THE VINCENTIAN PDF-17-11-23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

VOLUME 117, No.46

Venezuela’s threat Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Lawyer saves client Page 4

“Granny Tounce” 100th Page 18

EC$1.50

“Sailor” reflects Page 23

SVGFF bashed Page 28

(L-R): Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the SFD, affix their signatures to a memorandum of understanding that commits Saudi Arabian assistance for projects in SVG.

SAUDI $$ FOR SVG

by KENVILLE HORNE

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (center) was recently the recipient of an honorary doctor’s degree by the esteemed Bells University of Technology OTA Ogun State, Nigeria.

„REGULARIZE YOUR STATUS,‰ PM TELLS NIGERIANS FOR A SECOND TIME, the original reference was made in January 2023, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent, Ralph Gonsalves, has invited persons of African descent/Nigerians, who are currently resident in this country, to move towards legalizing their residency status.

The Prime Minister extended

the invitation during a press conference he hosted last week Friday.

He appealed to the Nigerian students in particular, some who have been left wallowing in indecision as they face up to challenges relating to their registration at certain off-shore institutions here.

That said, Dr. Gonsalves shared with the media and the nation that a number of the Nigerian students, whom he claimed have completed their education, have remained here and pursued endevours in music and other trades.

Orther than saying that the Nigerian government took the decision to alter funding to medical students overseas and some do the students were then stranded here, the Prime Minister cited no (other) reasons for them remaining, but instead said, “…a significant portion of these individuals can be classified as undocumented, Continued on Page 3.

TWO MEETINGS PRIOR to the Caricom Saudi Arabia Summit on Thursday, November 16th, have borne further assistance for programmes/projects in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This commitment to assist has come after Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves met with Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and then with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih.

The Prime Minister and the CEO of the SFD signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which, according to a release coming from the API, “will see SVG benefit from millions of dollars from the SFD for infrastructure projects in the fields of housing, education, health, sporting facilities, and citizen and community security.”

Details with respect to the fore-mentioned are expected to be finalized by December 2023.

In the meeting with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, Dr. Gonsalves invited Saudi investments in: construction of a new cruise ship port; hotel development in the Grenadines and on the mainland; and the construction of a proposed new, modern city at Amos Vale.

Prior to his departure for Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Gonsalves said, “We are going for additional sums of monies from Saudi Arabia. Soft loans, 20 years, two percent, which is good money and …. We will sign a memorandum there.”

The Prime Minister also outlined several projects which the anticipated assistance would address, including: home repair and construction under the Lives to Live programme; rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools; construction of a TVET center in Union Island; construction of a secondary school in Brighton; construction/rehabilitation of health facilities in Calliaqua, Byrea and Redemption Sharpes.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines delegation to Saudi Arabia includes Minister of Urban Development — Benarva Browne; Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister — Shackell Bobb; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Angie Williams; Senior Engineer — Cecil Harris; Chairman of Invest SVG — Tony Regisford; Economist II — Janelle Hannaway-Horne; CEO of the SVG Tourism Authority — Avanell Da Silva; Press Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister — Shevrell McMillan and Security Officer — Sergeant Kendal Horne.

2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 3.

News 3 Guyana tells ICJ of VenezuelaÊs threat

GUYANA TOLD THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ) on Tuesday it faced an “existential” threat from a planned referendum by Venezuela on whether to annex a disputed oil-rich border region, and urged the United Nations’ top court to “urgently” stop the vote.

Venezuela has for decades laid claim to the Essequibo region which makes up more than two-thirds of its territory and home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens.

The dispute has intensified since ExxonMobil discovered oil in Essequibo in 2015.

Caracas plans a referendum on December 3 calling into question an 1899 decision by an arbitration tribunal that fixed the border with Guyana – a former colony of both Britain and the Netherlands.

“It is not an exaggeration to describe the current threat to Guyana as existential,” said Carl Greenidge, a former minister representing the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

“I cannot stress enough the urgency of the situation that brought us here today,” he added, with Guyana risking the “irreparable and potential permanent loss” of its rights.

Caracas was due to address the court on Wednesday, but Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told Venezuelan TV from The Hague that Guyana had “lied and manipulated” in its presentation to the court.

“Guyana never ceases to amaze us.

We are really very surprised because not only are they the heirs of a territory that the UK had stolen from Venezuela, but they also inherited that... imperialist and colonialist arrogance,” she said.

In Caracas, President Nicolas Maduro insisted his country would decide the matter “in a sovereign way,” adding Guyana’s ICJ bid amounted to an attempt to “repeal the constitution” of Venezuela.

In the referendum, Venezuelans will be asked whether or not to reject the 1899 decision, which Caracas says was “fraudulently imposed”.

Also on the ballot is whether Venezuela should reject ICJ jurisdiction over the dispute, allowing it to create a state in the disputed territory and to grant Venezuelan citizenship to current and future residents of the annexed area.

Guyana says the referendum would pave the way for Venezuela to “unilaterally and illegally” seize the region.

The claim has become potentially all the more combustible due to a “significant” new oil discovery in the region last month, adding to Guyana’s reserves of at least 10 billion barrels – more than Kuwait or the United Arab Emirates.

Tiny Guyana has the world’s biggest reserves of crude per capita, while its neighbor sits on the largest proven reserves overall.

Guyana urged the court to force

Venezuela to halt the referendum “in its present form” and to refrain from any actions to take control of the Essequibo territory.

Only the court stands in the way of “chaos that threatens the peace and security of Guyana and the Caribbean region and beyond,” said Greenidge.

Paul Reichler, a top lawyer representing Guyana, told the court that “military preparations were already underway” to enforce the referendum result.

But Rodriguez

Below: Disputed territory between Venezuela and Guyana. (Credit: AFP)

dismissed these claims, saying a recent military mobilization was to prepare for the referendum.

The ICJ rules on disputes between states but while its decisions are legally binding, it has no power to enforce them. (Source: AFP)

“Regularize your status,”PM tells Nigerians SVG Bar Association Elects New Executive Continued from Frontpage.

SHIRLAN ‘ZITA’ BARNWELL is the new president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines bar Association, She was elected to the post November9 and assumed the chair from Rene Baptiste.

The full Executive that will serve for the 2023 — 2025 is: President Shirlan “Zita” Barnwell of Thomas and Barnwell Chambers; Vice President Moureeze Franklyn, Crown Counsel of the Attorney General Chambers; Treasurer - Jadric Cummings of Cardinal Law Firm; Secretar - Patricia Marks-Minors of Marks and Marks Law Firm; Committee Members - Chelsea Alexander of ZHE Chambers, Dalana Horne ,Senior Legal Officer at Customs and Excise Department and Jemalie John of Jemalie John Law Office;

The new Executive of the SVG Bar Association (from left); Immediate Past President - Hon René Baptiste, President - Shirlan “Zita” Barnwell, Vice President - Moureeze Franklyn, Treasurer Jadric Cummings, Secretary - Patricia Marks-Minors, Committee members - Dalana Horne, Chelsea Alexander Jemalie John.

Immediate Past President & ExOfficio member Hon René Baptiste.

A release that announced the new executive also said, “The new Executive will soon embark on several exciting projects and programs including Continuing

Legal Education for all attorneys, Public Education and Legislative Reform in an effort to revitalize the work of the Bar Association for the development of the profession and its engagement with the community”. (Source: SVGBA)

lacking any official recognition or established status beyond their previous student designation, while no longer being enrolled in educational programmes.”

In that vein, he invited them to “…come and regularise yourself, get residence, get work permits, and regularise yourself. Those of you who have been here for seven years or more could apply for citizenship. In short, we have a number of bright young Nigerians. We haven’t paid for their primary education, we haven’t paid for their secondary education, and we haven’t paid anything for their tertiary education. They are a resource. They are an important resource.”

In their support, the Prime Minister reminded Vincentians, “They may be undocumented, but they are law-abiding in the sense that they are not involved in any criminal activity. If they choose to get involved in that kind of activity, well, the relevant institutions of the state, the police, and the courts will deal with that.”

According to Gonsalves, these people exhibit a strong work ethic and should be considered for employment opportunities.

In a related story, indications, first broached by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, are that tuition scholarships, in the amount of US$10,000, will be offered to Nigerian students interested in studying at the American University of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and at the campus of the All Saints University located here.

The students who will be considered for the scholarships are expected to be nominate by Bell’s University of Technology, Nigeria.

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Lawyer’s insistence saves client Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS FOR THE SECOND time in one month, attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste has accused the Prosecution of not revealing vital information to the defense, until specifically requested.

The lawyer told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that had she not insisted that the defense be provided with full disclosure in the case of her client Imron McCoy, she may not have been able to save him from a prison sentence on Monday.

McCoy, a 46-year-old farmer and part-time mechanic of Sandy Bay, walked free from the High Court on Monday after a nine-member jury found him not guilty of robbery, and causing grievous bodily harm.

McCoy was charged with, between July 31, 2020 and August 3, 2020, being armed with a piece of board, robbing Kendol Bobb of Mt. Grenan of a Galaxy Samsung cellphone. He was also accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Bobb between the same dates.

Bobb’s evidence to the Court was that on the date in question, he was driving his vehicle on his way home when he pulled aside at South Union around 2 a.m. to sleep. He put one of his feet on the window and fell asleep, but was awakened by a blow to his foot, and saw McCoy, whom he knew very well.

McCoy asked him for money which he refused to do, resulting in him receiving another blow, this time to his

head. Bobb then exited the vehicle, and according to him, McCoy ran.

Bobb recalled seeing someone else on the scene but did not recognize who it was. He said when he got home he realized that his cell phone was missing.

But Bacchus-Baptiste, reflecting on the case, told THE VINCENTIAN, shortly after McCoy’s acquittal, that Bobb told the doctor who examined him that two unknown assailants struck him with a piece of steel, and he fell in a gutter, resulting in a broken leg. He also told the police that unknown men struck him with a piece of wood, and he fell into a gutter and broke his leg.

Bacchus-Baptiste added that, according to the station diary at the Georgetown Police Station, Bobb’s mother reported that two men attacked her son.

The lawyer said that it was on her insistence for full disclosure when, at the last minute, just before the trial, she was able to get what Bobb had told the police and the doctor. She said that the initial disclosure did not reveal these two important pieces of information, which showed the inconsistencies in the Prosecution’s case.

“If I was not an experienced defense attorney, he (McCoy) might have been convicted, and be subject to life imprisonment. Had it not been for in insistence for full disclosure, I might not have been able to save him,” the

lawyer explained, adding that robbery and causing grievous bodily harm both carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment.

McCoy, in his defense, told the Court that, at the time the incident was reported to have occurred, he was at home selling ice, then he went to sleep. His mother who was called as a defense witness, said that when she awoke to use the bathroom she saw her son sleeping in the living room.

Bacchus-Baptiste told THE VINCENTIAN that the prosecution forced her to call two witnesses, Imron MCoy with his mother, Amy including McCoy’s mother, who should Topping (left) and sister Ophelia have been called by the prosecution McCoy after his acquittal. and would have shown that McCoy October 18, following the acquittal of was innocent.

Campden Park resident Jason Isaacs “They should have called them who was found not guilty of murdering (witnesses), and even if they (prosecution) did not want to question fellow village Michael ‘Jaro’ Browne, them, they could have put them up for Bacchus-Baptiste, who represented cross-examination. Instead, they forced Isaacs, said that the prosecution had initially disclosed to the defense that the defense to call them, and they the deceased, Browne, had 11 cross-examined their own witnesses,” convictions from 2000 to 2008, and it Bacchus-Baptiste said.

“That is not fair, that is not justice. was not until she asked, after spotting If I did not get that disclosure, the jury that something was wrong, that the would not have had any other evidence prosecution handed her a conviction sheet for Browne with 15 convictions, to show that he (McCoy) was not identified. It would have been difficult and what was previously left out included a major conviction of for me to save him,” the lawyer repeated. She contended that the role wounding with intent in 2008. of the prosecution is not to seek a conviction, but to present the facts fairly.

In a conversation with THE VINCENTIAN on

ThiefÊs disguise ACP’s son’s lawyer requests gun analysis didnÊt help him FORENSIC analysis of the gun in the case of Ashano Benjamin, the son of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Benjamin, and coaccused Kemani Gould, may determine the direction of the matter if that procedure is pursued.

THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that on Tuesday, attorney Grant Connell who is representing Grant Connell – Benjamin, made an application wants a forensic to the Serious Offenses Court analysis of the for the gun to be forensically firearm involved analysed in St. Lucia, to in the case. determine the existence of fingerprints, and if lifted, to establish their identity.

Attorney Israel Bruce is representing Gould.

Benjamin, a 26-year-old tax officer, and Gould, a 27-year-old labourer, both of Barrouallie, had appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday where they pleaded not guilty to possession of a .40 Smith and Wesson pistol, and 6 rounds of .40 ammunition, without a license. They were each granted $15,000 bail with one surety, and Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne ordered that the Prosecution give the defense full disclosure of all relevant material to the case by Monday, November 20. The matter is slated for a hearing on November 27.

In response to Connell’s application on Tuesday, THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Chief Magistrate suggested that the lawyer wait until next Monday to see whether the Prosecution included, or states its intention to have done, the forensic analysis of the gun when they provide the defense with full disclosure, as ordered by the Court. If it is not, or would not be included, then the

Court will hear Connell’s application.

Connell agreed, but indicated that if the Prosecution stated its intention to have the analysis done locally, he would maintain that it be done in St. Lucia as St. Vincent and the Grenadines lacks the facilities to have it done properly.

He also highlighted the relation this country has already established, with St. Lucia with regard to this procedure.

When Benjamin and Gould were Ashano Benjamintaken before the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, Connell told the charged with possession of Court confidently, “I don’t know a firearm and about Counsel Bruce, but we ammunition (Benjamin and himself) are ready without to proceed by Thursday licence. (yesterday), once we have full disclosure. We have no time to waste”.

But Prosecutor, Renrick Cato informed the Court that he had spoken to the investigator, Corporal Renetta Millington, of the Major Crime Unit (MCU), and she indicated to him that there were three more witness statements to be collected.

The November 27 date for trial and the disclosure date for next Monday was then set to accommodate both parties.

As part of their bail conditions, the men were ordered to surrender travel documents and report to the Barrouallie Police Station every Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exist, and they are not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offenses Court or High Court.

Reports are that the men’s arrest stemmed from a police action at Arnos Vale between October 7 and 28, 2023.

A 19-YEAR-OLD QUESTELLES resident who disguised as an employee of the Campden Park Port Authority to facilitate a burglary at the administrative building there, will spend the next 7 months behind bars.

The burglary was committed at about 10:30 p.m., and the culprit was seen at the building disguised in a helmet and reflector vest.

The accused, Renson Renson Shepherd, was subsequently Shepherd may arrested and on Wednesday, sentenced to 7 months in prison have disguised himself but he for entering the Campden Park did not escape Port Authority administrative building as a trespasser between the arm of the October 20 and 21, and stealing law.

EC$250 in banknote and coins, a black waterproof phone valued EC$200, EC$150 in coins, one pair brown sketcher boots valued EC$80, three bottles of wine valued EC$105, two bottles of vita fusion supplements valued EC$150, one bottle of Nature Bounty Supplements valued EC$50, three female body sprays valued EC$75, two body lotions valued EC$50, a safety helmet valued EC$45, one reflector vest valued EC$45, one black executive bag valued EC$40, and one black backpack valued EC$40, amounting to a total EC$675.

Shephard was also sentenced to three months for entering the Campden Park Port Authority administrative building as a trespasser between October 22 and 25, and stealing a quantity of seasoned chicken valued EC$30, six bottles of Coca-Cola valued EC$25, two bottles of Tusty water valued EC$10, five packs of popsicles valued Continued on Page 27.

V RVA gets attention from Chicago

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 5.

Food Security

THE CLIMATE and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES at Richmond Vale Academy (RVA) have attracted the attention of the green movement in Chicago and three students from that US city will enroll on scholarship next year.

RVA has rehabilitated its facilities and fully reactivated its programmes following the devastation of the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrière.

Since then, the institution has been networking with different organisations in the United States and, in Chicago, efforts have focused on students who are interested in enrolling in RVA’s programme but cannot afford to do so.

The three Chicago students will come to RVA next year through a partnership between the GAIA Movement, an environmental organisation focused on recycling textiles and education, and Stein Learning Gardens, which is part of a social justice campus that is located on the grounds of a St. Sabina Catholic Church on the south side of Chicago.

Community Outreach and Operations Manager for Stein Learning Gardens, Richard Kirkpatrick; and Eva Nielsen, President, CEO of The GAIA Movement; as well as Marianne Thompsen, operations manager at the GAIA Movement visited St. Vincent last week, to see the RVA campus as well as some of its programmes and projects.

Thompsen had visited St. Vincent 40 years ago, when she worked in building latrines in Chateaubelair, a town in the northwest of the island close to where

movement discussed offering scholarships to students from the South Side of Chicago.

During their trip to St. Vincent, the group also visited home gardens that RVA has helped to establish in various communities as well as its coral restoration project. They also visited WindBlow Valley Ranch, in Belmont, which produces an organic liquid fertiliser.

“RVA is an extraordinary place where young people from around the world are learning about the climate crisis and the things that are affecting communities here in St. Vincent and the like. But they also have the opportunity to learn what’s really going on in the world from a climate perspective,” Kirkpatrick Kirkpatrick said: commented.

“They are learning “Once I heard about about permaculture and the work that Richmond growing healthy, organic Vale Academy was doing, crops and doing some I was going, ‘Wow! This valuable work in the is fantastic! This is very community on a interesting to see what volunteer basis, which is, you’re trying to address in my opinion, a in St. Vincent is kind of wonderful experience.” what we’re doing here in He described the coral Chicago. And we all restoration project as agree that it would be “fantastic”, adding that it great to have loads more has potential to be “a viable, full-time home gardens.” employment, ultimately, Stein Learning for people in the Gardens and the GAIA RVA is located. She also visited in 2019, and was encouraged by the number of townsmen who recognised her.

Stein Learning Gardens at St. Sabina was founded in 2018 by local philanthropist, Barbara Stein, inspired by the work of activist priest Father Michael Pfleger.

“One of the things that we do is that we teach how to grow food, but we also build community gardens,” Kirkpatrick explained.

He said that Chicago Grows Food, a partner organisation, is very big on building home gardens and addressing food insecurity through helping people learn to produce their own food organically in a community that has no options.

From left: Wesley Mofford of WindBlow Valley Ranch, Richard Kirkpatrick of Stein Learning Gardens, Marianne Thomsen and Eva Nielsen of The GAIA Movement, and Stina Herberg of Richmond Vale Academy. community and be doing good stuff for the planet”.

The scholarship for the three Chicago students is being financed through The Gaia Movement’s textile recycling programme, which collects used clothing that would otherwise end up in landfills and extend their

life by selling them in Central America.

Meanwhile, RVA Director of Outreach and Public Diplomacy, Stina Herberg, was excited about the first batch of students from Chicago and the effort of The GAIA Movement in that regard.

She said RVA is

looking for candidates who, after completing their programmes, would have an impact on their communities.

“This means that Richmond Vale Academy could have a broader impact, specifically food and water security and climate change,” Herberg said.

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Nature

Weekend rain causes damage Right: This slide at Gibson Corner happened latter in the week after the area was soaked by the weekend’s rain.

November, the Met Services reported that 30.4mm (1.2ins) of rain were recorded for the subsequent 24-hour cycle.

In fact, the country was put on Flash Flood Watch from Friday 10, 6:00am, to 6:00pm om Sunday.

During the course of the weekend rains, a number of landslides were reported

restored by the following day.

The hurricane season closes

officially at the end of this month, November.

Landslide along the Green Hill main road.

throughout the state, and the Central Water and Sewerage Authority ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES had reported that a transmission its fair share of rain last weekend – Nov. pipeline in Top Gomea was damaged by a fallen 10-12. breadfruit tree on Saturday In a report issued at 6:00pm on 11th November, causing Saturday 1th November, the Met Services here stated that 60.6mm (2.39 disruption of the water ins) of rain were recorded in a 24-hour supply to a number of communities in that district. Workers of CWSA braved the cycle.

Water supply to the majority of weather to effect repairs to a At 6:00am on Sunday 12th affected communities was main pipeline in Top Gomea.

(Photos: Facebook)

Part of the embankment on the opposite side of the Health Clinic in Campden Park came down under the force of the rains (water).

Fallen lines caused by a fallen tree in Nutmeg Grove, Belair.

Residents in Glenside, Mesopotamia moved quickly to clear fallen trees that had blocked the road.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 7.

Education

The Girls’ High School featured as one of the outstanding participating schools in this year’s Fair.

Another successful Science Fair held JUANITA HUNTE-KING is the Education Officer responsioble for Science in the Education Ministry here. She sees student exchange as a viable means of expanding the teaching of Science.

She broached the issue while addressing the Prize-Giving Ceremony of this year’s VINLEC National Science and Technology Fair, held last week Friday, November 10, at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall.

She is confident that a “student exchange can be worked out.” Her idea must have been morphed out of the fact that students from Union Island and Canouan secondary schools, journeyed to the mainland to St. Vincent to participate in the Science and Technology Fair which started November 6.

King raised the prospect of a “space” which she contends will spin off benefits to the nation. She envisages a state of the art laboratory, capable of providing top level testing, a museum, and space for storage.

She is impressed with the presentations and students’ sincerity with depiction on the theme ‘Imagination.’

Fourteen primary Schools and twelve secondary schools ensured that this year’s event sustained the growth of the flagship event.

Hunted-King looked at the word: sustainability” as an addition to next year’s exercise.

Mycale Burke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education” is happy when children are given room to develop their creativity.” He referred to a host of accomplishments which the world is benefitting from as a result of children’s ingenuity.

Rhodsha Oliver, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel for the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC), highlighted the connection between aspects of science and technology and the law.

She pointed to the importance of a ‘Patent’ to students, especially that they could succeed with that break through creation.

As far as Oliver is concerned “everything is science,” and that once it “drives progress,” there must some element of scientific base about it.

That includes government, policy makers, farmers “for there must be an acceptance and connection with the Language of technology.”

Oliver is pleased that her company is identifying with the voltage that “puts science and technology front and centre.”

She is encouraging students to treat science as “working in real time.”

The work of the students of the St. Mary’s RC School did not go unnoticed.

This year’s Fair displayed some 156 projects and involved 270 participants.

The St. Mary’s R.C School, Calliaqua Anglican School and Lower Bay Primary Incorporated were assessed as the outstanding schools among the primary schools. Among the Secondary Schools, Girls’ High, Bishops College Kingstown and Georgetown Secondary took the accolades.

Lucas Huggins from the St. Martin’s Secondary with his venture: “The fabric of space and time,” shared the Physics category with High School students Alexia Laborde and Amira Onu whose project was a Pinball machine.’

Mya Cumberbatch and Nyah James from Girls’ High School took the Chemistry segment with ‘Lemon battery’. (WKA)

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Diwali? What does it mean for us?

EAST INDIANS AND PEOPLE of East Indian descent, wherever they found themselves on planet earth, marked the festival of Diwali, also known as Divali and Deepvali, last weekend.

In the case of the Caribbean, in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in particular where people of East Indian descent make up a sizeable percentage of the respective populations, the festival stretched officially from November 10 — 14, even though the spirit of the festival might have extended over a longer period.

But just what is Diwali and what significance does it hold for the Caribbean and the world?

Diwali is commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights. The celebration centres on the triumph of good over evil, purity over impurity, light over darkness, opened hearts over closed-mindedness. It is one of the most important East Indian festivals.

In Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, it is a time of open houses and an unbridled showing of hospitality by East Indian families to all. The homes of East Indians descendants, alit with extraordinary designs of lights — actually flickers of light generated from wicks soaked in oil in special clay receptacles called diyas/deyas — are opened to all, who are welcomed to feast and make merry, stopping short of becoming intoxicated and unruly.

What is hoped is that this special occasion of lights, a symbol of the achievement for every civilization, would be embraced as a period of experiencing what it is like to have no boundaries — class, race or creed.

That the symbolism of the light would permeate our sense and sensibilities so that we see and spread truth, justice and love throughout the society. That we accept that the combined virtue of truth, justice and love is not the sole ownership of any person or group of people.

It perhaps points to the need to read the meaning of Diwali into our daily existence. It perhaps means that in our daily lives and in the life of a nation as a whole, that we make

the spirit of Diwali the driving force to our existence; that it be allowed to influence our politics foremost.

What Diwali must mean is that beyond whatever sacredness that characterises the festival of Diwali, that Diwali’s light is seen as a symbol of and for all mankind. That we must search for and accept Diwali’s light so that we will come to accept and uphold that the goods of the earth are for all mankind — that Diwali’s light must embolden our resolve to be impartial about how we distribute opportunity and create wealth.

That the light of Diwali continues to be an inspirational feature for all people points to giving it additional clout. Why not a declaration of observance of a Festival of Lights, i.e. a Day of Lights, not alike the many other days, al la pan, designated by the United Nations.

And, God knows we need this international focus as the world moves into a period of darkness, hastened by the Ukraine-Russia war going into two years, the lopsided ‘war’ between Israel and Hamas/Palestinians, the spiraling violent crime rate across the entire Caribbean archipelago.

Didn’t the great seers and philosophers not warn that without truth, justice and light there would continue to be mass destruction of nations and peoples from all corners of the globe?

The light of the diya continues to offer hope, a great hope for all mankind.

There is no reason why Diwali cannot become the guiding light for a safe, peaceful and prosperous future.

Our society is experiencing severe stress. Murders, mismanagement of our economic resources, tardiness and infantile behaviour in our social, political and even religious leadership must not go unchecked.

Not to use the message of light is to surrender what remains of our sense of human worth and value.

Can we not shed our prejudice and use the message and emblem of light, of Diwali, as the beginning to realigning our thoughts and value system?

Making our neighborhood safer OKAY, FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS I wrote an open letter to the Acting Commissioner of Police saying a few things I think he and his department can do to address the worsening crime situation in our blessed nation. I don’t think I ever met the Acting Commissioner; if I did, I do not remember. So, he might choose to ignore my suggestion solely on that basis or the fact that I did it through this public forum.

Therefore, I will address my concerns to the public and elected officials today. I want to look at a few elements of community well-being that can inform our understanding of how environmental factors influence violent crime. We need a holistic approach to try and address our community safety.

History has shown that the built environment (or physical conditions) of our neighborhood is strongly associated with rates of violence. So many homes today are not built without “eyes on the street,” meaning that our houses are built behind tall walls, and when we enter our homes and close the doors behind us, we can no longer see what’s happening outside – a discussion for another day.

The two most consistent evidence of the relationship between violence and place exist in the realm of employment and education. These two basic needs go hand-in-hand. We need an education to get and hold a regular job. The ULP has done a good job of making education available. Even though it is often described as free, let’s face it, it is not at no cost to our children’s parents, and this might be a factor in who attends and completes secondary school. I am assuming that most of our violent crimes are being committed by young, unemployed, or underemployed and undereducated citizens. But since we have not apprehended and charged many for these crimes, it’s hard to know that for a fact. Therefore, I will not continue this line of questioning since this is like a circular firing squad.

Now, please allow me an opportunity to present some ideas for discussion and possibly action by members of our community. I start by saying: Long gone are the days when all the neighborhood kids played cricket or soccer on the corner in the middle of the streets.”

Whether you blame it on paranoid parents or uninterested children hooked on video/internet games, one thing is

sure: many neighbourhoods today lack the close-knit feeling that was prominent just 20 or 25 years ago.

Neighbourhood safety is a team effort, but it starts with each of us. What can you do to make your neighborhood a safer place?

1. Make friends with neighbours; getting to know your neighbors can be a win-win situation. Offer yourself as a resource in case of emergencies or when help is needed; some neighbors might reciprocate the offer. Are there small children you should look out for? Do you live next to an older person who stays home but sometimes needs help?

Consider getting a neighbourhood watch group together. Consider a neighbourhood calling tree (people to call if something doesn’t look right or goes wrong).

2. Install a security system. Overall, this is considered one of the surest options for crime prevention. Exercise caution when out of town. Have someone make regular trips to your house and open it when you are on vacation. I can’t overstate the importance of making it look like you’re home when you are away. Get a timer and connect a lamp so it comes on for a few hours at night.

3. Keep your yard clean. A well-kept yard can help deter crime since trimmed foliage offers fewer places to hide. As much as I hate fences, I must admit that this helps.

4. Improve lighting on your street and around your home. Burglars often prefer to target houses and neighbourhoods with lower residential density and low lighting. So, if your area has few houses and lots of open space, take special care to ensure the space is well-lit.

Streetlights are not always the best option.

5. If you see something, say something. This is not only an airport slogan; it works everywhere: being diligent in your neighborhood and speaking up when you see something out of place helps everyone on the block.

Finally, I know the police will not like this one, but we must take the time to file a police report every time a crime is committed, even if the chance of recovering the stolen item or the perp being caught is low. This type of information will eventually be helpful to the police when developing an action plan for safe neighborhoods.

Horatio.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 9.

Letters

Fixed line - Cable TV concerns IT HAS BEEN fifty years since I became a fixed-lined customer of Cable and Wireless (C&W), long before many (if not all) of the current FLOW (just the trading name for Cable and Wireless) staff were born.

For more than forty-six years, I could have used my phone at any time, Now, they claimed to have upgraded the system, but I can’t use the

phone when there is no electricity.

And I am left to wonder if fixed-lined customers are not important. When FLOW (C&W) has “specials’ and “giveaways” the focus is always on Mobile customers.

Is there a ploy afoot to get rid of the fixed-line service, so that everybody will switch to ‘Mobile, purchase all the

Where are the jobs?

I AM IMPRESSED by the number of young people who have graduated from one level or the other of our education system, over the last year. I am especially impressed by the number of young people who have graduated from our own University of the West Indies, through its four campuses and the Global Campus.

What bothers me, though, is that the vast majority of the university graduates will be seeking employment in their varies countries of birth.

My question: To what degree are the economies of our region able to absorb these hundreds (or the majority) of graduates who will be seeking employment?

Will they be sending applications here, there and everywhere only to face disappointment?

Education is a way out of poverty but given what I see across the region, some will find it easier than others to get out of that situation.

Another thing, are we

making it even more difficulty for young graduates to find meaningful jobs, when we move to extend the retirement age?

Our governments have to make job creation and job facilitation their main priority. This is a sure way of them staying in government, to which they are all committed.

Edwin Clarke.

Kingstown.

different “Gs” in phones and the cards/plans. My study of prophecy reveals that all this plan and that plan, this G and that G, etc., will culminate with the “Mark”.

A few months ago, I did a random survey, using Facebook, of over one hundred Basic Package FLOW TV customers. The findings show that a review is needed. On

back the African channel.

Instead of so many stations out of Florida, a wider variety of states/countries will be appreciated, say some Caribbean stations like TVJ, GBN, Choice TV. Concerned Citizen

Bye, bye Narine WELL, it is officially goodbye to Sunil Narine form international cricket. It took some time in coming but it was not unexpected, since Narine has not made himself available for international cricket in a long time.

There is no doubt that Narine was (is) a willy spinner. Batsmen had to guess where the ball was turning. When he was good, he was very, very good regardless of how much you would want to say he was a ‘pelter’.

It was that great now

The real Israel

IS IT A MYTH to refer to Israel as God’s chosen people? Israel was first mentioned in Genesis 32:28 and was given to Jacob at Penuel as an overcomer, and is mentioned in 35:10 as the same.

After the division of the kingdom, the northern tribe/kingdom retained the name and the southern was called the kingdom of Judah. The land of Canaan was called Israel. In reality, the true Israelis are the overcomers of this wicked satanic world system — politics, religion, finance and culture have nothing to do with lineage or geographic location. The true Israelites are called the Israel of God. (Gal. 6:16) Some Jews programmed a superior arrogance to other people, but the philosophy of the Palestineborn revolutionary, Yeshua (Jesus), has broken down the walls of partition and made one people into a rainbow, working together in His kingdom to bring peace on earth under the true Commonwealth of Israel. (Eph. 2:12) Paul said that the Jews who call themselves Israel have * Why the young Senator Browne is not the stumbled and because ULP candidate for South Leeward? they stumbled, all people * If a (cricket) team can lose a match/series on earth have the because of bad umpiring, can a political party lose opportunity to sit on an election because of bad “officiating’? thrones judging the 12 * When will the music boxes in public transport/mini buses be removed? Are we waiting tribes of Israel.

Conformation by until a passenger and a driver or conductor come Palestinian/African king. to blows? * Why not bring back the traffic lights so that (Eph. 2:19, Luke 22:29the cops who now regulate traffic can be freed up 30, Dan. 7:14, 2:44) to police serious traffic violations?

We are living in the * Have the relationships since 2001 between most eye-minded Cuba, Taiwan and Venezuela on the one hand opening truth. I do hope and SVG on the other, become personal we have shared enough relationships between our Prime Minister and truth to enable the true whosoever is the Prime Minister/President in Israel. those countries? * What will happen when ‘Pappy” demits office.

Christian Democrat Will the relationships end?

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

behalf of the customers, I recommend a review of the Basic Package.

Time to offer at least one western channel. Reduce the number of Religious channels; they are simply different denominations but they are really the same Christian religion. Include a nonChristian channel, e.g. Islam.

Lessen the cartoons and bring

deceased cricket statistician Earl Robinson who first told me, so many years before he passed on, that even after all the work he put in after he was called for ‘pelting, Narine avoided the international level since he did not want to be called again. For what it’s worth, Robinson seemed to have been correct.

Narine concentrated playing in the many T20 franchises around the world. In fact, he was in demand and easily found contracts in those

franchises. He became a legend of the T20 format and in his own way, helped to spread T20 franchise cricket around the world.

But you know something Mr. Editor, Narine did more for cricket around the world than he did for the West Indies cricket teams directly. After all, he didn’t have the international career that some other ‘pelters’ in the game were allowed to have.

I will look forward to his bowling in the T20

franchises, especially the IPL. Charles.

Edinboro.

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Recognising the role of people, leadership, resources and institutions Introduction HISTORY is replete with examples of leaders who, being ahead of their time, made pronouncements that were only recognized for their profound meanings years after being uttered or published. It is also an unfortunate reality that many societies failed to recognize the significance of the leadership offered by individuals, only to come years later to accept their mistakes and folly in refusing wise counsel.

The importance of leadership that is wise, experience and knowledgeable, that sees potential and is able to draw out the best from others, even when they themselves lack the confidence must never be taken for granted. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has benefitted from such leadership, and the voters in recognition of this has re-elected the Unity Labour Party led by our experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated comrade leader to forge ahead with our country’s development. Recently, our comrade leader has presented another gem, for the consideration of our people in outlining the ULP’s overall strategy to national development and the systematic way things are done by our forward-thinking government. We are asked to reflect on the statement “nothing is possible without people, nothing is doable without leadership, nothing is attainable without the mobilization of adequate resources, and nothing is sustainable without properly crafter institutions”. The 8 words we are urged to pay close attention to are, possible, people, doable, leadership, attainable, resources, sustainable and institutions.

people, who have benefitted immensely from the very successful education revolution, our country is well on the way to building that new economy. It all started with leadership that insisted that it was doable, working with our people who made it all possible.

Resource mobilisation, and sustainable implementation

The herculean task needed to bring SVG to this point involved the implementation of a number of very costly initiatives, requiring a level of funding that was beyond our local capacity. One can remember the response of the former leader of the NDP, when pressed on the matter of funding for the AIA if his party was elected and the existing partners were to withdraw their support. His response defined his leadership and doomed him as the emphatic response “the project will be dead” was his conclusion having asked the interviewer who inquired of him whether he would go seeking alternative funding sources “find it where”? It underscores the absolute necessity of mobilizing resources if we are to attain any success in delivering on our mandate. The construction of the Rabacca bridge and other bridges, the AIA, the modern port, roads, hospitals, schools, climate adaptation projects, essentially everything we need to accomplish all required the mobilization of financial resources.

Our country’s leadership over the last 23 years has developed partnerships with agencies and friendly countries that have enabled us to mobilize adequate resources to deliver Developing our people, providing programs and projects for the benefit leadership of Vincentians. To achieve sustainability for the initiatives When the ULP came to office in 2001, it was met with an undesirable implemented by the government, a very systematic approach is being situation that affected our human taken to create institutions that will resource as a country that being the inadequate training especially at post- provide the governance framework within which the initiatives are secondary and university levels. The implemented. Take the expansion of preparation was woefully even worst tertiary level education through the as only 40% of out 11-year-old were creation of a community college, that provide with space in secondary is governed by its own act as just one school, raising questions about the other 60%. Our ULP government had example. Our government continues to adapt the approach of putting the plan to build a modern, competitive, many-sided, post-colonial institutional arrangements in place that would ensure the long-term economy and knew that this was not implementation of the programs in a possible without a well-trained and most efficient manner. This approach prepared population. The education is evident in many other cases, revolution was implemented to including the creation of BRAGSA, address this situation, to train and educate our people to be the drivers of the Accreditation Unit and the FSA among other institutions that are this new economy that would take responsible for various elements of SVG forward. The components of the government’s policy. This very education revolution were ambitious, systematic and holistic approach to and included universal access to secondary education, expanding post- policy development, implementation and sustainability is one of the many secondary options in the traditional reasons that the ULP has been so areas as well as adding new and successful in government since 2001. emerging programs, adult and continuing education, and significant Conclusion investments in university education.

A policy like this one required bold The statement by our comrade, and decisive leadership, the kind that shows the significance of people, our took on the World Bank and other leadership, resources and institutions agencies that warned against the working together to achieve the stated stated timeline for the implementation of universal access to goal of building a modern, secondary education. Just a few years competitive, many-sided, post-colonial economy that is at once local, earlier, the leadership of the then NDP government that determined the national, regional and global. Our universal access would only be up for country is part of a global village, where change occurs constantly and to consideration in 2030 and deemed it impossible with the full agreement of respond to these changes, we must the World Bank. That moment in time have a well-prepared people, with was testament that nothing is doable responsive leadership ready to take on challenges. It is worth remembering without quality leadership, and our that nothing is possible without government lead by comrade Ralph, showed the international agencies, the people, nothing is doable without quality leadership, nothing is incompetent NDP, that it was doable attainable without the mobilization of and attained universal access to secondary education by the year 2005. adequate resources, and nothing is sustainable without properly crafter Today because of the quality of the institutions. leadership and the dedication of our

Creating opportunities for young people THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) will host its second major rally for the year on Saturday 18th November 2023, at the Campden Park playing field. The rally is dubbed ‘Hope for Youth’. Leader of the Opposition and President of the NDP, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday will address the rally. Other speakers will include, MP for South Leeward, Nigel ‘Nature’ Stephenson, MP for East Kingstown, Fitz Bramble and representatives from the Young Democrats. There will also be an entertainment package, which will feature local and regional artistes.

At the rally, Dr. Friday will announce a series of new policies to take the country forward and address the unacceptable high levels of youth unemployment. At the previous rally, Dr Friday stated that agriculture, tourism, the blue economy and the new economy are the four economic pillars that an NDP government will develop to reconstruct the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We received tremendous feedback from our last rally, where the message of hope resonated with thousands of people across the country. We believe the time has come for a second major event to build on that message and outline in further detail how we will address the key issues that are affecting our young people, lack of jobs, low wages, high crime, among others.

The young people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are unhappy with the ULP government. Gonsalves and the government have lost touch with them. They need jobs. They need the opportunities to fulfil their dreams.

The NDP is the alternative. The NDP offers hope to young people. An NDP government will ensure that the policies that are outlined by Dr. Friday at the rally will be implemented to provide the opportunities for the young people of this country.

The blue economy is one of the economic pillars, which the NDP will develop to create jobs for Vincentians.

In recognition of the importance of the fishing industry to our plan to grow the economy, we will create a separate Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Conservation to manage the transformation of the sector in a sustainable way. Our goal is to move rapidly from subsistence fishing to thriving businesses for our fisherfolk.

An NDP government will partner with existing local and international experts and stakeholders to redevelop our fishing sector to produce a sustainable, high quality supply of seafood for both local and external markets. This will create economic opportunities and well-paying jobs.

We will use technology such as fish finders and online markets to assist fisherfolk in their jobs. An NDP government will help to find and keep markets for our seafood and benefit our fisherfolk.

We will also work with European regulatory bodies to lift the ban on our fish products. This will create more opportunity for our fisher folk through legitimate trade in fish, conch and lobster, and gain access to markets in Martinique and Guadeloupe and other European countries.

Cost-of-living increasing In August of this year, the NDP launched its cost-of-living tracker to monitor the price of foodstuffs in the country. This became necessary because families have been experiencing severe hardship with the increase cost-of-living. And, the ULP government has not implemented any measure to ease the financial burden of families to cope with the rising prices.

In our recent update of the cost of living tracker, which was presented by the Parliamentary representative for East Kingstown, Honourable Dwight ‘Fitz’ Bramble, showed that the cost of basic foodstuffs has increased over the last months.

Bramble said, “Our tracker shows that cost of living continues to increase for ordinary families. These foodstuffs are staples of everyday life.

While inflation may be partly driven by global forces, the ULP government has completely failed to support families. Ironically, the government is the biggest beneficiary of the cost-ofliving crisis. Last month, the government reported that revenue had increased by 9%, off the back of increased returns — this money should be ring-fenced to support families in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Bramble noted, “The upcoming budget offers the government a chance to address its failings and really support our people. We are calling for specific support to be implemented to cover foodstuffs, back to school items and electricity.”

We remind Vincentians of our plan to ease the cost of living burden: reduce VAT from 16% to 13% and ensure that the savings are passed on to ordinary consumers. This will help everyone across the board. Increase the number of zero-rated VAT items.

This will reduce grocery bills for everyone. Repeal the Customs Service Charge increase to reduce import costs; increase support for lower income families by expanding existing support programs and ensure that the support is distributed based on need and not by political favour. Also, provide import duty concessions for the transportation industry, which is to say minivans, buses, and taxis, and end the unlimited and increase in the VINLEC bill by putting a cap on the fuel surcharge and improve efficiency.

We recall Dr. Friday’s comments when he addressed the nation on this critical issue of the rising cost-ofliving in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He stated, “The government has a duty to do everything it can to cushion the blows of rising costs on households and protect our communities. Further delay in taking relief measures will only cause more pain and suffering for Vincentians. Across the OECS and the wider Caribbean, governments have cut fuel taxes, reduced import charges, controlled the prices of basic goods, increased direct supports to those most in need and helped with utility bills.” We are calling on the government to act now to ease the cost-of-living crisis in the country.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 11.

Views

The Greatness of a Man

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley (1945-1981) – First Jamaican artist to achieve international superstardom.

SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY will assess an individual’s greatness differently. Some citizens may measure an individual’s greatness based on their political power or influence. Others may assign greatness to those who have accomplished outstanding academic or athletic feats. However, the Bob Marley quotation that was used to introduce this essay draws our attention to the fact that an individual’s integrity should be a major consideration when contemplating assigning the expression of greatness to an individual. And while Bob Marley refers to the “greatness of a man” we appreciate that the reference is not gender specific; women are included in this assessment; the reference is to mankind (male and female).

There is nothing inherently wrong in seeking greatness provided that our motives are pure. This statement may incite some readers to seek an explanation and/or to query the accuracy of the proclamation.

Individuals who pursue greatness so that others can adore them or hold them up in reverence may discover that they have imbibed an “unhealthy quest” for their achievement. For example, an individual who enters the political arena with the hope of gaining power, prestige, recognition, and/or wealth may discover that such ego-massaging pursuits are unwholesome. However, one who seeks political office with the desire to have a positive impact on society would do so with noble intentions.

Such individuals embark on the journey with humility. John Ruskin (1819-1900), the English writer and philosopher, said it well when he noted that, “I believe that the first test of a great man is his humility. I don’t mean by humility, doubt of his power. But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not of them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.”

Truly great persons refuse to despise those who are less physically endowed, or academically inclined or accomplished than they are. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), the American essayist, philosopher, and lecturer captured this though in a single simple sentence when he pronounced that, “A great man is always willing to be little.” This does not imply that such an individual is insecure. The converse is true; a secure individual is not distracted or daunted by the absence of titles or take offence if he is not elevated to a place of prominence when there is a gathering. Great individuals are not fazed by such situations.

The History Channel on cable television provides useful insights and revelations in relation to the rise and fall of empires. Some episodes highlight individuals that have inherited positions of strength and authority. Some have craved for positions of power, enormous wealth, and influence while others would have had “greatness” entrusted on them at birth (e.g., the Royal Family, and

some political dynasties). William Shakespeare (1564-1616), the English poet, playwright, and actor, captures these variations so vividly in Twelfth Night when he penned, “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”

However, modern societies (in developed and developing countries) appear to consistently reject and distrust those who appear to aspire to convince the population that they are born great. Enlightened societies are more trusting and accepting of those who achieve greatness through dint of hard work and sacrifice.

Understandably, there is some degree of mistrust and unacceptance of those who seek to inherit greatness based on lineage.

Many examples abound in relation to individuals who were born under some of the most adverse conditions imaginable but pursued their noble dreams with passion and emerged at the pinnacle of their professions and were deemed to be great. Dr. Rodrigue Mortel (1933-2022) is a classic example of this. He was born in a slum in St. Marc, Haiti, but, from an early age, desired to become a medical doctor. Following his graduation from medical school in Haiti, he received specialised training in obstetrics and gynecology in the United States of America and eventually became the Dean of the Medical School at Penn State University. His life and his legacy remind us that it does not matter where we start in life. With focus and determination, it is possible to achieve greatness.

We are grateful to teachers and other concerned citizens who see the potential in those around them and ignite the passion for greatness.

Aristotle (384 BC — 322 BC) saw this in young Prince Alexander (357 BC — 324 BC) and inspired him to follow his dreams to unite Macedon and to encourage his followers to expand the borders of their kingdom. He emerged to become Alexander the Great — an outstanding young leader whose prowess is still revered by many.

Great leaders develop a keen sense of discernment of the greatness in others. They then skilfully aid them to develop the discipline and techniques in maximizing their potential even when they appear not to be able to observe these abilities in themselves. On occasions, they provide the shoulder to stand on.

Their protégé can then say, like Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), the English mathematician, physicist, alchemist, astronomer, and theologian who, in all humility, noted that, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Great men acknowledge that they have been helped and supported by others and, in turn, they are prepared to encourage others to be great. Such an approach to life reflects the greatness of a man.

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

We are leaving our children behind THIS WEEK, we do the forbidden. We touch a Holy Grail, an area of governance that has brought many benefits to the people of SVG. We speak of the ULP’s vaunted ‘education revolution.’ We delve into this ‘sacred’ topic because, amidst the advances, too many children are being left behind.

Almost immediately after coming to power in 2001, the government committed to improving education. The government built new schools at Sandy Bay, Fair Hall, Peter’s Hope, Edinboro, and Union Island, transformed the Richmond Hill Government School into the Thomas Saunders Secondary, and constructed learning resource centres across the country.

However, significant and lasting progress was made in education, particularly in supporting students, particularly the children of the poor and working people, to study and obtain a university education. Friendly governments, Cuba, Venezuela, Taiwan, and Mexico, offered generously. Our students blossomed at the University of the West Indies, and their attendance grew so that Vincentian students became the largest contingent apart from those born in Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Compared to where we came from, these developments represent tangible gains. But- and this is a big but- the changes do not constitute a radical break with the past. The education curriculum remains neocolonial in content. The glorious history of our nation and the Caribbean is optional; critical thinking must be instilled, and rote learning predominates.

While more significant opportunities for learning and advancement exist, there is increasing evidence of systemic failure. We are hampering our future because we are neglecting our youths.

Here’s how and why.

Four or five decades ago, many students read below grade level. One or two students were left back because they failed. Today, because of social promotion, we are graduating entire classes with students who can neither read nor write. Many teachers lament the fact that scores of students are illequipped to perform in the classes in which they are placed.

During parliamentary debates, it’s not unusual to hear the minister of Education lament his inability to track the students who enter form one at most secondary schools. By form three, far too many students disappear or are unaccounted for. While migration may explain some student loss, evidence for others is increasingly popping up on the streets. Young boys between the ages of seven and 14 can be found loitering and begging outside supermarkets, stores, and fast-food joints.

Questioned as to why they are not at school, the answers vary from the inability of parents to provide necessities like shoes and uniforms to disciplinary problems that result in suspension or expulsion. And these are just the boys. Undoubtedly, girls encounter similar problems.

The time has come for us to tamp down on the rhetoric of the education revolution and settle down to the difficult task of ensuring that no child is left behind. No Child Left Behind must become more than a slogan. The solution to indiscipline in class cannot and must not be suspension or expulsion. What is needed is a student services centre in every school. Such a unit must be equipped with trained counselors and a remedial staff that are alert to many of the problems confronting young people.

The teenage years involve an explosion of hormones that often prove challenging for young adults. Some

students exist in difficult circumstances.

Their parents may be unemployed, underemployed, or part of a significant percentage of the population who can be appropriately labelled working poor.

Then, there is peer pressure to dress, act, or perform in a certain way. Many peg their hats where their hands cannot reach. Forced to jump, many slip, fall, and begin a downward spiral to regret, failure, and worse.

We submit that the ULP Education Revolution has failed to balance academics and high performance at CXC and Cape. Consequently, many young people view themselves as failures if they are not among the elite performers. Hundreds of students attend community college and are forced to settle for a life of unemployment.

We talk about work’s redeeming and life-fulfilling nature but deemphasise technical training. In earlier times, when secondary and university education was available only to the privileged few, the poor and workingclass children settled for training as masons, carpenters and plumbers.

Today, even as we build bigger construction projects, most skilled labouring jobs are reserved for foreign workers. We must prohibit this practice or demand that contractors hire a percentage of nationals as skilled workers and apprentices.

We have thousands of new or modern vehicles that many of our older mechanics need help fixing. The time has come for us to hold a lottery, select, and offer scholarships to about 15 young men and women for auto mechanic training in the USA, Germany, and Japan.

Air conditioning, refrigeration, computer, and cell phone repair training should be glamourised. There is an excellent living to be made from technical jobs. Too many of our university graduates are stuck in jobs ill-suited for their training. They become bored, frustrated, and demotivated. Many are stuck in teaching positions that they prefer to avoid. Teaching becomes a means to a paycheque rather than a motivated endeavour. The end result is that the students suffer.

The ULP government has embraced tourism as its developmental model. It’s an ill-informed policy which the Covid plandemic laid bare. But that’s their way. However, it’s a strategic vision that must be revisited. While tourism should be a pillar, its limited benefits should disqualify it from being the anchor in our developmental thrust.

Where should we seek a silver lining that puts youth at the forefront?

Agriculture offers promise. If we mean what we say about food security, agriculture looms large. Youth can be encouraged to go back to the land. We can aggressively move to marry idle young hands with idle lands. We can make agriculture ‘sexy.’ Encourage young people to form agricultural cooperatives and earmark lands for organic agricultural production. Offer incentives for people to move away from pesticides and toxins.

When we settle, we lose. Everything must be interrogated. Youth must be at the centre of everything we do.

Currently, too many young people are left behind.

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

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023 . THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

Beasts among men island nation, but like a metropolitan country. And yes, we can see St. WHAT HAS CAUSED us to become so Vincent and the Grenadines has been beastlike – that a man would watch his transformed by taking on the satanic, brother and slay him like an animal? diabolic characteristics of New York, This country that we call a Christian Corrupt democracy Paris, London and Rome. The concrete country is an ungodly nation. It is not a jungle dwellers are acting like Saint; it is a Satan.

In any corrupt democracy, heads of savages.

There are criminals in high and low state cannot set good precedence for This miniscule country isn’t places, criminals who have no fear of different from the wild, wild West. It is the masses. Every so often, people God. Yet, when catastrophe invade indeed a Rambo town. Just the other with government portfolios downplay their crooked places, they sound as if the crime situation in St. Vincent and day, I visited my hometown of they are saints. the Grenadines. But as crime escalates Chateaubelair. As I stood at the junction at Mission Corner, I saw two Some of them hate you when you in this country, there seems not to be expose the filth of this country. They any immediate remedy to combat it, so military-attired police officers with humongous firearms guarding a would label you unpatriotic. More so, gun violence continues to affect the woman who worked with the Lotteries they think they have the authority to youth of African descent. People in whip, scold you and curtail your high places doesn’t seem to care. They Authority. I asked myself, is this what my country has come to? expression of speech. But, heaven and lack empathy for the youth who are Throughout the length and breadth earth would open with lightning and dying regularly. Far less, they have no of this country, it is commonplace to thunderbolts if the voices of conscience sympathy for the misguided see armed police and security guards. do not speak. perpetrators. Too many of our youth Even those officers that guard the are dying. Pan Against Crime isn’t Chieftain of St Vincent and the Crime spree working. The black youth of this Grenadines carry firearms. They have country need a perspective of their to protect the man from who, from Where there is crime, we must not history, to make them aware of the play blind, whether it is committed by plight and circumstances orchestrated what? Ask me no question, I tell no lie.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the pauper, beggars, aristocrat, or thief! by eugenicists and anthropologists of Gem of the Antilles, is a gangster We must speak. In times of crisis, we imperialist countries. town! must work for the betterment of this country. St. Vincent and the Notable Prime Minister Rotten to core Grenadines, my beloved country, is in crisis - too many crimes occurring too I remembered hearing a notable No one can dispute that our beloved regularly. Yes, crime runs this Prime Minister of this country say homeland is rotten to the core. Ah, the country. It has saturated the minds of that he didn’t want St. Vincent and moral structure that once glued this the people. As I analyze the crime the Grenadines to function as an nation and its people has been blown into oblivion. But I still wonder where is the good neighbour who exemplified manners, respect, love, and courtesy. I soon realise that honourable citizens have left for the great beyond and taken decency, integrity and morality with them, leaving our youth scary, rude, and crude.

The country is in crisis. It seems as if the schools are breeding grounds for dysfunctional children. According to a teacher, what goes on in most of the

by CARDEN A. MICHAEL

wave in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it would take more than rhetoric from folks in high places to curb the crime spree.

schools would shock you. Good behavior, the teachers said, has vanished like dust into the wind.

Fairytale ideology This is true, for when I listen to the conversations of some of the school children, I am startled and horrified to hear what comes from their mouths. I said it once. The 90 percent of blacks in this country cannot depend on the Portuguese, Chinese, Syrians, or Indians to dispense history to our youth. The scholarly educated blacks must take the lead by developing a curriculum for our children. If they don’t, our children will be lost.

Our Children need reality. They don’t need a fairytale ideology.

The demographic What would it take for the black populace of this country to desist from crime and violence? As I looked at the demographic of this country, the newly arrived Syrians, Asians, and other ethnic groups are not slaughtering each other. They understand race and consciousness, politics and economics, and are engaged in doing business making money from the disunited blacks who are tearing one other apart. Who leaves the part of consciousness to walk a destructive path?

The evidence The evidence is clear; this country is a muck! It stinks, it stinks! It stinks!

It needs the healing powers.

Our homeland needs prayer so that it won’t go down like Sodom and Gomorrah. We are in need of leaders to exemplify godliness, purity, and sincerity. It needs leaders who would rid this country of nepotism, corruption. poverty, prostitution, war mongering, tale carrying, greed, egoism and vindictiveness.

Jah guide! One love! One heart!

One aim! One destiny!

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

Youth

Book illustrator to conduct workshop

the future voices and visuals of children’s books.”

Eleanor Dobbs is the author of over 50 books twelve. for children and a The winner of the English afternoon Award for best will be for young adults children’s book. She is passionate about and encouraging fellow adults who illustrators to open up to are interested in the pleasure of making work for children. She is applying for a teacher and a a retreat to multidisciplinary artist. be held in In 2023 Eleanor Gibraltar in was awarded the May of Gibraltar Cultural 2024.

Ambassador Award by The aim the Ministry of Culture. of these workshops is M.s Dobbs would like to to encourage connect Gibraltar to an international audience Eleanor Dobbs, who will be leading the visual through her work as an this workshop, is a highly artists and commended children’s book writers to be artist and children’s book creator. illustrator. creative.

While visiting St. According ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER Vincent and the to the Youlou Arts 25, the award winning Grenadines, Eleanor Foundation (YAF), owner book illustrator Eleanor Dobbs will like to meet and operator of the Dobbs will be at the aspiring visual artists Youlou Arts Centre, Youlou Art Centre, Indian and writers.

“This is a unique Bay. She will hold a The workshops are opportunity for emerging morning workshop for free and open to the Vincy authors and children ages five to public. (Source: YAF) illustrators to become

GHS gets Interact Club

The members of the Interact Club of the Girls’ High School.

THE ST. VINCENT GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL is home to the newest Interact Club in Rotary International’s District 7030.

Sponsored by host Club the Rotary Club of St. Vincent, the Interact Club of St. Vincent Girls’ High School boasts 30 girls from Forms 3 to 5, who will focus on making a difference through service based projects in their community.

The Interact Club is a Rotary programme for high school aged students which empowers young people to take action in their community, develop leadership skills, and gain a global perspective. Through Interact, the ladies will have the opportunity to make a positive impact through Rotary’s seven areas of focus.

These are basic education and literacy;

maternal and child health; sanitation, water and hygiene; peace and conflict resolution; the environment; disease prevention and control; and community and economic development.

The Club was officially launched on October 24, 2023 and is led by an Executive comprising President Ceronique Mitchell, Vice President Sashonna Hewitt, Secretary Najah Lewis, Treasurer Nyah James, Public Image Chair Arianne Kirby, and Committee Member Sarai SamuelJohn.

Under the guidance of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and TeacherAdvisors Mrs. Charmaine DeaneMcLean and Ms. Cerelia Aberdeen, the ladies are well poised to make a positive impact as Interactors.

(Source: Rotary Club of SVG)

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Cooking Matriarch nearing 100th Birthday provided for her family as a young mother, a skill and passion that decades later, morphed COOKING HAS ALWAYS into an open space for BEEN at the center of Ilka Vincentians in New Browne’s, affectionately York, who long for a known as ‘Granny Tounce’, taste of home: all served existence. up by a feisty, rumIt was how she sipping.

by NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

‘Granny Tounce” will celebrate her 100th birthday on Nov. 26.

Oxley Lowmans, a founder of the Broklynbased Friends of Sion Hill which honoured her with a ‘Pillar of the Community Award’ in 2017, and who migrated

to Brooklyn in the 1980s, recalled, “…back then, we couldn’t find our pastries and treats, like groundnut sugar cakes and fudge in stores. But we could go to Granny Tounce on Saturdays to get food and treats that taste just like in Vincy.”

Ilka ‘Granny Tounce’ Browne, centre (front), surrounded by family members 2017, when she was honoured with the ‘Pillar of the Community’ award by the Brooklyn-based Friends of Sion Hill.

According to the family, Granny Tounce started cooking from a young age, as a family tradition, from her childhood home in Paul’s Avenue in the Vincentian capital, Kingstown, in the 1940s.

Her skills landed her catering jobs and, eventually, she was cooking at Olive’s Hotel, then a major hotel in the heart of Kingstown, whose clientele included visiting dignitaries.

In addition, she was heavily immersed in the local cultural festivals, including carnival. She led her band, ‘The Slave Girls’, to national acclaim in the 1950 Carnival.

After having six children, she migrated to Curaçao for some years, where she worked at various establishments.

In 1969, she moved to Brooklyn and, shortly after, started her home business of cooking on Saturdays to supplement her income as a home attendant for geriatric patients.

Granny Tounce’s cooking, popularity and open-door policy evolved into a community hub for Vincentians and other Caribbean nationals in Brooklyn to socialise while feasting on pelau, stew fish and other assorted treats.

On Saturdays, she typically served several hundred people who travelled from all over the tri-state area, as well as local residents who attended netball and soccer tournaments and other community activities in the area.

She was also a constant fixture at Vincentian cultural activities, running a booth at Club St. Vincent, Inc.’s annual exhibitions. Club St.

Vincent, Inc. is a leading Vincentian cultural and educational group in Brooklyn.

Fern Dopwell, an honorary member of Club St. Vincent, Inc., declared, “…Aside from all the marvelous contributions she made over the years, the organization honored ‘Granny Tounce’ because she was always one of the first people to get her stall going every year. ….

There would always be a line of people patiently waiting around to purchase her tasty dishes, homemade drinks and traditional sweets.”

Dopwell said ‘Granny Tounce’ continues her family tradition by involving her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren in her food-making business, which is now primarily run by her son, Othniel “Attie” Biddy.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States, Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, also a renowned soca artiste, recalled meeting Granny Tounce, as a visiting entertainer, 15 years ago.

“It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the infectious and bubbly personality of ‘Granny Tounce’,” he said.

“To our newest centenarian, I salute you on behalf of the Consulate, the Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and our Diaspora population on achieving this rare milestone of 100 years,” he added.

‘Granny Tounce’s’ family is planning a community celebration at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, 671 Prospect Pl., Brooklyn, on Nov. 26.

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Empty promises will cause confusion.

Travel will initiate new friendships or love connections. You will have to help family members sort out unfortunate difficulties. Relationships will be erratic this week.

you to get rid of destructive habits as well.

Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future.

Someone close to you will get upset easily if you are insensitive to their needs.

Hassles with in-laws could put a damper on your day.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Don't let any small misunderstandings get in the way. Do the necessary chores and then do things that please you. Be careful not to show your temper when dealing with the boss. Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Concentrate on work. Electrical problems may be an issue. You need an outlet. Don't allow someone to do a job that was designated specifically for you.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You should be able to tie up loose ends this week. Your social skills with people may be more than just helpful. Risks will not be profitable. Don't try to get even without having all the facts.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can make moves, but they won't be settling. Change will be required to make your life more harmonious. Residential moves will also be advantageous for all concerned. Do things that involve children.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't fall into the trap. Don't get talked into get rich quick schemes. You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. You must act quickly.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Use your inventiveness to find solutions.

Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. Stop telling others about your problems. You could be disillusioned if you let relative in on your emotional thoughts.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your courage and willpower will enable

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) It is time to clear your decks. Your confidence is growing and advancement is apparent. Try not to get backed into corners. Plan to get together with someone special later in the day.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Realize that you don't have to do everything yourself. Acceptance is the key.

Verbal abuse may lead to walkouts; don't make any rash statements you may regret later. Family outings or a quiet stroll through the park will lead to stimulating conversation and a closer bond.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Your dramatic nature may be too much to handle. You will find that money could slip through your fingers. Be aware that minor accidents or injury may prevail if you are preoccupied. You will have to put those you live with in their place if they try to interfere with your work.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Be aware of deception when it comes to your position, and be sure not to jump to conclusions. You can make reasonable bids on real estate or large items for your home. You can pick up valuable information if you listen to those with more experience. Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction.

ACROSS 1. Jewelry material 6. Small bluebird, mainly in Europe 12. Refuse 15. Spheres 16. Gothic window ornamentation 17. Microsoft program 18. Fence 19. Sharp 21. Long opposite 22. Cruel deeds 24. High points, abbr.

25. Glossy cloth 26. Drop off 28. Dazes 30. Preserves meat 31. Concerned ones 32. One administering a Biblical punishment 33. Car wash employees, at times 34. Listeners 35. Inaccurate 36. Cuban ballroom dances 37. Records that may be broken 38. School kid’s status 42. Snoopy, to Charlie 43. Bends 44. “___ the mornin’!”

45. Places of prophecies 47. One living on investment income 49. Broad-minded 50. Ready 51. Whirlpools 52. Goldilocks’s lock DOWN 1. Second word of Kansas’s motto

2. French revolutionist 3. Mode of transport 4. Coops and the like 5. Lobster eggs 6. Canvas shelters 7. Kind of arch 8. Marie Dressler’s Oscar-winning role 9. Hammer constructor 10. Shredded 11. Equatorial pests 13. Turncoats 14. Pearl source 15. City of northern France 20. Fastens together 23. Tricks 26. Shameless and corrupt 27. Osteopath 28. Ran playfully 29. Airport area 30. Director’s scenery

32. Mailers 33. First prime minister of Great Britain 34. Deception 36. Wave top 38. Hudson River city, ___ Falls 39. Semi-sheer fabric

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 21.

40. Fencing swords 41. Masters of manors 43. Skedaddle 46. Secondcentury date 48. Item in a gladiator’s arsenal

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

She doesn’t like me

Dear George, MY SON IS ABOUT to marry someone who has stated clearly that she does not like me. It just happened that I overheard her saying to my son, “I cannot stand your mother”. Neither one of them knew I had overheard this and my son has said nothing to me.

I want to know how could he marry someone who does not like me? When is he going to tell me how she feels about me? Do you think this is something that ought to be discussed before any marriage can take place?

Questions.

Dear Questions, The more the families involved support a marriage, the greater

chance that marriage has of survival.

It must be kept in mind that the marriage is not just between two individuals but is also the merging of two sets of families.

This strong dislike towards you could engineer negative dynamics that could hamper the longevity of your marriage. This is not something you should casually sweep under the carpet. If he refuses to bring it up then you should have that mother-toson chat with him, sooner rather than later.

George.

Mother or daughter? say she was pregnant. I immediately doubted I JUST MADE the worst ownership seeing she mistake of my life. I am could easily be playing me and could be very much in love with pregnant for a man in this woman and I can Barbados. She see us settling down in the very near future. We threatened to expose me and said I either leave are both in our fifties.

George, her daughter her mother and be with who is in her thirties and her or risk losing her mother and her. who was born and lives This is where I am at in Barbados came to visit now. I NEED your help. her. That was the beginning of my Feeling Trapped. problems. We had this instant connection. It Dear Feeling Trapped, was not too long after that got sexually Needless to say, you involved. She swore not to tell her mother about brought all of this on yourself. You are old us. enough to know that Lately, since her actions have return, she called me to

Dear George,

consequences and old enough to know what you what from a relationship.

You cannot be in love with this woman and yet have eyes and feelings for her daughter. It is unprincipled, immoral and raises questions about your values.

You need to come clean with this woman.

This move will cause two things to happen: (1) it will remove the weapon of blackmail by the daughter; (2) it will give her mother the opportunity to either forgive and continue with you or punish you accordingly.

George.

Godmother questions Dear George, MY WIFE is about to have our first baby. We are so excited about this.

We agreed that her best friend, who has always been there for my wife, would be the Godmother.

Recent discoveries, however, have caused me to change my mind about my wife’s friend.

A friend of mine showed me videos of her engaging in group sex (with men and women, and with only men and only women. Further information about her left a bad taste in my mouth.

Neither my wife nor I knew this about her. She came across as a decent and church going person. Yet, even with what we now know, my wife is still holding out to have her be Godmother of our child. She is saying her personal business is no business of ours. I begged to differ and because of the heated contention

between us, I decided to bring you into it to get your take.

Not Budging.

Dear Not Budging, Godparents have a very important role to play in a child’s life. That privilege ought not to be taken lightly. They are the ones who substitute for you when you are unable to be there for your children, and who takes over completely in the event of your permanent absence.

Their morals and values should be on par with yours or very close to it.

You and your wife should have another discussion about your decision to bestow on her the title of God Mother. Her lifestyle becomes your business because at some point she might have some influence on your child.

George.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 23.

Bailey reflects on CCU Presidency: In the midst of threats

Trevor “Sailor” Bailey VINCENTIAN- TREVOR “SAILOR” BAILEY believes he has added value to the Caribbean Cycling Union (CCU), after serving the organisation for 23 years.

Bailey, who did not seek reelection as president at last month’s CCU’s Congress, and who had earlier vacated the position of president of the local Cycling Union, recalled some accomplishments under his stewardship as president of the CCU. “The athletes we have

produced have excelled and even become members of professional teams…They are the driving force of the Caribbean Cycling Union,” he commented.

Bailey also highlighted the relationships forged with continental and international cycling bodies.

“The partnerships we have developed with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Confederacion Panamericana de Ciclismo (COPACI) have shaped the way for the Satellite Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, which became a reality in December, last year,” Bailey underlined.

Zooming in on the Caribbean Cycling Championships, Bailey assessed: “Our championships have grown tremendously which has allowed for better relationships and stronger partnerships with our Continental Federation COPACI and our International body, UCI, which has been a

great benefit for the advancement of cycling within our region.”

Bailey said that hosting the annual championships would not have been possible without the assistance, estimated to be 40,000.00 Swiss francs over the years, of the international cycling body.

Under threat But it was not always an honky dory outing for Bailey.

He had his life threatened for standing up for principle.

“There were many serious challenges over the years. I was threatened with being shot in Curacao at the Championship when Curacao allowed their Junior female cyclist to ride the elite woman road race and won, which was against the rules and regulations of CCU and the UCI rules and regulations. …

Again I was threatened in Haiti if I did not guarantee that Haiti would host the 2019

Caribbean Cycling Championships and I would not be allowed to leave the country; at the time Haiti did not meet all the requirements to host the championship at the time of the inspection,” Bailey explained.

Despite the travails , Bailey said that he did what he had to do with integrity and in his opinion, he fought a good fight.

Steeping aside – going forward Bailey, who has served St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Cycling for 46 years, said that although he is stepping aside from active administration of the sport, he is ready and willing to lend his many years of knowledge and expertise when needed.

He noted that as Caribbean Cycling Nations, we must come together more than ever before, to face the difficult times ahead.

“The Caribbean Cycling

Union is composed of 30 members; we see 20-25 countries represented at our championships in road, mountain bike, BMX, and track, and we have formed friendships, bonds, and even marriages over the years,” Bailey added.

He spoke of the oneness of the region — common love for the sport, similar culture and history.

An undaunted Bailey commented, “… here we are as one big family, as friends, and I am sure many of us can say that some of our best friends are cyclists.”

THE VINCENTIAN recognises Trevor Bailey for his yeoman and selfless service to developing and sustaining the sport of cycling in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At times he stood alone in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, but never faltered in his dedication consolidate cycling as a major sport here and in the region.

SVG finishes third in OECS Swimming ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES finished third in the 31st edition of the OECS Swim Championships held at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre, St Lucia, November 10 to 12, 2023.

The 26- member team finished on 1239.5 points, behind Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada, who both tallied 1347.5 points.

St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, then St. Maarten followed in that order.

In all St. Vincent and the Grenadines collected 92 individual medals, comprising 29 gold, 33 silver

and 30 bronze.

These go with 11 relay medals: 2 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze.

The stand outs for St. Vincent and the Grenadines were Matthew Ballah, Kennice Greene and Tayeah St Hilaire, who won their respective age groups.

Ballah champed the Boys 13 to 14 with 87 points, his tally earned through 7 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.

Greene topped the Girls 15 to 17 age category, accumulating 69 points, with 5 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze. In the process, Greene broke three OECS

The representative SVG team to the 31st OECS Swim Championships.

records: the 50 and 100m Butterfly events and the 50m Freestyle.

The Girls 11 to 12 title went to St. Hilaire. She captured 6 gold and 3 silver and accumulated 84 points.

Her crowning moment was capturing the OECS 100m Butterfly record.

Other individual medallists included Caghry Williams, Kione Deshong, Belle Adams, Ayibanua (Nua) Griffith, Eltonique Leonard, Hazen Dabriel, Nikolas Sylvester, Tyler Robinson, Seth Byron, Kenale Alleyne, Saj Caesar, Eltonte Leonard, Kevern DaSilva, Abigail Deshong, Brandon George, Amelia DesVignes, Zariel Nelson and Rheema Robinson.

Additionally, Nelson broke the OECS Girls 13 to.14 age group 50m Freestyle record.

Kathryn Cumberbatch and Skylar Byron picked up medals in the relays.

Apart from the bounty of medals, Kennice Greene reset five new national standards, while Belle Adams, Caghry Williams, Kione Deshong and Tayeah St. Hilaire set one apiece.

Completing the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team were Zane Dabriel who, at age 5, was the youngest participant in the championships.

Age group champions: From left: Matthew Ballah, Kennice Greene, Tayeah St. Hilaire, with President of the SVG Swimming FederationStephen Joachim.

And, St Vincent and the Grenadines broke new ground when Kentreal Kydd, became the first amputee to compete at the OECS Swim Championships.

The Vincentian team was coached

by Kyle Dougan and Tamarah St. Hilarie and managed by Brian George.

V National Table Tennis titles decided 24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

DAMION DUBLIN and Leah Cumberbatch are respectively the National Senior Male and Female Table Tennis Single champions.

Dublin earned his national title when he survived an epic encounter with former national champion Sean Sanley, to win 4 games to 3. Scores at the end of the ‘battle’: 9/11, 11/5, 11/4, 9/11, 9/11, 11/2.

Cumberbatch earned her title after being tested by junior player Shanecia Delpesche, winning 4 games to 2, with scores of 11/9, 9/11, 11/3, 11/8, 10/12, 11/9.

In the Junior Girls finals, Shanecia Delpesche beat Jessica McCarter three games to one - 9/11, 11/7, 11/8, 11/9 - to take the title.

Caleb Howard defeated Zayden Cyrus three games to luv - 11/4, 11/6, 11/8 - to take the Boys Junior title.

In the female Precadet and Cadet categories, Loukhya Premraj dominated both categories and also took the Most Promising Player award. She Terrance Marksman masters champion. defeated

Mikayla Harry 11/7, 11/7 in the precadet finals and outplayed Monecia John 11/3, 11/1 in the girl’s cadet finals.

In the Pre-Cadet Boys Finals, Oran-Jay Williams beat Kalique Williams 6/11, 11/7, 11/6, while Lamont Cregg beat Zayden Cyrus 11/9 11/7 to take the Cadet category.

Damion Dublin and Unica Velox teamed up to beat Mikael Hazelwood and Jessica McCarter two games to luv - 11/5 11/5 — to capture the Mixed Doubles title. Dublin and Howard combined their skills to beat Tykel Pierre and Hazelwood, two games to luv - 11/6 11/6 - for the Male Doubles title.

In the master’s category, Terrance Marksman beat Elvis Dublin to take that title, while JD’s Academy took the team’s division title.

The Association’s next event is the OECS Championships in Dominica 15th to 17th December, 2023.

Caleb Howard, junior male champion.

Leah Cumberbatch, senior female champion.

Shanecia Delpesche, junior female champion.

Damion Dublin, Senior men’s champion.

Loukhya Premraj pre-cadet and cadet champion.

Spencer pleased with inaugural tournament ROMANO SPENCER, the main organizer of the inaugural winner-takesall My Smart Toilet Seat Invitational Table Tennis Tournament, is satisfied that the initiative has met its objective.

Spencer who is Romano Spencer – Coordinator of the inaugural My Smart Toilet Seat Invitational Table Tennis Tournament.

presently in Germany pursuing an advanced table tennis course, said, “Our initial goal was to get top, regional players to come to the tournament. Some of the players who came included three former Caribbean champions. …. So just having the top Caribbean players to the tournament, we already met our objectives and not just seeing these players competing but also to have an opportunity to interact with them to gain knowledge of the sports.”

He added, “After some of the players saw the more experienced playing, it motivated them and we saw a high level of tennis from the youngsters. I am happy to see that we have achieved this.”

One of the other aspects Spencer was pleased with is the fact that it was a winner-takes-all tournament which, in his view, generated more

interest. In this regard he said, “When the decision was made it was to see how it would affect the outcome in terms of the competitiveness among the athletes, … we wanted to see the effect it will have on the mindset of the players. I was pleased with the effort from all of the teams.”

Spencer is also looking ahead to the next tournament.

“It is a tournament we intend to continue as it was a stepping stone. We are looking to have a more diverse group where male and female including young players can be on the same team,” he projected.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 25.

Sports

Flashing on Traumata WHEN YOU grow older, your memory fades, but flashes of childhood streak across the skies illuminating moments of innocence. I am not going to get into sporting rivalry. I prefer to look at sport as a therapy and a form of social interaction.

For us in Trouamca, sports was the next religion. Most of the residents displayed an allegiance to Christianity. The respect for Sunday was borne out in the devotion to church activities.

It was morning service, Sunday School and night worship for many congregations, including that at the Methodist Church.

After that Methodist Church service, the family - my mother, my brothers and sisters - and other Methodists strayed to the Baptist Service that took place at the Alleyne’s yard. That ‘Praise’ generated a vibe that took us through the week.

Recently I met Winston Alleyne, one of that generation.

The Alleynes have resettled elsewhere, but they have not forgotten their roots. They stand in defence of the Troumaca cause in any aspect.

Troumaca has been a part of pioneering activity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the contribution of the Alleyne’s has been profound.

Check ‘Our nation is born’, the nation’s second anthem for example, and you will see the impact of Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne.

The list of families who add to this tapestry is long. The Findlays produced Michael Findlay, rated as one of the best wicket keepers the world has seen. There is another Test cricketer in the form of Wilfred Slack, who played for England.

He is the man in whose honur the nets at Arnos Vale stands. The Findlays and the Slacks have Chateaubelair connections.

Besides the Church, the playing field was a centre of attraction. Holidays were celebrated in grand style, invariably with a cricket match at the ‘Ball Ground’. Small as it was and out of shape as it was, it provided many a spectacle and hosted locl and regional teams.

Local teams responded to ‘Challenges’ very often done by means of a letter to the captain of the other team, wherever that village.

When the team arrived, it was excitement.

Breakfast included liver stew from the animal slaughtered to ensure that food was on hand for the day.

While the game went on, the treats flowed.

When the match was over, that was time for the festival, where some form of music was organized and the festival lasted till morning.

The villagers took care of preparations. Postmatch activity spurned relations that engendered generations. The list of families in the villge meltdown is considerable. Just call a title, and it wil be difficult to forget their legacy. The Robertson’s are many and keep the structure in place.

The Lewis’s are well known as are the names James, Pompey, Cyrus, Akers, Samuel, Cottle, Dennie, Williams, Harry, Laynes, Dembers, Benticks, Derricks, Alexander, Jacks, Delpesche, Jocelyn, Smith, Burke. That list is elastic with the variations and extentions to the circle and cycle.

No one will forget the Brownes, or the Anthony’s or the Providences. But if your family is not mentioned, don’t be too upset. It might be subsumed by another title.

T&T wins Regional Super50 Title TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force clinched the 2023 CG United Super50 Regional Cricket title with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, in the tournament’s final played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, Saturday 11th November.

In a one-sided final reduced to 43 overs per side following two breaks for rain, the Hurricanes, Trinidad and Tobago won their 14th Regional Super50 title. who won the toss and opted to bat first, were dismissed for 135 in the 41st over. for 3 from 23 overs to win their 14th regional 50-overs Jahmar Hamilton hit 62. title and second in three Terrance Hinds took 3 for 16, years. Captain Darren Bravo Sunil Narine 3 for 17. hit 40, Nicholas Pooran The host responded with 141 stroked 39 not out.

Discarded West indies batsman Bravo was the tournament’s leading run scorer. He totalled 416 runs at an average of 83.

Trinidad and Tobago, who played unbeaten in the tournament, walked away with a total prize of US$150,000 having pocketed the US$50,000 bonus for topping the group stage, as well as the first prize of US$100,000.

Darren Bravo sent the West Indies selector a strong message Narine retires with his recent batting performance.

Meanwhile, experienced off spinner Sunil Narine announced on T20 franchise cricket until his his retirement from international full retirement from the sport. cricket, ending his List A career The Trinidad and Tobago on a high, grabbing three wickets native made his debut for West for 17 runs to help the twin island Indies in India in 2011 and his republic’s victory as referenced. last appearance was also against The 35-year-old spinner ended the India in Guyana in 2019. He tournament with a joint seriesplayed in West Indies colors in best 20 wickets.

122 matches, which included 6 Sunil Narine retired from List A He is expected to concentrate Tests, 65 ODIs and 51 T20s. cricket.

SVG T20 Masters into quarterfinals THE QUARTERFINALS of the 2023 SVG Masters T20 Cricket Tournament will be contested this weekend.

Those in action this weekend are North East, Stokes, RSVG Police, Bequia, P’tani, Pastures, Stubbs and Glamorgan.

North East and RSVG Police go into their quarterfinals encounter leading Zone A and Zone B respectively.

The lawmen’s closest rival in their Zone is Pastures on 12 points followed by Glamorgan on 8, Stokes on 4 and Sion Hill without a point from four matches.

In Zone A, North East eased above Stubbs with a superior net run rate with 2.1 to 1.766. Both teams played five matches with four wins and one loss apiece.

RSVG Police are one step closer to retaining their Masters T20 title.

Trailing the top two teams are P’tani on 12 points, Bequia and North Windward on eight points each, with Park Hill without a point.

In the quarterfinals scheduled for this weekend, North East will

play Stokes on Saturday; on Sunday, RSVG Police takes on Bequia; P’tani oppose Pastures and Stubbs clash with Glamorgan.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023. 27.

Classifieds

ThiefÊs disguise didnÊt help him From Page 4.

EC$52.50, one pack of crackers valued EC$6, two cups of peanut butter valued EC$15 and three bottles of Minute made Juice valued EC$50, amounting to a total value of EC$123.50.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

Shephard pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared before Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

At his first court appearance, Shepherd was sent to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre for 14 days of observation, but

a report from that institution said he was fit to plea.

The facts reveal that Shepherd was able to enter the compound through a hole in the perimeter fence. and on entering the building, he put on a helmet and reflector vest to disguise himself.

On leaving the building, he told the Security Guard good night. The Guard asked him whether he had worked late, taking him for an employee, and Shephard replied in the affirmative.

Investigations led to him being arrested and charged.

Attorney Grant Connell, mitigating on behalf of the accused, said Shepherd, who was not working at the time, was extremely hungry and went to the establishment in search of food. He said the young man stole mostly foodstuff, no previous convictions before the Court, pleaded guilty to the charges, and was extremely remorseful.

He added that Shepherd left primary school at age 12 because of financial issues, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the result of use of controlled substances.

Connell told the Court that during his

detention/arrest, on the night before his first Court appearance the youngster was not fed, and when he appeared in Court Corporal Adrian Forder gave him $5 so that he could purchase a sandwich at a nearby shop.

Connell noted that Shepherd was barefooted when he came to court, was sent to the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre for 14 days of observation, and brought back to Court on Wednesday barefooted.

Magistrate Ballah ordered that Shepherd be taken for counselling while in prison.

Two charge with FishermanÊs $30,000 POLICE have arrested and jointly charged two men for stealing EC $ 30,000 from a fisherman of Barrouallie.

On 10 November, Delroy Harry, an 18-year-old labourer of Ottley Hall, and Corey Anderson, a 27year-old Labourer of Barrouallie, were jointly charged with the offence of burglary.

“The men allegedly entered the dwelling house of a 47-year-old fisherman of Barrouallie as

trespassers and stole thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00 EC) in cash — the property of the complainant. The incident occurred in Barrouallie between midnight and 3:15 am on the 16 September, 2023,” according to a police report.

The men appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Monday, November 13, 2023, to answer the charge and pleaded not guilty. They were granted bail in

the sum of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00) each with one surety.

The men were also ordered to surrender all travel documents and report to the Central and Barrouallie Police Stations respectively every Friday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Stop notices were placed at all ports of entrance and exit. The matter was adjourned to the 13 December, 2023.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

VOLUME 117, No.46

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

SVGFF’S OPERATIONS Venold Coombs, the centre of attention at the recent press conference, was non-committal as far as his intention to contest the presidency of the SVGFF was concerned.

SV UNITED, an affiliate club of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), has slammed the operations of the Federation’s secretariat, citing “suppression” of information relative to Venold Coombs’ eligibility to participate in football-related activities.

The club’s representative- Otashie Spring, at a press conference held last Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Music Centre Conference Room, contended that Coombs was free to be part of national football activities.

Coombs, a former President of the SVGFF, on July 3, 2018, was given a two-year ban and fined US$ 40 000.00, after he was found guilty of breaching rules of ethics relative to bribery and corruption, conflict of interest and loyalty, pertaining to the sale of 2014 world cup tickets.

Furthermore, in August last year, FIFA imposed an additional six-month ban on Coombs that expired March of this year.

Spring, the First Vice President of the SVGFF,

OOPS!!!!

The editorial devil was at play in our issue of Friday 10th November, 2023.

In the second to last paragraph of an article headlined ‘Youth charged with killing elder brother’, and carried on page 5, we reported, “THE VINCENTIAN understands that he was stabbed”.

That reference should have read, “THE VINCENTIAN understands that he was stamped”.

We apologise for the error.

TAKES A BASHING: COOMBS IN FOCUS underscored that he was not wearing that substantive hat, but was representing as President of SV United.

Referencing the standoff with the SVGFF secretariat and his club, Spring said that SV United had nominated Coombs as its representative to a meeting on October 30, 2023, however, this was not accepted.

According to a letter from Devron Poyer, General Secretary of the SVGFF, “The SVGFF will not get involved in any kind of activity as it relates to Mr. Venold Coombs, unless proof is provided by Mr. Venold Coombs and/or FIFA that he would have paid in full the fine to FIFA, as is stated in the FIFA Disciplinary Committee document, Ref FDD6469”.

Poyer’s letter further stated: “Note that until this is done, Mr. Venold Coombs is unable to attend any SVGFF-sanctioned activities. You are to replace him as your representative at the meeting today, Monday 30th October 2023”.

SV United’s response to Poyer’s letter stated: “We have received correspondence that speaks to the expiry of that ban… I am not sure if you are privy to the document that we at SV United is privy to... If so there is a big gap in the interpretation.”

The letter went on to state that Mr. Venold Coombs’ ban was handed down by FIFA as per an infringement of FIFA Statues and not by the SVGFF. At Monday’s press conference, Spring lamented, “As an affiliate I am very much passionate…

Learning now what would have transpired, it is distasteful”.

However, Spring did not clothe himself in glory, as he revealed that whilst Coombs’ ban has expired, the fine is yet to be paid.

Spring revealed that a payment plan between Coombs and FIFA had been worked out, and a first installment of US$1200 was paid.

He noted that the payment plan comprised 35

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

installments of US$ 1200 per month.

Coombs, who was present at the press conference, was cagey about his ambitions to vie for the presidency of the SVGFF. He has served on multiple occasions as President of the SVGFF, with his latest stint being 2011 to 2018.

And as far as Spring’s continuing as an Executive Member of the SVGFF was concerned, he admitted that Otashie Spring - donned his SV had considered United hat and discarded his resigning from SVGFF hat at a recent press that post but conference. decided not to given that the tenure of the Executive was drawing neigh.

The tenure of the current executive ends this month, November, but this had been postponed so as to accommodate the conclusion of an ongoing constitutional reform process.

FIFA has endorsed a postponement until Dec. 31 to allow for voting.

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