THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 22-09-23

SVG TO GET NEW CoP:

JOHN RETIRES

COMMISSIONER OF POLICEColin John’s request for early retirement has been approved.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a call-in to the Thursday 14th edition of the Shake-Up programme aired on WE FM.

Dr. Gonsalves said then, that the Police Service Commission (PSC), headed by lawyer Stephen Williams, informed him on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 that the Commissioner had asked for early retirement, and they had

granted it.

The Prime Minister’s confirmation of John’s departure from the top position in the Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF), put a clamp on a wave of speculation that arose some two weeks ago. Among a large section of the population, it was felt that John, at that time, had indicated his intention to vacate the office of Commissioner.

The PM role in CoP appointment

Dr. Gonsalves said an announcement of who will replace John as CoP will be made by the end of the month (September).

He reiterated what he had referenced in an earlier press conference; that in accordance with the constitution he will be integrally involved in the process leading up to the new appointment, as will be the Governor General and the PSC.

According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister has to approve the

appointment of a Commissioner.

“The PSC has to advise the GG any time the occasion arises for the appointment of Commissioner or acting Commissioner… then before the PSC advises the GG on an appointment, the PSC has to consult me and if I signify my objection to the person who they want to appoint…they can’t advise the GG,” Dr. Gonsalves emphasized.

And with some indication that a decision has already been made with Continued on Page

Colin John, with a LLB honours degree and having been called to the Bar, served as Deputy Public Prosecutor between 2012 and 2016.

Colin John was the fifth Commissioner of Police to have served under a ULP government first installed in 2001.

Right: The Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, will have the ‘final’ say in who replaces Colin John and becomes the sixth Commissioner of Police since 2001.

Inclusive education project piloted in Bequia

by GLORIAH...

THE GRENADINE ISLAND OF BEQUIAis leading the way in the move towards inclusive education here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Inclusive education proposed to school students with differentiated abilities under the same roof.

The initiative began with a pilot project, titled “The Human Development Service Delivery Project” and was funded by the World Bank to the tune of $10.70 USD. A consultancy was granted to Brock University of Canada which has come on board over the past year or so to spearhead consultations to build the awareness and capacity of teachers to implement inclusive education in Bequia.

Following on this, the Sunshine School, the Bequia Anglican Primary

School and the Bequia Community High School, were named as the institutions where the project will be piloted from the beginning of this 2023-2024 academic year.

The onset of the project saw each student involved receiving iPads, noise-canceling headsets, visual timers, fidget-packs, manipulatives for Mathematics and Reading, number boards; and magnetic sets. Teachers received laptops and were oriented to specific Apps and other programmes to be utilized during the programme. The schools received projectors and laminating machines. Inclusive education teaching assistants were also contracted.

Nazeem Smith, Principal of the School for Children with Special Needs, in a recent interview with the Agency for Public Information, highlighted the importance of the

initiative in the move towards inclusive education.

“When we think about students and the way they socialize, all children have a right to access schools in their neighbourhood. So, if I live close to the harbour, I should be able to go to a school here with my friends — and that’s what’s happening. So, the students are not being separated. They’re not just under the same roof but they’re learning social skills and teachers are being equipped to teach the children all here together. One of the things they found out is that the human resource capital needed the empowering. They also found out that the

GG launches ‘second chance’ project

Dougan on Thursday September 7 at Government House.

The Governor General, who served as a teacher for many years, was a former Headmistress of the Girls’ High School, and served as Chief Education Officer before her retirement, stated that principals of primary and secondary schools will be called upon to provide the information on the girls with the permission of the Ministry of Education. After the consultation with schools and the families, these young girls will be enlisted into appropriate remedial programmes.

The project is expected to accommodate a total of 200 students in the first instance. Participants must be between the ages of nine and 19 years.

endorses the initiative as it will be an essential intervention for many young people.

Burke stated that the dropout rate for students is especially high at Forms 3 and 4, and this initiative would help these students to get back into the educational system.

Meanwhile, the “Electronic Development Career Toolkit” will be an integral part of the intervention support for the girls who are part of “The Dame Susan Foundation for Girls”.

awareness of disability was not where we wanted it to be in the community. They also found out that the resources in the schools here were quite scarce so the project followed.”

The project also includes enhancing curricula and remedial education programmes in schools in Union Island and Bequia.

John retires

Continued from Page 1.

respect to who fills John’s boots, the Prime Minister told Shake-Up listeners that he could confirm that the Chairman of the PSC had consulted with him, but he was not going to divulge anything definitive, since the process guiding the appointment has not yet been completed.

John’s journey to the top

Colin John will be recorded in the history of SVG as being the first person to demit the office of Commissioner of Police after early retirement.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, all of John’s predecessors, that is since he (Dr. Gonsalves) assumed the office of Prime Minister in 2001, demitted office after they had reached retirement age.

But this is not the first time John, 55, is ‘retiring’ from the RSVGPF.

His first retirement came in 2010 when he was substantially a Station Sergeant but had by that time obtained a LLB honours degree and completed his Bar Exams.

YOUNG PEOPLE IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES who have dropped out of the formal education system are to be given a second chance at attaining an education and training.

This second chance comes through “The Dame Susan Foundation for Girls” and “The Electronic Career Development Toolkit”, twin initiatives that were officially launched by Governor General Dame Susan

Dame Susan also stated every effort will be made to determine participants’ circumstances and the required support will be provided in this regard.

The Governor General also emphasised that though the programme is geared towards young females, provisions are being made to support young males as well.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Myccle Burke said his ministry fully

This product was conceptualised in early 2021, and will now be made available electronically free of charge through support of The British High Commission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in collaboration with MAHR Solution and Kestrel SVG.

The toolkit which was developed by Dr Janelle Allen, who is a Human Resource Consultant and Career Coach, and designed by Vincentian Addison Edwards.

The Career Toolkit covers a range of helpful topics including Career Planning, Social and Professional Networking, Personal Branding, and Digital Literacy among other skills. (Source: API)

In 2010, he was appointed Crown Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), and in 2012 was appointed Deputy Director of Public Prosecution. He served in both capacities under DPP Colin Williams, who is now a High Court Judge, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

By 2016, John was on his way back to the RSVGPF. He was appointed Acting Commissioner of Police in 2018 and confirmed in the position in the same year.

Neither John nor the Prime Minister has addressed any reason(s) why John would have chosen to request early retirement.

As a result, speculation surrounding John has again surfaced with a school of thought speaking to him not wanting to endure any further the demands of his superiors, especially in a climate of spiraling crime.

Could it be that the situation had taken its toll on him?

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan speaking at the launch of the “The Dame Susan Foundation for Girls.”

Teenage offender: A product of the environment

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

THE RECENT case of 17year-old Mark Baptiste, a Street character of Kingstown, has again highlighted the need for a facility here, professionally staffed, to house young offenders.

Though Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne is of the view that Baptiste is a product of his environment, and cannot be totally blamed for his behavioural pattern, she had no alternative but to send him to prison on Tuesday for two offenses of damage to property, and breaching a Court order.

Baptiste was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for damaging a glass pane valued $828. 24, the property of Rudolph Baynes of Cane Garden, and 12 months for damaging a glass door valued $640, the property of Alex Thomas, Manager of Stoplight Restaurant at Paul’s Avenue.

Baptiste also had a 12month prison sentence activated for breaching a previous court order to attend Marian House for one year.

The three sentences

are to run consecutively which means that Baptiste will serve a total of one year and 30 months in prison.

Baptiste had pleaded guilty to the damage to property charges at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, but Magistrate John Ballah transferred the matter to the Serious Offences Court for presentation of facts, and sentencing. He was unrepresented.

Baptiste’s cocaine journey

Responding to questions from the Chief Magistrate, after the facts were presented at the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday, Baptiste said he attended the Lodge Village primary, and JP Eustace Secondary Schools, but dropped out of secondary school at Form 1. When asked why he stopped, he told the Magistrate, “I stop school because people harassing me and jumbying me.”

“Where is your mother and father”, the Chief Magistrate asked Baptiste, who replied, “My mother dead and my father in prison”.

When the Magistrate asked him, “How she

died?” referring to the boy’s mother, Baptiste said, “Cocaine, the same ting I smoking.” Baptiste said people had introduced him to cocaine, and he smoked it morning and night.

“You realized that cocaine is making you behave as you are behaving. It is mashing you up, and you could die from an overdose.” Browne told the youngster, but Baptiste’s reply was not clear.

The Magistrate also told him that snorting the drug could cause serious internal damage.

But Baptiste explained, “I don’t snort it, I does smoke it.”

When the Magistrate asked him whether he had anything to eat while in police custody, Baptiste answered in the affirmative, but could not recall when he had a proper meal prior to that.

Baptiste given an earlier chance

It was at this point that the Magistrate told the young man, who is known to roam the streets of Kingstown every day begging for money, “Clearly, you need some care.

“You are really a product of your environment. It has made you destructive, rude, non-compliant with lawful instructions.”

She continued, “Regrettably, your environment produced

this. I don’t blame you for what you are doing. It’s your circumstances.”

In a disrespectful tone of voice, Baptiste responded, “How you could blame me, you can’t blame me.”

The Magistrate said that while Baptiste admitted that he committed the acts, it was clear that he had been led down a particular path.

But prosecutor Renrick Cato, in his recommendations for sentencing, told the Court that a former Magistrate had tried hard with Baptiste.

The Prosecutor said that the Magistrate had sent Baptiste to Marion House for one year, but Baptiste breached the order. He said Baptiste would run away from Marion House, find himself back in Paul’s Avenue, and keep doing the same thing over and over.

“He (Baptiste) has no respect for authority. Right in Court this morning he made use of indecent language,” Cato said.

The prosecutor pointed out that Baptiste is unemployed, and does not have the means to pay a fine. Cato suggested that the only applicable penalty was a prison sentence.

Observing Baptiste’s demeanour, the Magistrate asked him, “What you watching him (Cato) bad eye for, he is

Accused fraudster discharged

A 33-YEAR-OLD who gave her occupation as auditor, and who had been facing multiple fraud charges since October 2022, was discharged at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne opted not to grant the prosecution a further adjournment of the matter.

Natalia Bute was charged on two counts of making and two counts of using a false instrument, to wit, a letter to FLOW, with the intention that she shall use it to induce Moisha Vincent of Belair to accept it as genuine, and by reason of so accepting it, to do an act to the prejudice to Terrance Matthews of Pembroke. Those offenses were reportedly committed on December 16, 2021.

Bute was also charged with using an instrument, which she knows to be false, to wit, a letter to FLOW, with the intention that Oydis Browne of Redemption Sharpes shall use it to induce Levar Franklyn of Richmond Hill to accept it as genuine and by

reason of so accepting it, to do an act to the prejudice of Terrance Matthews of Pembroke. That offense was reportedly committed on December 17, 2021.

She was also charged with, that on December 14, 2021, did make a false instrument, to wit, a letter to the Electoral Office, with the intention that Annmaria Medica of Belair shall use to induce Lanique Providence of Diamond Estate to accept it as genuine, and by reason of so accepting it, to do an act to the prejudice of Terrance Matthews of Pembroke.

It was alleged that Bute was seeking to access information about a certain person by using fraudulent means.

When Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was called again at the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday, after several adjournments, Prosecutor Renrick Cato informed the Court that some of the witnesses were absent, but asked the Court to take the evidence of one witness, who was present, and to further adjourn the matter to accommodate the others.

not your size. I see your demeanour.”

Baptiste had a number of previous convictions including one that earned him a curfew for one year with an alternative of six months in prison, but his conviction record was not up to date.

When the Magistrate reminded him of the order to go to Marion House for one year, or 12 months in prison, Baptiste said he could not remember.

The incidents

In relation to the charge involving Rudolph Baynes, the facts, presented by Sergeant Atnel Ash showed that around 7:45 a.m., September 14, the complainant who is employed at L.G Sales Ltd in the Baynes building, Kingstown, as a supervisor, opened up the store and the storeroom for business. At about 3:45 p.m., he secured the business place, including the storeroom, ensuring that everything was intact, and left. Around 7:30 a.m. the following day, the complaint went back to work and discovered that the display glass for the storeroom was smashed. The matter was reported to the police, and investigations led to Baptiste’s apprehension.

place, was at the Restaurant when he heard a loud noise coming from a seated area. After attending to customers, he went to see what was taking place and saw a struggle taking place between Baptiste and police officers. During the struggle, according the Thomas, the defendant pushed a police officer onto the glass door of the Restaurant causing it to shatter. The defendant was subdued, and taken into custody. He was cautioned and interviewed and admitted to the offense.

Applying the sentencing guidelines, and weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors, the Chief Magistrate found that the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating for the offense, as well as the offender.

In relation to the offender, Browne noted that Baptiste had previous convictions, showed no remorse, and disrespected authority. She said the only mitigating factor in Baptiste’s favour was his youth.

But attorney Duane Daniel, who represented Bute, told the Court that it took the police ten months to lay charges in this matter, and next month would be nine months since charges were laid, three months past the stipulated time of six months for Matthews to be in the system.

Natalia Bute was discharged having been charged with multiple cases of fraud.

In relation to the incident at Stoplight Restaurant, Paul’s Avenue, the Court heard that around 11:45 a.m. March 2, Alex Thomas, Manager of the business

Former Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, now High Court Judge had repeatedly stressed, during his sentencing of young offenders, as a sitting Magistrate, that if there was somewhere other than prison to send them, he would send them there, but there was no other place to house them.

Labourer charged with aggravated burglary

KERWIN MCDOWALLwill return to Court on October 3 on charges of aggravated burglary and assault, causing bodily harm.

McDowall, a labourer of Glen, has been charged with entering the home of Keisha McDowall also of Glen as a trespasse, and at the time had with him a firearm.

McDowall is also charged with assaulting Kernel McDowall, causing bodily harm.

The Chief Magistrate concluded that she was not going to grant the Prosecution’s application for another adjournment, given the conduct of the witnesses.

Bute was out on $20,000 bail with one surety, and added conditions of surrendering all travel documents, and reporting to the Central Police Station every Friday.

Both offenses were reportedly committed on August 8 at Glen.

McDowall was not required to plead to the charges when he initially appeared before Magistrate John Ballah at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The matter was adjourned to the following day and transferred to the Serious Offenses Court, where he appeared before Chief Magistrate Browne.

McDowall has been granted $3,000 bail with one surety, and ordered not to go back to the home of the virtual complainants.

Mark Baptiste on his way to serving a sentence for damage to property.

Findlay addresses state of W.I. cricket

MICHAEL FINDLAY, former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman and former chairman of the selection panel for West Indies senior cricket teams, is clear: There will not be another great West Indies cricket team unless there is drastic change, all round.

“I don’t think I will see another great West Indies team again. We’re not going to see West Indies rise back to any prominence in world cricket,” Findlay said in a recent radio broadcast here.

And in citing a fundamental reason for this, he added, “I think is the change of attitude by the people who are playing it.”

Now a sports broadcaster and respected analyst, Findlay went on to say that people across the region have blamed the (West Indie Cricket) Board, and coaches,…”but when you look at it, when we played at the peak of West Indies cricket world prominence and

dominance, the Board was an amateur one… the President lived in one country and the Treasure in another… there was no headquarters during the glory days. We weren’t operating like Australia, England and other countries, because we didn’t have the money for it. Now the board is well-organized and getting more money.”

And as for what drove the players of that era, Findlay shard, “We were committed to promoting the West Indies as a unit, as a force that could have matched any other team in the world. That drove us. That drove us,” he emphasized.

And how must we address the dire state of West Indies cricket? Findlay suggested, “We have to go back to the drawing board. We have to tackle the youth when they are 7 and 8 to mould

them.

“I have seen the cricketers now and clearly their technique is poor. As such therefore, we can’t cope with top class bowlers,” Findlay said.

And as for the question of coaching, the man who made his test debut during the West Indies tour of England in 1969 and was capped 133 times by the West Indies, first recognised that there was no formal coaching in his day.

He hastened to add, though, “It’s not so much the coaching, it’s how the players take the cricket. You can say we were selftaught, we were committed to the game, we read a lot about the game, and we trained hard. One will talk about West Indian flair, most of the players had flair, but their technique was first class. The flair was the attractiveness of the cricket, not the technique, and we have to go back to that, we have to learn the elements, the fundamentals of the

game, and think how we will again come to dominate world cricket, but we have to start in the schools.”

Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN

Eddie Williams calls play on umpiring

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN, Williams recalled starting his umpiring career in 1982.

EDDIE WILLIAMS, one of this country’s longstanding umpires who hails from the sporting community of Sion Hill, has decided to call close of play on his umpiring career.

He made the announcement at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Umpires Association’s 2023 Annual General Meeting, held on Saturday 9th September.

Williams’ decision to retire came after 41 years of officiating locally and subregionally.

“I was going school at Richmand Hill School. One day they had a game at the Grammar School ground and they had no umpires and I was asked to be the umpire, and I did. I felt proud of myself. Then my good friend Dillon Child, now a retired umpire, started encouraging me so I continued to improve

myself,” Williams said about the genesis of his love for and inspiration for getting into umpiring.

Continuing to look back, Williams declared, “My whole career was good one, but I decided to call it a day which I believe it was time to leave.”

He singled out officiating at the Windward Islands Men’s Senior Championship as the high point of his career admitting, ‘I have

fond memories of that especially as the people supported me as one of the umpires in the tournament, so I felt really good about that.”

Williams would have umpired at every level in SVG and recalled the area he enjoyed most. “I have enjoyed officiating at the Under-19 level, especially in my earlier days… the players

looked like they really wanted to play the game and was enjoying it.”

In retrospect, Williams confessed. “I wanted to reach at the West Indies level but it wasn’t to be and that’s part of life. But it was an honour to be a part of a group of umpires that included Dillon Child, Goland Greaves and Lenford Goodluck, who

encouraged and supported me the most.” Williams stands ready to assist the SVG Umpire’s Association should there be need. He recognised, though, the need to focus on the recruitment of some younger umpires, “But they need to have the love and passion for the game,” Williams cautioned.

Eddie Williams (left) accepts the Umpire of the Year Award from the later Parnell Campbell, during the 2016 Cricket Association’s Award gala.

Eddie Williams, who had an unlikely introduction to cricket umpiring, retired as an umpire after 41 years of unbroken service.

Michael Findlay has added his voice to what he sees as the challenges facing West Indies cricket.

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

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Out goes Colin

SO COLIN JOHNis on his way out … his way out of the Office of Commissioner of Police.

He sat in the top cop’s chair since 2018 and we dare say we will be hardpressed to find any area of his responsibility in which he made a difference.

Not that his predecessors did anything substantially different from what they inherited. But given John’s ‘youthfulness’, his experience and knowledge gained from working in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutor and from having prosecuted in one high profile case or the other, we would have expected some push from him that would have perhaps resituated the police force and made it more people-friendly. In so doing, the police would have become a recipient of honest and unfettered support from the citizenry at large. That was not the case after five years of Commissioner John.

Yes, John will retire at 55 meaning that, for all intents and purposes, he would have taken up the Commissioner’s job when he was 49 going on 50.

Assuming that he would have reached retirement age at 65, he would have had, unless he was dismissed somewhere during the period, fifteen years to do something about the image of the police force, and more significantly to ensure that it avoided the influence of any partisan political pressure, and so ensure that it remained an unbiased institution of service to the people.

Questions abound: Had he been stoic in defending the impartiality of the police force, could he not have resisted whatever pressure there might have been to unleash the police force in an unwarranted attack on citizens who were protesting peacefully against the actions of government? Why unleash the force against protestors who were in no way a threat to the safety of the state. There was never in the eyes of the majority of Vincentians any threat anytime during John’s tenure to national safety and security and therefore, the brazen and abusive action of the police under his watch,

The changing work environment

cannot chalk up any kudos in his favour.

If this unleashing did anything, it helped to incite an otherwise nonexistent fire in the protestors who then responded in ways unbecoming of a ‘peaceful’ protest. But this should not have been a signal for the police to intensify its force against the people.

That perhaps is what Colin John leaves as his most telling ‘legacy’. That he was not firm in resisting ‘pressure’ to unleash a state apparatus on the people who were exercising their right to dissent. The police were unleashed, sadly, to telling effect and traumatic repercussions.

And then there is the question of the Plan to Combat/Prevent Crime. This became a clarion call among a majority slice of the population and from reputable organisations.

John had to endure, unfortunate to his tenure, a significant rise in violent crime across the state, making him the target of blame for the absence of an organized plan to fight the spiraling crime situation.

A ‘Crime Plan’ has fast become one of the task of Police Commissioners across the region.

Who knows, John may have tried, we don’t know; he never said anything in public. He might just have had a plan, and given his legal mind, it could well have been a substantive one with ‘no apology to any elite group or class.

If he did, how far did he get in having it accepted? Did it zero in on certain elements too close to the administration?

The reality is there is no plan; John gave us nothing to chew on; he left us high and dry with promises, always smoothing thing over and sounding, in the final analysis, like an apologist for the failings of the administration.

Was it that what he was tasked to oversee and guide had become so politicized so much in favour of the ruling administration that it was like climbing up the greasy pole… the more progress you seemed to make the further down the pole you went and had to begin all over in an even more disadvantages position?

Will there be a tell-all to why this abrupt end to Colin John’s tenure? Don’t expect John or the Prime Minister to be forthcoming in public with the gospel as it relates to this issue.

A FEW MORNINGS AGO, I heard Mr. Stephen Joachim, on one of the local radio stations, sharing a conversation he had with his staff about using cell phones and social media while at work. He said, “an employee was not allowed to use their cellphone while on the job.” While I could understand his frustration with the idea that his employees were “playing on social media” on his time, I must say that attitude is somewhat old-fashioned. This is similar to the position taken by some employers concerning flexibility with the work schedule or even working from home. I will not say this is what we need in SVG, but we must be willing to change and adjust because what we are doing today is not working. But then again, in an environment where unemployment is between 20-40%, depending on who’s asking, that attitude would work because there is always someone ready and “maybe” able to fill that position. I do have my doubts about that attitude.

My experience was a little different, and I will get to that later, but I would like to address his comment on behalf of the young and talented people in our workforce today. This vibrant work community is not the same as it was for those of us who came of age in the 80s and 90s. I, too, did not get it. I still remember having to take a deep breath when my daughter joined me in watching a basketball game on TV while doing her homework. It used to drive her mom crazy because her mom needed absolute quiet whenever she engaged in work she brought home, especially when it was yearend, and it was time to do financial reports. I share this story to say we are dealing with a new world, and most people in the workforce today grew up learning with a great deal of background noise. In the same way, we cannot understand how they can be efficient and effective with what we perceive as a distraction; that is the only way they can function. You see, absolute silence is as disturbing to them as the ambient noise provided by iTunes is to us.

I will never forget the first time I was asked to modify my workplace internet policy to allow a first-time mom to download an “App” to monitor her baby at daycare while at work. You could imagine my first reaction: not just a simple No! But hell no. Then, I was told by my HR Director, “Well, we need to post the vacant position right away.” Seeing the puzzled look on my face, he said, if you do not allow this change, you will lose one of your most valued employees. Needless to say, it did not take long for me to decide that we needed to review our internet policy. She was allowed to download the monitoring program to her computer, and everything was fine as “mom became comfortable being away from her baby, and everyone was happy.” One significant difference between my environment and the one in SVG is that I was operating in an environment where the unemployment rate was about three percent and good employees were few and hard to find.

Having said that, I am not saying that we do not have a long way to go regarding improving our workplace productivity. I am concerned that how a particular individual views the productivity of an employee, especially a government employee, depends on one political thought.

The problem with this view is that we are creating two groups of employees that are hurting us and will continue to hurt us regardless of which political party is in power. I am willing to go out on a limb and say about 25% of most workplaces are made up of people who are actively disengaged in the company mission. These are the people we encounter regularly on the front line that create a lasting negative impression on our minds. These disengaged employees try to do the least work possible and blame others in management positions for every organizational deficiency, including their poor attitude. And, the trouble I have with this is that, as Mr. Joachim said, no one dares to dismiss them for fear of political reprisal or bureaucratic red tape. Horatio.

Next elections: The way I see it

THENDPWILLfield three new candidates in the next general election which I suggest will be held in 2025. Those candidates will contest in South Windward, Central Leeward and North Leeward.

They will have six incumbents (Friday and Ollivierre in the Grenadines, Bramble, Leacock and Cummings in the three Kingstown seats, and Stephenson in

South Leeward.

The NDP will have one former representative in the race, i.e., Bernard Wyllie in Marriaqua, but he is not expected to excite the voters there.

Among the others, those with some chance of victory are likely to be John in North Windward, Velox in East St. George and Bruce in South Central Windward, given their

showing in the last election.

Given the delay in naming a candidate for North Leeward, the NDP has put itself at a disadvantage in any effort to regain the seat.

That being the case, and given the uncertainty as per John, Velox and Bruce, I will stick my head out and say, the NDP will retain its six seats and add 2 more, giving them a total

of 8.

The ULP will field five new candidates in the next election: West Kingstown, North Windward, South Windward and possibly two in the Grenadines. None is expected to excite the voters.

Six incumbents will contest for the ULP. Five are settled enough to retain their seats with one — North Leewardstill to establish himself

Culture people in high office

WHEN OURPrime Minister made the announcement that ‘Luta’ McIntosh was going to become our Counsel General in New York, there was an outpouring of criticism to ‘Luta’s’ appointment.

Many wanted to know if we had scrapped the bottom of the barrel when we appointed a soca artiste to this important position… a diplomatic position.

Now that ‘Luta’ has settled in his new job, I want to draw the attention of those critics to

Gofers

as a certainty.

Outside of the five who are expected to repeat, the best chances for additional seats for the ULP are in North Windward and North Leeward, giving seven seats.

Will it be another 8-7 result, this time in favor of the NDP?

Thomas.

A campaign issue

something that happened in Trinidad last week Monday.

Yes, last week Monday in that country, a former Calypso Monarch was appointed an Independent Senator. Helon Francis, Calypso Monarch 2018, was appointed to the Upper House by the President of that Republic. In other words, Francis was appointed without the advice of the Government or Opposition.

The point is we must get off this stupid idea that ‘culture people’ have nothing to offer other

MANY OF OUR WORKERSare almost totally incapacitated. They function at the level of a gofer. They take absolutely no initiative. They wait on instructions from those above in the hierarchy which may not necessarily be those in the organization but the political directorate. The consequence is that our society stagnates, and little gets done. People are paid essentially for doing nothing.

The gofers pride themselves in having direct access to the politicians to whom they carry news. They do not care about the success of the organization which takes second place on their agenda. They like to say that they are following orders and are not cognizant that they must take responsibility for their own actions. “Following orders,” is no excuse for engaging in illegal actions. If time lasts, someday, they may be called upon to give an account for their action. In such cases those whose orders they were following will disassociate themselves as in most cases, the orders were not given in writing.

All gofers need to take pride in themselves and their work. Learn what the job requires, strive to do your best, access the best available training and perform with confidence.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD.

than in what art form they are involved.

And I must remind your readers, Mr. Editor, that a former Calypso Monarch in Barbados not only won a set in an election not so long ago, but he also served as a Minister of Government. That person was John King known in his early calypso days as ‘Johnny Me Boy’.

Time we grow up and stop judging a book by its cover.

A ULP Man

Another mother cries

Another mother cries

As she watches the brains She trained Spilled on the ground Art… totally confused.

“Why Lord!” she cries Why Lord? And in the distance

The echoes of gunshots Reverberate from cold walls … and another mother cries.

Donald De Riggs

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* Do pedestrians not know that they should walk single file (one behind the other) on roads where there are no sidewalks?

* Why do pedestrians, especially when drivers blow their horns to get them out of the way of vehicle traffic, feel that they have a right to walk carelessly and abuse the drivers, saying things like “Bounce me if yo bad,”?

* Why do pedestrians stroll (take their own time) across pedestrian crossings? Don’t they know, or have they ever been taught, that they must walk briskly across pedestrian crossings?

* Don’t persons check to see if there is oncoming traffic (on their side) before they open the vehicle door?

* Don’t drivers know, especially mini-bus drivers — that when the interference (e.g. a parked vehicle) is on their side of the road, that they have to give way to traffic coming in the opposite direction?

* Why do mini-bus drivers insist that they must blast their horns while in slow moving traffic?

I WAS IN conversation with some friends over the weekend and I was surprised how much time we spent talking about politics. The conversation eventually zeroed in on what could be some of the campaign issues going into the election which we all felt would not be called before 2025. We all see the Comrade as a political giant who will not give in to any demand to call early elections since this would give indication that he was sure about himself and his party. He will go down fighting to the very end.

One of the issues we all felt should be made a campaign issue is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). We all felt that it was time for us to give up the Privy Council and accept our own Appeal Court.

But we also agreed that the ULP led by de Comrade will not make this an issue. De Comrade has said all he could say about why we should remain with the English Lords as our final court of appeal.

As I see it, this is a contradiction on the part of de Comrade. How can he be spouting all this talk about building a Caribbean Civilization and moving to develop relations with some ‘new’ friends and not accept something that is ours? The Caribbean Court of Appeal is a very significant part of this new Caribbean Civilization and if de Comrade can’t see this, he should stop talking about any new Caribbean Civilization. He can’t be saying one thing out of one corner of his mouth and another thing from the other corner of his mouth.

It’s way past the time to leave the Privy Council.

Winston Charles, Kingstown.

Introduction

“WE ARE A LABOURGovernment… post pandemic jobs are returning to the Vincentian economy…” were the sentiments echoed boldly by our Minister of Finance the Honourable Comrade Camillo Gonsalves in this year’s budget, 2023. Justly so, and as plain as the naked eye could see, this assertion has been instrumentalized and actualized by an increase in available jobs in multiple sectors.

Perhaps, what is most remarkable is that the naysayers seem to be in a state of political destitution, trying to keep up with the transformative and outstanding activity taking place; more than a mere election gimmick. To talk about said jobs without a robust plan of action will forever relegate those mouthpieces always to opposition status!

When we look at the types of infrastructural activity taking place in our country, and see real jobs, with real Vincentians, the young especially, coming to the realization that this government is creating opportunities for employment in every sector, it isn’t hard to understand the discombobulation which exists between and among the circles where the sycophantic ignoramuses, purporting to be the agents of the good-of-the-people and their whistle-blowing obsequious flunkies, will permanently enjoy life from the opposition.

It is clear that anyone who describes our emphatic and dramatic increases in job opportunities as ‘non-existent’, is not only clinically blind, but also delusional, self-serving and desperate in their attempts to corrupt the perceptions of forward-thinking Vincentians, and is making a complete fool out of their supporters.

“We are a Labour Government…” the party that not only represents the working people, but facilitates jobs for the working people, in all sectors. There are more jobs in construction, more jobs in the hospitality sector, more jobs in fisheries and agriculture, and more jobs within the Central Government than there were last year and the year before that. The construction sector in particular, is rapidly absorbing locally available skilled workers, and contractors, to work on schools, roads, hotels, and more…...so much so, that there are reports of scarcities in certain skillsets…..

These are the facts! These facts represent part of the reason that we do not and will not address the misnomers that are put forward by an idle and desperate opposition party. We would let the work speak…and we will let our people work!!!!

“Labour is Work”

“We are a Labour Government…” and with a great political party such as the Unity Labour Party, comes great responsibility. While they talk, we are working! We made a commitment to this country, to create jobs for our people and to empower them to create a better quality of life for their families. Political desperation and downright shame, has led the opposition and their operatives, local and foreign, to manifest an alternative reality and alternative set of facts. Whereas their idle, politically impotent rhetoric still has not grown teeth; and whereas the evidence is a clear antithesis to their claims; be it resolved that the country is working, and working assiduously, and more and more job opportunities for our Vincentians are in the fore. Let us examine just a few pertinent examples.

Three years ago, talk of Clear Harbour Call Centre in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was denigrated by a few misinformed and delusional political momparas as “empty promises”. Today the company has established workforce of over 350 persons. They are currently expanding their workforce with a potential intake of over 500 persons in the upcoming months.

Sandals has graced our shores and has already made an indelible mark on the workforce. From the original work-

training recruitment program where over 300 persons went overseas, to employing over 800 construction workers on its hotel site in Buccament, this company has, and continues to show, its confidence and support for Vincentians, even at this early stage of development. According to the Regional Project Director of Sandals, Terence Des Vignes, the company is also set to employ an additional staff of over 200 workers after it opens its doors in the first quarter of next year. He affirmed that by mid-2024, Sandals would permanently employ a staff of over 800 workers. The company will embark on its drive for further recruitment with the first job fair starting on September 26th, 2023. This would assist in, not only sourcing and filling regular operational staff positions, but also management and supervisory positions in each department in the resort. This government and its many initiatives and programs, with a succinct vision for the future, has already outfitted its workforce for many of these jobs opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Through the successes and legacies of the Education Revolution, Hospitality Training and Culinary Arts, just to name a few, have been the feather in the cap of this government in preparing its human resources for an assortment of jobs, locally. Although, they question the relevance of the Education Revolution, the said relevance must be underscored, highlighted, celebrated and memorialized based on our fortitude in creating a robust and hard-working workforce. Labour is work…and workers are needed!!!! Sandals, and the other hotel companies such as the Holiday Inn Express that is set to begin operations here soon, as well as the newly constructed and opened, Myah’s Suites, will support these skilled workers, creating opportunities for them to utilize and exercise their training and skill on the job, which in turn fortifies their product offerings to tourists and even Vincentians.

Not to mention the support that this company will be giving to farmers and fisherfolk, Sandals has already begun to generate partnership with the local agricultural sector to supply food from various specialized, local farmers and fishermen. More and more Vincentians would benefit from the establishment of these infrastructures in a multitude of areas.

Labour is Work!!!! Recently, contracts were signed with OECC-Taiwan and this government to facilitate a $120 million Dollar Road Rehabilitation Program. There are over 100 roads, major, minor and other class roads that are scheduled to be completed between 2023 and 2025 in phases. Road work has already begun in several areas. Local contractors have hit the ground and according to the Ambassador of the Republic of ChinaTaiwan, Fiona H.C Fan, “more than 1000 Vincentians will be employed throughout the duration of this project.

Conclusion

We will let them talk…while they talk, we will work, providing jobs in key sectors of our economy!!!! Empowering Vincentians is our mandate. We do not have time for idle rhetoric. The political narcissistic rage of a desperate opposition, who continues to be befuddled by the progress of a great party, with a youthfully exuberant and innovative set of young leaders, is self-evident, and adds more nails in the proverbial coffin of a dead party. We will continue to beat them to the mark. This year, all “roads” will lead to the end of their tomfoolery and political “ninny-ism”. We will ensure that their usual talking points have no merit and the agents of their denudation will continue to befall them all, as we work to build a strong, resilient, post-colonial society, owing to and as a consequence of the fact that, this is a LABOUR GOVERNMENT!!!

AFTER WE CALLED for the resignation of the Commissioner of Police, he has accepted our request and has taken early retirement. A new commissioner will soon be appointed. But, it will be a great challenge for the incoming commissioner to combat crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Speaking on his weekly radio programme, President of the New Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, made the following comments: “The new Commissioner has to send a signal that there is a serious attempt to reverse the slide that has taken place in public confidence of the police. This requires somebody whose focus will be on crime fighting, whose focus will be community policing and getting the police involved with the citizens. Someone who will instill within the rank and file of the Police Service the motto of serving and protecting the public as their purpose for being. This will go a long way to instill in the public the confidence that things may turn around.

The bigger signal will be to have the commissioner not only go, but also the Minister of National Security, who happens to be the Prime Minister to be replaced as well. So, we can turn a new leave and have people who are tasked specifically to deal with the rising crime and deteriorating public confidence in the Police Service. That is what I believe is needed.

One of things that I think has to happen to get public confidence and the general public to feel safe in their communities, and to feel that the police are doing their job comes from the likelihood of apprehension of persons who commit offences and prosecution. So, that they can see when people go outside of the law that they are punished and they are apprehended and are brought before the criminal justice system. That is something that will help to inspire public confidence.

It also requires communication. I hope that whosoever the new commissioner is, it is a person who takes as a priority the proper communication between the Police Service and the public. The police is not separate from the society. It is not lord and above us, policing us. It is there to protect and serve. And to do so, the Police Service has to communicate with the people. Bring the public on board. We are not saying that you reveal all of the ins and outs of the investigation. That is something that you will have a judgement on. You see it all over the world where you have high profile criminal offences. The police will keep the public abreast. They will say this is where we are with the investigation. So, people know that we haven’t moved on. We haven’t solved this matter, so let’s move on to the next three or four homicides that recently occurred.

That has to be communicated to the people that all these violent offences, homicides that have been committed that they are doing their investigation, where they are that they are pursuing them vigorously. Notwithstanding the fact, that they have not arrested or prosecuted

anyone but they are continuing their work. That essential active communication has to come from the very head, from the commissioner not from a political office but from somebody who is charged with the sacred responsibility of serving and protecting the public.

I hope that whoever the new commissioner is, that is also taken on board by those who are doing the appointment. It must be somebody who is capable of communicating with the public and is willing to do so in order to instill that trust between the police and the general public and to rebuild the confidence of the people. That our police service, our criminal justice system is functioning effectively and that it will bring this scourge of violent crime under control. That is what we in the New Democratic Party and for myself as a citizen of this country wish to see coming from the appointment of a new commissioner of police.”

The ULP Government has failed young people

The ULP Government has failed young people. It is time for a national campaign to enable young people to make a good life for themselves in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) believes that a large number of young people leave our shores because of the harsh economic conditions in the country. Youth unemployment remains one of the highest in the region. Four (4) out of ten (10) young people are unemployed. St Vincent and the Grenadines’ poverty rate is higher than the average (23%) for the Eastern Caribbean. More than 1 in 3 children and 37% of youth live in poverty in SVG.

Commenting on the situation, President of the NDP, and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Dr Godwin Friday, said, “The ULP government has failed our young people. After 22 years in government, they offer no hope and no plan for the future. By every metric, the government is failing our young people. Youth unemployment is alarmingly high. Our migration rate is among the highest in the Eastern Caribbean and poverty remains a fact of life for too many young people.

I want to create a future where everyone who chooses to live in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the opportunity to do so and have a quality life. The NDP will increase training in key sectors, invest in new businesses, cut student interest rates to make it easier to go to college and ensure that every young person has an opportunity to develop their skills and prospects here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Dr Friday added, “My colleagues and I will be talking with young persons throughout the country to hear first-hand the issues they are facing and how we can work together to address them.”

“Jobs, jobs, jobs - while they talk, we work!!!”

New Police Commissioner should have the skills the country needs

The pursuit of excellence

“One who is persistent will excel.” –Venus Williams (born 1980) - American professional tennis player. A former World No. 1 in both singles and doubles.

MANY TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS ADMIREthe grit and determination that Venus Williams has exhibited over the years. However, sports enthusiasts are not the only ones who have used Venus as a role model; her influence has gone far beyond the sporting population. Although overshadowed by the success of her younger sister, Serena, in recent years, her outstanding accomplishments have not been diminished as she has been determined to exert her very best efforts on and off the tennis court. This is not to discredit or diminish Serena Williams’ outstanding performances having carved out her legacy as the best ever female lawn tennis player.

Venus Williams’ father coached her and Serena to play tennis on the public courts of Los Angeles, United States of America, from a very young age. The sisters were programmed to excel even when playing against formidable opponents. That discipline would later become invaluable to Venus following her diagnosis with an autoimmune disease in 2011. By then she had won seven Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in singles play. While her medical challenges would have periodically slowed her down physically, they also ignited a unique and admirable sense of determination — a focus on doing the best regardless of the limitations or setbacks. Such an approach enables this icon of excellence to defeat opponents who are younger and more agile than she is. She provides valuable insights to those who desire to pursue excellence.

Coco Gauff (born 2004), the 19-yearold American lawn tennis player whose dedication and persistence enabled her to become the youngest winner of the US Open since Serena Williams did so in 1999, is the new shining star in women’s lawn tennis. As was the case of the Williams sisters, her pursuit of excellence began at an early age. Gift Gugu Mona (born 1983), a South African poet, writer, philosopher, academic, and philanthropist reminds us that, “We always celebrate a great woman. But to be great, the girl child needs to be encouraged to excel from an early age.” Similar observations are made in relation to outstanding gymnasts, swimmers, and track and field athletes. The pursuit of excellence demands a disciplined life and lifestyle. Time must be dedicated to practicing and resting. It may also require rigid (healthy) diets and exercise. Excellence in sports, academia, politics, and other aspects of life demand dedication and sacrifice. It will not happen by default. It does not emerge as a result of luck or chance. Excellence demands a concerted effort to follow through on noble dreams and ambitions — regardless of the obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments.

The biographies and autobiographies of accomplished individuals in business, politics, medicine, and other professions reveal that they developed a focus and a passion for perfection. Such individuals often know that while perfection is not attainable their pursuit enables them to achieve excellence. These icons of success commit to providing their best efforts even when they dislike the tasks that have been assigned to them. Such an attitude is critical to inculcate in our

lives and in those around us. Settling for mediocrity or average performance must not be entertained.

There are many individuals throughout history who have pursued excellence in science, business, politics, academia, humanitarian activities, athletics, music, and so on. Their achievements continue to inspire many. For example, Marie Curie (1867-1934) broke barriers and boundaries in physics and chemistry to become the first woman to win Nobel Prizes in both sciences. Her ground-breaking work in the field of radioactivity revolutionized science and inspired many females to aspire to greatness in the field of science. Other names that beckon to be mentioned are those of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) who pursued excellence in painting, engineering, and anatomy; Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) who championed India’s independence movement against British colonial rule; Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), the American civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality and social justice; Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), South Africa’s anti-apartheid and political leader who pursued excellence in promoting equality and reconciliation; Malala Yousafzai (born 1997), the Pakistani education activist and advocate for girls’ education; Sir Lewis Hamilton (born 1985), the British racing driver who has won a jointrecord seven World Drivers’ Championship titles; Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (born 1986), world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 x 100 metres relay and eleven time World Champion is considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. These are but a few individuals, embodying a varied range of fields and pursuits but with a common determination to push the boundaries of excellence. Their dedication, their commitment to excellence, serve as examples of the outstanding achievements that are possible when there is the desire and determination to excel.

Whether our dreams and ambitions are in the field of business, politics, athletics, academia, or social engagement, we can find inspiration from the examples provided and also from statements like those of Mario Andretti (born 1940), the ItalianAmerican racing car driver, when he asserts that, “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal — a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” Wishing and hoping will not make it happen. The pursuit of excellence requires commitment.

The quest for excellence demands that we form habits that will fuel our passion for outstanding performance. It demands that we know what we want to achieve (have focus), develop the skills required (and practice, practice, practice), and retain the desire to achieve our noble dreams regardless of the obstacles, disappointments, and detours. Persistence must be considered a prerequisite to excellence.

Mitchell, Gonsalves and the Rape of SVG

EVERY TIME THE SAD SITUATIONin Canouan is raised, a narrow band, intoxicated by glitz, glitters and the lure of a rich bounty, are quick to remind us that the foreign developers invested hundreds of millions of dollars and must now be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their business savvy.

Lost in the debate over Canouan is that the government gave away 1200 acres of prime, pristine real estate in the tranquil waters of the Grenadines to foreign developers.

In 1990, James Mitchell NDP Government, in its quest to develop SVG as a high-end tourist destination, leased the northern two-thirds of Canouan to an outfit called the Canouan Resorts Development Ltd. Canouan comprises of approximately 1800 acres of land. The Mitchell government leased 1200 acres for tourism development.

For the first 15 years, the developers paid no taxes. This is standard procedure in these kinds of developmental deals. What was not standard, and has never been standard anywhere in the world, is that the government allowed the lessee, who negotiated a 99-year lease, to sell freeholds out of the leasehold.

It is conceivable and highly probable that in 2089 when the lease expires, all of the 1200 acres of land could be developed and sold. There will be nothing that remains to be returned to our patrimony. For this sweetheart deal, the developers paid $10,000 annual rent beginning in 1996, and on the final year of the lease in 2089, the annual rent is $55,599.17.

We have essentially given away a fortune. In 2015, the government sold 40 acres of land on Canouan for $20,000,000 to the same developers. A well-placed source disclosed that about 15 years ago, an acre was sold to a wealthy Englishman for 9 million pounds. These investors are making a killing by selling lands that were leased to them. This can’t be right. This has to be wrong. The lease is either void or voidable. Our patrimony demands that we challenge the legality of the agreement. Once it’s found to be illegal, we can renegotiate more favourable terms that benefit the people of SVG.

Follow this conversation and do not lose sight of the fact that the 1200 acres of land belong to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Understand that even though the land is owned by the crown and was leased from the government for 99 years, the owners of the Canouan Resorts Development Limited can sell parcels of this land. Whatever fee our land is sold for, the government gets a meagre 17 percent.

What is also significant about this lease agreement is that it was not only registered. It was passed into the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines as Act # 4 of 1990 as the Canouan Resorts Limited (Lease Ratification) Act. Make no mistake, our people are holding the ‘shitty’ end of the stick in this deal. It will take a courageous people’s centred government to repeal the sell-out deal. If you believe foreign investors have more rights than citizens of SVG, you have been had.

There is no doubt that SVG in 1990, as in 2023, needs foreign direct investment. There is no question that we need more employment opportunities. However, no selfrespecting national could/should/would countenance an agreement that gives away a sizable portion of a beautiful island for trinkets under the pretext of development.

It is, therefore, hard to believe or understand how the conversation in SVG is whether we support or oppose the protest action regarding access to the beach. PlainTalk is convinced that access is really a non-issue. Our law allows access to all our beaches. We know that developers are looking for exclusivity. They want to attract a particular clientele and offer them absolute privacy. Let them pay a hefty sum for privacy. Build the muchneeded jetty, and pay up a nice piece of change.

There were similar struggles over the right of passage through private lands to Young’s Island, Breakers Bay, Indian Bay and Canash. Locals must never give up their rights. Governments must never arbitrarily negotiate away the rights of citizens regarding access to beaches. However, nationals must never abandon the spirit of compromise if they can gain in the bargain.

The issues in Canouan are not the exclusive affairs of residents on the island and the developers. This issue should concern all of us. Moreover, the issue is much larger than beach access. Central to this debate is how we can renegotiate this deal that gives away prime real estate for ‘twenty pieces of silver.’

Some may argue that Canouan was a mosquito-infested island with little commercial value in 1990 when the deal was brokered. Apart from the slur on people who lived on the island, there is something we ought to know about land. It never spoils, and in these parts, rarely ever loses value.

Former PM Mitchell is acutely aware of this fact. He has a family interest in a Grenadines island. We are absolutely certain it did not and will not cross his mind to lease that island and give the lessee a right to sell freeholds.

In law, one cannot give what she doesn’t have. Therefore, this agreement is legally untenable. It is true that it has the support of an act of parliament, but governments pass and repeal laws all the time. Further, any agreement that exempts it from any section of the Constitution is presumptively unconstitutional.

Millions of dollars have already been invested, and this may be a long road to hoe. But there are legal minds that can be brought to bear on this issue. We have given away a treasure. The question is whether there are legal avenues for us to get something or everything back. We have clearly given up too much. James Mitchell is properly condemned for giving away Canouan. Gonsalves is 23 times more culpable. He touts himself as progressive, anti-colonialist, and antiimperialist. Yet after 23 years in power, he facilitates and continues the sell-off of Canouan rather than protect our people and nation. As Fidel Castro said, ‘Some politicians enjoy sucking on the honeycomb of power.’

This is how the debate about Canouan should be grounded and not whether nationals should have access to the beaches. We have to revive the struggle for Genuine Independence, People’s Ownership and Control.

This piece, slightly revised, first appeared on June 10, 2016, with the title ‘Beach and Land.’ Send

Russians lead in Grenada CBI approvals

ACCORDING TO A REPORT OF SEPT. 13, 2023 carried in the NOW Grenada newspaper,most of the people who gained Grenada’s citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment programme for the first 6 months of 2023 were Russian nationals.

This, according to the newspaper report, was confirmed by Richard Duncan, Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBI), during an interview in the weekly The Bubb Report, a US production.

Duncan’s disclosure said that from January to June 2023, the Cabinet of Grenada approved 2011 people to become citizens of the country according to the latest public data released by the Ministry of Finance in August.

“The overwhelming majority, maybe 90% of the applicants approved so far are in the area of Russian nationality,” Duncan said.

Grenada’s CBI programme was officially launched in 2014, following the 2013 Grenada Citizenship by Investment Act. The CBI Unit has never disclosed a breakdown of applicants received or those denied approval, but based on published data from the Ministry of Finance, over 8,000 people have gained Grenada citizenship through the programme.

The programme has earned millions in revenue for Grenada since its launch. The first 6 months of 2023 were described by Duncan as a windfall, with revenue of EC$157 million from approved applicants.

In March 2023, Oleg Frier, Grenada’s former Ambassador to the Russian Federation, had his licence revoked from among the list of international marketing agents allowed to conduct business on behalf of the country’s CBI Programme. He was one of 59 international marketing agents for the CBI programme.

Russians who were successful in being granted citizenship under the CBI in 2023, would have had their applications in before a March 31, 2023 deadline. This, as of 1 April 2023, Grenada stopped accepting applications from Russia and Belarus, joining North Korea, Iran, and Palestine as states around the world that are banned from participating in Grenada’s CBI programme. (Source: NOW Grenada)

Venezuela rejects GuyanaÊs new oil blocks

VENEZUELA’S GOVERNMENT on Tuesday criticized Guyana’s offshore oil bidding round and said companies seeking up to eight blocks will not have rights to explore the maritime areas, which would be subject to international claims.

Guyana’s ongoing oil auction would see new companies being able to search for and possibly produce oil offshore Guyana.

The statement released by the Foreign Ministry states that “the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, strongly rejects the illegal bidding round for oil blocks currently carried out by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (Blocks for tender for 2022 — Guyana Licensing Round), since it intends to have maritime areas pending delimitation between the two countries.”

Venezuela’s statement also noted that any arbitrary concession granted would be “unacceptable” and that “these actions do not generate any type of rights to third parties

who participate in such a process.”

Guyana’s inaugural oil auction closed on September 12. Fourteen blocks, 11 in shallow water and three in deep water, were up for auction; eight blocks received bids and the government is in the process of assessing those bids.

Venezuela claims it owns Guyana’s Essequibo region, and a portion of the country’s exclusive economic zone that includes areas under oil exploration, but that border case is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The World Court already found that it has the jurisdiction to preside over the matter and Guyana has

submitted its memorial on the merits of its case.

Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and that

the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

The Guyana Government, according to local media, is aware of Venezuela’s recent statement and will respond in due course.

(Sources: Reuters, Guyana News Room)

New major oil discoveries offshore Guyana have propelled the country from a mere frontier to an oil and gas hot spot.

Miss SVG contestants in a ÂCook-OffÊ

LAST TUESDAY a Meet the Media Cocktail hosted by the Beauty Shows Committee and the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) and held at La Vue Boutique Hotel Pool Deck, introduced the media to the Culinary Cook-Off featuring the Miss SVG 2023 Contestants.

The media got a first exclusive look at an exciting two-part series, in which the contestants showed off their culinary skills.

Sibongile De Riggs, Regional Category Manager at ECGC, explained that the Cook-Off concept came to light about a year ago. The concept was further developed this year and ECGC, in the name of its Cari Gold Brand, joined with the Beauty Shows Committee to give it meaning.

“The decision to partner with the Miss SVG Pageant is within our efforts to further the development of women in

St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” De Riggs said.

In preparation for their ‘Cook-Off’, the Miss SVG 2023 Contestants visited the ECGC headquarters at Campden Park, during which they met with the CEO, quality control staff, toured the facility and learned about the products availed for their use in the competition.

ECGC is an official partner of the pageant and is the sponsor of the People’s Choice Award. “Our partnership also includes for the first time, an official sound track for the Miss SVG Pageant which will be used during the Swimwear category,” De Riggsn disclosed.

The execution of the ECGC Culinary Cook-Out involved the use of the Cari Gold brand which includes a range of Cari Gold flour such as Cari Gold; Rye, Multigrain and Urban garlic. The 9 contestants were

split into teams of 3 and each team was assigned specialty flour. The competition witnessed 2 rounds, with the first being a Brunch Team round and the second being the Baked- Off round.

Two females and a male judged the competition. They were tasked with first eliminating 1 team before selecting the winning for a final battle for the title of ECGC Culinary Cook-Off winner.

During the launch a teaser of the first episode was represented, while the entire episode premiered on Wednesday 20th.

Government Senator,

Shackel Bobb, who was a Miss SVG Pageant contestant in 2014, also addressed the briefing. She noted, among other things, the camaraderie among the contestants, predicted that the 2023 Pageant was going to be a “spectacular show,” and

wished the contestant the best.

One contestant from each team also spoke about their experience during the cook-off. The Miss SVG 2023 Pageant is scheduled for Saturday 7th October at Victoria Park. (KH)

The Miss SVg 2023 Contestant with Sibongile De Riggs, Regional Category Manager at ECGC (5th from left) at last Monday’s Media Briefing.

St. James reintroduces premed programme

has re-

introduced its pre-medical programme here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to Joseph Chavez, Director of Enrollment, the pre-med programme was offered in Bonaire, where the institution operated before moving here in 2015.

He explained that the programme was discontinued after the operations shifted here, but they were now bringing it back.

“Many of the students in that programme went on to become physicians,” Chavez said.

The pre-med programme is of five

tears duration, offering students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and then move on to the medical degree programme.

He explained that the pre-medical programme laid the foundation for the medical program. Students enrolled will start with 16 months of the basics including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, which provide the basic information that they need to be successful physicians in the future, Chavez said.

Once they complete those foundational courses, then they will move into the basic

sciences — which Chavez said was the more advanced course work.courses that are more specific to the human body.

The students will then be equipped with the information they will need for the last part of the programme which is the clinical sciences.

But one of the reasons why the programme was re-introduced, according to Chavez, was to assist the Vincentian society by making locals employable in the medical field.

He said that the school made five full scholarships available to

qualified Vincentian students and those students were expected to join students from the wider CARICOM region, the United Kingdom, Africa, India and the United States.

This was SJMS’s way of not just expanding, he said, but reaching out to the Vincentian community.

“Get them earlier so we can teach them the right way to learn medicine and hope that they will become successful in the future,” Chavez told THE VINCENTIAN.

In the past, the

number of Vincentians enrolling into the SJMS medical program have been low.

“We want to have a positive impact on the community, we have been here long enough, and we want the country to see us as an asset.”

According to Chavez, another unique component of the premed program being offered here is that it was co-sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and offers areas of training in environmental studies. (DD)

THE ST. JAMES MEDICAL SCHOOL(SJMS)

St. James Medical School is located in Arnos Vale.

Joseph Chavez, Director of Enrollment at the St James Medical School (SJMS) gave an outline of what the pre-med programme entails.

India suspends visa services in Canada

NEW DELHI said on Thursday, September 21, it is seeking the reduction of Canadian diplomatic staff in India and has stopped visa services, as a row over the killing of a Sikh

separatist deepens.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demanded India treat with “utmost seriousness” allegations that Indian agents

played a role in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.

The fallout prompted tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and a forceful

denial from India, which said any suggestion it played a role in Nijjar’s killing was “absurd.” The allegation has sent already strained relations between the world’s most populous country and G7 member Canada to a new low.

“We have informed the Canadian government that there should be parity” in diplomatic presence, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters. “Their numbers here are very much higher than ours in Canada... I assume there will be a reduction.”

New Delhi also said it had stopped handling visa applications in Canada, blaming “security threats” which they said were “disrupting” the work of their officials. “For now, the security situation in Canada and because of Canadian government inaction, we have stopped visa services temporarily,” Bagchi said.

‘Threats’

Hours earlier, Canada’s High Commission said it would “adjust” diplomat numbers in India after “threats on various social media” against their staff. “In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats,” Canada’s mission said in a statement. “As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily adjust staff presence in

Members

India.”

The mission did not give further details of the number of people leaving but said its offices were “open and operational,” while calling for the safety of its staff to be ensured. “We expect India to provide for the security of our accredited diplomats and consular officers in India, just as we are for theirs,” it said.

On Monday, Ottawa expelled a diplomat it described as the head of India’s foreign intelligence service in Canada, prompting New Delhi to order a Canadian diplomat to leave.

The suspension of visas comes a day after India’s foreign ministry said it was concerned for the safety of its citizens in Canada because of “politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence.” “Threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda,” a ministry statement said Wednesday.

‘Khalistan’

Nijjar was shot dead by two masked assailants outside the Sikh temple he presided over in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver. An activist for the creation of a Sikh state known as Khalistan, Nijjar was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy

to commit murder. He had denied those charges, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a nonprofit organization that says it defends the interests of Canadian Sikhs.

The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent state to be carved out of northern India. There were signs of a brewing crisis before Trudeau revealed the probe into Nijjar’s death on Monday.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada” in his meeting with Trudeau at the G20 earlier this month. Canada had also suspended negotiations for a free-trade agreement with India, and last week its trade minister canceled a trip to the country planned for October.

The affair could complicate US government overtures to India, which have seen both countries steadily upgrade their relations over recent years.

Washington views New Delhi as a key ally in countering Chinese influence in the AsiaPacific region. (Source: Le Monde with AFP)

of Pakistan’s Sikh community take part in a protest in Peshawar on September 20, 2023, following the killing in Canada of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. (Photo Credit: ABDUL MAJEED / AFP)

Home: A child’s first school

And we still want to know what makes our children so aggressive? It a learned trait, a learned response. More often than not from the home. Further, it is not uncommon to hear a child ‘ringing’ off a chorus of expletive whether among his/her peers, in response to something an adult might have said to him/her, and even in front of a teacher and class.

YES, THERE ISa myriad of ways to tackle crime and maybe just as many ways to prevent it, but there is one proven way, sociologist say, that can effectively prevent crime and the nurturing of criminal minds.

The only way to reduce crime if not halt it, sociologists say is to educate. And that education begins in the home since what the children bring to the school is what they learn and adopt from home.

It is in the homes that children should be disciplined and educated. It is here that they must be taught human and moral values, that which will make them uplifting individuals in the world.

So, if mothers and fathers think they occupy space in this universe only to have children for someone else to educate, they are wrong, wrong and wrong.

Our reality is that many couples do not plan to have children but they have no choice but to accept the child. It is very likely that these children would suffer from want of interest/attention from their parents.

Very often these children are left to fend for themselves and because they do not receive ongoing love, care and guidance, they will seek these outside of the home.

Therein lies the temptation of the gangs which will prove attractive since they offer a sense of belonging, a sense of family, not to mention material support.

So, let us agree: A child’s first school is the home. But even as we accept that, many of our children are abused at home through poor disciplinary measures. Many parents see corporal punishment (licks) as the only way to discipline their children.

Corporal punishment is not an effective way of disciplining a child. No child should have a threat of physical punishment and likely injury hanging over his/her head.

Further, corporal punishment can inculcate an acceptance that violence is acceptable and is an appropriate way to resolve issues/conflict.

Such a child can be said to lack proper social behavior. Teaching proper social behavior should be taught and developed at home, and should not be a responsibility that is left up to a classroom teacher.

And we still want to know what makes our children so aggressive? No wonder they are attracted to what they see on the road, because what they see on the road synchs with their own behavior and understanding of the world in which they live, including the home.

But all is not lost. There are simple, positive ways to teach, encourage, correct, and discipline children which are better for their total development than corporal punishment.

The first way of maintaining discipline, which I have encouraged all through my life as a parent and teacher, is to love your child and have a good relationship with him/her. A sound parent-child relationship will always have a greater and more positive impact on discipline than corporal punishment. And it is wise that we note that appropriate forms of discipline in homes is not dependent on our economic, social, religious, or educational status. Everyone can practise proper parenting and it starts with love for our children, in the home.

It is what is produced from our homes that will impact the wider society. Ill-discipline at home breeds

crime. Retired Teacher

A child should not live with the fear of punishment hanging over his daily existence.

Not ready for marriage

Dear George,

MY GIRLFRIENDand I are thinking of getting married. To be truthful, it is all her idea. Even though we have been dating for five years, I am not satisfied I know her enough to get married to her.  I simply need more time but she refuses to understand that.

I eventually gave in to her demands. She set the date for the end of October this year so I’m simply tagging along.

This is all happening too quickly for me but she is not listening. The last thing she told me was it’s either I get married to her in October or find someone else to be with. I’m not ready for this and as a result I’m having many sleepless nights.

Losing It.

Dear Losing It,

No one should ever enter into

marriage forcibly and it seems like your girlfriend wants to do this to satisfy her own unspoken goals. To get married should be a mutual agreement between two parties but it seems like it’s all her idea.

Maintain your stance that you are not ready. If she objects, then it’s best she finds someone who can fit into her frame.

There is also another way to approach this if you care to; suggest to her that you both see a counselor to further discuss the issue. What transpires from this will help you to bring closure to this brewing dilemma, one way or the other.

George.

Caught in the middle

Dear George,

MY GIRLFRIENDand I recently moved in with a female friend of hers to save on rent. One week after moving in, I was sleeping with her.

This resulted from my girlfriend telling me she noticed she likes me and she suggested I put her to the test by flirting with her. She took the flirting seriously and immediately almost raped me.

When I told her I cannot continue doing this because I do not want to hurt my girlfriend, and that was when she enlightened

me: my girlfriend was already sleeping with her.

I’m not sure what I ought to do now. Should I ask my girlfriend to choose between her girlfriend and me? Should I go on pretending I do not know of her involvement with her friend and continue what I’m doing until she comes clean with me.

I am unsure of what should come next.

LerX.

Dear

LerX,

Unless there is a frank and transparent

discussion between all parties, this potentially explosive situation can bring hurt to someone if not everyone in the end.

All three of you will have to decide who is going to be committed to whom and step back from operating in the dark. It is incumbent on you to start this discussion firstly by owning up to your wrong doings. This might spark your girlfriend to come clean as well. At the end of the day, you need to do what is best to preserve your relationship if it’s that important to you.

George.

Caught in a trap

Dear George,

IT SEEMSthat I cannot satisfy my husband in bed even after 14 months of marriage. On at least four occasions he threatened but he calmed down after I begged him not to.

In order to fix things, I made an arrangement where my best friend would sleep with him to give him that sexual satisfaction. Even though I explained the rules of engagement to her she took things to another level and now has my husband’s undivided attention. My husband hardly has time for me anymore.

I know I was the one who brought her in but now I need my husband back and she is not letting go. I cannot get him to stay away from her. Help me please, George. I am desperate.

Trying to Please.

Dear Trying to Please,

A married couple should never be timid as not to have honest discussions regarding sex, and coming up with ways to please each other in the bedroom.

It is never about being perfect but rather working with what you have and finding ways of improving on it.

For the survival of your marriage both of you need to pause for a bit and think of what is most important for your relationship. Try to rediscover what was captivating about each other and strive to recreate what was lost.

As your focus changes, your attitude to everything else would also change and that includes your bedroom business.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Relationships may be hard to handle. You may want to invest in something that will grow in value. Find a way to consolidate. Talk to people who can give you important knowledge.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash. You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. You may have problems with those you live with. Raise your self-esteem and your confidence if you want to get back into the mainstream again.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Don't get involved in expensive entertainment that involves gambling. Partnerships could be tense. Don't push your luck. You may find yourself in an emotional fix if you interfere in other people's problems. Travel in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You may find that you're being used. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another. You need activity. Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

You can learn from those who have had similar experiences. You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity. If your lover tries to curtail your freedom, it may lead to conflict. Look into some form of physical recreation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You will probably have to defend your mate. Curb any jealous fits if your partner has been flirting with someone else. Someone you live with could be frustrated and upset. You need an outlet

that will help take your mind off any troubles at work.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Do not jump to conclusions concerning your romantic partner. Concentrate on your job. You're best to channel your energy into work. Romantic relationships could be under pressure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

A second chance will result in good work. You need to concentrate on solving existing problems. Rely on the one you love for support and affection. Resist any idle chatter.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Losses are likely if you have left your financial affairs in other people's hands. Someone close to you may need help. You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair. Look for something entertaining to do. You've got that competitive edge.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Romantic opportunities are evident if you get involved in large groups or organizations. Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas. Plan your day thoughtfully, but try not to rely on others. The existing problems must be dealt with one way or another.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. You can make excellent purchases this week. Make decisions about your professional objectives.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Social activities will be satisfying. Try to be precise in your communications. This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on.

1.

ACROSS

3. Assume the position (fencing)

4. Comparison

5. ___gram

6. “The Ballad of Reading ___”:

SVG-Barbados female footballers clash

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ (SVG)

Senior Female Football team will have its introduction to the inaugural Women’s CONCACAF Nations League, when they face off against Barbados in an away match today, Friday 22nd September, 2023.

The return match will be played here on September 26.

In addition to Barbados and SVG, the other countries in that group are Bermuda and the

Dominican Republic.

Cornelius Huggins, coach of the team, said ahead of the team’s departure, “Expectation of the team is always high. I think the girls are ready. We have some girls coming into the set up. That will bring a bit extra to the team, so overall we are happy with the squad we have at the moment.”

Recognising that it has been some time since the team has shown any sustained dominance, Huggins

Velox signs with new German club

VINCENTIAN ORYAN VELOX has been transferred to VfR Aalen, a Regionalliga club in Germany.

VfR Aalen, according to Wikipedia, is a German football club based in Aalen, Baden-Württemberg. The football team is part of a larger sports club which also offers its members gymnastics, table tennis, and cheerleading. The club greatest football success came in 2011—12 when it finished second in the 3. Liga, and earned promotion to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time.

Velox, 18, was last under contract with RW Erfurt’s Youth team. The announcement of his transfer came last Friday, September 15, 2023.

His new contract runs until 2024.

Velox, from the Central Leeward town of Layou, left St. Vincent and the Grenadines for Germany last year on trial, and has since been carving out a career pathway in the sport.

Known for his speed and goal scoring abilities, Velox was the top goal scorer at the 2019 Concacaf Under-15 competition, held in Florida, USA.

A former student of the Layou Government School and the Barrouallie Secondary, he has represented System Three and Layou in local football competitions.

At age 16, Velox made his national senior debut, when he played for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the World Cup Qualifiers matches versus the British Virgin Islands, Guatemala and Cuba.

believes this competition should be the start of the team improving their performance and ranking.

One of those overseas players joining the squad is Teni Charles from Union Island, who plays semi-pro football in England.

“I am just looking forward to do the job for my team giving my best as always,” she commented during a break in a recent

raining session.

And if the team is to advance, Charles suggested, “I just think we need to be as one, well netted, a united unit where we fight for each other on the field and off. So once we play as one and fight for Vincy, I am pretty sure we will do well.”

I.B.A. ALLEN

Simmons in League B Best X1

VINCENTIAN — MARLON

SIMMONS has been named in the Concacaf Nations League’s Best XI of League B.

Simmons, a midfielder, scored the equalizing goal for St. Vincent and the Grenadines versus Belize on Friday, September 8 in Martinique.

Additionally, his grit and determination in the midfield saw him registering 11 steals in the two matches. He also played his part in St. Vincent and the Grenadines beating Bermuda 4-3, on September 12, here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Simmons is joined as midfield selectees by Gregson President- St. Lucia, and Joel Burgos and Gerald Diaz, both of Puerto Rico.

Vino Barclett of St. Lucia is the goal keeper, with the three defenders being Alvinus Myers- St Lucia, Oscar Acevedo- Nicaragua and Noeh Hernandez- Puerto Rico. Omari Glasgow- Guyana, Dominic Poleon- St. Lucia and Ange-Freddy Plumain — Guadeloupe, are the three strikers selected.

The next window of the Concacaf Nations League is set for October. In the case of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Group C leaders, they play French Guiana here on October 13, with the reverse fixture in Cayenne on October 17.

Marlon Simmons, born Jan. 26, 2003, may just be kicking into gear.

Cornelius Huggins, head coach, expects the team to give an improved showing.

Oryan Velox has found more opportunity to refine and improve his skills in Germany.

Teni Charles … looking to add value to the team.

Six archers set for CDC

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINESwill send six archers to the fifth Annual Caribbean Development Championships (CDC), set for Trinidad and Tobago, from September 29 to October 1.

The six are Ian Gibson, Jared Nichols, Marese Burgin, Mariel Burgin, Richol Richards and Divya Jiandani.

Gibson will compete in the Senior Men’s, while Nichols will test his skills in the Men’s Under-21. Burgin and Richards will compete in the Senior Women’s category.

It will be the first time that St. Vincent and the

Grenadines will participate in the championships, as the sport is relatively new to the country.

According to Sanjay Jiandani, President of the Archery Association of St Vincent and the Grenadines, “Since our launch in 2021, the Archery Association has been growing and developing archers in various age groups.”

In lauding the efforts of the CDC, Jiandani commented, “The CDC was developed by World Archery to allow beginners and intermediate archers throughout the Caribbean and North America by extension to be able to compete at a high level.”

The association’s President will travel with the Vincentian team as Head Coach. He expects them to give a good account of themselves, albeit in their debut outing.

SVGTTA hosts ITTF Level I Course

AN INTERNATIONAL Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level 1 and PTT coaching course ended here last weekend at the NDP Headquarters, Kingstown.

Organised and hosted by the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA), the course ran from September 11th to 22nd and was conducted by Aleena Edwards, an ITTF Certified Level 3 Table Tennis Coach, as well as an ITTF Certified

Currency hits 100+ in Masters opener

ROMEL CURRENCY

hit the first century in the 2023 edition of the SVG Masters T20 cricket competition, to help his team, P’tani Masters, defeat Davis Construction Bequia Masters by 25 runs at Park Hill, last Sunday. Currency stroked 106 as P’tani Masters made 194 for 7 off 20 overs.

Leslie Harry supported well with 42 as Victor Williams took 3 for 13 for Bequia, who in chasing victory managed to get to 169 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Sherlon Pompey hit 66 and Neshon Barnum 30.

International Course Conductor.

Edwards gave a background to the course saying, “ITTF is embarking on some development programmes where they are going to the lower grade countries to bring them up the level of the other top countries in the world… . SVG was one of the countries that was targeted so SVG is very fortunate as the course is a special one.”

Edwards was pleased

with the enthusiasm shown by the participants.

“Some of them weren’t familiar with what the sport is like because they are PE teachers, so it was really warming to see that they stuck to the five days during which they really showed growth.”

Edwards explained that the sessions at the NDP headquarters were the first part of the Course. The participants now have to return to

their schools, clubs, communities and conduct a specified number of hours of actual coaching, before they can be certified as Level 1 Coaches.

The long term hope is that the coaches will impact positively on the growth of the sport throughout the state, especially given that they will be expected to operate at the grass root level.

I.B.A. ALLEN

On Saturday, at Park Hill, North East Masters defeated Civil and Architectural Solutions Park Hill Masters by 5 wickets. Park Hill Masters got to 118 all out off 16.2 overs with Emron Lorraine taking 4 for 8. North East Masters eased to 119 for 5 off 15.1 overs, Renrick Williams, 48. Also on Saturday at Buccament, Cato Heavy Equipment Glamorgan inflicted a 10-wicket beating on Strokes Masters. Strokes Masters made 114 all out off 17.1 overs, Marcus Hackshaw 39 not out, and Selwyn Caine 4 for 25, Che Ottley 3 for 20. Glamorgan cruised to 115 in 17.2 overs, Ezekiel Williams 37 retired and Augustus Mofford, 22 not out.

RSVG Police Masters defeated Budgmart Pastures by 4 wickets at Buccamant on Sunday. Scores: Budgmart Pastures 129 for 8 off 20 oversRohan Nash 27, Aniston Lawerance 27, Olanzo Jackson 4 for 19; Police Masters 132 for 6 off 16.4 overs - Keron Caeser 28, Gosnel Cupid 27, Rohan Ash 2 for 24.

I.B.A.

ALLEN

Marese Burgin, first ever local female champ, will be shooting against the top senior females from the region.

Romel Currency began his Masters season with a bang.

Participants in the ITTF Level 1 Course pictured with Alleena Edwards (2nd from left middle row) and Orville Haslam OD, President of the SVGTTA (extreme left back row).

Jared Nichols – local male champion - will lead SVG in the senior men’s competition.

World Cup cricket and not

THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL’S One Day International Championship gets going early October. West Indian fans will be wonder why their team is not taking part. The injury of their extermination, a few months ago will jolt them as a long term scar.

It may be some sense of fortune that the next episode has the host advantage attachment, or West Indies may have found themselves in the deep end of exposure once again.

Without the host blanket; threats, attempts were afoot to pull the plug on the western spectacle. The argument factored in an American lack of preparedness.

The bone of contention has been overshadowed, and the trimmings are on stream for a classic showdown from June 4 to June 30, 2024.

Besides the hosts, Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South African and Sri Lanka have ranking in their favour.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan also. Ireland and Scotland have European pedigree. Papua New Guinea advances through the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier.

By December two African berths will be decided. That features, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. It will be nearing the unusual if Namibia and Zimbabwe don’t take those places. Cricket is not played on the basis of emotions. Teams may be inspired by the underdog status and rise to the occasion.

In any event, there is nothing to lose and it is not over ‘til it’s over.’

The opportunity is there for anyone to take the world by storm at the 2024 World Cup or any stage for that matter. The brinksmanship and media manipulation is subsiding.

The venues may have been announced. Shortlisted one in the United States have opened the platform for international cricket within the New York district, serving as promotion for the Los Angeles Olympic Games, in 2028.

The Americas Qualifier is being decided with Canada, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Panama hoping to secure the berth.

The Asian qualifier make room for tow of Nepal, Oman, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Kuwait. The jostle for places at the top can create that atmosphere of rarity for those with the appetite for success to feed into.

The situation is the speed with which plans for the tournament are unveiled. One would hope that the investment into getting our country ready for the hosting would have been pronounced. That is a matter that the new president has to contend with. That along with his version of stabilizing the game at the grass root level.

He will have a touch of empathy from the West Indies Cricket Board. Current president Kishore Shallow must have a vision of West Indies cricket and its value to the region and the world altogether.

Shallow did not reach his position by accident. Perhaps St. Vincent and the Grenadines may have been a victim of his rapid elevation.

A cordial link between Dougal James and Shallow will go a long way in rectifying any semblance of erosion in the quality of Vincentian cricket.

Largo Height takes Women’s Premiership

LARGO HEIGHThas champed the Premier Division of the SVG Football Federation. Playing undefeated in the seven-club tournament, Largo Height had nine wins and three draws, ending on 30 points, from their 12 matches.

Similarly, Camdonia-Chelsea registered 30 points, resulting from 10 wins, but had two losses, meaning that the winner was decided on goal difference.

In the circumstances, Largo Height edged out Camdonia-Chelsea on goal difference. Largo Height recorded 58 goals and conceded 5, giving them a goal differential of 53; while Camdonia-Chelsea punched in 48 and also had 5 scored against them, resulting in a goal differential of 43.

Docking in third was North Leeward- 23 points, with Toni Stores Jugglers, fourth on 17 points.

Je Belle was fifth- 16 points, Bequia United — 6 points, and at the foot of the table was Owia United on zero, having lost all 12 matches.

The Women’s Premier Division saw the seven clubs playing each other twice in a full 11 versus 11 format.

Avenues topped the First Division which was contested on a 7 versus 7 format.

SV United stops Diamonds in NEFL

A SINGLE STRIKEfrom Kievan Clarke was enough to land SV United the title of champions of the Hairoun North East Football League.

The title winner was decided last Sunday, September, 17, 2023, at the Chili Playing Field, when the champions stopped Diamonds from doing the double, as they had won the Knock Out the previous Sunday.

SV United got to the final on a 5-4 penalty win over Chapmans, after a 0-0 stalemate in their semi-final match up. Diamonds had edged out Overland, 1-0, in the other semifinal.

Preceding last Sunday’s final, Overland beat Chapmans 5-4 on penalties, to dock in third. The teams had played to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

In the awards ceremony that

followed the final, Overland’s Brendon Stevens was named Best Goal Keeper, while Duvanie Williams of Chapmans was adjudged the Best Defender.

Chapman’s Terris Joseph secured the accolade of Best Midfielder, with Kievan Clarke of SV UnitedBest Striker.

And, Ari Charles of Diamonds took away the award of Best Manager.

New Stubbs Football Champion

EXPERIENCEare the new Champions of the SEDI Stubbs Football League.

They gained a hold of the title when they defeated Stubborn Youths 5-1, in last Sunday’s final

played in front of their home crowd at the Stubbs Playing field.

Experience’s goals came from Zenroy Lee, Kareem Davis, Ronaldo Westfield, Marcus Browne, and Shane Jackson.

Stubborn Youth’s lone goal came from Kenlyn Gonsalves.

Experience dominated the individual awards taking four of the five up for grabs.

Experience took the Best Defender Award - Morelli Solomon; the Best Midfielder AwardMarcus Solomon; the Best Goal Keeper and MVP of the Championship - Kizani Haynes.

Rondell Thomas of Stubborn Youths took the Most Goals Award with 6 goals.

Awesome FC finished in the third spot.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Largo Height – Female Champions of the SVGFF National Club Championships.

Champion - SV United.

Kievan Clarke was adjudged Best Striker.

Experience – Champions of Stubbs Football.

IN MEMORIAM

yofour

Inlovingmemoryofour beloved

Mr. MICHAEL MOUSSA

en s been twwe

ou e y yo w s,yearrs ye

ed vingyofourInmemor lo ou like it enty-one

Even though it’s been twenty-one years, we still think of you like it was yesterday.

y day. ayesterrd as y ye w wa

May your spirit soar with the eagles

it soar with the our spir y y yo

May your love rain down on us

wn on us ain do ve r ra our lo y y yo

e ength w we ve us the str gi

And give us the strength we need to carry on And leave us the beauty of a rainbow

W We emind of y o r T To ra ve And lea y on r ry to carrr

e need

To remind us of the gift of your love.

ay way wa ou and will al ve y yo e lo

our f y yo

We love you and will always have you in our hearts.

p yy fr ren,childres gren,childr edy b y ve ys ha

ts. ou in our hear y yo

Lovingly rememberedby children,grandchildren,relatives andfriends.

Fair Hall 5 bedrm Property on 4,614 sq.ft. - Open to offers - H107

Twenty Hill Incomplete house on 7,407 sq.ft. - $550,000.00 - H519

McKies Hill 5 bedrm Property on 4,026 sq.ft. - $450,000.00 - H403

(784)- 457-2087/(718)-807-4376 office (784)-493-9431/(784)-533-0431donp@vincysurf.comwhatsappcell

MESSAGES RECOVERED FROM CHANCE’S PHONE

by KENVILLE HORNE

A WhatsApp exchange which police in Grenada say they recovered from Dexter Chance’s phone, can help in the investigation into Chance’s death.

Dexter Elvis Chance, 51, originally from Chateaubeliar, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was killed execution style while sitting in his car in Woburn, Grenada, on Monday, September 11, 2023. Woburn is located on the outskirts of St. George’s the capital of Grenada.

Photos circulating on social media showed Chance in a white t-shirt soaked in blood leaning forward in the driver’s seat.

A large bag was observed on the backseat of his car.

In their ongoing investigation, the police in Grenada said that the last set of WhatsApp messages on Chance’s phone showed that at 3:14 p.m he received a message asking, “Way u dey now?” to which he replied, “Hey what’s up who is this?” at 3:34 p.m.

The person asked ‘Way uo day?” at 3:51 p.m. to which Chance replied, “I don’t know who am talking to but you asking way I there.”

The person then identified himself as Dameon at 3:54 p.m. and told Chance “I come in the bay just now.”

GANJA GROWERS FOULED BY INTERCARIBBEAN AIRWAYS

about twenty or so persons, booked on interCaribbean, who were to make connecting flights to their respective destinations.

A few moments later Chance was gunned down.

On Tuesday, one day after his murder police said they were not ruling out the possibility of cross-border criminal.

The newly-appointed head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Superintendent Esau Pierre told a news conference with regards to the murder of Dexter Chance that “because Grenada has porous borders, one can never eliminate the possibilities and movement of persons connected to the

underworld.

“And as such, we will always up our guard … with respect to cross border criminality. With respect to this particular case, we continue our investigations and we will determine where the assailants originated from,” said Pierre.

At least one Grenadian media entity stated that there are reports that Chance death might be connected to the killing of five men on July 19 in Kingstown.

Chance is known to have beaten a number of cocaine related cases.

A CANNABIS REVIVAL COMMITTEE(CRC) representative delegation comprising Kacheeta Harry, Casilda Mathias and Junior Cottle, who were on their way to attend a traditional cannabis growers consultation in Colombia, were unable to leave the Argyle International Airport, due to the incompetence of the interCaribbean Airways, with whom they were scheduled to travel to Barbados to make their connecting flight.

The three were amongst a group of

Apart from being told that the flight was delayed, thereby making us unable to catch our connecting flight in time, we were also informed that the flight could not accommodate more than nine (9) of the expected travelers once it arrived.

According to one front desk worker, the airline had decided to use a 30 seater plane, instead of one of its larger carriers.

And to make matters worse, no one offered us an apology.

The consultation, which was

organized by Transnational Institute (TNI), in conjunction with VisoMutop (a Colombian organization) took place from September 18th to 21st, 2023, working under the theme “The Impact of Drug Policy on the Economic, Social and Cultural rights of Traditional Cultivators”.

Not for the first time, interCaribbean Airways has caused serious disruption to Vincentians’ travel plans.

St. Kitts and Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Lucia, Mexico and, of course, Colombia.

In addition to representation from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Consultation attracted participants from Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda,

The Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) is calling on the respective governments of the territories affected by these transportation woes to move with haste to put the air transportation service in order.

Junior Spirit Cottle - President CRC

Editor’s Note: The following is a Press release from the Cannabis Revival Committee.

Reports are that Dexter Chance was shot and killed at close range.

An extract from the WhatsApp conversation recovered from Chance’s phone.