communities, family prospects, their country and the world.You may inquire what ammunitions are required for the re-engineering of the education system to create better opportunities and positive outcomes for all. These include: the use of technology-Learning in delivery of the curriculum, building of online platforms to take our educational institutions ahead of the curve, skills training and certification, CVQs in Secondary Schools and the payment of CSEC, CCSLC and CAPE fees. The re-engineering process must address the educational and social needs of our students as we develop appropriate measures and implement strategies to support multiple pathways to success. We could have achieved more if this ULP administration had the proper innovative measures in place, in accordance with major trends in education, to bring about the desired change, especially in the use of the technology in the delivery of the curriculum, skills training and certification at secondary schools. The NDP will also improve the quality of primary and secondary education, with a greater emphasis on the allocation of resources to primary education. To accomplish this, there is need for improvement in teaching quality and facilities, relevance of curriculum, learning materials and the introduction of continuous assessment systems and remedial programmes for slow learners. The NDP is committed to provide quality education.
“We are indeed grateful for these items as they are useful for our daily activities,” Clarke said.
Partnership benefits SVG (L-R): Staff Nurse Samantha Clarke of the Buccament Polyclinic accepts donation from Kenville Horne.
“The Sports Academy, a non-profit organization, has not only given back in terms of sports but has also assisted students with back to school supplies, assisted farmers with fertilizers, seedlings and farming equipment and especially the socially and economically disadvantaged ones affected by the pandemic. So to be partnering with Simon to give back to the communities gives me a really good feeling,” said Horne.
Sergeant Deon Hoyte (left) and NonCommissioned Officer (NCO) in charge of Public Relations, Junior Ross (right) accept donation from Kenville Horne.
The Minister of Education, who is a past teacher and a former vocal member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union, should be ashamed of what his government has done to his brothers and sisters. Further, we have a high repetition and dropout rate. The high rates of repetition and dropouts are concerns for us in the NDP. In comparison to the other countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), St. Vincent and the Grenadines not only has the highest repeaters and dropouts at the primary and secondary levels, but the numbers are far higher than that of the other islands of the OECS. For instance, for the period 2015 to 2019, the total of dropouts for St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the secondary level was one thousand, one hundred and forty-two (1,142).
Founder/ Director of the Kenville Horne Sports Academy, Kenville Horne, expressed appreciation to Brooker.Hesaid that he was happy to partner with the champion bodybuilder to bring benefit to the people of SVG.
A PARTNERSHIP between Simon Brooker, a UK citizen of Vincentian parentage, the Rose Hall based Kenville Horne Sports Academy that is based in Rose Hall has resulted in thousands of masks, sanitizers and sports vest being distributed to a number of institutions here. Among the beneficiaries of the generous donations were the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the Buccament Polyclinic, the Chateaubelair Hospital and the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School. Brooker, CEO of HBG Active Wear and a champion bodybuilder said that he hoped the donation would relieve some of the pressure the country faced from the COVID-19. He said that he was very happy to give to the country where his mother and father were born.Brooker also donated a number of active wear vests to the Kenville Horne Sports Academy and the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School. In fact, he has been making donation to the Troumaca Secondary’s athletics programme for some time now. The donations included equipment for the establishing of a gym at the school. “The object of this contributions is to show the youth of SVG that they have some kind of support and if they work hard and stay focused and disciplined, they can achieve great things,” said Brooker with why he has beenSpeakingassisting.at a presentation ceremony last Monday at the Buccament Polyclinic, Staff Nurse Samantha Clarke expressed thanks on behalf of the staff at the clinic for the generous donation.
Vincentians have had little to smile about, and there is nothing on the horizon which evidences that things are going to change for the better anytime soon. If anything, we may be in for a dismally dark period ahead.
The Encouragers
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a 5 percent economic growth for this year. We will be hard-pressed to get there. Much of the expected growth is hinged on an expected uptick in tourism and hotel construction. If we go by the pre-covid years 2018/2019, our economic performance got nowhere close to 5 percent. The government is betting on improved employment numbers and more money turning over and trickling down from construction of bigThereprojects.ismobilisation work at Diamonds with the Holiday Inn, and Beaches Sandal is said to be working; however, Royal Mills at Ratho Mill and Black Sands at Peter’s Hope have not seen any activity for months. Apart from starting to clear the lands at Mt Wynn years ago, nothing of substance has taken place with the projected hotel there. Government officials no longer speak about this project.Thesad reality is that government seem to attract investors who have ‘a bag of chats’ and a very small purse. We have not gotten over the Ames debacle at Buccament, Black Sands is more than four years behind schedule, and Royal Mills investors have stopped investing.
Our country is on a path that leads to an awful place. We must change course quickly, or our immediate and long-term future will be irreparably harmed. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
SVG is showing signs of decay
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 9. ViewsV
AS OUR NATION APPROACHES its 43rd year as an independent country, things don’t look too bright. The festive jingle ‘tings nice agen’ aired to celebrate carnival after a two-year absence has all but disappeared. We are back to the grind physically, emotionally, economically, and politically.
THE ABILITY TO EMPATHIZEwith others can sometimes be what it takes to motivate an individual to take the next step with energy and gusto. Encouragers appear to have mastered the art of motivating others and to be able to dispel their doubts and fears as they are redirected to pursue their goals with passion. We treasure the memories of parents, teachers, Sunday school teachers, coaches, and other concerned individuals who saw our struggles and sought to intercept with intent as they reminded us that we have what it takes to succeed. They inspired us to persist when we may have otherwise given up and accepted defeat. The New Testament example of Barnabas (in the book of Acts) readily comes to mind. Saul had terrorized and persecuted the early Christian believers. However, following his conversion on the road to Damascus it was quite understandable that the Christians were extremely suspicious of this individual (now renamed Paul). Barnabas was largely responsible for encouraging the early followers of Jesus Christ to trust that God had done a mighty work in Paul’s conversion. Barnabas also encouraged Paul in his early Christian walk. It is therefore not surprising that several biblical scholars described Barnabas as “the encourager”. It was this same Barnabas who sought to encourage John Mark after Paul had disqualified him from joining his missionary team following an incident when Mark had “turned back” while on an earlier evangelical assignment. As a result of this, Paul objected to the young Mark accompanying him on his mission to visit several churches in Asia minor (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas, the encourager, consoled Mark and encouraged him to accompany him (Barnabas) on his mission to Cyprus instead. The Bible is silent on the matter but it seems logical to conclude that Barnabas encouraged reconciliation between these two faithful individuals. As Paul neared the end of his life, he specifically requested his parchments and an audience with Mark (2 Timothy 4:11). Joyce Meyer (born 1943) the teleevangelist and author, reminds us that, “We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.” It is relatively easy to criticise and to sow seeds of discord. However, although it takes greater effort, we can be so much more productive and constructive when we become agents of positive change and concentrate most intently on being an encourager. It is likely that there are many individuals within our immediate environment awaiting our encouragement via our comments, smiles, email messages, WhatsApp messages, and so on. There would have been times when we were encouraged by another’s kind words or gestures.
The government continues to blame the Covid pandemic for the slowdown or non-activity at these sites, but the excuse has run stale. Amidst this economic reality is mounting pressure. Something has to give, and our society appears to be bursting at its edges. Unemployment remains alarmingly high. Various United Nations agencies have tabbed our unemployment figure in the 40plus percentage. The number of citizens living in poverty is rising as the world economic situation deteriorates. A leaked government report from 2018 pegged the overall poverty figure at 38 percent, with deep pockets of poverty in most constituencies on the mainland. In the last 4 years, our conditions have worsened.Thereis growing hopelessness and helplessness across the land. Frustration is mounting, social and economic pressures are transforming SVG into a smouldering pressure cooker.Something has got to give. The moral and social fabric of our society has loosened. The social contract between society and its citizens, between the governed and our leaders, is being shredded. There is a societal disconnect between what society projects as the good life and the opportunities it can accord its people to achieve that good life. Many, especially the youths, are finding ways to make ends meet. The effort to survive finds expression even among those who are employed. Everyone has a side hustle. Our streets and blocks are littered with able-bodied citizens sitting or roaming with nothing to do. Many turn to prostitution and crime. All kinds of other harmful activities are gaining the attention of the population, which is primarily young. The selective approach to issues of choice encourages young people to abandon healthy and conscious lifestyles for a contrived embrace of freedom and free choice. The result is confusion.
Violence is now the stock in trade. You look at someone too long, sometimes out of admiration and offence is taken. The most superficial disagreement spirals out of control and ends up in a ‘cuss out’, injury, hospitalisation and death. Over 30 of our young people have suffered violent deaths, with more than three months left in the year. Our Leaders have called for a serious conversation on the pressing issues of the day. But they seem unprepared for a real conversation.
George Matthew Adams (1878-1962) reminds us that, “We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.” These are sobering thoughts. They remind us that we have the potential, the ability, to influence others for good. Our encouragement could be the healing balm to someone who is experiencing hurt. Our encouragement could be the push that takes someone over an emotional hill. Our encouragement could be what is needed to rekindle a jilted individual’s willingness to love and be loved again. Our encouragement, via our words and our deeds, can be what it takes to motivate someone who has experienced failure — encouraging them to refuse to have their failures or foibles define them and giving them confidence to try again. Such individuals can resume the pursuit of their goal having imbibed the wisdom of Barack Obama, America’s 44th President, when he noted that, “You can’t let your failures define you. You have to let the failures teach you.” We do not have to live “a perfect life” to be an encourager. Even with deficiencies and defects we could be a source of encouragement. The following story highlights this truth: Two men were seriously ill. They occupied the same room in the hospital. One of them was lying in the bed near the only window in their room. Every day he was allowed to spend some time sitting up in his bed to help drain the fluid from his lungs. The other man was forced to spend all his days flat on his back.They talked a lot about their life, families, jobs, vacations. Every time, when the first man was sitting by the window, he described in details all that he saw outside the window. His roommate always looked for those moments, when his world was broadened and brightened up by the worldAmazingoutside.views of a park with a beautiful lake could be seen from the window of their room. Children delightfully played among ducks and swans. Couples walked arm in arm among colourful flowers. Also, the stunning city skyline could be seen. When the man by the window had been thoroughly describing all that was happening outside the window, his roommate would close his eyes and imagine all the beautiful scenes of life that were told to him. One night the man, whose bed was near the window, died peacefully during sleep and his roommate was very sad. After some time, when the nurse came to visit him, he asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse agreed and kindly made the switch. When she left, the man slowly and painfully propped himself up on one elbow and took the first look at the world outside. He was stunned. The window faced a blank wall. When the nurse came to visit him the next time, he told her about beautiful things outside the window that his roommate described him. The nurse replied that his roommate was a blind man. She said: “Probably he just tried to encourage you.“ We receive multiple blessings when we pause to be listed among those known to be encouragers. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions julesferdinand@gmail.comto
Everything comes back to politics. To blame Utube, the opposition and internet crazies for the violence that rocks our society amounts to an abdication of national leadership and responsibility. This government promised to be tough on crime and the causes of crime. Government officials clearly do not have a clue on how to tackleWheneither.aleader spends more time on the body piercing of an opposition politician than on issues of bleaching, the economy and gun violence, it becomes clear that he has chosen to sidestep real problems for a sideshow. The Commissioner of Police cannot expect public cooperation and assistance in solving crime when the government’s policy and police action turn villages and neighbourhoods into occupation zones. You cannot brutalise young men today and expect their parents, siblings and friends to offer assistance tomorrow. Community policing is not police presence. Relations of mutual respect must be built with all citizens. We have consistently warned that politicians need be wary about claiming what appears to be a drop in crime. Once they foolishly claim the good news, they must claim the bad.
“Everyone has the potential to become an encourager. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to be a genius. You don’t have to have it all together. All you have to do is care about people and initiate.” - John Maxwell (born 1947) – American pastor, author, and motivational speaker
KÊtown
CRIME INSt. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is out of control under the incompetent ULP regime. Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes that the ULP regime does not have the ability to make the necessary economic and social changes needed to rectify the situation. Research has revealed that illiteracy and poverty are substantial contributing factors to criminal activity in SVG. The research shows that males who cannot read and live in poverty, have a very strong possibility of falling into crime. Failure to eradicate illiteracy will be very costly in terms of dealing with subsequent crime and criminality in the long term. From 2008 to 2012, SVG suffered an extended period of gruesome crime with 119 murders. In that same time period, there were 21 brutal killings of women by cutlass wounds, gun shots, strangulation, knife stabbing and blunt instrument trauma. Years further down the line, the problem had only become worse. In 2016, SVG became one of the most dangerous countries in the world when it suffered 40 murders, making it one of the top 10 most murderous countries in the world. It was the highest murder rate in our country’s history. If our people’s blood continues to run because of fatal crimes, this would mean our country is in a dangerous and desperate state. SVG has a low level of human development — only about 1 to 2 per cent of each school year goes on to become university graduates. Our education system is shockingly bad. The statistics show that SVG must invest heavily in education to eliminate the spiralling problem of crime. The level of illiteracy in male youths in SVG is shameful and despicable.Allofthis, especially over the past 20 years is because the ULP regime has been massively underfunding our children’s education and has failed to build our own university in SVG. According to the World Bank, high murder rates undermine economic growth and social development, and leave countries caught in a vicious circle: high murder rates cause lower economic growth, which causes insufficient economic and employment opportunity, which causes poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment, which causes high murder rates, which causes…etc.InSVG,the root cause of the poor education system is the lack of revenue.Thebillions of dollars of tax and customs duty exemptions given by Gonsalves to the super-rich in Mustique and Canouan under the Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 and to Taiwan under the SVG Fish Act 2001, starve our country of revenue. By simply abolishing these tax exemptions, we could quickly put ourselves on the path to solving the problems of high rates of crime, a poor economy, wide income disparities, high levels of poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment, low levels of human development and the lack of revenue.SVGneeds that money now to start the process of significantly reducing the murders. We need to break this unfair tax system immediately, without hesitation, for the sake of our people’s lives. Unless we do this, the murder rate in SVG could return to, or surpass, the murder rate of 2016. Under a Green Government education will be free for every child from preschool to university. A Green government will strive to eradicate illiteracy, poverty and crime in SVG by driving our economy on education, science and technology. We must educate our people to encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses and stop crime.
Why was the Prep School not ready?
10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN ViewsV I AM ALMOSTtempted
theEducationdiminutionMr.representsKing’srecentreasonable,speculationmattersTertiaryresponsibilityrelievedGonsalves,PrimeannouncementrecentbytheMinisterDr.thathehadMr.Kingoftheforeducationinthestate,theisthatthefiascoofMr.pronouncementsevidenceofKing’sfurtherinthemachineryofstate. Some constituents of West St. George, may well perhaps interpret these happenings with the PM’s lack of confidence in and support for Mr. King, and may see the obvious neglect of infrastructuralthe services in that constituency in that light. I said I was tempted to write to Prime Minister Gonsalves, but I had better save the ink and the time because I have written to him several times on a matter which seems to reflect injustice to Hilda James of South Rivers, in the constituency of which he, Gonsalves, has been the representative since 2001.
LeRoy Providence
Green-Party-154937087877631/https://www.facebook.com/SVG-https://twitter.com/svggreenpartywww.svggreenparty.org to write to years,moreVincentiancentralwhichthehaveconstituencyrepresentativewhoHonourableEducationdaysthought,waspaintingbecauselongopenedattending,daughterwhichPreparatorylearnedSeptember,mewriteblessedgovernmentheldhistwentybusinessmicro-managerperceivedtohasandMinisterGonsalves,HonourabletheRalphourPrimeofSt.VincenttheGrenadines,whodeclaredhimselfnowbe‘WorldBoss’andistobetheoftheofstatefortheoddyearsthatparty,theULP,hasthereinsofinthisonceland.ThispromptingtotothePMcametotoday,(Monday5th2022)whenIthattheSchoolmylittlegrand-hasbeenwasnotre-todayafterthesummerbreak,repairworkandon/oftheschoolbeingdonetoday.Howcouldthisbe?Iwhenbutafewago,theMinisteroftheCurtisKingisalsotheoftheinwhichIbeenresidingoverlastfivedecades,andhasbeenplayingaroleinthesocietyforthanahundredhehadjustafew days ago announced to the nation, that schools were going to resume on Monday, September 5th, 2022.Itis difficult to understand, how the distinct ‘unreadiness’ of the Prep School property to accommodate classesrecommencementtheofwasnotknown to the Minister before he had made the relevant broadcast to the nation. After all, the Prep School is just about 400 yards away from the office of the Ministry of Education. In addition to that, why were the minister and the principal of the school not properly advised, regarding the readiness of the school? That is a sad reflection on the quality of governance! Given the
unfaithfulness!immatureandDr.remainfarmingvillageofhisseveralremindersafterago.letterthatacknowledgedHeverballyhehadreceivedthealmosttwoyearsYettoday,evenseveralfacetofacefrommeandothersbywayofsecretary,theneedsHildaJames,astrongwomanofthecommunity,stillunaddressedbyGonsalves.Sheisnowadiabeticanamputee!What
SVG crime is out of control under the ULP regime
Sparrow baptized: Will stop singing some songs
PeopleV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 11.
The Mighty Sparrow attended to by his daughters after his baptism. (Photo Credit: LOOP Jamaica)
AT THE AGEof 87 years, Slinger Francisco, better known as the Mighty Sparrow, calypsonian extraordinaire, calypso King of the World, holder of an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of the West Indies, has started a new chapter in his life’s journey. On Saturday 3rd September, 2022, the Mighty Sparrow was baptized according to Seventh-Day Adventists rites, at Far Rockaway Beach in Queens, New Significantly,York.he was led into Baptism in the name of the Most High, by Vincentian Seventh-Day Adventist pastor, Claudius Morgan, himself a former calypsonian who sang under the sobriquet ‘Samaritan Singer’. And now that the internationally renowned Grenada-born, Trinidad and Tobago raised entertainer has “accepted the Lord,” he admits to having to face up to the challenge of deciding if he will stop singing some of his more popular songs, dating back to 1956 when he arrived on the calypso scene as a brash, young upstart and left all standing with his immortal ‘Jean and Dinah’, a commentary of sorts on prostitution following the closure of an Air Force Base the Americans had on Trinidad. . In a conversation with LOOP News since his baptism, Sparrow, also known as ‘The Birdie’, addressed that issue straight up when he said, “I would personally have to look at it very carefully. Obviously, there are some things, some topics I would not be interested in but there are so many others to sing about. … I will have to stop singing some songs.” In effect, there are songs that he may never sing again. He made no reference to any of the songs that he will no longer perform, but observers were quick to include songs like the salacious ‘Saltfish’ and the entendre songs such aa ‘Congo Man’, and more sexually explicit like ‘Bag ah Sugar’ and ‘Mae Mae’. In that conversation with LOOP News, Sparrow admitted, “I always had to get baptised at some point,” and referenced his daughter Gina who encouraged him so to do. Sparrow, who grew up in Port-ofSpain, the Trinidad capital, was born in the fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935. He moved to Trinidad and Tobago as a one-year-old with his mother. His father relocated there in 1937. Sparrow now resides in Queens, New York, where he is cared for by his daughters.TheBirdie has won the Trinidad and Tobago Road March and Calypso Monarch each on eight occasions. (Sources: LOOP Caribbean, Barbados Today) The Mighty Sparrow (2nd from right) about to take his dip in the water of Holy Baptism with Pastor Claudius Morgan (left) in NY. (Photo Credit: LOOP Jamaica)
CultureV 12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
The extravaganza also featured on Friday “Island 2 Island”, an explosion of live performances from favorite soca artists and DJs backed by a live band; and, on Saturday, Junior Carnival Parade, International Youth Fest and Pan in ‘A’ Minor “With a Minor Change” — “musical feast of rhythmic melodies over the sweet sounds of steel, concert style, with steel bands led by some of New York’s renowned pan virtuosos,” according to the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the carnival.
Featured Speaker- Mitchell Israel
The parade was the culmination of five days of spectacular carnival, which began on Thursday with “Vibes with Voicey: The Concert Tour”.
Ms Rene Baptiste
On Sunday, WIADCA, which is celebrating 55 years of carnival, featured “Paintopia” and “Amnesia Day Party”, highlighting “an all-DJ cast, good food, plenty vibes”.
hierarchy of the Starlift Steel Orchestra, Baptiste called for them to realise their own Hall of Fame. Referring to photos that adorn the walls of the Starlift Pan Yard, Baptiste, reminded, “Those things are going to fade and you gonna continue to renew them.”
Inducting the new players, Israel, currently pursuing studies in medicine, informed, “You could not have chosen a better steel orchestra to start your musical journey with.” He shared some of his personal experiences and provided advice. “To improve at it you must put in the time while remaining focused on other things that are important in your life … This will assist you in developing superior time management abilities,” Israel told the graduating class.Giving balance to his comments, Israel said, “However, there are definitely some times that we have to take a break from pan… Pan is like doing school work away from school (so) if you are behind you will see the negative effects coming into play … This can also apply to your school work; this is how playing pan teaches you
Continued from Page 13. had performed on Eastern Parkway for 27 years. “You must go forth and fulfil them.”Millions watched the Caribbean pageantry from ubiquitous police barricades, as humongous speakers, mounted atop flatbed trucks, blasted soca, reggae, kompa, zouk and other Caribbean music on a picture-perfect day.Though rain was predicted, the weather held steady, with warm temperatures throughout the parade.
New CG on the Parkway
“Get the virtual classroom going,” Baptiste
However, underscored,Baptiste“..once you put one on the internet, you will have a virtual Hall of Fame for Starlift Steel Orchestra with someone being able to access that information and understand where you are coming from, i.e. what is your history, what is the contribution of Starlift to the steelband movement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”Baptisteserved as Minister of Culture in the Cabinet of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 2001 to 2010.
FORMER MINISTER OF CULTURE in the Unity labour AdministrationParty Rene Baptiste, has called on the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM), the governing body for steelband here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Starlift Steel Orchestra, the country’s oldest active steel orchestra, to begin to document its history. Baptiste, though, is advocating a move away from paper documentation to virtual record keeping. Her advice to the two entities came last Saturday, September 3, at the Graduation Ceremony of the Starlift Steel Orchestra’s Summer Pan Training andwithMovement)of(Rodney)impetusPanleadershiponthatcommunityconversationWedifferenthaveBaptisteProgramme.posited:“Wetostarttohaveconversations…havetochangetheintheculturaltosomethingisupliftingandpassittothenextgeneration.”ShecalledontheoftheYoulouMovementtoaddtotheundertaking.“IwillencourageMr.Small(PresidenttheYoulouPantostartdomorethedocumentationstartthatpage…
THE STARLIFT ORCHESTRAwelcomedSTEEL another thirty–seven new pan players, as it concluded another training exercise for youngsters entering the artform. Most of the lot were officially presented with their certificates last Saturday, September 03, at a Graduation Ceremony held at the band’s base at Old Montrose. The enthusiastic and well drilled trainees showed off what they had learnt over the weeks of introduction, under the tutelage of Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts.Thetrainees rendered interpretations of Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ and the Hawkins Singers’ ‘Oh Happy Days’, much to the delight and approval of those present. Their dexterity and skill were praised by Mitchell Israel, the Featured Speaker, a graduate of the Starlift Training programme.
Starlift welcomes new pan players
Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown; and former Culture Minister - Ms ReneLastBaptiste.Saturday’s Graduation Ceremony was twinned with that of the Hero’s Pantastic Music Academy. Sixteen persons participated in the Academy’s programme, that ran concurrently with the Starlift Training Programme. This year, 2022, marks the 55th anniversary of the existence of the Starlift Steel Orchestra.
ClaireMovement;theSmall-Orchestra;theDowers,speakersfollowedIsrael’sdiscipline”.remarkspreviousRoddyCaptainofStarliftSteelRodneyPresidentofYoulouPanHon.StLeacock-
Everyone starts a Facebook page and collect what you could, have a photo library …I want you to try and collect as much as possible and get that virtual classroom going on steel,” Baptiste added. She noted that with such documentation it is imperative to ensure authenticity of information gathered.Baptiste herGrenadines,VincenttheinwashappenedmuchhappenedtalkinghaveGrenadines)Vincentspeaking“Sometimesreferenced,youhavepeopleaboutthingsinSt.(andtheandtheydon’tacluewhattheyareaboutanditjustintheyear2000,moretothingsthatinthe1950s.”BaptistesaidthatshefortunatetobeschooledtheearlyformationsofsteelpanhereinSt.andthecomplimentsmother.Addressingdirectlythe
Some of the graduates displaying their certificates at the Starlift Graduation Ceremony last Saturday. Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts is standing – back row – left.
NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 13.
Consul General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh (2nd from right) with, L-R: Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, of the US Virgin Islands, a Parade Grand Marshal, and Brooklyn Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.
Excellent Trumpet got the award for being the Most Improved Player; Geramiah Harry and Azaniah Webb were adjudged the Most Outstanding players; and Mariah Matthews- Most Disciplined trainee. All four, along with members of the band who were successful at this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), along with those who sat external examinations, were presented with cash donations, compliments the Sion Hill Sports Club. The 2022 SHESO Summer Training Programme was supported by the Mustique Charitable Trust, National Properties Ltd. and the Sion Hill Sports and Cultural Club. A.
Forty-three graduate from SHESO Training Programme
Brooklyn. McIntosh assumed the new position on Aug. 1, succeeding Howie Prince.The diplomats also joined a plethora legislatorsof — a virtual Who’s Who in New York politics — who attended marchedbreakfasttheandalong the 4 ½ mile-long route to the GrandMuseum,BrooklynnearArmyPlaza in Brooklyn.NewYork Governor Kathy Hochul; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; andAdvocateJames;AttorneyStaceyJeffries,RepresentativesCongressionalHakeemYvetteClarkeandE.Plaskett;NewYorkGeneralLetitiaNewYorkCityPublicJumaaneWilliams;ahostofotherelectedcity and state officials capitalized on the photo opportunities. “I spent many, many years on Eastern Parkway as a performer and here I am now an official opening the Parkway for the performers,” McIntosh, a popular soca artiste, told VINCENTIAN.THE“Godhashisplans, and we must never question his plans,” added McIntosh, who Continued on Page 12.
Consul General Rondy “Luta” McIntosh (left) with his wife, Semone, and Place,AtibacommunityVincentianworkerWilliams,ofRoseKingstown.
A section of the trainees during their renditions at last Sunday’s Graduation Ceremony.
USnaking@verizon.netKINGCORRESPONDENT beginningBuffaloLincolnparadewhoTobago,Jamaica,ConsulshisCOVID-19yearParadeAmericanParkway.Brooklyn’sspectatorsmasqueraders,NewCaribbeaninholidayMonday,RondyGeneralNEWLY-APPOINTEDConsultotheUnitedStates“Luta”McIntoshonSept.5,LaborDayintheUS,participatedhisofficial,maidenCarnivalParadeinYork,asthousandsofrevelersandconvergedonsprawlingEasternThein-personWestIndianDayCarnivalreturnedafteratwo-hiatusbecauseofthepandemic.McIntosh,accompaniedbywife,Semone,wasamongGeneralfromTrinidadandGuyanaandBarbadosparticipatedinthepre-breakfastattheTerraceCourt,onAvenue,attheoftheparadein
THE SION HILL EUPHONIUM STEEL ORCHESTRA (SHESO), last Sunday, 4th September, at the Sion Hill Village hard court, held the Graduation Ceremony for its 27th Annual Summer Training Programme. Forty-three new pan players passed out as graduates from the programme, which spanned five weeks and was conducted by trainers - Mikalla Knights and Tilal Webb. The young pannists demonstrated their newly acquired skills when they combined to render on pan, numbers like ‘Best of Me’, ‘You are not the only one’, ‘I feel it coming’ and ‘Love of Pan’.Their performance was well received by the sizeable crowd comprised primarily of residents of Sion Hill, who continue to participate in the event that has become a staple over the years, usually held one day before the commencement of the new academicMakingyear.remarks at the ceremony were Warren Knights- Chairman of SHESO; Rodney Small — President of the Youlou Pan Movement; Dularie Malcolm of the Mustique Charitable Trust and Leroy Llewellyn of PropertiesNational Ltd. Also gracing the forRepresentativeParliamentarygatheringaddressingpresencewithoccasiontheirandthewereEastKingstown — Hon. Bramble;FitzgeraldMinister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture- Hon. Carlos James and Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves.Allspeakers commended the efforts of the SHESO especially for ensuring sustainability of the organisation’s plans and development. Small and James echoed the need for the steelpan to be part of the school’s curriculum. Four of the young pannists were rewarded for their excellence during the training programme.
Right: HarryGermariahtrainees-OutstandingMost (left) and Azaniah Webb.
New CG on the Parkway Story and photos by NELSON
A close-up of the Awards.
water, especially during the “Operation X” training exercises. Barrett Communications has by far contributed the most in terms of HF equipment including antennas, which have been placed in the care of YRM members throughout the state, including the Grenadines. Following the devastation of Dominica by hurricane Maria in 2017, equipment donated by Barrett Communications was used by the Emergency Communications and Medical response team from St. Vincent in responding to the communications and medical needs of thatThecountry.listof benefactors is not exhaustive. The Government of SVG, for example, has always provided duty free concessions for the importation of gifts from Australia and elsewhere, as our service is of benefit not only to SVG but the entire region. According to the Director of the RRL/YRM Donald De Riggs, “Our operational success has been in great part due to the support from local radio amateurs, the NTRC, BOSVG, the SVG Embassy in Taiwan, Kelectric, Inter Island ferry and Yacht Charter companies, SVG Air, Mustique Airways, St. Lucia Distillers radio amateurs, Vincentians in the diaspora and immediate family (siblings) among others.” He went on to thank all sponsors over the years, expressed the hope for their continued support, and noted that the tokens presented to its benefactors were just a small gesture of gratitude, in comparison to the outstanding contribution made by them.The next major event by the YRM will be a weekend DX expedition to mark the 43rd anniversary of this country’s Independence from Britain. by: Donald De Riggs
Shirtscommemorativeorganization,communityofsupportedhistoricallyGLENELGcompanywithOporganisations.internationalTheGrenadaCo-BankalongwaterbottlinghavetheworkthisvolunteerservicewithT-andbottled
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER02, 2022 was a day of giving thanks for the Youlou Radio Movement (YRM), as on that day two local and two foreign companies were presented with awards for their outstanding contribution to the Rainbow Radio League Inc. – RRL, now rebranded to the YRM. Leroy “Fly” Edwards, CEO of SVG General Services, has a long outstanding record of assisting the RRL/YRM during the 27 years of its existence, providing the community service organization mainly with deep cycle batteries to power its repeater system, as well as High Frequency (HF) radios in the Grenadines and on the mainland. An award, one of those made by RRL/YRM Director/Civil Works, Leslie Edwards — J88LE, was presented by Technical Director/IT, Sean Patterson — J88CU, the latter being a founding member of the RRL. The other local award was presented to John Crichton, CEO of Right Stuff, who in the past provided the RRL with banners free of cost, notably when the RRL celebrated its 20th Anniversary which was held on Mayreau.Executive Director of the RRL/YRM, Donald De Riggs noted that it was the contributions of these good corporate citizens that have sustained the RRL/YRM over the last 27 years, as the organization does not collect subscriptions or joining fees from its volunteer members. Its operations are sustained by material assistance from local, regional and
CommunityV 14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
YRM contributorsrecognizes
John Crichton, CEO of Right Stuff, admiring his award.
Below: Leroy “Fly” Edwards, CEO of SVG General Services (right), receives his award from Technical Director/IT Sean Patterson.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 15.
fundamental right to hold picket, protest and march. It gives us freedom of association, and freedom to organise as a trade union. So we want people to know that you have that right. We want you to join us… .” Unlike previous protest, permission will be sought for the use of amplified sounds to be used “to manage the people who come out”, the Union President stated.Over 200 teachers were said to have vacated their positons when they refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine.Lastweek, Education Minister Curtis King said that 30 of those teaches have since returned to their substantive posts. This, governmentaftereased the COVID-19 related protocols, allowing teachers to reapply for positions the government service, on condition, among other things, that they test regularly, mask, sanitise and observe appropriate social distancing.
UnionsGovernment,tomeet
NewsV 16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
YESTERDAY, Thursday 8th September, was the day set aside for a meeting between the Ministry of Finance and two public sector unions – the Public Service Union and the Teachers Union – to discuss what the Unions said earlier this year, were the issues of salary/wage increases and pension reform. According to the Unions, they had submitted as early as August 23, proposals aimed at alleviating the burden their membership and workers generally have had to endure pursuant to the COVID19 pandemic, the eruption of La Soufriere, and the effects of the global impact that the war in Ukraine has had on oil transportationprices, (freight) and production costs generally.Among these proposals were:*salary increase of 10% over two years –4% to be Januaryretroactivelygivenfrom2022and 6% from January 2023; * that the government raise the addressedRalphPrimepublic’sinformationbutnegotiationswastaxes.reductionserviceincreaseonecommodities;ascappingonreductionasofEC$20,000incomedeductionstandardforpersonaltaxfromtoEC$25,000;*temporaryreductionVATfrom16%to10%wellasatemporaryofimporttaxesessentialitems;*pricecontrol—e.g.thepriceoffuelwellasoncertainfood*suspensionofthepercentagepointonthecustomscharge,ainincomeButinwhathesaid“notdoinganyinpublic”wasputtingoutfor“theedification”,theMinisterDr.Gonsalvesthepublic sector unions’ proposal during his formulation,125which$145.6done,previouscurrentofthanmillion.amountedunions’ofdoneRadio.programmeWednesdayweeklymorningonNBCHesaidthathehadhisowncalculationsthevalueoftheproposalthattoEC$115-120Thiswasless,hesaid,thatoftheMinistryFinancewhich,usingfiguresandnotonesashehadputthefigureatmillion.“Ifyouputaproposal,goingcosts$120-million,inmy$146million in the officials in the Ministry of beasked,theDr.Gonsalves,otherbecausewenteconomyrhetorically.pensions?”all?youMinistersalaries,”closebetweenaformulation,Finance’syoutalkingnumberanythingfourmonthsandtofivemonths’thePrimereasoned.“(If)Youdothis,howgoingpaysalariesatHowyougoingpayheaskedNotingthattheinthecountrydownby5.3%ofCOVIDandknownfactors,addressingunionsconcerned,“Howcouldthatreasonablethatthis year, because there is some economic growth, that you want to get the whole chunk of it? What about other people?”
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves may just have pre-empted the scheduled discussion between government and public sector unions. Oswald
Teachers to mount further protests
The Prime Minister, though, as if to give some assurance, noted that Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves had said that government wants to increase salaries for publlc servants for 2023, 2024,“But2025.wehave to do this thing reasonably,” he cautioned, adding that the government has to “put something aside” because of the risk to which the economy is always open.
week.protestsupportappealedTeachersPresidentRobinson,oftheSVGUnion,haveformassoftheteachers’plannedfornext
THE ST VINCENT AND grenadinesVincentConstitutiontheunionomnibusin“peacefulsaidthetheRobinsoninvolvementmarkedwhileParliamentareahavereinstatement.andthewiththeirteachers”“unjustifiedatUnion’sareRobinson,newofSeptemberandplannedthatlastspeakingweekactionnotice(SVGTU)TEACHERSGRENADINESUNIONhasgiventhatitsprotestwillcontinuenextinKingstown.OswaldRobinson,onNiceRadioTuesday,announcedtheprotestactionisforMonday12thTuesday13th13,twodaysthesecondweekoftheacademicyear.Accordingtotheprotestsacontinuationofthemeasuresaimedhighlightingthefiringofasitrelatestonon-complianceadirectivetotakeCOVID-19vaccine,apubliccallfortheirTheearlierprotestbeencentredintheinfrontoftheBuildingandtheyhavebeenprimarilybytheofteachers,madeacalltogeneralpublictojointeachersinwhathewouldbeapicket.”Inhiscallforsupport,whichhesingledoutowners,thePresidentassuredpublicthattheofSt.andthe“givesusthat
Teachers, under the umbrella of the SVG teachers Union, have been protesting the summary dismissal of teachers who have refused to take the COVOD-19 vaccine.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 17.
DearBotheredBothered, You did admit that she divorced you. That being the case, I cannot see why you would bother yourself with the things she chooses to do. Her business is no longer your business and as for that ring, it is her prerogative to wear or not to wear it. It was given to her by you. Forget the past and move on with your life.
AdviceV 18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
Deceived by my wife
Still wearing ÂmyÊ ring Caught in a threesome
Dear George, MY WIFEleaves the house every Friday and Saturday evening with the explanation that she got a weekend job to take care of her boss’s mother and given what she is paid, it requires that she sleeps in. This went on for three months and the money she brought home was indeed a lot more than her regular wage. I was so grateful to her boss that I baked a few banana bread and other goodies for him and his mother. Not long after that, I had reason to go to my wife’s workplace and ran into her boss. I asked him if he enjoyed the goodies I sent him. You should have seen his face when he told me he did not know what I was talking about.George, my wife was spending all those weekends with another man. She even gave him all the goodies I baked! She has since been begging me not to divorce her but there is no way I can live this down. After 20 years of marriage she would want to do this to me? She is a wicked woman!! Hurt beyond repair Dear Hurt beyond repair, Obviously you are deeply hurt and I can understand you are writing with pain in your heart, but something tells me that deep down you still care about your wife and would want to fix this if youTwentycan. years of marriage is a major investment and should not be thrown away at the drop of a hat. Give yourself some more time before making any final decision. It would be a good time to see a marriage counselor just to talk; you may find a way to work around the hurt and eventually move forward. Begin the healing process now.
George
You have every reason to be disappointed. The man you trusted to protect and care for you, failed you miserably. Your trust was betrayed and your body violated. You may want to visit a clinic to get yourself tested for possible STDs What those two men did to you was nothing short of rape. You have the option of taking that video evidence to the police and make a formal report on the matter. Sending your boyfriend packing was definitely a great move. It would be help to speak to a professional counsellor about the incident.
George Dear George, MY BOYFRIENDinvited his friend, who was visiting from the USA, to stay with us for 2 nights.
I have since sent my boyfriend packing and he has not even apologized. In fact, he has been bragging about how I was able to handle two guys like “a pro”. He had the audacity to send me a video of all three of us going at it. It was clear from the video I was not a willing participant. I regret the day I met thisWhatguy.should I do about this situation?
DearDisappointed Disappointed,
Dear George, IHAVE been divorced now for almost one year but my ex continues to wear the wedding ring, giving people the impression she is still married. She is even allowing people to call her by her married name- my name. Since she hated my guts enough to divorce me, how come she is still wearing my ring? I want her to stop wearing my ring and to let the world know she is a divorcee. It bothers me to see her doing this. What can I do to stop it from continuing?
George
The first night we had much to eat and drink and when I got up the next morning I found myself sandwiched between both of them. I obviously asked my boyfriend to explain and he said I requested that both he and his friend sleep with me. I know I would not consented to any such thing. I was appalled that my boyfriend would allow another man to sexually violate me. They must have tampered with my drink since I had nothing but orange juice to drink.
LeisureV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022.19. ACROSS 1. Those over there 5. Certain NCOs 9. Mae and Jerry 14. Prefix with pad 15. Ankh feature 16. Four Holy Roman emperors 17. Responsibility 18. “… __ additional cost!” 19. Whopper topper 20. Unobserved 23. Prefix with –drome 24. Half of doce 25. Gym site 28. Motor 33. “… ___ quit!” 36. Part of a South American city 39. Airline to Israel 40. Go into a bunker perhaps 44. Ariz. Neighbor 45. Arctic villa 46. Calendar pages, abbr. 47. Be absorbed slowly 50. Annie Lennox hit “No More I Love __” 52. Pasty-faced 55. Courageous 58. So as to go unnoticed 63. Sugar source 65. Affectedly whimsical 66. “Bulldog” Hershiser 67. Pond buildup 68. Long bone 69. Dropped 70. Show of joy, sometimes 71. Attention-getter 72. Too DOWN 1. You (biblical) 2. Reddish brown 3. Cleverly avoid 4. Stephen King title 5. Louvre 6. One dressed in black, perhaps 7. Shades 8. Fungus beginning 9. Of an early fragrance
10. SightTaorminafrom 11. Awaken 12. “___ bad!” 13. Fig. in theftidentity 21. Broken,Frenchin 22. Stand by 26. Jail 27. Luxury car 29. Start 30.“conservative”foror“classical”Collegian31.Ranchero’shand32.___mobile33.“___youdon’t!”34.Basketballhoops35.Thesame37.Turkeypiece38.AirFrancedestination41.Outside,incombinations42.Thickporridge
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your unique contribution to the organization will enhance your reputation. Hassles with close friends or family will put a damper on your day and result in isolation and loneliness. YTry not to lend or borrow money or belongings this week.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can expect insincere gestures of friendliness this week. You can get ahead if you are willing to take a partner. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction. Do not trust others with important information.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Lack of cash might be partly to blame for the problems at home. Property purchases should be on your mind. You can develop your creative talents if you take the time to practice your art. Conflicts over joint finances are likely.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your attitudes are changing rapidly. Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Don't get involved in expensive entertainment that involves gambling. Do your own thing. description 43. Not exact 48. Back talks 49. New York time (abbr.) 51. Fried turnover 53. In a lather 54. Two-masteds 56. Upright 57. Heavenlyabodes 58. Swenson“Benson”of 59. At hand 60. Telephoto,
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may find that your quick wit and charm will help you in obtaining allies. Plan some family outings. Any intimate relationships with colleagues will lead to gossip that could easily affect your position. They may cost you dearly.
for one 61. Suckling spot 62. Nevada county or its seat 63. Mouse catcher 64. Alcoholicbeverage
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Someone you care about may let you down or criticize your methods. Be confident in your endeavors and others will believe in your efforts. You will have splendid suggestions for fund raising events. Develop some of your good ideas.
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Put your emotional energy into passion not anxiety A day at the beach may satisfy the whole family. Do not trust others with important information. You will have a problem holding on to your cash this week.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Stress may cause minor health ailments. Don't let your boss make you feel guilty enough to take work home with you. Your contributions will be valued and helpful. Opportunities for new and exciting relationships will be yours if you get out and join groups.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Look before you leap. You might have some problems balancing your books. Emotional upset at work will set you back. You may want to clear the air where older relatives are concerned.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Do not reveal personal information to those you feel may be untrustworthy. You will be extremely receptive to new and progressive methods at work. Communication will be your best bet. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just don't have the time. Eliminate situations that are no longer to your advantage. Some relatives will be extremely perplexing. Try not to judge too quickly.
WEEK’sLAST SOLUTION
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try to be there for someone if they need assistance. So smile! You can make money through your creative efforts. You can get your point across and make valuable connections.
JAMAICA’S NATIONAL MALE NETBALL TEAM–the Jamaica Suns - created history when they were crowned winners of the inaugural Male Americas Netball Championship. The Championship, hosted by St. Vincent and the Grenadines, September 01 — 04, featured teams from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, and Flyballers,and45-24;SpiceGrenada’sbeatingandon33,Warriors,SVGoutclassingunbeaten,playedSunsthewasSouthteamwith(SVG),GrenadinestheVincentSt.andalongaguestfromAfrica.Whenitallover,JamaicahadVincy52-inthefinalSunday;earlierBoys,AntiguaBarbuda6532; and edging past South Africa by 38-36. Shawn Murdock, head coach of the Jamaica Suns, in giving his impressions of the Championship, told the Jamaica Gleaner (newspaper), “It (tournament) was very difficult because every team brought something different. There were no two teams that were the same but the team that gave us the most problems was the South Africans, who were the invited team, because we only won that game by two goals.”
Jamaica
were:recognizedperformersplacements.ChampionshiptheincludedwaschampionshipinthatotherAfrica,fourth.andandfinishedGrenadathirdAntiguaBarbudaSouththeteamtookpartthenotinIndividualBest
Defender - Akeil Bute of SVG; Best Attacker - Eugene Sinxezl of South Africa; Top Shooter - Maiwashe Lutenda, South Africa; MVP of the Championship - Dukies Mokaila of South Africa. MVPs for each team were: Danny Perez - Antigua and Barbuda Flyballers; Dawan Oxford - Grenada Spice Boys; Richard Hendricks - Jamaica Suns; Eugene Sinxezl - South Africa Pumas; SVG Vincy Warriors - Akeil Bute. I.B.A. ALLEN
Jamaica Suns – Inaugural Champions of Male Americas Netball. SVG Vincy Warriors – 2nd place.
V 20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
AmericasinauguralwinsMenÊsNetball
Grenada Spice Boys – 3rd place.
Dukies Mokaila of South Africa – MVP of the Championship. betweenAction SVG and Jamaica in the finals.
AIA’s Osbert Richards was adjudged Most Outstanding Player of the Firms’ segment.
ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (AIA)last Saturday at the Grammar School Playing Field, lifted the 2022 Carib Beer/Wayne Crichton Breakaway Masters Firms Invitational Football League title. This, after a 7-6 win on penalties over RSVG Police in the final. Both teams played to a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time, necessitating a decision by way of penalty kicks. The spot kicks provided drama, as it was not until the tenth round of penalties that AIA was able to lift off in Completingtriumph.thetop four teams in that Division, were CK Greaves- third and Coreas Distribution Limited- fourth. Awards AIA’s Osbert Richards was adjudged Most Outstanding Player of the Firms’ segment of the tournament; while Altica Benn, also of AIA, was named Female Player of the Tournament.Thetopgoal scorer in the Firms Division was Tajere Thomas of CK Greaves with nine goals. AIA’s Amal Francis was the Top Goal Keeper, taking the Ali Munro trophy, and Combined Banks- the Most Disciplined Team. In the SVGFF Female Division, which was won by North Leeward Predators, Meiya Wilson was named the MVP and was the top goal scorer. G-Riesa Joseph took the honours as Best Goal keeper. Both Wilson and Joseph, represented the National Under-15 team. Second to Predators was Je Belle. The National Under-15 was third, and fourth was System Three. Meanwhile, Steven Pierre of System Three was the Most Outstanding Player in the SVGFF Under19 Division and he also copped the Most Goals award. Triston John of Volcanoes won the Best Goal Keeper award and System Three- Most Disciplined Team.Volcanoes champed the Under-19 Division ahead of System Three, North Leeward Predators and Je Belle, in that order. And, in the Agriculture Input Warehouse Under17 Division, won by System Three, Gabriel Culzac of Richmond Hill was named the Most Outstanding Player, while his team mates- Chad Corke and Jason Morgan, tied for the Most Goals accolade. Volcanoes placed second, Je Bellethird and Adarefourth. Avenues was voted that Division’s sponsoredtrophiesthatDisciplinedMostTeam.ItmustbenotedallMostGoalswerebyformer St. Vincent and the Grenadines forward- Guy Lowe.Volcanoes champed the Knock Out Division, with a 2-0 win over Ministry of Education, thus taking the Cameron Sutherland Trophy. Twelve teams participated in the Firms Division, six in both the Women’s and Under-17 Divisions and four in the Under-19.
RSVG POLICEmade amends for their faux pas on Saturday, 3rd August when they lost the penalty shoot-out in the Breakaway Masters final; by beating Calli Ballers 3-1 on penalties, to earn the Calliaqua League title. Wounded by the defeat by Argyle International Airport (AIA) the previous day, the lawmen on Sunday looked more determined and purposeful in their second final, in as many days. Daniel Patrick put RSVG Police ahead before his strike was cancelled by a Javid Mc Dowall header, as the match ended one goal apiece in regulation time. RSVG Police, aided by some poor penalty kicks from Calli Ballers, were then able to rejoice in triumph. The two teams got to the Sunday’s final in contrasting fashion. RSVG Police had a 53 win on penalties in their semi-final match-up with Glenside Ball Blazers after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Calli Ballers registered a 31 win over Glen United in the otherGlensemi.United went on to take the third place with a 1-0 defeat of Glenside Ball Blazers, in a match that preceded Sunday’s final. For winning the competition, RSVG Police won a trophy, medals and $1,500; while Calli Ballers collected medals, a trophy and $1,000. Third place- Glen United received a trophy andOn$700.the list of individual awards, RSVG Police’s custodian -Sylvannus Baptiste was adjudged the Player of the Final, as well as the competition’s Best Goalkeeper.Baptiste’s teammateKenroy Williams was voted the Best Defender, while Zeddy Millington of Glen United copped the Best Midfielder award. Jamaar Cropper of Glenside Ball Blazers with nine goals, was topcompetition’sthegoalscorer.Tenteamscompeted for honours in the League.
CHAPMANS VILLAGEsmothered Spring Village 10 - 2 in a lopsided final of the Hairoun/National Lotteries Authority North East Football League last Sunday, 4th August, at the Chilli PlayingDeomajiField.Samuel scored in the 46th, 51st and 58th minutes, while Jante James registered a brace in the 21st and 36th minutes, as did Davarno Bynoe in the 62nd and 67th minutes. Accounting for Chapmans’ other goals were Iruel Matthews (12th minute), Chad Haynes (57th minute) and Terrason Joseph (68th minute). The win meant that Chapmans played unbeaten throughout, having also won the Prime Minister’s Knockout Cup. Before reaching the final, Chapman in their semi-final, saw off Diamonds 2-1, while Spring Village overcame a two- goal deficit to defeat Greggs Village 4 - 2 on penalties after a 2 - 2 draw at the end of regulation time. Diamonds went on to beat Greiggs 5-2, to secure the third spot. Chapmans Village received $2,000 for winning the League, along with $500 for taking the Prime Minister’s Knock Out Cup.SV United earned $1,000 for placing second and $500 went to third placeDiamonds.Amongthe team awards, Dickson was adjudged the Most Disciplined team. Individuals copping awards included: Spring Village’s Jahmaine Jarvis- Best Goal Keeper; Chapmans’ Rayan KingBest Defender; Chapmans’ Terrason Joseph- Best Midfielder; and Diamonds’ Shemar Wilkes - Best Striker. Chapmans’ Delrock Charles was voted the Best Manager. Eight teams contested the 2022 North East Football League Village Competition.
Police secure Calliaqua Football title
AIA jets off with Breakaway Masters Football Title Sports
AIA winners of the 2022 Breakaway Masters Firms Invitational Football League. Delano Benjamin (left) accepting the U-19 first place trophy from Aaron Crichton, on behalf of Volcanoes.
RSVG Police – champions of the Calliaqua Football League. Jamaar Cropper BaptisteSylvannus ChapmansÊ perfect run in NEFL Chapmans VillageDouble winner of the NEFL.
V THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 21.
Kodi Grant will embark on a track and backwillscholarshipfieldbutnotturnhisoncricket.
To the foundation
He also has his eyes on returning to the national Carifta set-up, of which he was a part this year.
Delorn Johnson’s team will be looking to bounce back in the last two matches.
22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
And as for his cricket, he said, he assured that that sport will remain a part of hum.
Scores: Hooper’s X1, 292 from 50 overs — Wayne Harper 62, Romano Pierre 60, Jaheil Walters 56 not out, Asif Hooper 51 not out, Othneil Lewis 2 for 35. Johnson’s X1 scored 208 from 37 overs - Dean Browne 45, Tilron Harry 44, Shaman Hooper 35, Othneil Lewis 29, Gidron Pope 4 for 46, Ray Jordan 3 for 32. In Game Two, Hooper’s team won by 24 runs.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
MenÊs cricket trials near completion
REOPENINGof schools, and a return to some level of normalcy will see an increase in sporting activity. The tension and uncertainty coinciding with the recent passage of event ought to be reduced. Organisers of sporting events particularly those involving youngsters will see a gradualProvisionuptick.ofsporting facilities to ensure that there are outlets for pent up energies sets the basis for heightened sporting programmes. Emphasis must be on youths to instil that culture of sports. That is a way to uncover and nurture the reservoir of talent. Those in charge of institution from Pre-school have to be alert and spot sporting ability. Participation in sport must be encouraged at all levels especially at the homes. When the pattern (of sporting culture) is entrenched in any society, it grows with the generation and solidifies into a genuine national product. As it matures, the impact broadens. Secondary school football has to be a priority for the nation, and there must be coordination between the national body and the Ministries. There ought not to be conflict as to who is in charge. There has to be coordination and collaboration in the interest of the national product.There are various levels of football that the school systems can do well to make use of. The template can be flipped to accommodate all the relevant disciplines. Those will be based on athletics, for that is the fundamental aspect of preparation and required needed for every sport. Everyone will have to play their role in ensuring that youngsters are guided and inspired to fulfil their full potential. The older generation has to bring up youngsters in a way and let it be routine that the sporting agenda is heightened and strengthened. Interest in sports will grow as the years unfold marked by attention yielded by what is taking place in Qatar in November. That will spill over into next year and revive interest in football. Perhaps the need for rigid preparation for sporting endeavours will dawn on participants especially in the wake of the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham recently. Caribbean people need little prompting for their involvement in sport. The games come naturally to us, given our historic nature of athleticism and the conditions around which we are forced to manoeuvre of a daily basis. Those in authority must continue to show appreciation for sports and do as much as they can to support every sphere in the sporting cycle. Never think that a discipline is insignificant to warrant national attention. Health experts have analysed the benefit of sport to the academic enhancement while acknowledging that sports by itself in any format carries a level of intellectual capacity. When supported by the right structure, and elements are put in to engender genuine progress, sports will be the pillar of national development. AS THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Cricket Association looks to select a team to compete in the upcoming Windward Islands senior men’s 50 overs tournament, which is to be held in Grenada next month, Asif Hooper’s team leads the five-match 50 overs trial series 2-1. The team took the first two matches winning by 84 and 24 runs respectively, while Johnson’s team bounced back to win the third game by 84 runs. Matches were played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. In Game One, Hooper’s team defeated Johnson’s team by 84 runs.
SportsV
Scores: Hooper’s X1, 258 from 47 oversBenniton Stapleton 55, Romano Pierre 43, Rayan Williams 25, Jeremy Haywood 23, Jeremy Layne 2 for 24, Delorn Johnson 3 for 42. Johnson’s X1 recorded 234 from 48 oversOthneil Lewis 56, Shamon Hooper 35, Ethan Gibson and Dean Browne 29 each, Asif Hooper 4 for 25, Jeremy Haywood 3 for 48. Game Three result saw scores of: Johnson’s X1 278 from 49.5 overs - Dillon Douglas 77, Jeremy Layne 53, Othneil Lewis 37, Delorn Johnson 26, Ethan Gibson 22, Nigel Small 3 for 33, Asif Hooper 2 for 35; Hooper’s X1 194 from 47.4 overs - Leshawn Lewis 35, Winston Samuel 30. Romario Bibby took 2 for 37, Rasheed Frederick 2 for 26. KODI GRANT, 15 years old student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, is the latest Vincentian athlete to earn a scholarship to the Jamaica College.Hehas been granted a twoyear scholarship during which he will focus on refining and improving his skill in the high, long and triple jumps.
“My first focus during this scholarship will be athletics, but cricket will still be on my agenda. I would be able to balance the track and field and cricket but track will be my main focus.” Grant said.
Asif Hooper’s team had a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Grant gets athletics scholarship
“To be part of the Carifta team next year will be one of my aims plus jumping 7 meters by the end of the year and breaking the national Under-20 long jump record,” Grant said of his intentions.
The youngster, who is also a national Under-15 cricketer, explained how athletics became a part of him. “It just came about when I went to school (secondary) got into the track team and everything took off. “I never really was a good athlete but my athletics coach, Godfrey Harry, put me to do all the events and advised me not to worry about finding an event but instead, to just focus on getting stronger and fitter.“As time passed, I eventually got better in the long and high jump events. I (also) realized that training for track had a big impact on my cricket, getting me fitter, stronger.” Balancing sports and academics comes with certain challenges but Grant is determined and is looking forward to this opportunity.
And as far as the one message Paladee would like for Vincentian to take away from the donation of his foundation, “The message we want to leave with you is simple: love can anything….”conquer
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (seated) and his official party get a firsthand ‘taste’ of a furnished unit.
average of 4,000 square feet The units are a mix of two-bedroom houses of 500 square feet and three-bedroom houses of 600 square feet. Each of the properties is valued at well over EC$100,000 Daniel told the gathering.
Orange Hill houses: An act of love
Continued from Backpage. Some 560 volunteers of the Foundation were mobilised along with building material, and the 27 units at Orange Hill, on land provided by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, were completed by September 2021. Furnishings were also already in island. The units are said to be resistant to hurricane (up to a category 4 hurricane), to fire and termite eachAccordinginfestation.toDaniel,unitisplacedonan
ClassifiedsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022. 23.
The party to the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon (from left) Housing Minister Orando Brewster, a senior resident of the area, MP for the area Montgomery Daniel, wife of the Prime Minister Eloise Gonsalves and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
Taking immediate action Immediately following the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrière, the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Foundation moved quickly into action aimed at responding to the needs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It was obvious that much of the housing stock on the north-eastern end of mainland St. Vincent had suffered immense damage occasioned by the eruption, and families would be in immediate and dire need of Continuedhousing.onPage 23.
TuckroninvolvingJacobs, 23, and George Bristol, 69-yearold farmer both of Lowmans Windward (see story on this page), Prosecutor Renrick Cato, in his recommendations for commentedsentencing,on the recent spate of violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Henoted that over the weekend, two persons died in gun violence, while two received injuries in three separate shooting incidents.Catoexpressed the view that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still the ‘Land of the Blessed’ but the behavior of people like Jacobs is destroying this country’s reputation.
byHADYN HUGGINS
The Prosecutor said there is something going on between the villages of Greiggs and Lowmans Windward and the Court must step in and show that it would not tolerate this type of behavior.
Cato noted that Jacobs will benefit from his early guilty plea, his youthful age, and that he had no previous convictions, but there was no sign of remorse.Thisvigilante behavior was unacceptable, he asserted.“When you can take a cutlass and look at a 69year-old man and chop him in his head, the time has come for you to be sent to a place to reflect, and that place is prison,” the Prosecutor concluded.
ORANGE HILL HOUSES: AN ACT OF LOVE
VIGILANTE BEHAVIOUR UNACCEPTABLE
Prosecutor Renrick Cato took opportunitytheto highlight the behaviourmiscreantthat has crept into the society, something that he has to deal with on an almost daily basis. Dalvi Paladee, a representative of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Foundation, delivering remarks at the handover Someceremony.ofthe 27 Units that were constructed in Orange Hill by the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Foundation.
IN A RECENT court matter
“The complainant and the defendant had mothering, and this defendant left and went to this man’s home in his (Bristol) own comfort, and start firing stones. What will cause this defendant to leave his home with a cutlass after 10 in the night?” Cato asked rhetorically.
MP Montgomery Daniel presents the keys for a unit to a senior resident whose home would have been damaged.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2022 VOLUME 116, No.36 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park. AI REAL ESTATE Belvedere 13,414 sq.ft @ $16.50 p.sf. - $221,331.00 - BB671 Cane Hall 9,788 sq.ft. - Open to offers - BB288 Ottley Hall 4 bedrm Property on 3,312 sq.ft. - $121,000.00 - H529 Villa / Fountain incomplete Property on 15,536 sq.ft. - $320,000.00 - H512 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431donp@vincysurf.comwhatsappcell THE 2021.eruption,ofsufferinglahars,anddeemedwhoseoverhaveBabathethepossibledonationfurnished,houses,(27)prefabricatedTWENTY-SEVENfullyamadethroughTrinidadarmofSriSathyaSaiFoundation,beenhandedto27familieshomeswereirreparablesusceptibletoafterthewrathLaSoufrière’sApril A Thursday,lasteventuallyunitsceremonyhandoverofthewasheldweek
September 01, at Orange Hill, the location of the houses.Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Parliamentary Representative for the area (North Windward) Montgomery Daniel and Dalvi Paladee, a representative of the Sai Baba Foundation, delivered addresses at the ceremony. No self-praise, please Paladee told the gathering, comprised primarily of residents of the communities of the area above the Rabacca River, that neither his Foundation nor anyone else associated with the housing project did it for praise, in his own word, for “aggrandisement.” Rather, he said, the work and service done and extended to Vincentian people, should be used as motivation to “do more for others.” It was, he said, a demonstration of “love.” And even as it thrives on serving mankind with tangible demonstrations of goodwill, like building and furnishing homes for needy persons across the globe, Paladee said that the Foundation does its best to remain anonymous. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines undertaking, he suggested, may just have broken that norm.