NO INFORMATION BLACKOUT THIS TIME
by DAYLE DASILVATHERE WAS NO ‘BLACKOUT’of information from St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (VINLEC) last Sunday, June 9, when the country experienced another power blackout, following on the heels of an extended one on June 02.
Sunday’s power blackout was met with prompt response from VINLEC. In fact, the company’s Public Relations Department was on the ball, ensuring that a release explaining the cause of the interruption and more was made on the said day.
In addition, Dr. Vaughn Lewis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VINLEC, took to radio (WE FM) on that Sunday, to give details of the situation and share pertinent, related information.
By the time he got to the radio, Dr. Lewis could assure that the system was stable…. power had been restored.
And he prefaced his more in depth explanation by reminding, “When I joined VINLEC, we had system failures multiple times a year, now we have them probably every two and a half years on average for various reasons.”
Some of the causes of
Right: Dr. Vaughn Lewis, CEO/VINLEC, moved promptly to publicly address the cause and fallout of last Sunday’s power outage.
Story on Page 12.
V News 3
No information blackout this time
VINLEC acknowledged that the outages experienced on June 02 and 09 were caused by an insulation failure on VINLEC’s 33kV switchgear at the Lowmans Bay Power Plant. (Photo Source: VINLEC)
Continued from Frontpage.
He assured that the ‘faulty’ section of the switch gear had been repaired and according to him, that should provide some reliability until the final aspect of the switch gear is fully repaired by VINLEC’s suppliers.
The CEO, a trained/qualified and field-hardened engineer, informed that VINLEC’s generators were all functioning.
In simplifying how the power is distributed across say mainland St. Vincent, Dr. Lewis shared that a 33kV switch gear is used to link all the power stations across the mainland.
So, Cane Hall is
connected to Lowman’s Bay, which is connected to South Rivers which is then connected to Cumberland and Kingstown sub-stations, the CEO added.
What happened on June 2 was a failure on a part of the switch gear that connects Cane Hall directly to Lowman’s Bay. The resulting power failure on June 02, was caused by a flash over and not an insulation failure on VINLEC’s 33kV switch gear at Lowman’s Bay.
“It’s something that we haven’t seen or experienced before, but it did create some problems,” Dr. Lewis admitted.
“But we isolated that failed part and was able to reconnect all of our
networks through another side of the switch gear and we are
working to repair the side that is out,” he continued.
According to Lewis, the switch gear acted like the heart of the electrical network.
“And you do not visit and check the bus bars frequently because the parts in there are supposed to last a lifetime,” the CEO said.
Checking them would mean interruptions to the power supply.
“So, we do not usually go in and check the bus bars; we will pull the breakers out and we will service them, but the bus bar section is not something that we would normally do,” Lewis explained.
The recent occurrence — successive power failures — is “something that we have never seen before, or expected,” Dr. Lewis said, and expressed the hope that there would be no more
blackouts.
Who is Dr. Vaughn Lewis
In response to a number of request, we are pleased to present the following:
Vaughn Lewis has worked with St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) for 25 years. He started as an Engineer in Training in 1998, was promoted to Manager Engineer in 2007, and took over the position of Chief Executive Officer in August 2022. He has been involved in all of VINLEC’s renewable energy projects over the last 20 years including solar PV and battery storage projects and the refurbishment/upgrade of old Hydro power stations.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in ElectroMechanical Power Engineering from Loughborough University in England, and completed his PhD at the University of Dundee, Scotland in 1998.
Last Sunday’s power outage was due in part to a failure on a part of the switch gear that connects the power plants at Cane Hall (interior pictured above) and Lowmans Bay. (Photo Source: VINLEC)
More Public Order charges collapse
Stories: HAYDN HUGGINSABOUT two and a half years after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued charges against eight persons for violating the Public Order Act, the Court has dismissed similar charges against four persons.
The most recent case, brought under the Public Order Act, to collapse, involved Social Activists Adrianna King, Luzette King, Robert ‘Patches’ King, and John Mofford, who were charged separately in connection with an anti-government protest in Kingstown on February 23, 2023.
They were charged with, knowingly failing to comply with the direction of Roycel Davis, Corporal of Police 471, when directed to disperse from an unlawfully held public meeting which was held within 200 yards of the High Court building when the House of Assembly was sitting, contrary to Section 10(3)(a), Chapter 396 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of SVG, 2009.
However, when the prosecution rested its case at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court on Monday, following the testimonies of four witnesses, all police officers, Magistrate John Ballah ruled that
based on the insufficiency of evidence to support the charge, a prima facie case could not be made out. As a result, he dismissed the matter.
Interestingly, the quartet was not represented at the trial, as attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, who had initially represented them, said she could not continue, based on her workload.
Robert ‘Patches’ King Adrianna King Luzette King John Mofford
Bacchus-Baptiste told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, that she told the defendants about a month ago that she could not continue with the case, as she was dealing with, in excess of 15 cases, in relation to the 2021 protests in Kingstown, in addition to other cases.
“I explained to them that it was a bit too taxing for me to continue with these, along with my usual heavy workload”, Bacchus-Baptiste said.
“Maybe it was divine guidance, as it brought out the weakness of the prosecution’s case, because the charges dismissed on their (defendants) own representation, and they did not have to give evidence”, the lawyer added.
According to Bacchus-Baptiste, “It underscores the fact that these cases were merely political cases, and were not based on any proper charges”.
She noted that just before the prosecution closed its case, the Prosecutor, Shamrock Pierre was granted a request to amend the charge, to include the word procession.
Bacchus-Baptiste said that though the DPP had discontinued charges against eight persons, under the Public Order Act in December 2021, in connection with protests in Kingstown in July and August 2021, charges were again brought against the four persons, under the Act, in February 2023. She pointed out that all the charges brought under the Public Order Act were either dismissed or discontinued which, in her view, showed that the state only used the Act to stifle protests and to use the police as a tool to get at their
Calvert Toney awaits sentence on one charge but faces other charges.
opponents.
Bacchus-Baptiste also expressed the view that the Act was unconstitutional and should be challenged.
The eight persons who had their charges discontinued by the DPP in December 2021 are Adrianna King, Robert ‘Patches’ King, Colin Grahame, Tyrone James, Joseph DaSilva, Rohan Simmons, and John Mofford.
Monday’s acquittal of the four protesters came about two weeks after Magistrate Ballah discontinued criminal proceedings against school teacher and social activist Adrianna King who had been charged with attempting to obstruct Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minster of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from going to Parliament, August 5, 2021.
Convicted rapist on other charges
AS CALVERT TONEYawaits a June 28 sentencing for rape, he also has to contend with another Court date on charges of possession of a firearm or imitation firearm, with intent to commit an offense, as well as unlawful assault.
On Wednesday, five days after a ninemember Jury at High Court 2 found Toney guilty of rape, the Colonaire man returned to the Serious Offenses Court on charges of unlawfully assaulting Chermine Forbes of Sharpes Dale, and possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to commit an offense, to wit, wounding. Both offenses were reportedly committed at Argyle on May 2, 2023. He was unrepresented.
Toney, who was on bail for these offenses, told the Serious Offenses Court he was convicted of another
charge in the High Court last Friday, and because he had just received disclosure from the Prosecution, that document was at another location, and he did not have time to collect it, as he was taken to prison last Friday soon after his conviction, and had difficulty getting a phone call from the prison.
“When I over there (Prison), I can’t even get a phone call”, Toney said. Prosecutor Renrick Cato said he had no problem with Toney being allowed time so that he could go through the document, and properly prepare for the trial.
Senior Magistrate Colin John said arrangements must be made to ensure that Toney was allowed a phone call from the Prison so that he could obtain the document.
Toney was granted an adjournment to June 26, but the Magistrate made it clear, “Whether you are ready or not, the matter will be heard”.
Toney was, last Friday found guilty of raping a woman at Rabacca on March 2, 2020. He was also convicted of assaulting the woman, causing her bodily harm, but the Jury failed to reach a verdict on a third count of abducting the woman.
Elderly man on attempted murder charge
A 63-YEAR-OLD RICHLAND PARK man was granted $20,000 bail with one surety when he returned to the Serious Offenses Court on an attempted murder charge on Wednesday.
Rally Hector, who was unrepresented, has been charged with attempting to murder fellow villager Andre Gaymes, reportedly stemming from a chopping incident at Richland Park on May 25, 2024.
When Hector initially appeared in Court, he was denied bail as the complainant was, at the time hospitalized.
However, when the accused returned to Court on Wednesday,
Prosecutor Renrick Cato indicated that the Prosecution was no longer objecting to bail as the complainant was out of the hospital.
The Prosecutor however requested suitable surety and conditions.
Bail was granted on condition that Hector had no contact with the complainant and reported to the Mesopotamia Police Station every Monday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. He surrendered all travel documents, and stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit.
The matter was adjourned to July 24 and transferred to the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court.
Plane that disappeared resurfaces
THE GULFSTREAM PRIVATE JET registered as N337LR, which disappeared from radar after it departed Canouan, St. Vincent, on Friday, December 22, 2023, has returned to the radar screens, so to speak.
Indications are that the aircraft turned up in Ghana, West Africa, and has been implicated in a cocaine matter.
The story surrounding the aircraft dates back to December 22, 2023 as referenced, was noteworthy enough to attract the attention of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
The aircraft was said to have departed Canouan on a scenic tour around 2:27p.m., and was scheduled to return at 4:27p.m.
Dr. Gonsalves said, after confirming that the aircraft had disappeared shortly after taking off from the Canouan airport, that local authorities had been in touch with “two Latin American countries of relevance,” who he said had “certain information.”
He, however, did not name the Latin America countries therein encouraging speculation.
“We have also been in touch with the relevant authorities in the United States, also the Regional Security System (RSS), and it has become evident that the plane didn’t so much disappear as feign a disappearance, because the thesis which is being operated on is that they (the pilots) turned off the transponder,” Gonsalves said, adding that that was what he had been advised.
And while the Prime Minister, who is also National Security Minister, chose not to provide any information as per the number of persons on board, or the purpose of the aircraft in question being here, a source in Canouan told THE VINCENTIAN then that three passengers and a pilot had boarded the aircraft. Two of those passengers were said to be of Mexican nationality.
Interestingly, subsequent to THE VINCETIAN’S report of December 29, 2023, authorities here said they were aware of the identities of the flight crew and the sole passenger, contrary to previous claims.
External agencies were conducting background checks, and the preliminary investigation in December indicated that the disappearance of N337LR was not a coincidence.
The Prime Minister had said previously that there was no evidence that anything illegal boarded the aircraft in Canouan.
Now, the news from Ghana as per newspaper reports, is that the aircraft with tail number N337LR landed at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the capital of Ghana, a month ago without appropriate landing permits.
This caused the authorities in that country to mount investigations into drug smuggling through the African
nation, after tracing the Gulfstream aircraft, registered as ‘N337LR’, to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Reports in the Ghanian newspapers are that the Gulfstream aircraft is suspected to have been used to shuttle narcotics (drugs), and (that) highly-placed individuals in Ghana may be allegedly linked to it and Guinea-Bissau, a longestablished distribution centre for international illicit drug networks.
As part of the investigations, crew members of the aircraft were interrogated by the authorities and despite acknowledging that the aircraft had been reported missing, the crew has since been released and has vanished into thin air, reports from Ghana said.
Europe.”
To date, there has been no response to this latest development by the authorities here.
One report coming out of Ghana said that on January 22, 2024, and again before it landed in Ghana, aeronautical radar spotted N337LR after it vanished from Canouan in December 2023.
To compound matters as far as this country’s place in all of this is concerned, the Organised Global Crime Index, which “assesses the strengths and vulnerabilities of 193 UN member states concerning these criminal activities while also evaluating the level of criminality within countries’ markets”, has gone on record as saying that, “The Grenadine Islands continue to be a stronghold for Venezuelan crime groups, with cocaine shipments from Venezuela to the Grenadines increasing at the expense of shipments to St. Lucia, likely due to groups trying to minimise the risk of interception.
“For the most part, crime groups organise Venezuelan fishing vessels to offload bulk quantities of cocaine in
coastal waters. The drugs are then collected and stockpiled for onward loading onto pleasure crafts that are predominantly destined forThe National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Prioritise the removal of illegal guns
THE ROYAL SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES POLICE FORCE (RSVGPF) this week, announced the conclusion of the 91-day National Firearm Amnesty, which commenced on March 1, 2024, and concluded on May 31, 2024. It was not the first such effort.
In so doing, the RSVGPF reported that a total of 18 firearms and 327 rounds of ammunition “were surrendered by individuals possessing illegal firearms.”
Now, if the truth be told, there are a ‘hell-of-a-lot more illegal firearms and ammunition in our midst, and as one observer intimated recently, the majority of which is in the hands young people.
Following on that observation, it would be interesting to learn the primary demographic from among whom the guns and ammunition were surrendered.
Whatever the scenario that abounds here, we must commend the police and whosoever contributed to the effort that resulted in the removal of at least 18 illegal firearms from the society. We are certain the RSVGPF would be the first to admit that the effort has just begun.
But this is no walk-in-the-park issue. Our reality is the rising prevalence of violent and deadly crimes here can be attributed to people with illegal firearms and relatively young people.
There is overwhelming evidence to support a direct link between the illegal possession of weapons and this country’s rising murder rate.
That illegal guns are at the heart of this country’s crime problem is evidenced by the mass shooting that occurred here in July 19, 2023.
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves owes this country a credible explanation, as more and more each day this Government seems out of touch with the desperate on-the-ground reality faced by ordinary citizens, and incapable of delivering on promises of a workable and effective anti-crime plan, predicated on the mantra to be tough on crime and tougher on the causes of crime’.
Already this year, coming on the heels of a record year, 2023, of 55 homicides, there are a reported 17 homicides up to last week, many of them committed in areas we are wont to refer to as ‘hot (crime) spots’. And, as though to rub salt into the ‘proverbial’ wound, just this week, we recorded another homicide… another
young man made to ‘bite de dust’.
And while there have been recent notable cases where law enforcement, on their own recognizance, have successfully recovered firearms and ammunition, e.g. the discovery made at the Campden Park Port, April 2024, there is a school of thought that overall progress in combating illegal firearms has not been enough to inspire public confidence in the effectiveness of the police service, especially that in many cases the law enforcement authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects.
Did the recent RSVGPF ‘Community Walkabouts’ speak to this lack of confidence?
The Government’s overall failure to address this dire illegal gun situation has done little to alleviate the concerns of the public, heightened by the fact that no arrest has ever been made of anyone or and group of people who seems to have a finger in the (unfettered) movement of illegal guns and ammunition into this country.
And as signal of Government’s action to address the issue at hand, it ought to have a Crime (Gun) Intelligence Unit to not only examine the impact of illicit firearms but to map and direct a concentrated, multi-target strategy, aimed at eliminating illegal guns as a priority concern.
All the talk about the USA being the source of the guns and ammunition that find their way into our small society will remain nothing but rhetoric and hot air. To move beyond the rhetoric and hot air we must demand a meeting with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Agency and the US Department of Justice of the Government of the USA, to discuss strategies for combating the illegal trafficking of firearms and narcotics, over and beyond what areas of cooperation exist within the protocol of the Regional Security System, and demand real hard assistance to ensure the implementation of those strategies.
It is imperative that our government show as a priority concern, action aimed without prejudice and bias, at meaningfully reducing gun-related crime. This can begin by cleansing the streets of those pockets whose support oftentimes translate into political armory.
Citizens must be able to trust the assurances of the State in this regard. Can they?
To the Rescue, here, there and everywhere
ONCE AGAIN, the international community is coming to the rescue of a selected few people "suffering" from war. Be it internal conflicts or imperialist proxy wars.
The much-talked-about Kenya's police force will arrive in Haiti “any day now”… sometime in the next four to six weeks. They are hoping for a peaceful solution to internal conflict, aka "gang" violence. Not wanting to be left on the sidelines looking in, several CARICOM Nations have pledged to join this initiative. When? I am unsure because most of those pledging to join the team have many problems on the home front. Mark you, we are going in with no clear, achievable objections. A spokesperson for the Kenyan government said recently that they still don't know the rules of engagement. Will they be protecting property or patrolling the streets? As usual, the USA will provide a significant amount of the money needed to fund this operation.
Sometime during this peace mission, they will oversee an election and the installation of a new government. The government will be assured that we are all here to help, though, we must return home to our own troubles.
Maybe this time, a few multinational corporations would be given contracts to harvest more of the country's natural resources for the "good of the people." My concern is that these companies will exploit resources with little benefit to the nation's population due to the lack of proper mining laws. Some have voiced concern that any mining activity will lead to additional instability because this process will result in the displacement of a sizable portion of the population. The most likely scenario is that cash-strapped governments will sell mining rights to companies with no intention of mining any day soon, thus repeating the cycle of poverty.
Meanwhile, in the Far East, as our prime minister was getting ready to leave Taiwan after the celebration of the newly elected leader, China was surrounding the island, showing the world how easy it would be to take the island back. I cannot help but wonder when this invasion will happen and how it will change the international dynamics. What are we doing to insulate ourselves from this inevitability? All of our easy money will dry up, and we will be left with
borrowing from the more traditional sources at higher interest rates.
A few businesses in Europe and America will make lots of money from this war. Ordinary citizens worldwide will pay inflated prices for everything we consume, the rich will get richer, and the rest of us will struggle to make ends meet and suffer under the pressure of the neglected efforts to combat climate change.
Oh, something good also happened recently: Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognized a Palestinian state. This move was largely symbolic since 139 countries already recognize a Palestinian state, and last month, 143 voted for Palestine to be admitted to the United Nations, with observer status. What was not evident in these countries' recent show of support was what the borders should be. Where should the capital city be located? No peace will be possible until these few questions are answered. Until we are willing to answer these questions and, most importantly, enforce that decision, we are only giving lip service to this issue to feel good about ourselves. So thank you for nothing. I'll say it will have no practical effect on either Israel or the plight of the Palestinian people. Israel has been so emboldened over the years that no amount of pressure will change the behaviour of the current administration. As the older people would say, the United States "found religion" and will not be involved in the internal affairs of a foreign country.
The announcement comes just two days after the International Criminal Court's top prosecutor requested warrants for the Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Israel over the genocide being committed in Gaza. The funny thing is neither Israel nor the USA recognizes the legitimacy of this court, and they have no real power to enforce this warrant. It should be noted that the count also requested warrants for Hamas leaders.
The issue of Palestinian statehood has been at the heart of the Israeli—Palestinian conflict for decades. No sustainable solution to the crisis can exist without a clear, irreversible political pathway towards creating two separate states.
HoratioRecognise our own
IAM WRITING to express my growing concern over the lack of recognition and appreciation for the numerous dedicated individuals who have tirelessly contributed to our nation’s progress and well-being. It is disheartening to see that while our Prime Minister recently received honours from the Japanese government, as well as from Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela and Ghana, countless civil servants, nurses, policemen, sanitation workers and other essential workers continue to retire unrecognised by our own government.
These hardworking individuals have made invaluable contributions to our society, often at great personal sacrifice. They have ensured the smooth functioning of public services, maintained law and order, provided health care and performed myriad other roles essential to our nation’s prosperity and security. Yet, upon their retirement many receive nothing more than a generic letter - a token of appreciation that has not evolved with time and fails to adequately convey our gratitude for their years of service. It is high time the Prime Minister and the government at large reconsider their approach to recognising the contributions of these unsung heroes. A comprehensive and meaningful system of recognition should be put in place to honour all workers who have dedicated many years to serving our country. Such a system could include personalised commendations, public acknowledgements and awards that truly reflect the value of their contributions.
Recognising and appreciating these individuals is not only a matter of justice, but also of national pride. It would serve to boost morale and inspire continual dedication and excellence in public service.
I urge the Prime Minister to lead by example to ensure our nation’s gratitude is appropriately expressed to all those who have worked so hard to build and maintain our society.
Eric SamuelGet it right!!!!
IF WE AREto follow on what ‘Christian Democrat’ has been sharing with your readers, we better get this Spiritual Baptist thing right before we jump into a puddle of mess. According to ‘Christian Democrat’ we need to get the history correct as it relates to whether the day Spiritual Baptists accept as their Day of Liberation is May 21 or May 22. The other thing we want to get straight is who, between E.J. Joshua, our first Chief Minister, and Milton Cato, our first Prime Minister, played a more significant role in helping the Spiritual Baptists to be free to practise their religion and to be accepted as a religion.
I have no problem declaring a holiday in remembrance of a significant happening in our development, but we should not be seen to be pandering politically to the Spiritual Baptists or any other set of people for that matter. No religion should allow itself to be used by any politician.
As an aside, my great-grandmother who was a Spiritual Baptist, shared with her ‘greats’ the days when they used to be ‘run off the mourning ground’ by the police.
We have come a long way but we must not do things for narrow reasons.
Vibert James Kingstown
Dreams fulfilled but children left in Dreamland
THEY MOVED to a foreign country for a better life. They found menial jobs while they burned the midnight oil as they pursued their career dreams through study. Some completed High School, went on to tertiary institutions and settled into an acceptable job. Others who arrived with a skill after “working for nothing” (without pay) in some apprenticeship programme back home, joined a union that guaranteed long-term skilled work. They were grateful that they capitalized on the learning provided by the apprenticeship programmes. They did not want their children to suffer the same hardships as they did and sought to
carve out a better path for them.
But why are the children underachieving? Couldn’t they have followed their parents’ example?
Those in the skilled professions may work in construction as plumbers, masons, electricians, and welders. Undoubtedly, they are very skilled and talented. Inspection of their work may reveal masterpieces of artistry, often deploying new techniques. Some work in hospitals in practically every field: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, practical nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, social workers and geriatric nurses. They have made it despite
their age.
But too many of their children seem to have settled into entry level jobs despite opportunities for advancement. How and why do these children seem to lack ambition to achieve and succeed?
One child works as a cleaner in a hospital. At age 21 he should have finished college or a trade school or at least be attending part time.
Another child at age 22 works as a security guard. How is this possible?
Remaining here cannot be their outlook for the future. Their jobs cannot sustain the lifestyle they are living. Without the complicity of their parents, their
present way of life would not be sustainable. Even if they inherit their parents’ property, their income is not sufficient to keep and maintain it.
Unless adult children living at home bear the full cost of their boarding and lodging, they may not see the necessity for acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to sustain the life they want to live. How can we get them to see the vision and dream dreams for their future?
Anthony G. Stewart, PhDWhere goeth our carnival?
THE ‘SILLY SEASON’ is here again. Mind you, the ‘silly season’ has been altered somewhat with the inclusion of World Cup cricket, so the 2024 ‘silly season’ is comprised of carnival and cricket.
I would like to think that one (of the events) would help to energise the other. After all, we have invested millions and millions once again in upgrading the Arnos Vale playing field, and some other playing fields, and with the
amount of money that already goes into our carnival these days, I hope that for the country sake’s, we show increased stay over visitors for the period and therefore meaningful returns for our hotel and all the other services associated with both events.
But, Mr. Editor, the main reason for my submission this week is to lament what our CARNIVAL has become. We were brought up on the medicine that our
carnival, which we renamed Vincy Mas, now Vincymas (for which the CDC has given no explanation), comprised four major components: mas, pan, calypso and pageantry. Admittedly, the latter (component) has taken on serious changes that has removed it from any real connection with the culture of carnival. It is now all Miss Universe oriented regardless of how nigh a scholarship is attached to it. It’s in essence, all about how
Big up Arnos Vale
WELL, Mr. Editor, the time is drawing close when we will create a bit of history for ourselves, i.e. when we will host our first ever cricket match under lights on Thursday, 13th June, 2024. And there couldn’t be a better way to mark the occasion than by hosting a match in the ICC T20 World Cup.
Yes, regardless of whether the make-over of the Arnos Vale playing field cost $38 million or $50 million, we have something that we can be proud of, something equal to anything (i.e. cricket ground) in the region. For that we must take our hats off to all those responsible for transforming Arnos Vale playing field, including the Unity Labour Party government.
It is times like these when we must put aside whatever political differences we might have and join together to celebrate something that is meant for all of us.
I look forward to taking in at least one match. These times are not the greatest financially for me, but I must as a proud Vincentian, show my appreciation for the new Arnos Vale playing Field, and what better time to do it than during the World Cup.
I encourage all those who can afford it, to attend as many of the matches as they can. This will only benefit us in the long run.
Charles, Edinboro
“good you look on the given night. But that is not all. Have you noticed what we mean when we say carnival these days? It’s nothing more than a street jam and a soca monarch competition — no calypso, no pan, no mas. It is like carnival is divided into sectors: one that holds on desperately to the traditions of masquerade, calypso and pan, and the other comprised of soca music (about rum and women), fetes and street jams/jump-ups. And those on the CDC are bold enough to encourage us to support the “rural carnivals’ which have all degenerated into a soca fete and a street jam. It won’t be long, given the path we are travelling, when we’ll invite people to soca fetes and street jams and call it the ‘hottest carnival in the Caribbean’. If that’s the case, let’s stop fooling ourselves about carnival being our ‘Premier Cultural Festival’ and call it our ‘Biggest Jam Session’.
ThomasDeeds for home-owners: Houses built after disasters
The issue
The Unity Labour Party (ULP) government recently announced its decision to provide deeds, free of cost, to home-owners, who received from the government houses which were constructed after natural disasters (hurricanes, storms, landslides, and volcanic eruptions).
This decision revokes an earlier one made a few years ago that home-owners who received a one-bedroom house are to pay $1,000 (for house and land), $2,000 for a two-bedroom house and land, and $3,000 for a three-bedroom house and land. Hardly any of the homeowners has paid anything at all; and many of these home-owners have made additions to these houses.
Without titles, these properties, though occupied and are providing value to the occupants, are essentially “dead property” in a commercial sense; they cannot, for example, be used as security for a mortgage. It is time for these properties to transition from “dead property” to “live property” in a quest to enhance ownership and wealth, and to fortify, in practice, the security and freedom of the individual.
These “natural disaster” gifts to people are to be distinguished from the low-income housing projects with an inbuilt mortgage arrangement, through the agency of the state-owned Housing and Land development Corporation and a financial institution.
There are several hundreds of “natural disaster” gift-houses across SVG in practically every constituency. Immediately, the provision of title deeds, free of cost, to these home-owners would add several millions of dollars of wealth, in the aggregate, to the poor and historically marginalised in SVG. The current value (house and land) of a onebedroom house would be over $75,000; a two-bedroom house, EC $120,000; and a three-bedroom house, at least EC $150,000. Undoubtedly, this initiative is a poverty-reduction measure.
This, too, is a further enhancement of the housing revolution rolled out by the ULP government since 2001.
On Friday May 31, 2024, the Cabinet established an inter-ministerial committee to drive this process to provide the deeds expeditiously to the home-owners.
It would be useful to recap some central elements of the housing revolution under the ULP government.
Houses built after natural disasters
The first few houses built free for persons after a natural disaster was at Rose Hall in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lilli in September 2002.
Subsequently, such houses have been built in every constituency across SVG. Thus, the impact of the new initiative of “free deeds” will be felt widely, especially so in the poorer areas of constituencies such as North Windward, North Leeward, and North Central Windward which have received the brunt of natural disasters.
Lives-to-lives housing
The decision to provide “free deeds” will also extend to houses built under the “Lives-to-Live” Programme, but since most of these were built on lands belonging to families of the elderly and disabled recipients, the effect of the new initiative will be felt largely by those recipients who had these houses built on land belonging to the government.
Other central elements of the ULP government’s housing revolution include:
1. Provision of land titles to over 6,000 Vincentians in respect of land distributed over the years to the poor and needy.
2. Extensive Provision of Building Materials: Since 2001, the ULP government has, annually, on an average, provided at least $2 million in
building materials for the poor and needy. This amounts, in total, to over $50 million since March 2001.
3. The provision of 100 percent, nodown-payment mortgages for public servants, teachers, police officers, nurses, etc.: From October 2001, first through the National Commercial Bank (the precursor to the Bank of SVG), and subsequently through other financial institutions (banks and credit unions), the ULP government piloted the 100 percent, no-down-payment mortgages for all categories of established public servants to own houses, at least equity in houses, at a young age. The value of these mortgages is in hundreds of millions of dollars. This initiative has facilitated the explosion of beautiful middle-and-upper-middle income house across SVG. The NDP vehemently opposed this initiative when the ULP floated it when it was in opposition; it was then embraced by the public sector trade unions.
4. The Possessory Titles Act: This Act was drafted and passed by the ULP government to provide a sound and proper title to occupiers of land, in adverse possession, for 12 years or more. Hundreds of occupiers of land undisturbed have so obtained courtdirected possessory titles. Unfortunately, one judge, no longer in the SVG jurisdiction, was unnecessarily putting roadblocks in the path of applicants for possessory titles. The ULP government will act legislatively if the judiciary continues to restrict, in practice, the applicability, or easy administration of this Act as evident from the very language of the law itself and the intention of Parliament.
5. Various Fiscal, Legislative, and other Measures to assist Housing: These include:
(i) Reduced duties on cement;
(ii) Tax relief for companies involved in housing developments;
(iii) Reform of the physical planning laws and regulations to strengthen housing construction to better withstand hurricanes.
(iv) Providing substantial resources to extend training especially for young people in construction technology and engineering at Technical Institutes, Community College, and University level.
(v) Establishing certification for hundreds of skilled tradesmen/women by way of the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and the CARICOM Vocational Qualifications (CVQs).
(vi) Building out infrastructure (roads, drains, retaining walls) in housing settlements and in distressed areas.
(vii) Building umpteen of bridges, roads, footpaths to facilitate housing construction. For example, the Rabacca Bridge has transformed housing Over the River (OTR).
6. Relocation of occupants of houses on account of development projects: The ULP government, as a matter of policy, relocates occupants of houses to make way for development projects in such a manner that puts the occupants in a more favourable position than before. This was exemplified in the relocation to make way for the developments of the Argyle International Airport and the Modern Port Project. In the case of the former, generous compensation packages; in the case of the latter, beautiful houses at Lowmans Bay.
7. Special Housing Programme Under the Saudi Fund: Over $35 million has been borrowed by the ULP government on highly concessional terms from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for an expanded housing programme for the poor and needy over the next two years.
We will deliver an economy for all
(Excerpts of Laverne Velox’s presentation of the NDP’s Five Priorities)
Dr. Friday has set our five priorities to deliver real and tangible progress for everyone in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Our priorities for the country are to: create more and better paid jobs, build a better economy that provides opportunity for all, make our country safe again, provide healthcare you can trust and to improve our roads and infrastructure.
Taken together, this presents a real and ambitious platform to make SVG one of the best countries in the Caribbean to live, work, raise a family, grow old and start a business. To deliver this, we need a strong economic model that is sustainable and meets the challenge of a 21st century economy.
The ULP has abdicated any sense of responsibility when it comes to sustained economic management. SVG has lagged behind almost every country in the Eastern Caribbean over the last decade. The ULP has frittered away any platform for growth, there is no focus, no energy, no plan, no hope with the ULP government.
The ULP has ignored the domestic economy. Export growth is either weak or non-existent. There is little if any support for domestic businesses and the government has run out of the few ideas it had to build the economy.
The NDP has been tireless is setting out its plan. We want to build an economy that will deliver more and better paid jobs and greater opportunities for all. The centrepiece of this is our strategy to develop the four pillars of the economy - Tourism, Agriculture, the New Economy and the Blue Economy.
To do this, we need to ensure that each sector has the support needed to grow. This means that we have a targeted export plan to open new markets and grow exports in each sector. We will set up both a National Development Bank and organizations to support businesses in each sector to come together to open up new markets; increase the support for local businesses to grow and develop with targeted supports for each sector; cut unnecessary regulations that stop business growing and developing; set up an innovation campus to drive innovation and skills agencies to better support employers and people and set annual targets for inward investment and report back to the public on progress.
We want to develop a country that becomes one of the shining lights of the Eastern Caribbean. We will take a new approach that builds a strong, thriving economy that combines foreign direct investment and a thriving domestic sector to create better opportunities for all.
Creating more and better paid jobs
(Excerpts of the Honourable Fitz Bramble’s presentation of the NDP’s Five Priorities)
Our country is suffering from a jobs crisis. Too few of our people
have jobs, nearly one in five people are unemployed or underemployed. This level of unemployment is one of the highest in the Eastern Caribbean.
Too many of our young people come out of our education system underprepared for the future. Four in ten young people do not have a job. Too many of our young people have to leave our country, have to leave their families behind to find work and opportunities.
Too few people have jobs; leaving our people hopeless and without prospects. The government has promised time and time again it would solve this crisis but has failed to follow through. One in five people do not have a job - this is roughly equivalent to when the ULP came to office. The government response has been to employ young men in low skilled labour. They take young men for granted and hope that people do not notice. Under their watch, our economy has failed to provide the jobs needed to give our people a better quality of life.
We want to build a country of opportunity and hope. A key pillar of hope is knowing that your country will offer you opportunities to grow and develop. Delivering jobs and raising wages will be one of our highest priorities. To achieve this, we will establish the National Jobs and Skills Agency: This is an agency that will act as a one stop shop for business seeking to expand or hire more people. Construct a TVET Centre of Excellence: To give people the skills needed to succeed and expand technical training to ensure that young people have the skills needed to grow. Establish the Jobs Creation Package: This is a series of tax cuts and measures for job creators and business to allow them to create additional jobs. These proposals include: a tax support scheme for any business that hires 5 new and additional people within a year. This scheme will give back a portion of tax to those businesses that do so.
We will also introduce a National Investment Tax Credit: This is a ten-year tax credit for any new business which invest from abroad into SVG and create jobs to benefit from a reduction in the corporate tax rate over a 10-year period. Establish the National Innovation Hub to promote entrepreneurship and new business: We will create a national innovation campus that will give new business a home to build and a platform to build the future. Create the National Youth Guarantee Pledge: Young people will have access to either a job, training programme or job placement. As part of this, we will work with private businesses, to expand by offering incentives for them to take on new workers, including subsidising their wages and with a contribution from the business and create the diaspora investment programme: To create a standalone programme to attract greater number of investments from our diaspora. The NDP believes that our country needs a Job-Led economic recovery. We want to deliver more jobs, significantly increase wages and sustained economic growth.
Commendations and Corrections
“Correction does much but encouragement does more.” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832) –German polymath and writer.
PARENTS, TEACHERS, church leaders, and other concerned citizens have the responsibility and privilege of teaching younger members of the society about social skills and best behaviours. Managers and leaders in business, government, and society must also periodically correct and encourage those for whom they have oversight; persons who may appear tardy and/or exhibit unacceptable behaviours; those that have done well but need to exert more effort and energy to achieve excellence. That being said, we all qualify for the role and responsibility to occasionally guide those who appear to be exhibiting attitudes and behaviours observed to be unacceptable or where greater effectiveness and efficiencies may be deemed possible. We will be irresponsible not to do so.
The bible provides numerous examples of the value of caring enough to “intercept with intent” (my expression) rather that to let undesirable situations slip and slide. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John gives us an excellent example of how this can be done. In chapters 2 and 3 he records the commendations and concerns expressed by Jesus to the seven churches in Asia Minor. To the church in Ephesus, recorded in Revelation 2:1-5, the believers are commended for their good works and responsible behaviours. However, their attention was then drawn to the fact that they had left their first love and needed to be reminded that corrective action was needed.
Jesus also addresses concerns for the churches at Smyrna (Revelations 2:8-11), Pergamos (2:12-17), Thyatira (2:18-24), Sardis (3:1-6), Philadelphia (3:7-13), and Laodicea (3:14-22). They were initially commended for the good attitudes and behaviours displayed. However, it was also necessary to highlight areas where there were causes for concern and where improvements were required. We can learn from such an approach when needing to provide encouragement or correction. Parents, teachers, pastors, managers, and leaders can all find wisdom in such an approach — highlighting the good as a forerunner to identifying where improvements are required.
Commendations and concerns are essential components in evaluating any situation, policy, and individual or group performance. It is important to highlight strengths, achievements, and positive contributions when commending individuals in our homes, schools, workplaces, and other places where people congregate. It is useful to remember that even the most difficult and irritating individuals within the community would have some good that can be highlighted. No one is all bad. There is good in the worst of us and bad in the best of us. Sometimes highlighting the “little good” can inspire underperformers to do better. This is as true in relation to the underachiever in the classroom as it is for the delinquent child in the home or the lethargic staff member in the workplace.
Commendations can provide a source of encouragement. They reinforce positive behaviours while simultaneously providing inspiration to do better. In so doing, commendations create and sustain a culture of appreciation and excellence. Individuals and teams are encouraged to better their best efforts and to pursue their noble dreams with passion when so
motivated.
Persons who are privileged to provide leadership roles in our homes, schools, workplaces, and in the wider society must forever be reminded of the need to provide guidance, commendations, and corrections. It is so very important to make sure that the standards, procedures, and policies that have been established are adhered to and properly maintained through correction and encouragement. We understand and appreciate that it may sometimes become frustrating and disappointing as individuals “who should know better” periodically seek to “buck the system” or engage in negative, undesirable, behaviours that were previously brought to their attention. Leaders and managers are required to ensure that accountability, transparency, and fairness prevail. Alan Allpress, an accomplished Australian businessman, reminds us that, “The standard we walk past is the standard we set.” We are required to hold others accountable for the standards set. For example, the rules governing punctuality and regularity in the workplace must be adhered to regardless of the relationships particular staff members may have with senior members of staff and/or administrators. Failure to do so could easily result in the formation and maintenance of a destructive sub-culture within the organisation. In addition, such undesirable behaviours demotivate others and could result in declining productivity levels.
We are reminded to be liberal with our encouragement. It is good/commendable when efforts are made to recognize acceptable behaviours. However, alongside commendations, it is imperative to address concerns when they arise. Concerns highlight areas for improvement. They also address potential risks and challenges that require attention. In addition, they provide valuable opportunities for introspection, growth, and constructive feedback. When these are addressed promptly and in a non-condemning but caring manner, they can prevent situations from escalating or becoming increasingly caustic. Mature facilitators and recipients (who are secure within themselves) will engage in such discourses appreciating that the interactions are aimed at improving individual and group performances. In doing so, individuals and organizations can identify root causes, consider and implement corrective measures, and move in the direction of improving overall performance, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Finally, commendations and corrections provide a balanced approach to assessment and development. While it is desirable to celebrate achievements and inspire the continued pursuit of excellence, it is equally valuable to highlight concerns and to pursue corrective actions. These encourage introspection and improvement. Such an approach is considered critical as individuals, groups, and organizations seek to create and maintain a culture of continuous improvement.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Haiti on fire
THE BLOOD AND GHASTLY GOREof the horrific crisis in Haiti is no longer making headlines on mainstream media outlets. The First Black Republic is out of sight and out of the minds of the masses of people in the U.S. and the world. But Haiti is still on fire with ruthless gangs, some posing as ‘revolutionaries,’ consolidating and intentionally striving to morph into armed paramilitary militias linked to and supplied by drug cartels in Central and South America. Thus, Haiti is not only in danger of becoming a failed state; it is on the verge of becoming a full-blown narco-state where unbridled corruption and terror are the order of the day.
Haiti’s long-suffering neglected, and impoverished masses will continue to live in unspeakable, unconscionable and unacceptable poverty, misery and pain. But Haiti’s parasitical, callous elite of oligarchs could care less. They have their own hired militia-like henchmen to provide a precarious state of ‘security.’ And, under the new narcostate normalcy, they will enter into a mutually beneficial truce with gangs turned quasi-cartels, and it will be ‘business as usual.’ The wealthy and the powerful always manage to thrive, even in the midst of misery. Indeed, they exploit it and profit from it. Recall that the elite did extremely well in accumulating enormous wealth under the terroristic regime of Jean Claude Duvalier.
On the political front, despite the depths of the current protracted crisis, the great hope for rescuing the First Black Republic from the abyss has been the Montana Accord Movement, which in coalition with Fanmi Lavalas, the political party of former President Jean Bertrand Aristide, devised a comprehensive, people-based plan for re-engineering democracy in Haiti. The promise and power of the plan is its broad-based, inclusive character, patiently crafted over months of engagement and consultations with hundreds of civil society organizations, influencers, faith, business and political parties and leaders.
Recently, an Interim Presidential Council has been installed with the blessing of CARICOM, the U.S. and the CORE Group of nations with a mandate to guide the nation for the next 22 months in preparation for the election of a new president. The Council has nine (9) Members, seven (7) Voting Members and two (2) Observer Members. Herein lies the danger of bad outcomes for a potentially promising Plan and Process. The Montana Accord, the broadest-based movement in the nation, was only afforded one Member on the Council, which means that in combination with Fanmi Lavalas, which has one Member, the most progressive, pro-democratic forces can only reliably count on two out of 7 votes on the Council. Regrettably, some of the other Members are likely to take their directions from the local and foreign elite or are known to represent organizations and leaders that have a history of corruption.
However, this does not mean that all is lost. Despite these circumstances, after some tense internal bickering, the Council was able to reach consensus on the appointment of Garry Conille as Haiti’s new Prime Minister. However, the prospect and hope of moving beyond ‘business as usual’ to achieve a people-based democracy as envisioned by the Montana Accord Plan and Process is still daunting. The entrenchment of the paramilitary gangs and potential control of the Presidential Council by corrupt antidemocratic forces are major obstacles which must still be overcome. But, the challenge for those who wish to support the First Black Republic in the quest to build an authentic democracy is to keep hope alive for the masses of the Haitian people.
This means redoubling our solidarity and support for the Montana
Accord Plan and Process by pressing the Biden administration to sanction actors who support the gangs, commit or are complicit with acts of terror, or engage in corruption. Bad actors, including those who may be represented on the Presidential Council, must know that a return to unsavoury business as usual is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Second, the U.S. and the CORE Group must invest substantial resources to build a national consensus on the people’s wishes and practical and aspirational policy goals for a people-based democracy. This should include resources for town hall meetings, rallies, forums, local and regional agenda conferences, and a national people’s conference, which may be akin to a constitutional convention. Participation and engagement by and for the people must be the order of the day in an unprecedented commitment to create a new people-based democracy in Haiti.
Third, the U.S. Government must make a ‘Marshall Plan’ level of investment in transforming an impoverished nation of 10-12 million people into a peaceful, prosperous, and powerful people-based democracy. This investment will aid the First Black Republic in fulfilling the vision of the Haitian Revolution as a beacon of hope for marginalized and oppressed people everywhere!
Progressive activists have long advocated for a Marshall Plan for Haiti, correctly contending that the USA owes a massive debt to Haiti. The Louisiana Purchase would have been highly improbable without the stunning victory of the Haitian revolutionaries over the military forces of Napoleon Bonaparte. And even prior to this gift to America, Haitian troops under the command of General Henri Christophe played a major role in defeating British troops in the decisive battle of Savannah in the Revolutionary War, a gift that is memorialized by a monument in Savannah.
A massive investment in Haiti should include public service jobs for hundreds of thousands of young men and women whose human power could productively be utilized in labourintensive projects to improve Haiti’s infrastructure. Such an investment should be coupled with job training for career and entrepreneurial development to prepare large numbers of Haitian young people who are now unemployed or underemployed to participate fully in the prosperous economy, which will be a hallmark of Haiti’s new people-based democracy. Currently, paramilitary gangs control huge swaths of the capital. Liberating Haiti from the grip of the gangs is imperative, an inescapable precondition for the Plan and the Process to move forward.
To assist with this essential mission, the Presidential Council has agreed to receive the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) led by police units from Kenya. The MSS Kenyan contingent will soon be augmented by police units from Caribbean and African nations. The MSS faces major obstacles to fulfill its mission. A gunsblazing approach is not only unacceptable; it will ultimately not achieve the desired objective. The MSS mission must be undertaken with great caution and care, informed by best practices on conflict de-escalation and conflict resolution.
Haiti is on fire. But, out of the ashes of the extinguished flames, forging a new people-based democracy in the First Black Republic is possible. Dr Ron Daniel is the head of the Centre for Constitutional Rights and a long-standing activist on Haiti, Africa and the African diaspora.
‘Sex and sensuality: Liveable’?
IN A PREVIOUSpiece, we examined how over the years, cable television, the internet, and the media instigate the (spiritual) discomfort in a new and changed landscape of experience, leading sometimes to the confines of sex addiction.
Kennard King, local pastor, and mentor, especially myself will be examining solutions from the Christian point of view. I’ve touched on the self-disclosure of the first step in a popular concept — the 12-step programme long accepted since A.A in the 1950s, as a reliable and viable solution of permanence.
So, pending that, this piece will seek to illuminate the role of music — an ever-prevalent accompaniment in our daily lives. Here, my experience as a musicologist comes in handy.
Musicology is the dissemination of the language of music (what certain intervals in melody, harmony, and chords/rhythm: what these signify, inclusive of an emotional response).
I hesitate to decry any art-form in music but chose to look at a few examples and what their musical construct means in terms of human emotional response. (It might be a good idea to have YouTube handy.)
in sexual relationships. From here let’s segue to ‘Marche Finebre’ (funeral march for piano) by French classical composer Frecleric Chopin. Chopin uses the same minor 2nd interval in the bass as ‘Ran and Ron’ does. It is an accompaniment motif as important as the impressionistic, pessimistic treble material (played by the right hand in the piece). Both pieces use the minor 2nd interval to depict something negative, in Chopin’s case a funeral. Having listened to both you know exactly what it meant!
So let’s look at love songs one from the 70s: Earth, Wind and Fire’s ‘After the Love is Gone’, and the Gregory Hines-Luther Van Dross duet ‘There’s Nothing Better than Love’. Who are Earth Wind and Fire? The ground-breaking group, whose understanding and use of music is largely unsurpassed by many of the best up to today. Let’s demonstrate the musicology of the track sequentially.
A major key in the opening verse goes to a minor sixth, a dominant major 7th then a minor 3rd to a major 4th , enhancing most beautifully the thoughtful lyric in a soft, quiet occasionally with emotionally sounded brass, the story of a lover, asking heaven if the love that was lost can be found again. The resolution in the music a constant return to a major (happy chord) is an unspoken yes. YouTube it, you’ll see!
First, ‘Ron and Ron’ on the versa riddim (Trinidad): The music enunciates at the start of the track the minor 2nd interval. In the musical scale, intervals exist 2 to 11. So the doum, dorn (bass) is the main and sadly, only musical interval add-on to the track — minor 2nd, minor in music means sad or serious. The beats are hypnotic, voodooistic, and invoke sensuality. I won’t quote the lyric save to say, that it is about a dominant, violent approach to women, ‘submissives’,
Popular 60s and 70s Broadway and movie star Gregory Hines delivered a knock-out punch when he almost outsung R&B force Luther, on their 1980s duet ‘There’s Nothing Better than Love’ (currently a favourite ballad of yesteryear). Many people did not even know he could sing!
Sequentially, it is a simple, discursive melody — until the declaration in the lyric occurs. ‘There’s nothing better than love, what in the world could you ever be thinking of..’ a drop to the 2nd tone of scale minor, dominant 5th, major 1st — and at ‘what in the world’ in usual major on the 3rd note of the scale confirms how special, different, ‘love’ is (and the singers).
Gregory Hines is unusual, large, lidded eyes, a straight-ahead confident face, the sensual pout of lips, all of which explain his success as a black man from the ‘60s to the ‘80s in the movie game.
So, it ends in irony. Many musical pieces debate love, like the two songs noted.
The best musical realities, agreed on by many musicologists, exist in classical music: (Stevan Spielberg on Mozart’s 41st symphony — ‘this music proves the existence of God’!)
The human factor explains the reason I think those who know God can be hard on love… , Love has to be re-found again and again — until it is as certain as He is.
The closing point denotes, that music can and does programme your responses. If your goal is God and love, choose what you listen to, and let in carefully.
Colin KingÂ17Ê killed in Trigger Ridge
RESIDENTS RECALLED HEARINGover 20 gunshots the night, Monday 10 June, 2024, when Junior ‘17’ Bibby, 28 years old, was brutally gunned down.
Bibby was seconds away from opening the entrance (door) to his dwelling house in Trigger Ridge, Redemption Sharpes, when he was ambushed and shot multiple times. He lived alone and had no children.
Reports are that sometime after 10pm, the deceased was making his way home. He was carrying, according to a close friend of his, “a pile a money” which he intended to use to purchase a vehicle.
Sometime around 10:30pm, the sounds of gunshots were heard coming from the direction of the deceased’s home, a wooden structure located on top of a hill.
A female relative of the deceased told THE VINCENTIAN that he was on his step and about to enter his house when a gunman/gunmen attacked him.
“He was in the yard, right there by the steps, it was just for him to go in the house but the gunman was there waiting. They shot him in his head, when he drop down, they shoot him in his chest. The one in his head go right through and by the way he fall, it looked like he break his neck,” the relative related.
She said that Bibby
remained in custody.
High Court Judge — Brian Cottle in September 2022, denied an application by the Crown to allow a third trial of the two men who had been in custody since 2010.
Bute and Ash walked out of the High Court as free men, after 12 years in prison, on September 22, 2022.
Bibby’s death is listed as the 18th homicide for the year. (KH)
was a farmer who concentrated on planting ginger.
“He was a nice person and I really don’t know why they killed him,” added the distraught relative.
Living with and close to death
Monday’s shooting was not Bibby’s first brush with death. In August 2017, he and Kareem Charles were wounded during a shooting incident near the playing field in Redemption Sharpes. The shooting was said to be gang related.
Bibby’s father, Lloyd “Lazarus” Samuel, was killed in similar fashion back in December, 2007. He was shot three times in the head on 22nd December around 1:15 am, while reversing his car, P1882, into his yard at Trigger Ridge.
Bibby had to live with the reality that his father died three days later, on Christmas Day, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
Two men, Che “Ragga” Bute, and Azari “Nines” Ash, both of Redemption Sharpes, were charged for the murder of Samuel. They were found guilty in 2011 but had their conviction quashed and a retrial ordered by the Court of Appeal in May 2014. In the subsequent trail, the jury could not agree on a verdict and a mistrial was declared. The men, however,
And there were lights and more
HUNDREDS OF ANXIOUS,if not inquisitive Vincentians, showed up at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Monday night, June 10, 2024, to get a first-hand view of the refurbished facility, that has seen massive improvements and renovations ahead of the country’s hosting of matches in the ICC 2024 Men’s T/20 Cricket World Cup.
Among the additions to the facility, originally commissioned in 1972, were: the installation of floodlights, an electronic
scoreboard and replay screen; the erection of a new pavilion to replace the P.H. Veira Stand; the erection of an elevated Mound (designated the ‘Party Stand’) equipped with miniature swimming pools, bar; upgrade of the gym; relaying of the pitches; and general improvements in other stands and players’ facilities.
Persons present at last Monday’s walkabout tour, openly expressed their delight and
appreciation for the many advancements and transformations that have taken place at the facility within the last eight months.
An estimated EC$ 38 million were earmarked for enhancements to the Arnos Vale One and Two Playing Fields, the Sion Hill Playing Field and the Cumberland Playing Field.
This expenditure, according to Prime Minster- Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who addressed the sizeable gathering from the Mound area, was an expenditure in the young people of the country.
“This value is really not in dollars and cents, but in the young people of this country and particularly those who are involved in sports, and those who watch sports and are part of the overall enhancement and further development of our civilization,” he said.
He added, “We have important legacies from the investment that we’re putting in now… We would not have been able to accomplish all this in such a short period of time had we not done phenomenal work in 2007, when a lot of legacy items were put in place, such as a welldrained field, the Double Decker, the Media Facility, Administrative Centre, the Players Pavilion, the refurbished President’s Box, all done in 2007.”
The latest investments have come after some major expenditure was made as St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted warm up matches ahead of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Meanwhile, Gonsalves disclosed that the bulk of the money, approximately 70%, spent in the latest upgrade, was allocated to new items like the screen, the lights and the Mound.
“The lights are quite expensive, the single largest item, but the six of them are very modern up to date
technology, and I believe we’re going to be well served with these,” he reasoned.
The Arnos Vale Playing Field and by extension, St. Vincent and the Grenadines host five matches, three in the group stage and two in the Super Eight.
The historic first match was set for yesterday, Thursday,
June 13, when Bangladesh should have engaged the Netherlands.
Match two takes place Friday, June 14, when South Africa faces Nepal, and on Sunday, June 16, Nepal takes on Bangladesh.
The Super Eight matches take place Saturday, June 22 and Monday, June 24.
Vincymas
Duo takes N. L’ward soca title
THE DUO of Kylvert ‘KTB’ Browne and Jahlil ‘Vyper’ Williams with their song ‘Sideman’ took the coveted title of North Leeward Soca Monarch 2024.
The competition was held on Saturday June 8, at Cherry Hill, Chateaubelair.
The duo defeated heavy favorite ‘Fry Yiy’ with his popular number ‘Leave the liquor’ into second place. Aidol with his ‘Way the scene?’, placed third.
When the duo hit the change, the crowd went into a frenzy, anticipating a knockout performance. The duo did not disappoint.
The melodious song with its fused buyoun flavor,
was delivered with an energy that was transferred to the crowd who eventually sang along with the duo.
When the results were announced supporters burst into a rapturous celebration.
The first place winners received a cash prize of $2,500 along with two high-end smartphones. Fry Yiy received $1,500 for second place and third place, Aidol, received $500.
The North Leeward Soca Monarch was executed by a partnership between the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organisation (NLSCO) and Mad House Entertainment headed by entertainer, Joel ‘Fugitive’ Bibby.
Bibby congratulated the winners and the other competitors. He said he hoped the event serves as a motivation for the young artistes and those who were not successful, can learn from the experience.
The event also witnessed guest performances from some of SVG best artistes, including Fireman Hooper, Hance John, Keith Currency, Kemmy Christopher, Dose Up, Wyz Skid, Royall and Fonando.
Following the announcement of the results ‘KTB’ told THE VINCENTIAN that he was not too surprised with the victory.
“It na really much of a surprise. When you know you have talent, when you know what you are capable of, it’s just a matter of having confidence in yourself,” he expanded.
He said he had told his singing partner before the show, that they had a trending song and they just needed to work it.
“We just had to go execute the plan and do what we have to do,” said the confident young man, who shard that he and his partner have been involved in music since they were students at the St. Vincent Grammar School.
Speaking about how they came about with their winning song, ‘Vyper’ Williams said that one day they were just playing round and ended up with the hit track.
“Twenty minutes to write,” said KTB as he interrupted Williams.
‘KTB’ is the son of the late Rudy Louie, a popular Rose Bank businessman who co-founded the popular soca group, Roses Crew.
He said that his father was the first person who introduced him to the music industry and showed him how to write music.
Sion Hill Euphonium receives timely donation
THE PERFORMANCESof the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra in this year’s Panoramas are expected to be enhanced with the receipt of a donation of $15,000.00 that will allow for the sole purpose of purchasing new instruments.
Making this timely and worthwhile donation on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the band’s base located in Sion Hill Village, was SVG Solidarity in Action Inc.
Noel Jackson, who spoke on behalf of the benefactor, revealed that after receiving the request from the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, it was an easy process to honour.
“The Board (of Directors) met and readily our Chairman - Mr Renrick Rose said let us do so something and he suggested to we make a contribution to new instruments, So, this afternoon we are handing over a cheque for $15,000 to help with new instruments and we hope that this donation goes a long way in helping Sion Hill Euphonium,” Jackson said.
Jackson in highlighting the mandate of the SVG Solidarity in Action Inc. since its registration in 2010, noted, “We have been continuously giving support to the Sion Hill area and the entire country at large … We have been giving out scholarships to children of both organisation (WINFA) and the (NLC)… We have been assisting persons to go overseas for medical attention”.
The SVG Solidarity in Action Inc
was registered by the Windward Islands Farmers Association (WINFA) and the National Labour Congress (NLC), and the organisation’s main source of funds is the operation of a car park in capital, Kingstown.
The 43-year-old Sion Hill Euphonium will be participating in the 2024 Junior and Senior Panorama Competitions, carded for the Victoria Park, June 30 and July 4, respectively.
President of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra - Warren Knights, thanked the donors, calling their benevolence, “ timely,” as they go into another Panorama season.
Apart from Jackson, the SVG Solidarity in Action Inc. was represented by Board Member - Joy Matthews, Perlina Baptiste, Corporate Secretary and Sedikah Wilson-Clasp, the Administrative Clerk at the Car Park.
Some members of the Sion Hill Euphonium Junior Band, also witnessed the presentation.
LIAT 2020 gets Air Operator’s Certificate
THE ANTIGUA-BASED LIAT 2020 LTD. has surmounted one hurdle along its path to operating a full scheduled air transportation service.
In this regard, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced on his weekly radio programme earlier this week, that 2020 had obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
However, he criticized the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Barbados for causing further delays in the airline’s return to regional operations.
Browne expressed frustration over the CDB’s sluggish response to the sales agreement for the acquisition of three planes owned by the CDB. As part of the efforts to launch LIAT (2020) Ltd., Antigua and Barbuda’s government had pledged
to deposit US$12.1 million into an Escrow account toward the acquisition.
The government had made an offer to purchase the three aircraft from the CDB, which were previously operated by the regional airline LIAT (1974) Ltd. Despite this, the CDB’s extended vetting process of the sales agreement, which has lasted over two weeks, has become a significant obstacle.
Browne expressed his perplexity at the length of time it has taken for the CDB to review the sales agreement and his frustration with the delay.
Browne also highlighted the government’s need to engage in a lease agreement with the LIAT (1974) Ltd. administrator to lease one of the planes
for US$100,000 a month, in addition to a maintenance agreement costing another US$95,000 per month.
He conveyed his hope that the sales agreement situation would be resolved early next week, and emphasized his concern that the CDB’s legal department has held up the process for an unreasonable length of time.
LIAT 2020Ltd. is a collaborative effort with Air Peace, a private Nigerian airline established in 2013.
Earlier this year, Browne stated that Air Peace would invest close to US$65 million, while the Antiguan government would contribute US$20 million. (Source: Dominica News OnlineDON)
Russian warships reach Cuban waters
A FLEET OF RUSSIAN WARSHIPS
reached Cuban waters on Wednesday ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean in what some see as a projection of strength as tensions grow over Western support for Ukraine.
Three ships slowly crossed the mouth of the Havana Bay accompanied by small boats that guided them through the narrow channel. The flagship frigate, adorned with the Russian and Cuban flags, was greeted by 21 cannon salutes. Sailors in dress uniform stood in military formation as they approached the island.
A nuclear-powered submarine was expected to arrive behind them.
The U.S. military expects the exercises will involve a handful of Russian ships and support vessels, which may also stop in Venezuela.
A Russian warship crossed the mouth of the Havana Bay accompanied by small boats that guided them through the narrow channel. (Photo Credit: AP)
Russia is a longtime ally of Venezuela and Cuba, and its warships and aircraft have periodically made forays into the Caribbean. But this mission comes less than two weeks after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use USprovided weapons to strike inside Russia to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s secondlargest city, prompting President Vladimir Putin to suggest his military could respond with “asymmetrical steps” elsewhere in the world.
“Most of all, the warships are a reminder to Washington that it is unpleasant when an adversary meddles in your near abroad,” said Benjamin
Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Washington-based Wilson Center think tank, referring to the Western involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine. “It also reminds Russia’s friends in the region, including US antagonists Cuba and Venezuela, that Moscow is on their side.”
Although the fleet includes a nuclearpowered submarine, a senior US administration official told The Associated Press that the intelligence community has determined no vessel is carrying nuclear weapons. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been announced publicly, said Russia’s deployments “pose no direct threat to the United States.”
US officials last week said the Russian ships were expected to remain in the region through the summer.
Unity Government for South Africa?
SOUTH AFRICA’S RULING
AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS(ANC) has said it wants to form a National Unity Government (NUG) with major opposition parties after it lost its majority in the May 29, 2024 general elections, the first time since the country’s first postapartheid elections 30 years ago. The plan was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week Thursday, after days of negotiations within the ANC and between major parties. It comes after speculation over whether the ANC might try to form a grand coalition government with its nearest political rival, the Democratic Alliance, to control parliament, or
whether it would try and work with the uMKhonto we Sizwe of former President Jacob Zuma, whose gains in the election came at the direct cost of the ANC. Either of those arrangements could have forced the ANC to become too dependent on a single rival party, analysts have said. By going for a broad, multiparty coalition, the ANC could diffuse that risk.
The ANC now has a constitutional deadline of June 18 to negotiate the specifics of the NUG. Typically, in a multiparty democracy, there is a threshold that parties need to meet to become eligible to join a national unity government. The bar is
often 10 percent of the vote.
But ANC leaders have indicated that they might relax the threshold this time around.
In the May 29 election, the five largest parties that secured the most votes after the ANC — groups that have shown interest in potentially being part of a ruling coalition — are:
* Democratic Alliance (DA) with 22 percent of the vote which campaigned on a platform to “rescue South Africa from ANC”.
* uMKhonto we Sizwe (MK) which clinched 14 percent of the votes nationwide. It is led by Jacob Zuma — who has a long and bitter history with Ramaphosa.
* Economic Freedom
Fighters garnered 9 percent of the vote. It is considered to be an extreme left party led by 43-year-old Julius Malema, a former youth ANC leader.
* Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP): trailed with 3.8 percent of the vote and is led by Velenkosini Hlabisa.
* Patriotic Alliance (PA) finished in sixth position with 2 percent. It is led by Gayton McKenzie, a former convict who has painted himself as a success story who went from a life of crime to becoming successful.
Should a NUG be formed, it would not be a first for South Africa.
The first postapartheid government was a
whether or not he will take the path Nelson
national unity government under Nelson Mandela. It lasted for three years.
A cabinet was then formed with ministers
from the IFP, the National Party, and of course, the ANC, as well as other smaller parties. (Source: Al Jazeera)
You have one option
Dear George,
MY BOYFRIENDand I have been together for 6 years but engaged for the last two. He abruptly ended the engagement citing he was no longer in love with me. He picked up a younger woman and before you know it he was engaged to her. That lasted about two months.
I received a call from him a few days ago admitting he was wrong and wanted to correct his mistake. He asked that we meet to discuss getting back together.
Should I meet with him? I don’t think he can change my mind about him, but what do you say, George? Just wondering?
Dear Just wondering,
You said there is nothing your boyfriend can say to ‘change your mind’ yet you are wondering whether or not you should meet with him?
Based on your story, you and he have nothing to discuss. You are not the second option or a plan B and he must get that message loud and clear.
George
Lies!! Can they be fixed?
Dear George,
MY GIRLFRIENDhad a pack of condoms in her purse and when I asked about it she told me she purchased it for me. I know that was a lie because I can only use a certain type of condom and that was not it. This happened about six months ago.
Last week I stumbled upon the same pack of condoms but this time
five were missing. George, I know I did not use those condoms. When I confronted her she said it was not her fault I cannot recall “us” using the condoms. That’s was another lie. I know she’s cheating on me. Is this something that can be fixed?
Don’t deserve this
Dear Don’t deserve this, Everything is fixable
once both parties are prepared to recommit and forgive. And if that is the case, and once willing, both of you should seek counseling services.
However, before you try to remake this relationship, you need to give yourself enough to time to heal so that you can make sound decisions.
George
I took her suggestion
Dear George,
IT HAS BEENover three weeks since my wife made love to me. She claims she has too much on her plate and was bold enough to suggest that I relieve myself the best way I could.
George, I did just as she suggested. I called up a friend of mine and she gave me the best sex I’ve had in years. I did not hide it from my wife and even though I told her it was just plain sex, I also said I would do it again if her plate was still full. She threatened to do the same thing to me.
Isn’t she being grossly unfair? We are having a hard time settling this one.
Finding a way
Dear Finding a way,
Your wife should never be putting anything else before your needs. There could be some undercurrent here
that could be the main factor preventing her from availing herself in that way. However, going with another woman is crossing the line and that will a negative impact on your marriage. I suggest you both see a counsellor to try to clear the air so that the love and affection could flow again unobstructed.
George
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. You will benefit through hidden assets and property investments. Avoid conflicts with inlaws or other family members. Now is the time for completing hobbies that you've been working on for a long time.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Find out exactly what's expected of you and you'll be surprised to find out how capable you are. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs. Based on your excitement, serious-minded individuals will be more than interested in backing your ideas. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Try to take some time to listen to their complaints, and in turn, do something to appease them. Don't offer to pay for others. Voice your opinions and con- tribute to the de bate. Advancement can be yours if you are assertive in your approach.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Insurance pay outs, tax rebates, or just plain luck. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance. Friends and relatives may not understand your needs.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas. Get involved in jobs that require creative input. You can win points with both peers and superiors. Do things you enjoy instead of being a chameleon. Have a heart-to-heart talk with family and find out what the prob- lems are.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Your compassion will be appreciated more than you can imagine. Be sure to get involved in self improvement programs that will bring you in contact with interesting people. You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. You must not lead someone on or show interest in them for the wrong
reasons.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Don't let others put unreasonable demands on you. Short trips to visit others will do the whole family a world of good. Your involvement in interest groups may bring you popularity. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this week.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Don't confront the situation if you don't feel you can keep your cool. You must act quickly. Matters pertaining to work must be completed before you leave.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Don't go out of your way, and don't let these unexpected guests cost you money. Opportunities will develop through those you encounter while attending organizational events. Problems with female members of your family may play on your emotions. If you can't get ahead in the company you're with, perhaps it's time to move on.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Do not confront situations unless you are sure you have a good understanding of the dilemma. Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection. Travel may change your attitudes with regard to your philosophy.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Family talks may get a little combative. You can make wonderful contributions to any organization that you join. You can make it up to them later. You need time to put your house in order and sort out what you are going to do about your personal direction.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
You will learn a great deal from the foreigners you meet. You will be in an overly generous mood this week. Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends. You will be able to close any deals successfully.
ACROSS
1. Concorde’s initials 4. __ or swim
8. Records (abbr.)
11. Like a hip daddio
13. Not odd
14. Half of VI
15. German auto
16. Turned on an axis
18. Summer shade
20. DDE’s military arena 21. Noises 23. Witchhunting city
27. River of song
29. Consisting of two parts
30. “__ Believer” (2 Wds)
31. Work gangs
34. Biblical vessel
35. Social misfit
37. Ford model
39. His stories had morals
41. Gumbo vegetable
42. Scotsman’s nickname
44. “E” for __ 48. Fund-
raising TV program
52. Bit of kindling
53. Birthday count
54. Ebb __
55. Teamster’s rig
56. “__ Boys” (Alcott)
57. Served like champagne
58. Trio following C
DOWN
1.Strikebreaker 2. Lemon description 3. Commotion (hyph.) 4. More tranquil 5. “__ had it!” 6. Actress Campbell 7. Elopers tie them 8. 54, in Roman numerals 9. Diner dessert 10. Comic Caesar
12. Lavin or Envans 17. Pack
19. Metallic element
22. Take care of (2 Wds.)
24. Hawaiian cookout
25. All __ (attentive)
26. His bday. Is Celebrated in Jan.
27. “Peter Pan” pirate
28. Conflicts
30. __ bind (2 wds.)
32. Aroused
33. Emulate Gidget
36. Rounded roof
38. Floats
40. Singer LaBelle
43. In vogue
45. Was in debt
46. Coating of
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESCycling Union, last Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, held a two-stage event, which formed the 2024 National Cycling Championships.
On Saturday, a Time Trial from Arnos Vale to Belvedere saw Zefal Bailey recording the fastest time- 10: 53.05. Second to Bailey in 12:04.91 was Sherwin James.
Deptor Culzac with a 12:21.69 clocking, recorded the third fastest
time, ahead of Steve Ollivierre in 2:47.62 and Carlos Rivas in 13:05.13, to complete the complement of senior riders.
National Cycling Championships titles decided
Gabriel Doyle and his younger brotherEmmanuel Doyle, the two junior cyclists, clocked 12:12.11 and 14:52.10 respectively.
On Sunday, cyclists from all categories were
involved in Road Races that began at the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport Tarmac and took them to the Windward side of the mainland.
The Masters and
Juniors journeyed to Langley Park, then back to Argyle, taking the Calder pass to finish at the Belmont Look Out, for a distance of 34 miles.
Meanwhile, the Elite
journeyed to Tourama, and followed the return route as the Masters and Juniors, to end also at the Belmont Look Out.
Taking the Masters was Deptor Culzac in 2:14.14.40, ahead of Steve Ollivierre in 2: 33. 43.93 and Carlos Rivas, 2:33.47. 56.
The lone Junior cyclist was Gabriel Doyle, who completed the course in 2:07.
34.53.
In the 41-mile race for the Elite cyclists, the first to the finish line was Zefal Bailey in a time of 2:14.08.42.
Bailey was trailed by Sherwin James who timed 2:20.0.43 and third was Lucky Antrobus in 2:29.07.49.
Emmanuel Doyle, the lone entrant in the Cadet category, rode 14 miles from Georgetown to the Belmont Look Out, doing so in a time of 1:11.40. The top three finishers in each category received cash prizes.
World XI champs Sharpes Football
Nine-A-Side Football Competition, when last Sunday, June 9, they lifted the title with some aplomb.
Facing 2023 winnersLargo Height in the final, World XI registered a commanding 3-0 win.
A brace from Enrique Millington and a single strike from D’ Andre Smith accounted for World XI’s hold on the Competition.
Police docked in third, gaining $1000 and a trophy and
The newly minted champions ousted Central on penalties in their semi-final match-up, whilst the dethroned champions had a 1-0 win over Police in the half of the semi-finals.
Police then beat Central 3-2 to take the third-place winnings.
WORLD XI, featuring several players from the Sion Hill community, showed who was boss of the 2024 Sharpes
In outstanding fashion, World XI conceded only one goal throughout the duration of the competition. For their title victory, World XI pocketed the winner’s purse of $2500, a trophy, and medals, with Largo Height earning $1500, a trophy and medals.
World XI’s Anthony Hazell was adjudged the Best Goal Keeper. Young Legends’ Geron Haynes copped the Best Defender accolade and Central’s Valdo Anderson scored the most goals.
Most Outstanding Player was Largo Height’s Captain- Cordell Theobalds, who copped that accolade last year as well.
Vincy Heat falls in WC Qualifiers
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
senior men’s football team – Vincy Heat, went under in their two outings in Group F of the World Cup Qualifiers in Suriname, June 5 and 9, 2024, respectively.
On June 5, the Vincentians faced host Suriname at the Dr. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo.
Oalex Anderson gave the Vincentians the lead in the 31st minute. But that was the lone moment of glory for the visitors, as the host responded with four goals.
Sheraldo Becker scored from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, to
Blazers, Sion Hill champ
KO Netball titles
YOUTH CLUB BLAZERS completed the double in the Vita Malt Division Four of the 2024 Bank of SVG/FLOW National Netball Tournament, when they took the Knock Out Competition last Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Kingstown Netball Centre.
Blazers, a team comprising players
from the Police Youth Club teams from Fancy, Owia and Sandy Bay, continued their dominance in their first outing at the national level, when they beat Blaze Strikers, 32-18 in the title match.
Having already won the League format, the Knock Out win was also welcomed, according to Blazers’ Coach- Keeta Bowens.
bring Suriname level.
Then in first-half injury time, Jeredy Hilterman made it 2-1 for Suriname, who extended their lead soon on resumption, in the 46th minute, when Justin Lonwijk registered his team’s third.
Jaden Montor made it four in the 70th minute, to seal a 4-1 victory for Suriname.
Then last Sunday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines faced El Salvador in what was the Vincentians’ home match, also at the Dr. Franklin Essed Stadium.
The Vincentians scored in the 43rd minute through an Oalex Anderson header. This was after Jairo Hernandez had put El Salvador ahead
in the 10th minute.
Rafael Tejada gave the El Salvadorians a 2-1 lead in the 60th minutes, and Nelson Bonilla’s 83rdminute strike meant Vincy Heat went under 3-1.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, like the others in the Qualifiers, has an entire year before they resume the World Cup Qualifiers. The Vincentians will play Anguilla and Puerto Rico in June 2025.
The Concacaf Qualifiers consist of six groups. Each group has five teams. The two teams from each group advance to the next round of the qualifiers.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has zero points going into the next round.
Elated at the double title, Bowens said at the end of last Saturday’s final, “We are really happy, because it is our first time playing in the national tournament and we did well”.
Bowens revealed that after the Inter-Police Youth Club Competition (won by Fancy) that ended on March 10, this year, the decision was taken to form a combined team from among the clubs that represented the North Windward area.
Bowens was certain that the PYC Blazers would be part of the next edition.
Joining Police Youth Club Blazers as winners last Saturday was Sion Hill Sports Club Two, as they lifted the Division Three Knock Out title.
Facing All Stars in the final, Sion Hill saw them off 40-33. When the two met in the League format, they played to a 27-27 draw.
The 2024 National Tournament ends June 19, at the Kingstown Netball Centre.
Breakaway firm on fighting
ANY ALTERCATION
involving players registered with the 2024 Breakaway Masters Firms Invitational Football Competition, will be dealt a hard blow according to the organisers.
President of the Breakaway Masters Organisation — Kenville Frederick, made this clear as he addressed the Opening Ceremony of this year’s edition, last Saturday, June 8, at the Richmond Hill Playing Field.
But Frederick also elucidated the issue in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, noting that against the backdrop of an occurrence during last year’s tournament. They will be firm.
“We don’t want any fighting in this tournament, especially with referees… If anyone is involved in a fight, those players would be immediately banned… Last year, after an incident, we were forced to hire security,” Fredericks emphasised.
He admitted that whilst disciplinary measures have been in place over the years, they were hardly ever enforced as players generally conducted
themselves admirably.
“It is a Firms’ tournament… It is like a family of workers playing after work, so expect them to have fun, enjoy themselves, and represent their workplaces,” Frederick commented.
Early start of the 2024 Tournament
Frederick noted that his organisation decided to make an early start of this year’s edition.
“This year we decided to start with the Firms’ Division and after schools are closed and Carnival is over, we will start the Under-17, Under-19 and Women’s Divisions,” Fredericks disclosed.
Fifteen teams lodged in two groups are competing for honours in this year’s Firms Division.
Zone A comprises the Ministry of Education and Sports, Bonadies Limited, Aecon Fisherfolks, Toni’s Combined Stores, CK Greaves Limited, AIA, and SVG Port Authority.
Making up Zone B are RSVG Police, Combined Banks, Ministry of Health, BRAGSA, KFC Strikers, VINLEC, and Gibson Building Supplies. At last Saturday’s Opening Ceremony
and Parade of teams, KFC Strikers were adjudged the Best Dressed Team.
Ministry of Education and Sports won the 2023 Firms Division.
Sports V
WI qualify for Super Eights
WEST INDIEShave a chance of lifting the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 title. They overcame a half-cooked New Zealand squad who have been eliminated from the championship. Their encounter against Afghanistan at Gros Islet, St. Lucia, next Monday will show how determined they are.
Australia secured their spot in style. A worry in some circles is England’s prospect of an early exit. Locked in Group B with Australia, Scotland Namibia and Oman, the English men are hardpressed to qualify. Scotland seems poised to fill that Group B second spot.
When the list of Super Eights is confirmed, that will spark debate over pitch conditions.
Some teams blame pitch conditions and the one in New York came under particular scrutiny. Whatever the configuration, India has confirmed its spot in the Super Eights. The United States of America have placed their country in the mix, with victory over Canada, and a win in the Super Over against Pakistan.
That result is generating a backlash, and until the Group stages are over, we have to wait outside the gate.
Australia qualified in emphatic fashion, notably their encounter over arch rival England. Scotland sits in second place with Namibia, England and Oman, seemingly unlikely to advance.
South Africa did what was necessary while in the USA. Yesterday Thursday, June 13 saw international cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Netherlands and Bangladesh battled for the second spot at Arnos Vale in that decisive encounter.
South Africa can cement their position with a win over Nepal this evening Friday, June 14 at Arnos Vale. Nepal can satisfy fans they cultivated in St. Vincent and the Grenadines when they meet Bangladesh on Sunday at Arnos Vale.
At the same time, Netherlands can enhance their prospects in St. Lucia against Sri Lanka who played winless in the USA.
The Super Eights begin Wednesday, June 19 in the Caribbean. It will be interesting to see what impact the USA will have in the Caribbean should they qualify. Pakistan will want to correct that.
Whatever they case, Vincentians fans will be keen on their segment of the Super Eight, with games scheduled for June 22 and Monday 24.
After that it will be semifinals: Wednesday 26 at Tarouba in Trinidad and Tobago, and Thursday 27 at Providence Guyana.
The final is set for June 29 at Kensington Oval Barbados. Every major tournament has its legacy. The tournament will leave its legacy for all its worth. Memories will last, and the impact of hosting, is bound to have an impact.
The spill off can shape and define the future of many a youngster exposed to the fundamentals of the game.
Whatever the result, the staging is a defining moment in regional cricket. In any case, USA has engineered a base for when the Olympics are staged in Los Angeles, four years later.
That is another platform from which cricket can break into the non-traditional market and provide the sport with an added platform for take-off.
Int’l cricket returns to Arnos Vale
A MODERNIZEDARNOS VALE PLAYING FIELD, some say a totally remodeled facility, welcomed the return of international cricket to its newly laid pitches, when yesterday, Thursday 13th June, 2024, Bangladesh and The Netherlands faced off in a Group D preliminary round of the 2024 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Netherlands look to Arnos Vale being their lucky charm that will put them in playoff contention.
Ian Allen, Operation Officer – SVG National Sports Council, pictured standing in front of the newly laid pitches – expects the pitches to be lively.
The Arnos Vale Playing Field was inaugurated in 1981 and with its purported seating capacity of 18,000 people, last hosted an international match in 2013, when the West Indies faced Pakistan.
The facility today is a far cry from what it was in 1981 — boasting today flood lights, an electronic display/scoreboard, enhanced spectator accommodation and six new pitches.
Reports are that batters from both Bangladesh and The Netherland, battered and bruise from their outings in New York, are looking forward to a better experience in SVG.
N.
Ian Allen, Operation Officer — SVG National Sports Council — who was the lead local expert that oversaw the laying of the pitches, predicted a fast pitch with bounce.
He expected the contests at the “new” Arnos Vale Playing Field to be tense with the results coming down to which bowling attacks performed the best.
Meanwhile, South Africa with 6 pointsthree wins from three matches - heads the standings in Group D. They are followed by Bangladesh and The Netherlands both on two points each, and Nepal and Sri Lanka on one point each.
Bangladesh currently shares the second spot in the Group D standings.
L’ward Softball Cricket titles decided
GOLDEN PREDATORSand
Spring Sixers were crowned champions of the male and female segments respectively, when they recorded contrasting victories in the finals of the VINLEC North Leeward T20 Softball Super League Cricket Tournament, last weekend at the Petit Bordel playing field.
In the female finals, Golden Predators beat Beachfront by 45 runs in the finals. Scores: Golden Predators 177 for 4 from 20 overs. Tonicia Crees 51 not out, Shanell McKie 30. Jasmin Harry took 2 for 19. Beachfront in reply made 132 for 4 from 20 overs, Shantel Murray 35, Tamaica Laborde 25. Shanell McKie 2 for 18. MVP of the final was Tonicia Crees.
In the male contest, Spring Sixers defeated Troumaca Starlight by 33 runs. Scores: Spring Sixers 158 from 20 overs. Jordan Charles 38, Rickel Stapleton 37. Jeremy Haywood took 2 for 37. Troumaca in rely made 125 all out from 20 overs, Elmour Robertson 30, Tilron Harry 24. Rickie Stapleton 3 for 8, Damal Gould 2 for 19, Rickel Stapleton was the MVP of the finals.
Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN
Golden Predators –female champs Spring
SVG economy growing
FINANCEMinister
Camillo Gonsalves, speaking at a business luncheon organized by the SVG Chamber of Industry and Commerce, held at the La Vue Hotel on Friday, June 7th, emphasized the resilience of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines ( SVG) economy while calling for increased local private sector participation to capitalize on the favorable investment climate.
Gonsalves highlighted the impressive economic strides SVG has made despite recent adversities, including the COVID-19 pandemic, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes.
He noted that the GDP increased by 5.5% in 2022 and 6% in 2023, with a projected growth of 5% for 2024. These figures, he asserted, underscored SVG’s position as one of the fastestgrowing economies in the region.
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not just better than it was five years ago; it has become a model of
economic resilience and growth,” Gonsalves stated, and attributed this success to strategic investments in infrastructure, disaster recovery, and digital transformation, to wit: infrastructure projects such as the construction of a new hospital and extensive road rehabilitation, as well as the development of digital solutions to streamline government services and reduce business costs.
The Finance Minister underscored the importance of local investment in maintaining and accelerating economic growth, and called on the private sector to seize the opportunities presented by the improving economic conditions before foreign investors dominate the market.
“Now is the time for local businesses to be more confident, more enterprising, and more willing to invest,” Gonsalves urged.
He assured the private sector that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment that supports business growth and economic development, but emphasized, “We are creating a sustainable economy built to last, but we can achieve even more if we work together,”
Now was the time for a genuine collaborative approach between the government and the private sector to ensure sustainable economic growth, the Minister said. (Source: API SVG)
AI REAL ESTATE
TWO SCHOOLS GET MOUND OFFER
THE 2024 GRADUATING CLASSESof the Girls High School (GHS) and the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) can look forward to having their own party in the Party Stand at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, after the completion of the ICC Men’s T/20 World Cup schedule of matches here.
During an address at
an ‘Open House’ at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Monday evening, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves publicly invited both schools to host their Graduating Party celebrations at the new Mound, located at the southern section of the renovated/modernised facility.
GOODBYE TO ÂPELINGÊ POLLARD
THE VINCENTIAN joins with the Carnival fraternity in particular and all the people involved in the diverse range of cultural activities in general, to mourn the passing of an undisputed cultural icon JULIAN ‘PELING’ POLLARD.
More can and will be said during the course of time in tribute to this unquestionable national icon, who from his tender teenage years as a secondary school student impressed himself and his artistic/creative talents on the cultural landscape of this country.
Known for his mas designs that overwhelmed carnival patrons here, across the Caribbean and in North America, he will be best remembered up to his passing, as one of the ‘winniest’ Band of the Year designers in SVG, the other being Oswald Constance.
Not to sound facetious, but it seems appropriate that ‘PELING’ would have chosen this time of year, another carnival Season, to say goodbye to this world and be welcomed into the arms of the gods of creative expression, from where he will begin a journey into a new realm.
THE VINCENTIAN extend condolences to his family, his many friends and his fellow cultural activists.
“For the students who are graduating from the Girls’ High School and Thomas Saunders who would have had to suffer some inconvenience, I want the Principal of the Thomas Saunders and the Headmistress of the Girls’ High School to see if they can organise with us, to have their graduate students come here and enjoy a party after the cricket,” Dr. Gonsalves indicated.
The two schools have been ‘temporarily’ housed at the decommissioned E. T. Joshua Airport, in close proximity of the Arnos Vale Playing Field, hence, the
The Mound is literally a transformation from what was known as the “Party Stand’. Some say it is an ideal family ‘spot’.
students of the institutions would have been affected by the construction at the facility.
He said he knew other
schools would also want to have a party there but first it was about GHS and TSSS.
Gonsalves declared the renovated facility to
be a beautiful place for people to hang out even outside of Cricket, and he is sure they will make use of it on an ongoing basis.
I.H.S. PAST STUDENTS PLAN REUNION
PLANS ARE NOWin high gear for past students — 1979 — 1985of the Intermediate High School - IHS, fondly known as “Timmy School”, so named after its longest serving principal, Bertram “Timmy” Richards now deceased, to hold a past students’ reunion tentatively set for October 25, 2025.
The initiative involves
past students both home and abroad, from among whom an Executive Committee was elected to finalize plans for this activity.
The Committee comprises: Earl ‘Ole George’ Daniel — Chairperson; Tyrone Creese - Vice Chair; Vernice Preddie — Secretary; Wayne Williams — Treasurer; Albena Samuel/Jack -
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; Leopold Dopwell - Public Relations Officer; Sherma Drakes, Gillian Martin and Donna Findlay — Committee Members.
The Executive held its first meeting on Thursday, June 06, 2024 at which it set the tentative date for the reunion.
In addition, a
WhatsApp group chat was set up to keep past students and teachers from that period informed of plans, as well as to serve as a medium through which suggestions can be made for consideration by the Executive and incorporation into plans going forward.
According to the PRO Dopwell, the Executive Committee is looking forward to the full participation of students from 1979 to 1985, and called for submissions of ideas toward making the event a memorable one.
Report submitted by: Leopold Dopwell, PRO
The Intermediate High School, uptown Kingstown, would have been the one the 19791985 class would have attended.