FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 VOLUME 116, No.32 www.thevincentian.com EC$1.50 ‘Luta’Pagewelcomed15Booster mandatednotPage14Investigate,wemustPage12ConfusionCannabisPage4 PSUshutdownthreatensPage28
Sejilla McDowall, Director of Public Prosecution, ruled after her investigation, that she could find no criminal liability in Cjea’s death.
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Cjea Weekes insisted on his ‘dying bed’ that he was run over by a police transport.
BY: KENVILLE HORNE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTION,Sejilla McDowall, in a written letter to legal counsel for Cjea Weekes and his family, said that she is of the view that criminal liability does not arise in Weekes’ death. Lawyer for the Weekes family, Jomo Thomas, made the disclosure last Thursday while Speaking on Boom SVG 106.9FM OMG morning programmes.Readerswill recall that Cjea Weekes died on Sunday 6th February, 2022 at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, following what the Police said was an accident on Wednesday 2nd February, 2022. Natasha Weekes, Cjea’s mother, said her son told before he passed away, that he was run over by a police vehicle. He was 18 years old at the time of his passing. Thomas on Thursday, said that in her memo, the DPP indicted that she is of the settled view that criminal liability does not arise, and that there seems to be a need for road signs that may point people to where the road goes and where the road ends.“Iam not so sure why that is an issue because the road on which CJea met his death was supposed to be a road, it’s simply in disrepair because the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines did not fix it and that has been the case since 2014/2015 when I was on the hunt in that constituency,” Thomas said, adding that he was unsure how the roadside signs might have helped..Thomas was the 2015 general elections Unity Labour Party’s candidate in the South Leeward constituency, where the road as referenced is located.Thomas noted that the DPP in her letter had stated, “… this matter has attracted much attention and unsettling sentiments have been expressed, and anti-police rhetoric of several members of the public have been spurred on by perceived injustice and misinformation laced with propaganda.”Shehighlighted that the case files have been retained and will be submitted to the Coroner for an inquest to be initiated. Thomas said that when the information was transmitted to the lawyers, “We decided that we are going to now start the civil proceedings to try and see if we could get some kind of compensation for the family of Cjea Weeks, on the grounds that the police were negligent in handling the issue and, as a consequence their mishandling, resulted in his death. on page 3
NO CJEA’SLIABILITYCRIMINALINDEATH
Jomo Thomas,attorney for Cjea Weekes, disclosed the content of the DPP letter.
2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
V News
ARGYLE GARDENS, AUGUST 11, 2022.The Argyle International Airport Inc. wishes to assure the travelling public and all its stakeholders that it is in active discussions with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (PSU). These discussions commenced in early 2020 when the Argyle International Airport (AIA) Inc.’s Chairman invited executive officers of the PSU to an inaugural meeting. At this meeting, the Board and Management made a pledge to the union executive officers to foster a good working relationship between both parties. In the last quarter of 2020, the Union submitted a memorandum of understanding which was intended to be the precursor to an eventual collective agreement with the AIA. Internal discussions of, and revisions to, this document then immediately commenced. However, these were unfortunately curtailed given the COVID-19 pandemic which severely impacted operations at the AIA with international aircraft landings brought to a virtual halt. Despite the impact on prevailing revenue streams, the PSU was informed that a decision was taken that there would be no retrenchment of employees. The PSU expressed their appreciation and noted the adverse impact on revenue generation at theTheAIA.PSU was also assured of the continuation of the collective agreement review process, which had been further hampered as a result of the event of the La Soufriere volcanic eruptions and the associated impact at the AIA. These circumstances were again communicated to the PSU asking that full discussion of same be rescheduled to the second half of 2021. Internal unforeseen administrative disruptions occurred in the latter part of 2021 and so as to maintain the review process, an industrial relations consultant was engaged. Healthy cordial relations continued throughout 2021 and 2022, with several correspondence between the Union and the AIA on employee related matters. During the period January to July, 2022, open communication was maintained with the AIA giving frequent written updates on the status of the collective agreement review. More particularly, on 6th July, 2022, a letter dated 30th June, 2022 was received from the Union outlining certain issues. A response to the said letter dated 12th July, 2022 was sent to the PSU indicating that the issues highlighted in the letter of 30th June, 2022 touched and concerned matters outlined in the collective agreement and could be discussed during those negotiations. The AIA’s said letter of 12th July, 2022 also detailed timelines for negotiating the agreement, with the final draft of the collective agreement from the AIA to be forwarded to the PSU by 18th August, 2022. Subsequent thereto on 15th July, 2022 a meeting was convened at the request of the PSU on an employee related matter. At the conclusion of those discussions, the PSU raised issues which the AIA had previously indicated would be addressed in the collective agreement negotiations; there and then, for the first time, despite months of communication, the PSU verbally indicated that a new draft collective agreement would be submitted to the AIA by 18th July, 2022, which was so received. The review process of this new draft agreement commenced immediately. By way of letter dated 28th July, 2022, the PSU was again reminded to provide an itemised list of issues as per the components of employment with which they expressed concern. The AIA again met with the PSU on 2nd August, 2022 at which time the PSU was again reminded to formally respond to the AIA’s request of 28th July, 2022. The PSU undertook to respond by 3rd August, 2022. The response to same was only received at the end of the day’s business on Friday 5th August, 2022 informally, by way of unsigned document without letterhead, much outside of the general style of communication of the PSU. Investigations into the allegations have accordingly commenced.
The AIA, despite having to review the new collective agreement in short order, has managed to maintain to as close as possible, the original date to meet with the PSU, which is tentatively slated for the end of August, 2022. Despite unfortunate premature comments, the AIA intends to continue the process in good faith and trusts that this be allowed to come to fruition in the interest of all concerned.
“I MEAN, THE INFORMATION FROMthe mother who was at Cjea’s side before he died, said Cjea informed her that at one time the vehicle was sitting on top of him and if you see the body of Cjea you would see extensive burns and so on his body, broken ribs and so on. So we endeavour to get some information,” promised Thomas.Towards that end, Thomas disclosed that he has written to the Commissioner of Police, thanking him for promptly for providing the the DPP, and requesting the names of the officers involved in the incident. “We asked him to release the names of all the occupants of the (police) vehicle that was involved in the incident that led to the death of Cjea,” the lawyer confirmed.TheCommissioner’s response read, in part ‘ … we acknowledge recite of your letter dated August 9th’ 2022…… . Please provide us with the authority that mandates us to grant you your request’. “I will tell the Commissioner now. The authority is the demands for justice, the demands for fair play the demands for sense, for a notion that is deeply bedded in common law jurisprudence that justice must not only be done, it must appear to be done,” asserted Thomas.CjeaWeekes’ case aroused much public outcry when it was reported that he died as a result of a police chase involving he and a friend on motopr cycles. The chase is said to have ended on a ‘dirt’ road in Vermont not before, as Cjea told his mother before he died, that the police transport had run him over. When Cjea was admitted to the Milton on February 2, 2022, he had a broken spine which let him effectively paralysed, a broken left leg and multiple bruises and burns about his body.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 . 3.
Commissioner of Police Colin John asked Cjea’s lawyer for grounds to justify why he should release the names of the police officers involved in the incident.
No criminal liability in Cjea’s death 3
Argyle International Airport Press Release
Communication history between AIA and PSU
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS PERSONS who have served and those currently serving prison sentences andLawscannabisdefinitionrelationaddressed,issuehavepossession,cannabis/marijuanaformayalingeringtobeintotheofundertheofSt.VincenttheGrenadines.
CourtV 4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
Connell noted that based on the definition given in the existing law in SVG, the substance is deemed to be cannabis after the Resin is extracted. “Once the Resin is not extracted, it is not cannabis in our law,” the lawyer pointedConnellout.contended that based on this definition, several persons may have been convicted here, in the past, and penalised, including imprisonment, for something which may not have been cannabis according to this country’s law, as the substance they have been convicted of possessing, may have been comprised of anything, including Resin, stalk, fibre, seed, or leaves, in contrast to what the law says.Connell read from the drug laws of other Caribbean countries in relation to the definition of cannabis, to show how their definitions are much clearer. He noted that the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Act of Barbados, defines cannabis as, ‘Any plant of the genus Cannabis from which the Resin has not been separated, and includes any part of the plant by whatever name may be designated’. .’
When Connell asked him whether anyone disrespected the police, De Shong again replied no. “You took away the M4 from the Junior officer and you emptied the entire clip, 29 rounds, on a vehicle with human beings in it, as a responsible officer?” Connell asked De Shong, who replied in the affirmative. “When you met Inspector Nolan Dalaway you made no mention that you emptied an entire magazine on the vehicle?” the lawyer further asked. De Shong again answered in the affirmative.“Twenty-nine warning shots?” Connell questioned. De Shong had said in his evidence that he saw one sack being thrown out of the vehicle, but Miller said he saw three (sacks). He said the police picked up the sacks which were searched and found to contain cannabis.Thepolice gave chase but lost sight of the vehicle, which was later discovered abandoned at Cumberland, where they met inspector Dalaway with the defendant. When Connell asked De Shong why he did not stop at Belle Isle, on their return from Cumberland and showed the defendant where they had seen the sack or sacks being thrown out, De Shong said he did not think it was necessary.BothDe Shong and Miller told the Court that there were three persons in the vehicle, and that the defendant was driving, but in their initial statement which was put to them, undercrosss-examination, they did not say how many people were in the vehicle, or who was driving. At the close of the prosecution’s case on Monday, Connell made a no case submissions on both charges, arguing that there was no evidence to sustain the charges. “As a senior police officer, he (De Shong) takes away an M4 rifle from a junior police officer, and emptied it on a car with persons who posed no threat to the police,” Connell lamented.Inresponse, prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court, “At this juncture, we are not at the stage of proving beyond reasonable doubt.” He noted that the defendant said under caution, ‘Me ah go tek responsibility for all the weed, ah 50 pounds’.Catosaid, “The sacks were recovered, and in those sacks were cannabis. The defendant was the driver. I am submitting that at this juncture, the defendant has a case to answer. We have produced documentary evidence to show that it was cannabis, and that the defendant admitted under caution that the weed is his.”When THE VINCENTIAN asked Miguel, following his acquittal, how he felt, he said, “I am disappointed in the officers with the unprofessional way they conducted their duties.” shots fired in police chase
In response, Prosecutor Renrick Cato said that Connell had raised these arguments before the Appeal Court on two occasions, and they were overruled.ButConnell rebutted that the Judges never presented any written judgement to show how the Appeal Court was thinking at the time. “This point in the law of cannabis has been overlooked. It is a point in the law that has not been addressed in detail. I have never addressed this point from this angle in this Court before,” Connell asserted. The other Caribbean countries have made adjustments. We have not, and it goes to the detriment of the poor,” he Connelladded. noted that seeds are not illegal, under this country’s law, but on many occasions they form part of the package of someone who is convicted of cannabis possession. He expressed the view that the authorities here are afraid to touch the issue as they would have to make changes, because of the ambiguity in theWhilelaw. Connell agrees that, “It’s all cut and paste from England,” he is of the view that the other Caribbean countries seem to have applied some common sense to the issue. During her ruling on the no case submissions on Monday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne did not comment on the point raise by Connell, but she upheld the no case submissions based on the insufficiency of evidence adduced by the prosecution, to make out a case against the defendant.
Inegus Miguel’s case acquittal.thatinconsistenciesseemed,riddled,wasitwithledtohis
The surfacedissueat Monday’s sitting of the Serious Offences Court which was hearing a no case submission made by attorney Grant Connell on behalf of his client, Inegus Miguel, Clare Valley, on charges of possession of 50 pounds of cannabis with intent to supply, and possession for the purpose of drug trafficking.Connellreferenced this country’s Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, which defined cannabis as (Except in the expression Cannabis Resin), ‘any plant of the genus cannabis, or any part of any such plant, except that it does not include Cannabis Resin, or any of the following products, after separation from the rest of the plant, namely — mature stalk of any such plant, fibre produced from mature stalk of any such plant, and seed of any such plant’. The law defines Cannabis Resin as ‘the separated Resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from any plant, or any part of the genus cannabis.’
The Antigua (Misuse of Drugs) Act states that (except in the expression Cannabis Resin) ‘Cannabis includes any part or portion of the plant known as Cannabis Sativa, and in whatever form its preparations, Resin derivatives, and similar synthetic preparations’.TheBritish Virgin Islands (BVI) Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, has a similar definition. The Grenada Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment, states that cannabis means, ‘Any part of the genus cannabis from which the Resin has not been separated, and includes any part of the plant by whatever name may be designated’. The law in Dominica and St. Lucia both define Cannabis as, ‘Any part of the genus Cannabis, or any part of any such plant, by whatever name is designated’.Connellsaid that the legislation in those Caribbean countries is much clearer, as to the definition of Cannabis.Henoted that they have all included the Resin, and any part of that plant by whatever name is designated. But, “in our law it only becomes cannabis when the Resin is extracted”.Connell said that it is only St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St. Kitts which seems to have that wording, and, “we need to address it”.
submissions by attorney Grant Connell, on behalf of his client Inegus Miguel of Clare Valley, who was charged with possession of 50 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply, and possession for the purpose of drug trafficking. Both offences were allegedly committed at Cumberland on November 3, 2021. The Magistrate cited Sergeant De Shong’s inability to recall material evidence, even statements he made. Browne said there was no evidence of Miguel being found in possession of anything illegal either at sea or on the mainland, and the police seemed to have relied solely on a confession they say Miguel made.
CHIEF MAGISTRATERechanne Browne says she found the evidence in a recent drug related trial at the Serious Offence Court “to be quite inconsistenttroubling, and poor, coupled with the unnecessary use of force by the police, during the chase of a vehicle.Sergeant 193 Garth De Shong had admitted, roundsthatcross-examination,underhefired29ofammunitionwithanM4rifletogetthevehiclewiththesuspectstostop.TheChiefMagistrate’scommentscameonMonday,assheupheldanocase
Cannabis confusion!!!! Not for the first time, question.Misuse)(Preventioncountry’sbrought(pictured)GrantAttorneyConnellhastheDrugsofActinto Twenty-nine
In addition to De Shong, Inspector Nolan Dalaway and constable 967 Shevy Miller testified for the prosecution.According to Inspector Dalaway, Miguel was intercepted on a fishing boat at sea by the local Coast Guard and he (Dalaway) took him to Cumberland, on the North Leeward Coast.But Sergeant De Shong and PC Miller, gave evidence of the police meeting a car in the Belle Isle area, earlier, on the same date which had reversed, and sped off. De Shong, in his evidence-in-chief, said he fired a warning shot to get the vehicle to stop. When Connell sent for the Ammunition Register, it was revealed that a M4 rifle was signed out from the police station with 29 rounds of ammunition.WhenDeShong returned to the station he initially wrote in zero but later wrote in 29 as the amount of ammunition discharged. He told Connell, undercrosss-examination, that he had made a mistake and corrected it. De Shong admitted further that he took the M4 rifle from a Junior police officer and fired 29 rounds of ammunition.“Nobodyshout at the police?” Connell asked De Shong, who replied, “No, your honour.”
North Leeward farmers expanding activitiestheir
THE NORTH LEEWARD Farmers Alliance (NLFA) is spearheading efforts aimed not only at reinvigorating agricultural cultivation/activity but to encourage diversification in North Leeward, following the devastation of most of the agricultural undertakings in the region occasion by the eruption of La Soufrière (volcano), April 21. On Wednesday, 3rd August, 2022, the executive and members of the NLFA met with representatives of the Inter-American Foundation, in a twofold purposed meeting. The IAF, according to its website, is ‘an independent agency of the United States government that funds community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean’, and is ‘an alternative to traditional foreign assistance that operates governmentto-government on a much larger scale’. It is funded through annual appropriations from Cingress to whom it answers directly. The IAF representatives - Eliza White — Director of Operations, and Dr. Lisa Soares - Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Specialist — met first with the executive and then in open session with the wider membership.Inmeeting with the executive, the IAF representatives led an assessment of the NLFA, deepened discussion on some projects in the pipeline, in particular the Rabbit Project; and assessed the situation as it related to funds the farmers need to strengthen and galvanize the farming community of North Leeward. This session was informed by consultants to the NLFA: Clive Bish-I Bishop — Agricultural Development Specialist; Dr. Nicole Timms — Livestock Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture; and Noel Samuel — Agriculture Officer with responsibility for agricultural cooperatives. Bishop, in advising that the Rabbit Project consideredbe as a viable recipient for IAF asmeatpromoteProjecttheand“implementingimportancestressedfunding,theofsustainingRabbitsoastorabbitconsumptionasubstitutefor
chicken, which would not only be healthier but would serve as a means of promoting and effecting import substitution as it relates to decreasing the quantities of chicken imported into St. Vincent and theThisGrenadines.”wouldbe in keeping with the CARICOM and SVG intent of working towards cutting the annual food import bill by 2025. There is also the added value of rabbit manure — the best and most balanced animal manure - which could be ploughed back into wider cultivation in North Leeward and, more specifically, into the special grass cultivation project that is being encouraged by Dr. Timms, as a food for the rabbits, Bishop reasoned.
AgricultureV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 5.
Eliza White – IAF Director of Operations – addressing the open forum with farmers.
The NLFA executive and consultants (including Clive Bishop 3rd from right) in discussion with IAF reps.
The Rabbit Project operational base — to include an abattoir, processing facility, breeding area - is set to be constructed in Belmont under the watchful eyes and expertise of Building Engineer Byron Lewis, at an estimated cost of $338,258.00, on some 4.5Alsoacres.impacting the meeting with the executive was founding member of the NLFA — Lennox Lampkin. Lampkin and his wife Joylyn spoke of their approach to farming as being “holistic and efficient,” with the mission “to revive farming by implementing new technologies, tools, and water tanks for irrigation to help the farmers in the dry weather season.”TheLampkins spoke of their 4.5 acres at Rose Hall which, alongside their tree crop farming, they hope to develop to include a green space/park for visitors, a restaurant, a conference room, a museum and a nature trail. In the open session with the wider membership of the NLFA, the IAF representatives got a real life account of the challenges the farmers face, challenges that have been magnified given the recovery/cleaning effort that has to be undertaken before real cultivation can resume. The membership expressed thanks to the many NGOs who extended assistance in their time of most need. Some of the farmers expressed the view that if they had to depend on the government for subsidies, by now they would have been dead! Carden A. Michael
6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 7.
Website: www.thevincentian.com
The
THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE make a huge difference. I am continually amazed by the number of times I find myself saying, “We must do better.” This is the second time I feel moved to comment on poor customer service at CIBC/FirstCaribbean. As they continue on their path towards sale, merger, or asset transfer with Bank of SVG, they continue to lay off staff. No more senior citizens line. A few weeks ago, the bank provided about five chairs in the lobby for the seniors to sit while awaiting service. Now the number of chairs is down to two some days.
It was a shame to see two senior citizens trying to decide who needed the available chair more. All this while the rest of us stood in line for two hours to be served by one of two customer service representatives. Why does it take this long to be served? One of my observations is that most people are doing between two and three transactions on average so effectively, the line is at least twice as long as it appears. Another reason is that the bank no longer offers its commercial clients a separate window to make daily deposits or get change. Yes, they are in the same line as individual non-commercial clients. Then there are the government offices. Where do I start? Ok, today, I will limit my comments to the passport office. Did you know that you cannot just stop by the office and pick up a form without paying the stamp duties? So, when filling out this form, there is no room for error because if you do and have to start over, your $15 stamps are now affixed to a form that must be discarded. I have a simple question: why do we not collect the stamp fees after completing the form and then place the stamps on it? When you turn in the form and a copy of your birth certificate (you must bring the original for someone to see it), you must bring the expired passport and another governmentissued photo ID. All reasonable requests. This is the kicker: after reviewing the documents, the immigration officer sends you off to make copies of your photo ID and four pages of your old passport. It’s not about the $3.25 for copying the documents, it’s the inefficiency that gets me. I offered to scan the four pages and the ID and transmit them to the office electronically. No, that’s not an option. Had the person told me this when I picked up and paid for the form, I could have made those copies before returning to the office. A more fundamental question for me is, why not make copies of the documents you need and include that in the fees? What does the $215 stamp and fee cover? Why not make it $225 and make all the copies of whatever documents you need in the office? In this modern day, I cannot understand why this form is not available electronically. I am not suggesting we be allowed to fill out the form electronically (although that would be great). Just be available for me to print out on demand. Now, regarding the overkill on “security,” please help me. I am required to get a lawyer or a Justice of the Peace to sign my application stating that they have personally known me for many years. Why? They are also required to sign my current photographs and seal the document (under the risk of a fine if found guilty of falsifying a legal document). So why is a fourth identifying document needed, like a National ID card or driver’s license? Another thing, why do we call it a National ID Card? Call it by its functional name, a “Voter Registration Card.” Now let me be clear. The issues I am pointing out here are not lifethreatening or National Security failures. It highlights our inefficiency and our lack of concern for the level of customer service we provide. This was not a problem for me, but let’s think about someone in a wheelchair or who has difficulty climbing up and down two flight of stairs. All offices frequented by the general public should be on the ground floor, or a room should be provided on the ground floor for the appropriate business transactions to be completed. We must do better.
Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Horatio
Email: Mailingvinpub@thevincentian.comAddress:TheVincentianPublishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
ON THE HEELS OF DAVID AMESbeing found guilty on two charges of fraud by abuse of position, and as we await anxiously his sentence and hope it is a long one, the matter of Due Diligence is brought, once again, into sharp focus in our landscape. The story of David Ames, the sweetheart relationship he enjoyed with the Unity Labour Party government, that led to a seemingly countless number of deeds of dishonesty, is a stark example if ever there was one, of one party falling for the suave talk of a foreign investor and the promise of good tidings for all, without as much listening to one concern expressed about the investor’s reputation. Yes, if ever we committed a crime against ourselves, it was when we failed to listen, when we refused to accept information from reputable news and investigative agencies, when we simply turned a deaf ear to the many warnings of this man’s track record and what it could mean or not mean for our country. If the truth be told, we ignored all the red flags because they were raised by groups and individuals from the ‘wrong side’ of the political fence. In short, we failed ourselves when we failed to conduct Due Diligence on this ‘conman’, and instead accorded him citizenship.Butwhat is this thing we refer to as DueToDiligence?startwith, Due Diligence is a way of ensuring that the terms and conditions outlined in any contractual deal are legally favorable to the concerned party, and that one is entering into an agreement/contract with a party with a reputable if not unblemished track record.Whatever the nature of the contract/agreement entered into or being considered for ‘signing off’, Due Diligence is done to protect oneself from abrupt termination of undertakings agreed and the legal trouble that ensues. Thus, it has become the standard practice for all contracts involving public and private sector entities to be put through a vetting process, to satisfy beyond doubt that the party with whom a contract is being entered into is of sound reputation, and that the terms and conditions are favorable to it from both a legal as well as commercial standpoint. Apart from the legal vetting, any government, for that matter any party desirous of entering into a commercial/economic contract with another party, must study the prospective deal from the point of view of whether it would be beneficial to them both in the short as well as long term. Governments are wont to ensure both short term and long term benefits which investors are more than prepared to tangle on the proverbial stick. And given the fact that culture also plays a part in determining the success or failure of any development investment, government specially must recognize that, it has become the norm to do Due Diligence from a cultural standpoint as well.While such Due Diligence might not necessarily entail legal aspects, it is extremely important for parties to consider whether there is a cultural fit between them. Due Diligence from a cultural viewpoint, in fact, has become the norm these days. In the world where so many disadvantaged countries are vying for the direct investment dollar, Due Diligence on a Personal Level is all the more important.Government should not consider themselves any different from those prospective grooms and brides who do their Due Diligence on each other so as to avoid costly divorce suits and other kinds of problems including personal problems. Grooms and brides check each other’s backgrounds to see whether they are what they say they are. Who is a government to ignore this basic practice because it is in haste to show that it has attracted foreign investment which is expected to translate into economic benefits down the road? We erred in our ‘deal and dealings’ with David Ames, and it seems also with the original principals in the Black Sand Resort Development. Who is to say that we are likely to commit the same gross error if we do not do Due Diligence, regardless of whether it’s Sandals, Holiday Inn Rainforest or who have you? Elsewhere in this edition, a writer calls for an investigation into the ‘dealings’ that ended in the demise of the Buccament Bay Resort. This should be instructive as we endeavor not to repeat the mistake.
Due Diligence: Did we miss the mark?
8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN ViewsV
Editorial Managing Editor: Desiree Richards
It’s not about the $3.25.
The Prime Minister’s apparent inability to stay alert at a CaribbeanrecentHeads of Government meeting, his apparent battle with obesity and other lifestyle diseases, and illness due to the natural ageing process, all impinge on his ability to fully attend to matters of state. Others may suffer from fatigue associated with their long years of service and deserve a well-earned retirement with full benefits. Without a fit Minister to handle Grenadines Affairs some are reexamining the Grenadines Declaration and raising concerns in an effort to get the Government to address their issues. It appears that there should be a special ward in the Barbados Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Vincentians as there is an apparent deficiency in our own Milton Cato Memorial Hospital which appears to be understaffedunderfunded,and to lack adequate resources to attend to the nation’s health.Public Opinion is that our country needs new leadership now and every measure should be taken to facilitate this.
If this was football, do you think he would still be in that job?
* Whether Government took some of the money they got from Sandals for the sale of Buccament Bay Resort to honour debts to VINLEC and CWSA? Or, were these debts written off?
* How is the NDP going to create a “strong economy and good infrastructure” that will bring foreign investment into SVG?
Gonsalves political philosophy is Marxist Leninist (Communism) only that he leads a capitalist society. It is time for the Christian Democrats to take the government upon our shoulders (Isa. 9:67). Our philosophy is the Kingdom of Heaven (peace, love, justice, unity and righteous principles). We shall create a ‘Food and Natural Revolution’.HealthCrime and illness prevention will be our drive and we will put systems in place to ease the financial burden off ourOurpeople.style of leadership is found in Luke 22:2430. We will bring an end to ULP/NDP division and unite the Caribbean and all other nations with us. Without Ralph, we will create a Noble Caribbean Civilization in union with our Spanish and French neighbours. We will unite Africa and Asia and Europe with us. We are small but unique. Christian Democrat
Anthony Stewart, PhD
THE RACEfor political, governmental leadership is on in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The time has come for a new P.M in SVG. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been serving the people of SVG as their Prime Minister for a long time. However, he doesn’t own the citizens of SVG, as he and Julian Francis believe. There comes a time when a worker has to be replaced. Saboto was Gonsalves’ first choice, but blood is thicker than water so Camillo becomes Gonsalves’ best choice. The Lord rejected both. The hardworking PM has to hold on to the post a little longer. It is not healthy for the hardworking P.M not to create replacement leaders in his party. All his followers are ‘yes Masa’. So, it is shaping up that when Gonsalves leaves duty, all will fall down with the ULP. Slim chance that Camillo will win the East Saint George seat in the next election. Lots of structural development — port, housing, new Parliament building etc. Comrade, you tried too hard and still failed. Apart for politicaldifferent?thiefwhotheirWouldMinisterGonsalvesforwondertalkinghaveandthinkerstodevelopment,infrastructuralyoufaileddevelopindependent—individuallycollectively.Youbeenthinkingandforall.Noyoucan’tspeakSaboto.SVGwithoutRalphasPrimeisourvision.theNDPwithpoliticallaziness,keepcrying‘Ralphelection’beanyDotheyhaveaphilosophy?
Dear Obed: My letter that was published in last week’s issue of THE VINCENTIAN, would have offered my congratulations on your recent record-breaking feat which, in the process, put you as the West Indian with the best figures in T20 Cricket. Until someone comes along and does better, your name will remain in the record books and about that you can be Thatproud.iswhy I write this open letter to you, to implore you not to be disheartened by what would be considered ‘bad’ figures in the two matches which followed the record-breaking one. You are a class bowler and you are young and that is why I wish the authorities that be, will see it fit to nurture you into the other formats of the game. I am no expert but there is something about your bowling that tells me if you are given the chance to play test cricket, you couldn’t do worse that those fellows that we have currently in the test team. I urge you not to keep your head down. Always remember that every day might be planting day but every day is not reaping day. There will be good days and there will be bad days. When there are bad or not so good days, you need to pull your socks up, take a deep breath and continue to do what you do best — bowl fast. I am confident that you will put the disappointing days behind you and continue on the road to even greater success. Charles, Edinboro
MANY WERE looking forward with great anticipation to the Convention of the governing Unity Labour Party on Sunday, July 31st 2022. With the party strategist Senator Julian Francis ill, and unlikely to return to active duty, and Party Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves having completed his contribution to the nation, it was expected that both would have retired and given way to Saboto Caesar as the new Prime Minister and Camilo Gonsalves as his deputy. However, that was not to be as Dr Gonsalves opted to remain in Government and even promised to lead his party to the poles the next time around. In any case, a new senator would have to be named to replace Julian Francis. Having recognized his current limitations, the Prime Minister has given up responsibilitiessubstantial to junior ministers in his ministry. With a number of dismissed Civil Servants, Policemen, Nurses and Teachers on the breadline because they opted not to take the Covid-19 vaccine, and their Court Case pending, the governing Unity Labour Party has apparently lost its popularity. It was hoped that a new leader would have reversed the decision and reinstated the workers with all their benefits, and that this would have given the party some measure of redemption. As it stands now, the workers are expected to win their Court Case as the vaccine neither prevents contraction nor the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Many are of the opinion that cultural practices such as medication, theremandatorytheargumentcoronavirus.curbsocialstrengtheningwearing,sanitization,ventilation,maskimmunediet,anddistancingcanthespreadoftheThehasbeenthatvaccineshouldnotbeeventhoughisaclaimthatit prevents hospitalization andSomedeath.are questioning the fitness of some Government Ministers to carry out their duties.
LettersV From Great Expectation to Great Disappointment
The leadership question
* Why is Milton Cato included in a group that includes George Mc Intosh, Ebenezer Joshua and Dr. J.P. Eustace for national hero status? Is this a ‘smart’ way of the ULP government getting him in because they know most people do not support him as a national hero?
* Now that we hear that the Mustique Charitable Trust is going to build 41 houses for persons whose homes were damaged during the volcanic eruption, what is happening with those ‘blue’ houses that another charitable organization built in Orange Hill?
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 9.
PEOPLE ARE ASKING……. Open letter to Obed McCoy
* What is the West Indies still doing with Phil Simmons as coach of the test, ODI and T20 teams?
Introduction THE DELIVERYof health services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains a top priority for our government that continues to effect significant improvements to all aspects of our country’s healthcare system. It is important that our discourse of the ULP’s improvement of healthcare in SVG shows the comprehensive nature, purpose, vision and practical result-oriented approach to the same. Ours is an approach that addresses from development of physical infrastructure and human resources, to the expansion of services at the community level and building relevant regional and relationships,internationaltoensureour vision of providing excellent health care is realised.Tofully appreciate how far we have come as a result of the policy of our government, it is necessary to remind readers of what existed prior to 2001, and the challenges that we had to overcome to get where we are today. One of the biggest challenges facing our health system when the ULP took office in 2001, was the acute shortage of nurses that negatively affected our ability to deliver quality healthcare. Other challenges included the centralisation of services in Kingstown; inadequate facilities across the country; all of which pointed to the absence of a clear policy to take our health services forward. The major hospital, named after this country’s first Prime Minister, Robert Milton Cato, had been tinkered with in an attempt at expansion. This would later create significant problems including the hospital being prone to flooding once heavy rains fell. The existing structure that houses the MCMH, continues to pose challenges even as the government does its best to maintain and upgrade the facility.
It’s quite clear that MCMH will ultimately be inadequate to offer the variety of healthcare services these changing times demand. The government is however well advanced in our preparation with plans to continue the expansion of our health services, including the construction of an acute referral hospital that will offer a number of the services currently on offer at MCMH, while adding many new ones. Addressing the challenges of ourHealthcare System
ULP’s unfair taxation - NDP will fix it
The Unity Labour Party (ULP) government has consistently failed to set fair tax rates during its years in power. The government has taken people and business for granted. It does not care whether or not Vincentians are paying too much tax from the proceeds of their hard work. The failure of the ULP government to implement fair tax rates has created severe hardship for the poor and working class, and prevented our economy from growing and jobs being created. For instance, ever since the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT), there have been cries throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the reduction in the VAT rate from its initial 15%, and an increase in the list of zero-rated basic items. This would have at least allowed consumers to maintain reasonable consumption levels. Instead of responding to the wailing of the poor and working class, by extension the general citizenry, in a manner that is expected of a ‘Labour government’, the ULP increased the VAT to 16%, creating more hardship for the people. From the initial stage of the VAT, members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) are on record inside and outside of Parliament, stating repeatedly that the VAT should have started at a lower rate, and that the zero-rated lists should have been longer. We recall the Honourable Arhnim Eustace presenting a list of basic items to the public that should have been zerorated.The VAT is, by its very nature and application, a regressive tax. This means that consumers in the lowest income bracket bear a proportionately higher tax burden as a percentage of their income when they purchase goods and services. Reducing the VAT as a fiscal measure, will transfer some revenue from government coffers to the pockets of consumers, which they in turn will spend in the local economy. This creates increased business activity and profits for the private firms from whom government gets increased tax revenues. Private sector investment is also stimulated as firms seek to expand while creating moreFurther,jobs. we have seen where the ULP government increased the Customs Service Charge (CSC) in 2021. The CSC was increased from 5% to 6% i.e. a 20% hike in the CSC. The Customs service charge is a tax paid on all goods imported into the country. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small open economy. We import most of what we consume. Therefore, the CSC is included in the price of most of the things that we buy and use in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So, its effect is very broad. Furthermore, the CSC increase will affect the VAT as well. That is to say, the amount of money the government will collect on each VAT item will increase. This is because VAT is charged on the goods after the value of those goods has been raised by the higher customs service charge.Reflect on what the president of the NDP, Dr. Godwin Friday, said in a press conference in March last year: “By raising the CSC from 5% to 6%, the price of most goods we buy in the store or bring into the country for ourselves will go up. In fact, some prices have already gone up. People have noticed it. We will pay more for almost everything we use, including foodstuff: e.g. cooking oil, corned beef, chicken and other meats, salt, rice, sugar, macaroni, juices, ketchup, seasonings, detergents, soap, shampoo, school supplies, clothing and shoes, and everything else that we get at the grocery stores and clothing stores.Wewill pay more for hardware goods: lumber, cement, galvanize, bathroom fittings, nails, screws, paint, etc. We will pay more for other household goods: pots and pans, cloth, linoleum for your floor, light bulbs, plates, spoons, and heavy appliances such as stoves, fridges and microwave ovens will cost more. And we will pay more for motor vehicles of all kinds will cost more to import. The bigger the purchase, the more money the government will collect and the more you the consumer/taxpayer will notice theToday,increase.”Vincentians are feeling the effects of VAT and the increased Custom Service Charge at the supermarkets and hardware stores.
The NDP has a better way Our plan is to set reasonable and effective tax rates. Lower tax rates will make St. Vincent and the Grenadines more attractive for tourism and other investments, and reduce the need for investors to negotiate major tax holidays which negatively impact our economy and reduce potential investors. Having low tax rates and compliant businesses will be better for government revenue streams.Wewill reduce VAT and remove it from essential items to put money back into consumers’ pockets. As stated in our manifesto of 2020, we will reduce VAT from 16 to 13 percent because the ULP’s tax system unfairly targets poor people, for whom VAT takes up more of their income. To ensure those with the lowest incomes can access essential like fresh food and medicines, we will also remove VAT on these items. This will put more money in the pockets of the consumers, who by spending it, will stimulate the economy. We have also indicated that we will ease the tax burden on Vincentians by broadening the tax base so as to more evenly distribute this shared responsibility of taxation. The NDP will find alternative sources of revenue to supplement those which currently exist. The Citizenship by Investment is one such programme. Once properly administered however, it can generate the revenues necessary for economic transformation through targeted interventions and implementation of projects, programmes and strategies for economic growth. The NDP is committed to set firm but fair rates of taxation to deliver the necessary revenue to fund public services, but also to allow individuals and businesses to keep their hard earned money and choose where they invest and spend.
10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN ViewsV
Conclusion The health policy of our ULP government has indeed transformed our health sector by leaps and bounds over the last 21 years. This will continue with more investments in infrastructure, technology and human resource development. From Fancy to Chateaubelair, to Union Island, our people can all boast of the major improvements they are seeing and accessing as regards the delivery of healthcare in this country, and the many benefits this nation enjoys, thanks to the excellent health policy of this government.
Investing in healthcare to improve delivery of services
When the ULP came into office in 2001, realising the severity of the challenges in our healthcare system, the government set about to address them in a phased manner with immediate, medium term and long term solutions. In the short-term, our government addressed the nursing shortage by requesting the help of our friends in the Republic of Cuba in sending about 20 nurses to support us for a specified period of time. The result was an immediate ease of the strain on our overworked nurses, while giving the government some “breathing space” to put in place a long term solution to resolve this problem. The government then engaged in the largest training program of nurses ever undertaken in this country, by sending a number of students to be trained as nurses in Cuba, while also training about 80 nurses every year at the Nursing Division of the SVGCC. Today, this country is not only able to supply our domestic demand for trained nurses, but there is also a structured program where nurses trained in SVG are able to seek employment in the United Kingdom and other countries. The government has made significant investments in the physical infrastructure of health facilities across the country, starting with significant upgrade work at the MCMH, adding new services at what is still this country’s main hospital. A major achievement has been the construction to the Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre in Georgetown, with the help of our friends from Cuba. This facility offers a number of services including dialysis at very reasonable cost; blood testing and other laboratory services; and a host of other services, transforming the rural town into a buzzing community that receives hundreds of Vincentians from across the country every month seeking these services. The construction of polyclinics in Buccament and Stubbs, the significant refurbishment and upgrade of the Levi Latham Health Complex, construction and/or upgrading of health facilities in Chateaubelair, Port Elizabeth Bequia, Evesham, Clifton in Union Island, Barrouallie, Campden Park, Clare Valley, Sion Hill, Sandy Bay and other locations are just some of the work done to ensure our facilities are adequate. The investments in our healthcare system by this government will continue as can be seen with the soon to be constructed acute referral hospital in Arnos Vale. The announcement by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves that the World Bank has provided US$64 million to fund the construction of this hospital is a tremendous boost to our health sector. This new facility will offer most of the services now offered by the MCMH as well as add new services that will significantly improve both the quality and delivery of healthcare services. The final cost of the new hospital is approximately US$86 million, a significant investment on its own, but even more so when combined with the expenditure over the last 21 years on new hospitals, polyclinics and other recently constructed facilities. Once the acute referral hospital is completed, the government intends to transform MCMH into a maternal/paediatric hospital that will allow for greater focus on delivering better services to mothers and children, as well as being the home for the excellent World Paediatric Project that serves children across the region.
Referring to mandatory boosters, Prince remarked ominously, ‘we would not go down that road immediately…we have not decided that we should have mandatory boosters for health care workers.’ Clearly, they are still considering imposing a vaccination regime in the face of factual and scientific evidence that the vaccine is highly ineffective and its safety is questionable. In the face of the overwhelming evidence, the government of SVG cannot maintain that there has been no harm done to persons who took theActingjab. PM Daniel was most revealing in his comments. Daniel noted that a cabinet meeting dealt specifically with the vaccine issue. This meeting was held before PM Gonsalves left for Taiwan. ‘I am sure the PM will be most shocked to hear that the decision that has gone out is not what was fully captured in the cabinet.’Mr‘What can us do’ ought to know that Vincentians couldn’t care less of the PM’s state of mind when he heard of the memo. More important for his audience was what Gonsalves and his cabinet decided to impose on the population before he travelled. The decision remains a mystery. We may have to go back to July 28 to determine what the memo intended to convey. Speaking at an event to launch the Volcano Eruption Emergency Project, PM Gonsalves disclosed that ‘any new persons entering {the service} would have to be fully vaccinated and boosted.’What in heaven’s name is meant by fully vaccinated and boosted? We know the vaccines are highly ineffective, practically useless and adversely impact people’s health. We don’t even know if what passes for a booster shot here is just another shot of the vaccine or an actual new medication intended to shore up what had proven to be of no benefit to those who took the vaccines. Under the unrelenting pressure of the people, coupled with its inability to deny that the facts and science of Covid vaccines are not its allies, the government has been going ‘hither, thither, and yon’ scrambling to find its way and reconnect with the citizenry. On August 8, a press release issued by the Ministry of Education seemed to have stepped back from the view that workers who refused to take the vaccine and were dismissed from their jobs abandoned their positions. The ministry’s release said ‘educators and ancillary staff who were employed by the state and subsequently became disengaged due to the government’s Covid 19 vaccination mandate can now reapply for employment.’ This idea of disengagement seems to align with the Teacher Union, which has long called for reinstatement with all the benefits. As the union maintained, teachers were always willing and ready to work. It was the government that made it a criminal offence for them to be present at their place of employment. As the trial on its covid mandate, set for November 29, draws nearer, the government is responding to the fact that its chances of success grow dimmer. Try as it might, it appears that that government’s chance of regaining the people’s confidence is irretrievably lost. From its callous attempt to economically assassinate workers with the ‘No Jab no job policy,’ to its bullying of sanitation workers and workers at statutory corporations to take the injection by arbitrarily designating them as front-line workers, to its admission that sanitation workers were improperly fired or pressured into taking the vaccine, and its hastily retracted edict to health care workers, this government acts as though it was elected to serve as overseers on a plantation rather than rule with the consent of the governed. Gonsalves must not only apologise to the country. He must realise that the time has come for Phoroah Gonsalves and his clansmen to let our people go. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
Government is Emotional and Psychological Abusive
EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICALabuse is a good and proper basis upon which one petitions a court for a permanent separation from an abusive spouse. It will be difficult for the ULP government to rebut the presumption that its relationship with the majority of Vincentians has broken down irretrievably. All that is left now is for the people to summon the courage to act decisively to end a rapidly deteriorating mental health crisis that this government seems hell-bent on imposing on the nation. If you are still in doubt, look no further than the memorandum issued by the Ministry of Health on August 5, 2022. Captioned ‘employment of health care workers-Covid-19 vaccination,’ the memo disclosed that ‘cabinet directed that all health care workers must be vaccinated against the coronavirus disease and must receive boosters at five-month intervals after an initial twodose series of an approved vaccine, to be eligible for employment in the health sector.’The memo, which met with a firestorm of protest, was roundly rejected by the population. The government realised that it had a public relations nightmare on its hands and tried in vain to engage in damage control. At a hastily arranged press conference last Tuesday, acting PM Montgomery Daniel, Finance minister Camillo Gonsalves, Health minister Jimmy Prince and his PS Cuthbert Knight offered explanations as to the meaning of the memo. Knight, under whose signature the memo was issued, was deadening in his silence. He never took the microphone to disclose why his memo did not capture what the government intended to say on the vaccine issue. Clearly, the government’s denials makes Knight the fall guy for its deflated trial balloon. Most significantly, neither acting PM Daniel, Finance minister Gonsalves or Health minister Prince disclosed the information government intended to convey to the public. It is fair to conclude that the government ministers were being disingenuous at best and complicit in the aggravation of the mental health crisis that has roiled this nation since it callously imposed the covid vaccine mandate on the people last December.Camillo Gonsalves claimed that the memo resulted from ‘a mistranscribed note from cabinet.’ He noted that when the memo became public on Monday, ‘cabinet members were all texting each other, trying to figure out when the decision was made.’ He offered no apology for the confusion and nerveracking impact of his government’s misstep.Health Minister Jimmy Prince ‘I apologise for the anxiety caused by the memo among health care workers, but that was not the intention of cabinet.’
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 11.
julesferdinand@gmail.comto ViewsV Correction
FOR MANY, THE WORD“correction” conjures up images of physical punishment. There may be several reasons for this. As children, many of my generation would have been physically punished when our parents, grandparents, an even our neighbours, observed us doing or saying something that was wrong. They often considered that the infractions needed to be corrected via a “physical beating”. Some readers may have cringed when reading the preceding sentence. The thought of physical punishment being exacted as a means of correction is, to some, quite revolting. However, this should not be equated with abuse. We must never encourage abusive action in our homes, schools, and neighbourhoods. That being noted, there may be times when a “spank” is what gets the message home in relation to unacceptable behaviours. The preceding paragraph may have “stirred up an ants’ nest of comments”. Several readers may have wished that it is possible to “put the writer straight” in relation to the “inhumane approach” to correction identified there. Others may have whispered their agreement with the comment and even proceeded to insert a paraphrase from the bible where it is noted “spare the rod and spoil the child”. These divergences of views lend for healthy debates in relation to childrearing practices in general and corrective techniques in particular.Weareforever grateful to parents, teachers, and other caring adults who take the time to guide their wards along the path of honesty, decency, and good manners. The members of the older generation would periodically remind their wards that, “Manners and behaviour will take you around the world.” Their sharp eyes and ears would so quickly detect improper language or behaviours. And just as speedily they zoom in with their correction. For example, shop keepers of yesteryear would remind the children who visited to purchase grocery items to always say “please” when requesting service and “thank you” when the item was delivered. It may be different in today’s world for a host of reasons. Some adults may be hesitant to correct indecent or unacceptable behaviour when exhibited by youngsters that they do not know. However, we must forever accept the challenge to “intercept with intent” and to provide the much-needed correction when inappropriate behaviours are displayed.Manycitizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were anxious to meet Prince Harry when he visited this former British colony in November 2016. Governor General, Sir Frederick Ballantyne (19362020) and Members of Parliament were at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal to meet him on his arrival. Children, decked in their school uniforms, lined the streets of Kingstown and waved their national flags and replicas of the Union Jack as he passed. One of the neatly attired young teenagers was heard uttering some most indecent language as she expressed her disgust that Prince Harry had passed by with his entourage and neglected to wave in her direction. However, she was most apologetic when an adult who was within earshot reprimanded her for her foul language. She seemed to have appreciated the correction. Youngsters are not the only citizens needing and appreciating guidance and reprimand. Individuals who have graduated to their post-youth can also benefit from being corrected. This is a true in relation to the seasoned politician as it is for the lawyer and university professor. It is equally true in relation to the medical doctor as it is for the accomplished engineer. We are all fallible. We will periodically make mistakes. We are prone to thinking, saying, and doing the wrong thing. It is therefore important that, regardless of our authority, we have people around us who feel comfortable and empowered enough to correct us; not in a threatening or disrespectful way, but doing so because they care. They care for our reputations and for us. They desire to see us become as close to perfection as possible. We are all work in progress and should value the corrections and guidance that others provide. Myles Munroe (1954-2014), the famous Bahamian evangelist, author, and motivational speaker, in one of his publications noted that, “Being open to correction means making ourselves vulnerable, and many people are not willing to do that.” That being said, we understand and appreciate that it takes someone who is self-confident and has a secure sense of self to be comfortable with the guidance and corrections that others provide — especially when the person who ventures to do so is considered “junior” to the one who is receiving the guidance. Once done in a respectful, non-threatening, manner and with humility, such corrections can be invaluable. Leaders and managers sometimes have “blind spots” and can be so very busy as they engage in “fire fighting” that they neglect some tasks and/or avoid paying due care and attention to some assignments. In situations like these, other team members have the privilege of assisting such senior individuals in retaining or regaining proper focus. The guidance provided through correction may periodically take the form of an admonition — with the clear intention of helping or healing a situation or defect. We can all benefit from such admonitions. As uncomfortable as they may initially seem, admonitions can be priceless. Epictetus (50-138) the Greek Stoic philosopher, reminds us that, “To admonish is better than to reproach, for admonition is mild and friendly, but reproach is harsh and insulting; and admonition corrects those who are doing wrong, but reproach only convicts them.” We covet correction and trust that our mistakes, shortcomings, and foibles will not evolve to require admonitions. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions
“Correction can be uncomfortable and few of us like it. Sometimes, because of our pride, it’s hard to receive it graciously ” Cindy Hess Kasper, Writer for the Daily Bread Devotional publication
V Foreign criminal given SVG citizenship
IT WAS REPORTEDin iWitness News that David Ames – the former owner and developer of Buccament Bay Resort –was convicted of fraud recently in the UK. When David Ames came to SVG, he was welcomed with opened arms by the ULP regime. He was assisted in acquiring the lands at Buccament Bay, where Vincentians farmers were displaced. iWitness News reported that David Ames is a ‘naturalised Vincentian’. It was a serious lack of judgement by the ULP regime to give David Ames Vincentian citizenship. Our citizenship should be valued more highly, and not given to anyone who comes to our shores with dreams and promises. Even now David Ames has been convicted, one has to wonder whether the ULP regime has let him keep the Vincentian citizenship or whether this has been revoked. This whole saga raises the question again of whether foreigners should be given Vincentian citizenship, even if they invest in our country. Opposition leader Dr. Godwin Friday has suggested that, if the NDP should get into government, they would allow Citizenship by Investment in SVG. Citizenship by Investment is the granting of citizenship status to individuals (and immediate family members) if they make a specified and quantifiable financial investment in a country.Citizenship by Investment is a brainless idea and the type of thing someone would suggest who has no proper economic strategy and no idea about how to move our country forward and create prosperity for our people. It would be really bad and stupid to have Citizenship by Investment in SVG. To even suggest Citizenship by Investment, shows that a person is weak in the head and has no idea how to strengthen our economy and create factories, industries and thousands of newEvenjobs.the ULP regime seems to be falling over themselves, in their eagerness to throw Vincentian citizenship to foreigners who happen to come to SVG. When the white foreigners come to SVG, it often results in white racism against the black majority of SVG. White racism has resulted in poor black people being pushed off their land, displaced to make way for the super-rich white foreigners. White racism has resulted in black farmers being moved from their farm land to make way for hotels for the white man. Look at David Ames and Buccament Bay. White racism has resulted in large swaths of our lands being sold off cheaply to super-rich white foreigners, whilst many poor black people have to live jam up in small areas. White racism has resulted in toxic legislation. White racism has resulted in white enclaves, designed to keep black people out unless they are serving the white man. Look at Mustique and Canouan. White racism has resulted in a racist tax system, that gives the superrich white foreigners in Mustique and Canouan hundreds of millions of dollars of tax and customs duty exemptions. White racism has resulted in a system that allows the super-rich white foreigners to buy the government of their choice. Giving Vincentian citizenship to random foreigners who come to our shores with dreams and promises and bags of money, shows a lack of respect to our Vincentian heritage and Vincentian citizenship. It is a serious threat to our country that someone would sell Vincentian citizenship like selling a sack of sweet potato. Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc. MBA, says that Vincentian citizenship should only be given to people who are Vincentians by birth or by descent.
Concerns and difficulty reconciling How does one reconcile these accolades with heightened concerns which surfaced in 2009 a mere three years after David Ames broke ground at Buccament? These concerns were highlighted in the Ames and Wilkins Kennedy court matter and included (that) not only did Harlequin not have any formal contract with his building contractor, but they did not have anyone on site recording the progress and quality of the work being carried out by the contractor. This could well have led to delays or in many instances not built at all, according to the evidence in court. At the time, Ames lawyers, DLA Piper became so concerned about the feasibility of the business that they considered “from a reputational point of view, we should seek to exit ASAP.”
12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN Views
THEAugust 4, 2022 British news report about the conviction of British-Vincentian businessman David Ames on two counts of fraud by abuse of position, brought by the British Serious Fraud Office, should come as no surprise. Ames operated entirely as a one-man-and-his-wife show. As host and producer of the programme Global Highlights (May 19, 2012), I raised the alarm about a potential ponzi scheme by citing “… despite various concerns expressed not only in the region but as far as the United Kingdom and Asia,” Ames was able to register several companies that were associated with his Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Buccament Bay Resort: Harlequin Properties Ltd. SVG (2005), Harlequin Management Services (South East Limited) Company No. 04205220, England, and Harlequin Hotels and Resorts LTD File No. 195924, Cayman Island. All the selling and payments came from the company that was registered in England but it had no registered overseas details. Equally unsurprising about the criminal charges against Ames was that he offered no defense; there was a unanimous jury verdict of guilt; and Judge Christopher Hehir at the end of the verdict commented, “There will inevitably be a lengthy prison sentence.” Rush to defend Ames Soon after the referenced Global Highlights revelation, Senator Julian Francis, a senior minister of government, came out in defense of David Ames and was reported in the June 1, 2012 edition of the Searchlight as stating, “…the developers have invested over EC$400 million into the project and at present, 120 villas are in operation, with two five-storey apartment buildings still under construction.” He further stated that each of these apartment buildings will have 300 or 350 rooms. His statement, though, gave no indication that the real investors were the purchasers who mostly used their lifesavings to own one of these villas or apartments. Arguably, Senator Francis’ claims could have, inadvertently or deliberately, been a response to what The Hon. Mr. Justice Coulson’s observed during his visit to SVG in 2016. Justice Coulson observed, “…that there was a huge imbalance between the properties for which a … deposit was paid to Harlequin, and the number of properties that had been (or were realistically going to be) built at the Buccament Bay Resort.” Justice Coulson was hearing a matter that was brought by Ames in 2016 against his accounting firm and business advisors for US$60m, “for breaches of contract and/or duty arising in connection with the development of a luxury resort at Buccament Bay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Government’s covert support for Ames With respect to this country, government’s full support for Ames and his ‘development scheme’ could well be corroborated by Mrs. Eloise Gonsalves, wife of the Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who held portfolios which included that of Finance, Planning, Economic Development and Legal Affairs. Such can be gleaned from a YouTube recording of a Harlequin event in London during which she stated, “ … We are really excited about the project from many points of view. It is actually one of the most beautiful bays in Saint Vincent… this bay is one of our most treasured bays … So, Dave Ames is a man who knows how to strike when the iron is hot… and we welcome all the economic benefits on our island. And it’s been a real synergy.., you know, Harlequin Properties, namely Dave Ames and the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have a truly mutually beneficial relationship and we hope that in all the years to come that we will continue to benefit from it, certainly from a financial and economic point of view… “ On another platform and as owner of an interior design consulting company dubbed Caribbean Lifestyle, Mrs. Gonsalves’ list of accomplishments as at October 25, 2010 included the completing of “… interior design projects for … Buccament Bay Resort, a division of Harlequin Hotels in St Vincent where she brought the essence of Caribbean living into their seaside bungalows.”
Investigate we must
Above all, when one compares Ralph Gonsalves’ hands-on approach with local business people such as Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel, it is reasonable to deduce that he did not apply the same level of vigilance of Ames who is now exposed for having committed various violations throughout his tenure in ForSVG.example, Samuel was penalized for bogus claims of violations but Justice Coulson in Ames matter observed that he had built on 26 acres of land, 19 of which belonged to the government and the other 7 were privately owned. He also observed that there was a delay in the completion of registration procedures required by the government of SVG. He also concluded that such delay was apparently “due to a combination of a lack of Harlequin money, and a desire to avoid a particular tax (the Alien Landowning Tax) which may not have been payable if Mr. Ames became an SVG citizen.”Ames was able to leave SVG “legally” according to Gonsalves, after he was summoned to answer to eight tax evasion and theft charges. One suspects that much of the evidence brought by the SFO against David Ames could well have come from Justice Coulson’s judgement, thus making it easy for Justice Christopher Hehir to predict a long prison sentence for Ames. Accordingly, one hopes that there would be a thorough review of Justice Coulson’s judgement and that of Judge Hehir with a view to conducting an SVG investigation into the apparent sordid affair between David Ames and the government of SVG and the involvement of leading members of that government. Luzette King
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 13.
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves referred to a possible ‘mistranscription’ of a cabinet memo as being at the core of the misunderstanding about Covid-19 boosters for health workers. Cuthbert Knights, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, is, according to public opinion being made to be the fall guy in this affair
Booster shots encouraged, not required
St. Clair Prince, Health Minister, went out of his way to emphasise that Covid-19 booster (vaccine) shots are not mandatory for health care workers.
14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN NewsV
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel told the press conference it was regrettable that the information as it relates to the COVID-19 vaccine booster had misrepresented the decision of Cabinet.Daniel reported that he had spoken with Permanent Secretary Knights and requested that he withhold on the circulated decision going forward. (KH)
MINISTER OF HEALTH, ST. CLAIR PRINCE,has made it clear that there is no mandate for health care workers to take the COVID-19 booster shots, contrary to an August 5th memo issued under signature of Cuthbert Knights, Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry. The memo said that Cabinet had on Wednesday 27th July, taken the decision that healthcare workers would have to take a COVID-19 booster shot every five months to remain in their posts. “I apologise for the anxiety caused by our recent memo among health care workers, but, as I said before, that was not the intention of Cabinet,” Prince said during a press conference on Tuesday at Cabinet Room, four days after the memo was issued. Prince stressed that while it was not the intention of the government to mandate booster shots, he hoped that people will take them since “we are still under a public health emergency and we need to protect ourselves.”
Gonsalves joined with Prince in urging all Vincentians and particularly all health care workers and frontline workers, to take the booster and reiterated that the urging was not in the form of a mandate.“Itissimply something that we would hope that people do for their own safety and for the safety of the people that they serve,” he noted.
Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves also addressed the press conference stating that he understood that on Monday, news outlets on social media were publishing reports that the Ministry of Health was mandating COVID-19 booster shots for healthcare workers. “I want to indicate to the public, unequivocally, that this is not the case,” said Gonsalves He stated that there appeared to have been “a mis-transcribed note from the Cabinet when they were discussing the easing of restrictions relating to teachers and civil servants. And it appears that there was a mis-transcription of that decision that was sent to the permanent secretary, who then faithfully relayed that erroneous record of the Cabinet minutes to the health care workers.”
NewsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 15.
NEWLY-APPOINTED ST. VINCENTand Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh says he wants to have “open and frank” discussions with his compatriots in the US Diaspora. McIntosh, who assumed office on Aug. 1, replacing Howie Prince, told a reception in his honor Saturday night, at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, New York, that the reports he had received about Vincentians in the Diaspora was “painful”.“Oneof the most frightening thing(s) for me coming to the USA as Consul General is how so many people will warn you about your own people,” McIntosh told the reception which also served as a farewell to Prince. “That is notThegood.”reception was organized jointly by the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, headed by Calliaqua native Vaughan Toney, chief executive officer and president of the centers; the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, USA, Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella Vincentian group in the US; and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, also a Brooklyn-based group.“We are one people and one common homeland, and we should be looking out for each other more,” added McIntosh, a former sales manager at the state-owned National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and soca artiste. McIntosh, a Calliaqua native and St. Martin’s Secondary School graduate, said though he came from “a very poor and humble family” and was “not able to go to university,” he was “destined for being Consul General.” “I always say to myself, ‘I will not live outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines if I have to,’” he said. “I accepted this job, because it’s an extension of my home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “I want to socialize with my people,” he added. “I want to go out from the Consulate General and meet my people. I want to be who I am with a little control. I want to walk with you. “I am destined for greatness,” McIntosh continued. “I am here to work with you. Call on me. I’m outgoing.”Herevealed that, in a prior discussion with Prince, his immediate predecessor told him that “the hardest part of the job is the people.” He said he was “very privileged” to have Prime Minister Gonsalves visit the Consulate General on a stop-over in New York before heading to Taiwan.“Wehad a very long and fruitful chat about plans for the Consulate and for the people living in the Diaspora,” said McIntosh in the video, with the prime minister interjecting occasionally.Hesaidthe transition period has been “a bit challenging” in which he is “seeking to find housing and just to settle my family, because it is not an easy task when you have all your earthly possessions in one place and then has to uproot to live in another country.“Ithas been a challenge, but we’re getting through it,” McIntosh assured. “And I can assure you that my family is here to support me and to work along with me to serve the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” He said he will work with all Vincentians throughout the United States, “to make things easier, without favor, without political coloration.”
PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his delegation to Taiwan on a stop-over visit with the new Consul General in NY. The gathering that turned out to McIntosh’s welcome reception.
McIntosh wants Âopen, discussionfrankÊ
Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh, SVG Consul General to the United States, addressing the welcome reception in his honour. (Courtesy: Garnes Byron)
By Nelson A. King US Photosnaking@verizon.netCORRESPONDENTcourtesy:Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the USA except where otherwise identified. .
The Consul General said in a statement that Gonsalves, during his brief visit to New York, reiterated his full confidence in appointing McIntosh. Gonsalves, who had called in from Taiwan, during Saturday night’s reception, thanked Prince and his family, and urged Vincentians in New York to “rally around Luta and his family.“Love you, Howie, love you Luta and all Vincentians in New York,” he said.
Consul General McIntosh receives a welcome gift.
FLOW relief,environmentalresponsibility:pillarformsrewardmeThisourlearningdeliverpleasedprogrammeincontinueddeterminedandencouragedtheircongratulatedCountryexistence.illustriousscholarshipfromrecipients2022,CPEAsuccessfullyKingstown.atCountryceremony2022/2023andeightprovider,LeadingSCHOLARSHIPSAWARDSTelecommunicationsFLOW,presentedstudentswithscholarshipsbursariesfortheupcomingschoolyearduringahostedbyFLOWManager,WayneHullthecompany’smainofficeinThestudents,whocompletedtheexaminationsinMayjoinedalonglistofwhohavebenefitedtheannualFLOWprogrammeoveritsthree-decadeInbriefremarksattheevent,ManagerHullthestudentsonrecentacademicperformances,themtoworkdiligentlytoremainfocusedandtosucceedastheytheirscholasticcareers.Hullexpressedhispersonaldelightthesuccessoftheannualsaying,“Iamalwaysthatwe,asaCompany,canonthiscommitmenttoanddevelopmentthroughAnnualScholarshipProgramme.isalwaysaproudmomentforandaproudmomentforFLOWtoacademicexcellence.”FLOW’sscholarshipprogrammepartoftheCompany’sfour-approachtocorporatesocialaccesstotechnology,protection,disasterandlearninganddevelopment
THREE STUDENTS WHO performed outstandingly in the 2022 CPEA were awarded scholarships from the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association (SVBLA), during a ceremony at the Association’s headquarters, Kingstown, on Tuesday, 2nd August. The scholarship recipients were: Enna Belle Mc Master and Amaia Wilkinson who will attend the St. Vincent Girls’ High School, and Lucah Melville who will enter the St. Vincent Grammar School. Mc Master and Melville along with current scholarship holders were presented with cheques and other goodies. In welcoming the gathering, Ava Weekes, Customer Service Manager at SVBLA shared that going into 2022, the Association has “twenty-four students on the Scholarship role, including four who will graduate from the SVG Community College, and we will be adding three students for 2022.”
She congratulated the students for their exceptional performance in the CPEA examination, expressed hope that they would feel honoured to be holders of the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association Scholarship, and urged them to “continue to work hard and strive for excellence both in their academic performance and conduct as they embark on a new Featurejourney.”speaker Lester Iroha — Producer, Songwriter, Vocalist, Artiste Manager and Promoter — joined in congratulating the scholarships recipients and commended the SVBLA for giving back in a most generous and productive manner, and suggested that in these trying and challenging economic times, the assistance would be mostDirectingappreciated.hisattention to the scholarship recipients and other students present, he encouraged then to dream big and embrace failure on their path to success. “Too often when you have big dreams and aspirations people often talk you down from them or try to derail you due to their personal lack of vision and foresight or even lack of faith in you and your abilities. You should never invite or allow any of that negativity to influence your future or path. Instead use it as fuel to shine and excel. Dreams are important and powerful,” Iroha stated. “We need to learn from our failures and not quit because of them,” Iroha posited. Angelique Fitzpatrick received her SVBLA scholarship in 2008. She attended the St. Vincent Girls’ High School and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. Currently she is studying medicine at the Richmond Gabriel University.Shewas on hand to offer words of encouragement and reminisced about the good times she and other recipients had as SVBLA scholarship holders. She emphasized being a SVBLA scholarship holder is more than just receiving funding each year. “The SVBLA team cares about the students and offers advice and pep talks where necessary,” Fitzpatrick said. Candice Sealey, Marketing Officer at motivatingofrelativesfamilytheircongratulatedSVGBLAthestudents,parents,guardians,members,friendsandfordoingagreatjobnurturing,supporting,andthestudents.
This year’s full scholarship awardees were Eliana Greenidge, Ciana Nelson, Kendrea Durham and Sylvario Joseph. They will be supported throughout secondary school and up to Community College, provided that they maintain satisfactory academic performances. Camillo Roban, Alyssa Lavia, Claron Campbell Jr, and Gabriella Stapleton received one-year bursaries. In addition to this year’s monetary awards, each recipient of a 2022 FLOW scholarship or grant received a backpack with essential school supplies and a Samsung Galaxy A7 tablet. FLOW provides over $60,000 in funds and school supplies to 30 students currently enrolled in its annual scholarship programme. (Source: FLOW) FLOW adds to scholarshipitslist. SVBLA scholarshipsawards V Scholarship awardee Lucah Melville is on his way to the St. Vincent Grammar School. Enna Belle Mc Master, scholarship winner, will enroll at the Girls’ High School. Pic from FLOW pics folder Caption: Standing L-R Flow Marketing Executive – Dazilon Arthur, Alyssa Lavia, Claron Campbell Jr, Flow Country ManagerWayne Hull; Seated L-R Sylvario Joseph, Gabriella Stapelton and Camillo Roba.
16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
recipientsUSA,UniversityatcurrentlyScholarandscholarship2013DelaanGueststudies.speakerNedd,aKCCUwinner,a2020IslandwhoisstudyingthePrincetoninthewarnedthetobe consistent in their work, and to practice the art of learning, i.e. to do things often to get better. He made it clear that “discipline is not always a fun word.” He encouraged students to “relax and be patient even in time of failure.” He urged parents to “give children space, while still being there forHannahthem.” representingBrowne,theMinistry of Education, highlighted the financial input by the KCCU and the burden it takes off parents. “This is just the beginning” and she implored parents to “monitor their children’s progress.” Ashlyn Francis, a 2017 KCCU scholarship recipient, motivated the inductees in a streamed presentation. Anju Dowers, scholarship awardee 2016, served as chairman of the proceedings. (WKA)
THE KINGSTOWN COOPERATIVE Credit Union (KCCU) continues to “invest” in children’s education. Ten students start their secondary education with assistance from KCCU. The ten are made up of six full scholarship winners, each to receive $1,500 annually for the next five years, and four bursary recipients who will receive one off grants. The six scholarship awardees: Myles DaltonKingstown Preparatory School; Mathew Browne - St. Mary’s Roman Catholic; Devine WarnerGovernmentQuestellesSchool; Derese AdamsGovernment.GrantPreparatoryProvidenceGovernmentGeorgetownSchool;Karin-KingstownandAlbertisha-LodgeVillageChadAlexanderofthe
Kingstown Preparatory, Neriah Samuel - St. Mary’s Roman Catholic, Keleisha Cato - Cane End Government, and Shamyra TrimminghamKingstown Government School are the bursary recipients. Terral Mapp, giving the president’s address, reflected on the $400,000 investment on the scholarship programme since 1995, and pledged the institution’s commitment to and support up to university level
THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Public Service Union (PSU) awarded five scholarships to the children of members who were successful in the 2022 recently concluded CPEA examination.Thesuccessful candidates received their scholarship from the Chair of the Education Committee Sis. Gweneth Baptiste - Stoddard at a small award ceremony held at the Union’s headquarters on the 4th August, 2022. The ceremony also featured Miss Latique Browne, a former scholarship holder of the Public Service Union, who gave inspirational and motivational encouragement to both parents and students who were in attendance. Of the five scholarship awardees from a list of 20 applicants, four received their awards based on their academic performances, while the other received a disadvantaged scholarship. The successful students will each receive $1000 for each year of their secondary school education and a supplementary allowance for transportation. The unsuccessful applicants will receive a one-time bursary.Thefollowing persons received a scholarship: Nicoya Francis, Izayah Charles — Ross, Shania Davis, Aaron McDonald and Neri Gittens. The following received a one-time bursary: Jordan Black, Luke Simon, Alexa Mason, Haley McDowall, Triston George, Taquez Jackson, Johanna Burgin, Karlen Browne.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 17. NewsV
KCCU: Building the leadership base
Five get full PSU scholarships
PSU scholarship and bursary recipients at an awards ceremony held on August 4.
18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022.19.
L-R: Fidela Haynes (Executive leadership team), Leathon Khan (PMAD Advisory Council Member), Michelle Palmer (Managing Director and member of the executive leadership team), June Frederick (PMAD Advisory Council Member), Charmaine Khan (Executive leadership team), Janelle Bernard (Executive leadership team).
The origins of the PMAD programme can be traced to the Republic sustainabletermcementsEasternlaunch&HeadquartersGroup’sinTrinidadTobagoin2003.TheofPMADintheCaribbeanfurthertheBank’slong-commitmenttoachievingdevelopmentacross its territories, and is aligned with its UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and net zero commitments.RepublicBank (EC) Limited has also created a PMAD Advisory Council and through their expertise and counsel, the intent is to make informed decisions concerning appropriate programmes that will meet the needs of the region. According to Michelle PalmerKeizer, Managing Director of the Bank’s EC operations, the programme will be fueled by,” our four-year investment commitment of EC$1.5 million. She added that, “The Power to Make A Difference programme will support noble initiatives that aim to improve communities through the forging of meaningful, long-standing partnerships with civil society, community groups and nonGovernmental organizations.” The Power to a Make Difference programme encourages collaboration with like-minded partners to create meaningful impact to help build a better tomorrow. As Republic Bank (EC) Limited embarks on its first official year of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, nongovernmental organizations, charities, and civil society are being encouraged to visit the bank’s website to learn more about how they can access funding to support projects aligned with the Bank’s focus areas. (Submitted by RBEC)
On 5 August 2022, Republic Bank (EC) Limited launched its Power to Make a ProgrammeDifference(PMAD) in the Eastern Caribbean. The event which took place at The Harbor Club and streamed live across all territories via Facebook was well attended by various andorganizations,non-governmentalcharities,civilsociety.
Republic Bank (EC) to make a difference
NewsV 20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 21.
DearDisappointed Disappointed, You have done enough for this man to realise how much you love and care for him. You do not need to prove yourself anymore or audition for a place in his life and future.Lethim run after the shadow. He will realise sooner than later he dropped the bone for the shadow. It takes much more than great sex and a good body to build and maintain relationship.fruitful George Desperation time Wake up. Smell the coffee
George
The Marion House offers such services Contact them immediately. George Dear George, MY overchoosingheadingBOYFRIENDistowardsanothergirlme.Hesaysthe
Dear George, I’m with this guy but I no longer love him. He beats me, forbids me to have friends and even to visit my parents or close relatives on my own. He inspects my phone on a daily basis, sometimes more than once a day. The last time he hit me I was knocked unconscious. He threatens me and made it clear to me that if I go to the police he would know before I could get back home, and for that he would out my light. I must say that he is a close friend of the police. He would be drinking and playing dominoes with the police all the time. He could pass for a police if you didn’t know him. I am very scared to go to the police. I want to leave him but I also want to live. Please tell me what to do. I am very scared. Very Scared Dear Very Scared, The intention of an abuser is to inject fear into their victims by issuing threats of every kind, and to isolate them from relatives and friends. Their strength is generated mainly when their victims remain silent. They fear exposure for that will take the power away from them. Continuing in this relationship without saying something to someone will not give you a guarantee to life. The next blow from him could be that fatal strike and that should be of concern to you. I understand and validate your fear of going to the police but it’s something you need to do. You have to take seriously that threat that was made on your life. Get a trusted friend and or family member to accompany you to the police. You deserve better and the steps that you are taking now and about to take will point you in a new direction.
theirtheyfamilytime.foodhavearemonth.formonthly;children;school-agedrentis$700.00transportationonlymeis$200.00aIdonotknowhowwestillalivebecausewebeengoingwithoutformostoftheIcannotgotomyforhelpbecausearegoingthroughownhell.Thefatheroftwoof
AdviceV 22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN Abused!! Want out!!
the children is dead and I have no idea who the father of the other one is. I need help, George, please I need help. Please tell me how I can get my head above water. Pressure Case Dear Pressure Case, You are certainly facing a challenge.monumentalIsuggest, as a first step, that you contact the Social Welfare Department to see how and what assistance they can offer. In addition, you should see a counsellor who can suggest useful strategies that can be employed to help you psychologically and emotionally, and help you to forge a path through this seemingly situation.impossible
sex is better with her; her body is younger looking; she is better educated and has a better job. He admits that she does not love him as much as I love him but that is something he can get her to work on. George, I have helped this man when he was down and out..,been there for him through thick and thin and I love the very dirt he walks on but for him to do me like this is wicked. Do you think I should try to convince him that I am the woman for him and not this Johnnycome-lately girl?
Dear George, HERE ISmy situation: I earn $1000.00 monthly; have 3
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LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Don’t let your health suffer because of abuse. Advancement can be yours if you put your efforts into work related matters. You might have a problem juggling your time.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Don’t be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition. Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury.
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ACROSS 1. Cold War participant 5. Indicate shock 9. Some members of Parliament 14. N.Y.C cultural attraction Puerto Rican hit singer 16. Last resort in a plane Laid up, so to speak Biped mountain legend With sorrow The fife and drum are key instruments in it Block house? Showy flower Shed 28. Telephone button Computer key Student score Rejoice Derek of Derek and the Dominos Left right, left right Relating to aircraft 45. Hemingway, to friends “Whoopee!” “Kiss” singer 50. Explosives Great perception for a poker player Lambaste 56. Florida’s ___ National Forest Where squads show their stuff 64. Records company 66. “Mon ___!” Tolstoy et al. Poison 69. Some may be gigantic in Hollywood 70. Russian “Nana” 71. Tchaikovsky ballet roles 72. Siesta 73. Coal carrier DOWN 1. Taste that’s not sweet, sour, bitter or salty 2. Edna Ferber novel 3. Suspect 4. AM/FM devices 5. Spanish painter 6. US abbr.
PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Talk to peers who you trust in order to get sound advice. Implement your ideas into your projects at work. Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups this week. Board abbr. Mohawk River city Easily irritated or annoyed Fire Saying with a mystical meaning Role for Johnny Depp Prominent lady in the time of Nero Paper size, abbr. “___ pis!” (“Too Bad!”, in France) H+, e.g. Vietnam designerMemorialWar Count me in as well Data disks Edwardian, e.g. Mold or carve artwork One may be above a bucket Ecru 57. Lend ___(listen) Parkinson’sdrug 59. It’s just south of the Himalayas notationQuotation Auto brands Brown shade Campers, for shot Fell in the forest
LeisureV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 23.
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SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Your mate, however, may not be too pleased with you. Get down to business. Don’t let your jealous imagination play games with you. You may find that you’re being used.
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CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Some of that extra energy you have stored up might just be put to good use. Stubborn about making changes around your home. Sudden trips may take you by surprise; try to include your mate, mixing business with pleasure.
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AQUARIUS (JAN. 21.- FEB. 19) You can form new partnerships, but don’t move too quickly; things may not be as they appear. Don’t let the cat out of the bag. You will gain knowledge through your adventure. Exercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits.
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SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Your health may suffer if you don’t control your present situation. Don’t let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you’re not able to attend one of their affairs. Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relationship.
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GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it’s time to let them stand on their own two feet.
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LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) You can make personal changes that will enhance your reputation and give you greater self-confidence. Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments.
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VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Be sure to get involved with those who can introduce you to unusual forms of entertainment. Matters pertaining to work must be completed before you leave. Love and romance are evident.
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7. Half human half horse deity 8. First-class 9. 10.TenantCityeast of Santa Barbara 11. Makeup color 12. Half of MCCC 13. Digs for pigs 21. Venerated symbol 22. exchangeCurrency
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32. Meadowland 33.
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ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) It’s hard to stay mad if the object of the anger refuses to react. Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about possible romance. TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) Communicate with relatives who may need advice in order to find solutions to their existing problems. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect.
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’SALTWEEKs OOSLUTIN
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And, in the round of 16, Cumberbatch and Velox lost to Xin Wong and Jingyi Zhou of Singapore 3-11, 2-11, 5-11.
The Vincentians then took aim at the Doubles.
24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN
A Barbecue held at the ableoccasion,lappedandwelcomedAssociationCommunityBirminghamCentre,theathletesofficials,whouptheastheyweretoindulgeinVincy food, drinks andInmusic.welcoming the contingent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Cenio Lewis stated, “I feel very privileged to be invited to meet you all …I know that you may not get a medal because you are competing against people who have resources …. People who have dietitians etc. etc.,” but expressed the belief that doing one’s best at such events, is worth its weight in gold. “There are two things about medals… There is the one that is physically presented but there is a different medal altogether and that is the one that lies within you…When you have done your very best… You have tried your hardest, the satisfaction is the medal that you will take back with you,’ Lewis added. And in a note of optimism, the High Commissioner noted, “In time to come I am sure that I will see a Vincentian standing on the podium and I am looking forward to that day, because we have the will to succeed.”
And, in their third match of the Teams segment, versus Singapore, Cumberbatch and Delpesche lost to Jian Zeng and Xiu Ru Wong, 1-11, 2-11, 3-11, in doubles play. Jessica Mc Carter was defeated by Jingyi Zhou 1-11, 1-11, 3-11 and Delpesche was beaten by Wong, 2-11, 3-11, 2-11.
Meanwhile, Fiona Frank Quaynor — President of the SVG Association of Coventry, said her organization was happy that the contingent responded well to their invitation. “We want to say thank you very much to the team for taking their time, coming from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and representing us to their fullest …I feel very warm and grateful that the guys have received our hospitality and it was really important that I took the time out and meet with them and we just want to say thanks,” Frank-Quaynor said. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was one of 72 countries that participated in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which ran from 28th July to 8th August.Thecountry was represented by 21 athletes in five disciplines: Cycling, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis and Track and Field. It was the thirteenth occasion that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was participating in the Games. The Games which began in 1958, was then known as the Empire Games.
COACH OF THE ST. VINCENTand the Grenadines all female Table Tennis team that participated in the just concluded
DelpescheandLeahJessicamemberBirmingham,sojournpracticesextractedcharges,isGames,CommonwealthXXIISeanStanley,hopefulthathiswouldhavethebestfromtheirinEngland.AmongthefourteamwereMcCarter(14),Cumberbatch(16)Shanecia(17).Theteam was completed by seasoned player, Unica Velox. The three teenagers were playing in their biggest exposure, but Stanley thinks it should have served them well.According to him, “We are hoping that they would have learnt from players who are better skilled and more experienced than they are … They would also have seen the work ethics and training of a lot of the other players, during their training sessions.” He added, “The youngsters have a bright future once they decide to put in the hours… We saw instances of brilliance and for persons who train once per week, they would have done well, but in order for them to compete and have a bright future in the sports, they have to put in moreWhentime.”the Vincentians entered the fray, they were welcomed with a 0-3 defeat by Nigeria. Leah Cumberbatch was defeated by Offiong Edem, 1-11, 2-11, 3-11, Shanecia Delpesche lost to Esther Oribanise, 211, 3-11, 2-11, and Unica Velox and Cumberbatch were defeated by Fatima Bello and Edem , 6-11, 2-11, 5-11, in doublesPittedplay.against England in their second match, it was a similar tale as Velox and Cumberbatch were beaten by Charlotte Bardsley and Maria Tsapsinos 2-11, 1-11, 1-11.
UK organization hosts CÊWlth Games team
MEMBERS OF THE ST. VINCENTand the Grenadines contingent to the CommonwealthXXII Games, in AssociationtheSaturday,England,Birmingham,werelast6thAugust,guestsoftheSVGofCoventry.
Leah Cumberbatch (left) and Unica Velox.
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Cumberbatch and Velox made it through to the round of 16, winning by a walk over, as Maldives duo of Dheema Ali and Rafa Nazim did not show for their match. Delpesche and Mc Carter, though, lost to Australia’s Yangzi Liu and Chunyi Feng , 1-11, 1-11, 1-11.
Stanley pleased with TT players’ efforts
Jessica Mc Carter lost to Tin Tin Ho, 1-11, 1-11, 2-11 and Velox lost to Tsapsinos, 3-11, 1-11, 1-11.
Members of the Vincentian contingent to the Commonwealth Games, in photo with organisers of last Saturday’s function in Birmingham, England. Cenio Lewis (left) being presented with a gift from Chief of Mission of SVG’s Commonwealth Games team- Claude Bascombe Jr. (Facing camera) Jessica Mc Carter (left) and Shanecia Delpesche (right), taking on Australia in the Doubles.
Complex.ArnosconductedonAugustonwhichBasketballSummerCampcametoanendMonday,8thhavingbegunMonday,25thJuly.TheCampwasattheValeSportingOrlandoFerguson,founderandheadcoachoftheAcademy,washappythewaythe
ALL BUT the position of President of the Kingstown Soccer League (KSL) was filled when the league held its Annual General Meeting last Saturday. The situation of a stalemate for the position of president plagued the elections. Given that there was no bonafide outgoing executive which might have allowed for a casting vote by the outgoing president or any guidance offered by a constitutional, the members having the right to vote, referred the unresolved matter to the rest of the duly elected executive to address. As it was, it was ‘evenstevens’ after three rounds of voting — with twelve affiliated clubs casting six votes each for Maxim James and Camillo Samuel in each round.The general meeting and the elections were organized by a steering committee elected some two or so years ago to run the affairs of the League and prepare for elections.Thoseelected to fill the other positions of the executive were: Keith Duncan - Vice President; General Secretary — Leroy Adams; Treasurer - Jessicia CommitteeMiller;MembersCrystalClubsHuggins.affiliated to the Kingstown Soccer league are: Avenues United, BESCO Pastures, Bequia United FC, Blossom Unlimited, Green Hill FC, Largo Height FC, Hope International FC, Richmond Hill United FC, Roxdale FC, Roseans FC, Sharpes FC, Sion Hill FC, System Three FC, United Strikers FC, and Volcanoes FC.
touching on life skills.”
players’impressedsaid‘Three-Feet’SVGheadsecond.creditablefinishedDivisionthecompetedalsoVincentiansmatch.finalTheinPlateandaNewlyappointedcoachoftheteam,JustinTittlehewaswiththeeffort.
“The way the team expressed themselves was when the tournament was finished. I could have seen their love and respect for the sport and them wanting to represent their country,” Tittle said.SVG’s next outing will take them to Grenada.
Justin TittleCoach of the National U19 Rugby Team. Action between SVG and St. Lucia in the 7’S Tournament.
KSL still looking for a president
Those who proved outstanding during the camp and were awarded accordingly were: Dravid NeehallMost Improved Player; Gadiel JosephBest Defensive Player; Nathaniel Jackson- Best Shooter; Reshard Haynes — Best Rebounder; Kaif Neehall — Best Passer; Amari Jack — Best Ball AnthonyHandler.Charles, Justin Murphy, Eriscia Crooke, Amira McLean Gill, Destiny Black, and Leonjay Shallow were recognized for their effort and performance.AndtheMost Valuable Players of the 2022 Camp were: Female — Kathryn Cumberbatch and MaleNicholas Jackson Jr. Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN St. Vincent and the Grenadines Under-19 Rugby team had the better of their St. Lucian counterparts when the two countries faced off in a 7’S Rugby Tournament in the Castries, St Lucia, last week. SVG went down to their 10 — 0 in the first match of a three-match series. The Vincentian lads bounced back to win Game Two beating St. Lucia 17 — 7. SVG maintained their composure to extend their winnings ways with a 27 - 15 winning margin in the
JacksonNicholas Jr male MVPfemaleCumberbatchKathrynMVP
Representatives of KSL affiliates at last Saturday’s meeting.
Ferguson,Orlando Head Coach of Playaz Youth Academy.
ALL TAKEN, 147 young participatedpeoplein the 2022 Playaz Youth Academy camp proceeded. “I was pleased with the outcome of the camp and particularly the turn out of the females compared to our last summer camp. The players were exposed to the basic of the basketball. We understood we couldn’t run two weeks of basketball and implement everything we need to know in basketball, so we just focused on the basics of shooting, defending, passing, rebounding, ball handling,” Ferguson said at the closing. He added, “I was also happy with the interest shown by the players, their willingness to learn the fundamentals of basketball. They also shown similar attentiveness in the sessions from different speakers
Rugby Coach satisfied with team’s effort SVG St.theirmuchRugbyUnder-19TeamshowedpromiseinrecentoutinginLucia.
SportsV THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022. 25.
Playaz
Basketball camp concludes
Three officers who were elected: (l-r) Keith Duncan - Vice President, Jessicia Miller –Treasurer, and Crystal Huggins – Committee Member.
Marking Marcus Garvey ‘In a good place,’ U19 cricket coach Windward Islands during one of their training sessions in build-up to the U19 Championship. Mervin Thomas, Coach, takes his charges into proud.themselvestheyconfidentChampionshipthethatwilldo
The Windwards U19 cricket team will be looking to emulate the winning ways of their U17 counterparts.
THESVG Referee’s Association held its first ever awards ceremony on Wednesday, 3rd August 2022, in which it honoured past and present local and FIFA Officials who have made and are making outstanding contributions to football on the national and international scenes. President of the SVG Referee’s Association Mr. Elron Lewis told the gathering, “The initiative is a work in progress and one the Association plans to host annually to specifically recognize past FIFA and National Referees who have contributed to the development of theOnsport.”theroster to receive their awards were Victor Peters, Levan Victory, and Fitzgerald (John Hinds) King for their contributions especially at the national level; Mahalia Thomas, Koyana Horne, Timothy Hazelwood, Caswell Cambridge, Kiven Michael, and Clemroy Francois for services rendered as a past FIFA Official; and current FIFA Officials Denroy Barker, Kenran Daniel and Moeth Gaymes. Special recognition was given to Clemroy Francois, he being most qualified Featureexperiencedinternationallyandreferee.speakerfor the evening, Carl Dickson, President of the SVG Football Federation and a former referee himself, reminded those who have come forward to serve as officials, that consistency makes an excellent referee. He extended an invitation to the younger generation to join the association.Specialremarks were delivered by Timothy Hazelwood, one of the earliest and longest serving referees, who commended the Referee’s Association for the initiative. Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 THE VINCENTIAN SportsV
Clemroy ‘Bert’ Francois, an early FIFA-accredited offcial and Timothy Hazelwood, one of the longest serving referees. Kenran Daniel, Moeth Gaymes, Denroy Barker the only three current FIFA Officials on the island. Football referees get recognition Fitzgerald (John Hinds) King (left) and Levan Victory were recognised for their contribution to the sport at all levels of the sport played nationally.
HE GAVE53 years on earth, enough time to traverse the western hemisphere and served as an inspiration to people. He instilled dignity and set a foundation for citizens the world over, oppressed and without hope, to carve out their existence.Guided by his duty to fulfil, Marcus Garvey shone a light on the people and urged them to make something of their lives. His task was to usher an aura of independence leading to a satisfactory standard of living for people. Garvey was too far ahead of his time, or has become a copy of the template that still symbolises the average black man. The Garvey script is as applicable today as it was during his campaign. Efforts to clear his name of accusations that led to his unlawful jailing continue to be thwarted, because those responsible for the miscarriage of justice are not keen on giving Garvey any semblance of honour and respect. He had to be a victim of conspiracy to deny black people their basic rights. Garvey remains a mystery, for his story is still to unravel. The impact echoes 135 years after his birth August 17, 1887. His dedication to humanity was deep, his contribution great, and the trail he blazed in insisting on development of black businesses must be entrenched. The Garvey generation has a duty to extol his virtues and make them part of a systemic tribute. His lessons strengthen the pillars of our foundation and enable us to build on a legacy of his prophecy. There is never an easy road to success, and triumph is not achieved without sacrifices.Marcus Garvey operated in an atmosphere of openness. He counted on the faith of the individual to fulfil his role in the most conscientious and deliberate manner. Life experiences differ for everyone. Each has to determine his or her manner of survival. There is nothing anyone can do about someone else’s choice. Those are personal matters, swayed by manyTimes,factors.seasons, events, circumstances, conditions have their bearing on behaviour and actions of mankind. Sometimes, in fact most of the times, man have not been so kind, not to themselves, worse to others, including women. Marcus Garvey encouraged no bias. The black Man’s plight embodied the suffering of women. His concern was for the oppressed, however disguised, and in spite of their ethnic origin. It will serve us in good stead to have more Marcus Garvey pride in our life story. “We are in a good place.” This was the overarching comment of Mervin Thomas, coach of the Windward Islands Under-19 Cricket Team, ahead of the opening of Cricket West Indies Under-19 Championship which bowled off here earlier this week. “We were fortunate to have had first of all the Windward Islands Under19 Tournament in Dominica where we began to shape what we have now, then to Trinidad and Tobago where the Windwards Under-17 were crowned champions. We have about nine Under-17 players as part of the Under-19 team here and I think this is a real confidence booster,” Thomas said. He is impressed with the skill level, physical and mental aspects and the level of maturity of the team and is anticipating a good performance.“Whenyou think of the captain Akeem Auguste, already around senior cricket and from the CWI High Performance Centre, I think this is more than motivation for the rest of the guys. So, there is so much in front of them to play for and look forward to,” Thomas said. “I expect the boys to do well. …. I have all the confidence that they will do themselves, the Windward Islands and the people they represent proud,” Thomas assured.Additionally, he is hoping that the exploits of the Under-17 team will spill over on to the Under-19 team.The Windwards team reads, Ackeem Auguste (Captain), Stephan Pascal, Edmund Morancie, Divonie Joseph, Devin Tyson, Kirt Murray, Jerel Jeremiah, Kelshon Andrew, Kervin Gassie, Tarrique Edward, Noelle Leo, Luke Wilson, Solomon Bascombe and Ethan Gibson.
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Rillan Hill man charged with cow theft
RILLAN HILLresident Devon Billinghurst will appear at the Layou Magistrate’s Court on August 18 in connection with the theft of a cow, an act said to have been committed about a year ago at Queensbury. Billinghurst has been charged with the theft of a brown heifer, valued EC$3,500, the property of Milton Frederick of Vermont, contrary to Section 209(1) of the Criminal Code, Chapter 171 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009. The offence was reportedly committed between February 28 and March 31, Billinghurst2021.was recently arrested and charged with the offence, following several months of investigations.Hepleadednot guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday. Prosecutor Aliston Stapleton did not object to bail, but requested suitable surety and reporting conditions.Billinghurst was granted $4,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Vermont Police Station every Friday between 6am and 6pm. The matter was transferred to the Layou Magistrate’s Court. (H H)
“WE WILL shut down the airport.” The words of Elroy Boucher, Public Service Union (PSU) President who, on August 9 during a press briefing, made it clear to the management at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) that the union was serious about resolving the concerns expressed by its members.Members of the union and the AIA management team are expected to meet on August 29 to discuss the collective bargaining agreement which Boucher said was submitted on September 18, 2020. “But if the issues are not addressed, there is going to be industrial action, and this is going to affect a lot of people,” the PSU’s President said. According to Boucher, the union has been recognized as the body to represent the employees at the AIA and since 2017, as of that time, the Union has brought several issues affecting workers to the attention of management.“Themanagement of the AIA refused to meet with the union over a two-year period to have those issues addressed,” the PSU top man said.
There were several other issues including compassionate leave, no new uniforms in five years, the reclassification of some positions, and the adjustment downwards of wages.
Boucher said that the union had been patient with the management at the AIA because it was a new facility and there would have been obvious teething problems. But, that time had come and gone, Blucher declared. The PSU, he said, wanted to bring the concerns of the workers at the AIA into the public domain, because on August 29, if all the issues were not addressed, there was going to be industrial action. See related Story on page 3.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 VOLUME 116, No.32 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 South Union 23,502 sq.ft - CALL - BB508Belvedere 7,379 @ $15.00 - $110,685.00 - BB479 Belvedere 13,414 sq.ft. - Open to offers - BB671 Brighton 4 bedrm Property on 6,264 sq.ft.- $525,000.00 - H517 (784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431 whatsapp donp@vincysurf.com
Elroy Boucher, President of the PSU, pointed to a number of grievances at the AIA that have gone unattended.
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“So, it cannot be taken from your vacation, nor must you lose pay over it,” Boucher said. But, as per his understanding, Boucher said that the practice of the AIA was to apply the COVID-19 leave to the stipulated, regular 14 days.
AIA acting arbitrarily While they were waiting for the collective agreement to be negotiated, Boucher said, the PSU discovered that management at the AIA was changing the terms and conditions of the workers without proper consultation, and without communicating their intentions to the PSU, the workers representative.Oneoftheissues of contention was sick leave. According to him, workers were granted a total of 14 days sick leave, down from the three months that were on offer while the E.T Joshua Airport was in operation. His research, Boucher said, uncovered that the law under which they were adjusting the sick leave referred to one regulating the service of security “Aviationguards.security officers at the AIA are not security guards,” Boucher asserted.
Jeran Deroche is this country latest gun-related fatality.
DEROCHE,JERAN of Frenches, is this country’s 26th homicide victim so far for 2022. He
by DAYLE DA SILVA
patrons of a karaoke event at bar/restaurant located, in the Trotman’s Business Centre, Arnos Vale. Among others injured in the shooting were: Elisha Wilson, of Yambou, Rashida Parsons, of Redemption Sharpes, and Tiffany Durrant, of Richmond Hill. They were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for medical attention. THE VINCENTIAN was unable to ascertain updates on their state before going to press. Police said the shooting took place around 2:00pm. Eye witnesses recall that multiple shots were discharged by the assailant. (KH)
One threedead,injured
The PSU has put the management of the AIA on notice that the workers there could be called industrialintoaction if their concerns are not addressed by August 29.
Boucher also expressed concern over the policy of the AIA as it related to special sick leave to be granted to vaccinated persons who contracted COVID-19.According to Boucher, the government policy was that once it was made clear that an employee was vaccinated and they contracted COVID-19, then a special sick leave had to be crafted.
WE DOWNAIASHUTWILL
