THE VINCENTIAN PDF-26-05-23

Drivers have spoken about the need to carefully negotiate the leaning and cracked road.

Guyana fire takes 19 Page 2

Don’t want to offend Page 11

NAM holds workshop Page 12

17

CXC

leak Page 24

by DAYLE DA SILVA

“…NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TALK,the government, BRAGSA whoever is

Dr. Godwin Friday, MP for the Northern Grenadines, lamented the total lack of action to remedy the road situation especially in the face of ongoing expressions of concern on his part.

responsible have not done anything.”

So said Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentary Representative for the Northern Grenadines, as he weighed in on the state of the roads on Bequia.

Residents of that Northern Grenadine island

Continued on Page 3.

BRAGSA personnel recently placed cones on the left (seaside lane of the Paget Farm road, to indicate that temporary/remedial work will commence. (Facebook Photo)

Below: Dr. Friday highlighted that there were lots of other areas in the road system on Bequia that needed urgent attention. (Credit: Lite FM Facebook)

Dr. Walters for Gomery Page

confirms

(Credit: Lite FM Facebook)

Fire in Guyana takes 19 lives

THE WORLDfocused its attention on Guyana and then mourned with the country when it was confirmed that 19 people had perished in a fire that ripped through the dormitory of a girls’ boarding school, late Sunday, May 21, night.

And in the aftermath of the blaze, sirens and near chaos at the main hospital in capital Georgetown, and amidst the charred remains of the building, officials in

Guyana revealed that it was a student who allegedly sparked the deadly blaze.

The fire, at the Mahinda Secondary School in central Guyana, was reported as one of the deadliest in recent years for the South American country, a founding member of the CARICOM.

Approximately nine people remain hospitalised, many in serious condition.

On Tuesday, May 23, National Security Adviser Gerald Gouveia told the Associated Press that the fire started with a teenage student who was upset at having her mobile phone confiscated, after it was first uncovered and then confirmed that she was having an affair with an older man.

Gouveia, speaking on the weight of preliminary investigations by fire officials, also said that

the 16-year-old student lit the fire in the bathroom area of the dormitory.

Gouveia, Al Jazeera reported, disclosed that the dormitory had been locked for the night to ensure the students did not sneak out.

The caretaker was asleep as the fire swiftly grew in intensity, and when she was awakened, she panicked and struggled to find the right keys to open the door, Gouveia added.

Guyana’s Fire and Rescue Service acknowledged that the building was completely engulfed in flames, by the time they arrived on the scene, within four minutes receiving the fire alert.

Firefighters were nonetheless able to save approximately 20 students by breaking

The remains of the dormitory. The fire left nothing of any value in its deadly path. (Photo Source: BBC)

holes in the walls of the building and pulling them to safety.

Leslie Ramsammy, an adviser to Guyana’s health ministry, confirmed that the suspect was being treated for burns at the hospital and was due to be released into juvenile detention.

Gouveia added that the man allegedly involved in a relationship with the student was expected to face charges for statutory rape.

At the time of the blaze, it was reported

that 56 children were staying in the dorm — a concrete and wooden structure with five doors and grill windows, a police spokesperson said during a press conference.

In the wake of the deadly blaze, President Irfaan Ali declared three days of national mourning. “This is a major disaster. This is horrific, it’s painful,” he said in a press release. He has since met with some of the parents of the dead. (Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC)

The typical expressions of perplexity and disbelief that masked the faces of Guyanese as the extent of the fire was confirmed. (Photo Source: Malay Mail)

Digitizing SVGÊs educational system

SMARTTERM, a pioneer in educational technology solutions, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The agreement, signed by SmartTerm’s CEO, Ayodele Pompey, and the Minister of Education and Chairman of the OECS Ministers of Education, Hon. Curtis King, will result in the digitization of all public and private primary, secondary, and technical educational institutions across the country.

The advanced SmartTerm system will be deployed in 29 secondary schools, 66 primary schools, 4 Technical Institutes, and 16 Early Childhood Centers (ECC). Each

school will be equipped with a dedicated portal including a unified Learning Management System (LMS) and a School Management System (SMS), marking the world’s first AIpowered National Education Management Information System. SmartTerm’s technology will revolutionize the educational landscape, reducing teacher workload and enhancing the teaching experience with features like the AI multi-model Lesson Planner, which can generate lesson plans within seconds. The system also offers functionality for parents to monitor their child’s progress, for students to access differentiated

instruction and assessment for a more personalized learning experience, and for principals to efficiently manage their schools.

Minister Curtis King expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The integration of SmartTerm’s cuttingedge technology into our national educational framework is a transformative move for our country. It promises to enhance the teaching and learning experiences dramatically, improve stakeholder engagement, and enable data-driven instructional decisions.”

Ayodele Pompey, CEO of SmartTerm, echoed these sentiments. “This partnership underlines our commitment to revolutionizing education

through technology.

We are proud to provide our comprehensive solution to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, setting a new global benchmark for digitized education systems.”

Google will also support SmartTerm by providing infrastructural support for the solution. The project is funded by the UWI Cave Hill - USAID Research Initiative for Supporting Education in the Caribbean (Rise Caribbean).

Professor S. Joel Warrican, Director of the Caribbean Educational Research Centre (CERC) at the University of the

Bequia road causes panic

West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, welcomed the development. “This represents a monumental step

opened in the concrete road’s surface and with water getting into the cracks, holes formed under the surface of the road and the heavy traffic that traversed the road exacerbated the cracks.

Not a new issue

Dr. Friday, meanwhile, in adding his concern, said that driving on the piece of road was dangerous and pointed out that the left lane, heading to Paget Farm, was leaning towards the sea.

“And it frightens people who drive there, I drive there regularly,” Friday told THE VINCENTIAN.

Mini-bus (public) transport service was withdraw on Bequia up to yesterday, Thursday. (Credit: Lite FM Facebook)

Continued from Frontpage.

have been up in arms about a certain section, referred to as Bluff, of the main road stretching from Friendship to Paget Farm.

There was such a panic about the potential for disaster that on May 19, mini-bus operators on the island withdrew their services.

Up to Thursday, May 25, mini-buses were said to be still off the road and operators were said to be prepared to continue with the action until they got word that work on the area in ‘Bluff’ would be dealt with soon.

And that word might just have come.

Project in the works

A project to deal with the section of the Paget Farm, Bequia public road referred to as ‘Bluff’ is expected to begin later this year.

This is according to a civil engineer attached to the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), who told THE VINCENTIAN that part of the project includes the realignment of the section of road away from the sea.

The civil engineer said that given some ongoing negotiations, it was difficult to make a definite determination as to when the project would commence.

According to the BRAGSA official, panic set in following an incident which occurred in the area of ‘Bluff’ on May 19.

He explained that cracks had

He said that while returning from a funeral on Saturday, May 20, he met some BRAGSA employees placing cones, essentially closing off that lane.

According to him, he was told that they were going to pour some concrete into the affected areas.

The BRAGSA civil engineer told THE VINCENTIAN the work done was a temporary fix and explained that the concrete was poured to add some stability to the material below the surface, and reiterated that the issue had more to do with the surface of the road not the adjacent cliff.

Only talk no action

But according to the Leader of the Opposition, he has been asking for some time that something be done to address the situation at ‘Bluff’.

“They (the public) have put up with a lot and the traveling public have put

forward for education in the Caribbean. The utilization of AI in education management signifies the dawn of a new era in educational advancement.”

For more information about the partnership and its impact on education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, please visit www.smartterm.io. or contact Ms. Jayme Hoyte at jhoyte@smartterm.io. (Submitted)

up with a lot with respect to the bad roads going down to Paget Farm,” Dr. Friday said.

While acknowledging that the section at ‘Bluff’ was the worst, he stressed that the entire stretch of road down to Paget Farm beginning at Friendship was in a deplorable condition.

“And no matter how much you talk, the government, BRAGSA whoever is responsible have not done anything,” he said.

According to Dr. Friday, every time he raises the issue in Parliament, per a sitting of the House on October 17, 2022, the government talks about its intention to fix, but nothing is done.

“So,… the van operators have said that they are withholding their services. They have demanded that work to repair the road be done because it is necessary for safe driving,” he contended.

“I hope that the authorities see this now as something that would trigger their intention to have the road repaired immediately. It’s been way too long and they have been ignoring me in the Parliament for far too long.”

And while he highlighted that the Friendship to Paget Farm stretched of road needed urgent attention, he recognized that there were other roads throughout Bequia that warranted attention.

One such area he said was known as Pretoria, just above Port Elizabeth, describing it as very bad.

And while the main road system cried out for attention, the MP pointed to back walls and other minor roads which he said it appeared, the government had abandoned.

Ayodele Pompey, SmartTerm’s CEO, spoke of SmartTerm’s commitment to revolutionize education through technology.

Curtis King, Education Minister, described the move to digitize the system as “transformative”.

‘Savage’ freed of rape, assault charges

Stories: HAYDN HUGGINS

A 28-YEAR-OLD MANof Dickson, Georgetown, currently serving prison time for burglary and wounding was on Monday freed on charges of rape, as well as assault, causing bodily harm.

Clydon ‘Savage’ Cato, also called ‘Neko’, was acquitted after a 9member jury, comprised of 7 women and 2 men, found him not guilty on both charges.

Cato, who conducted his own defense, had been charged with the rape,

Van driver charged with teen’s death

KASHAKA HOLDER, a 38-year-old mini-bus driver of Byrea, has been charged with, being the driver of motor vehicle HV112, caused the death of 13-year-old Dezy Lavia of Sandy Bay, by driving the said vehicle dangerously.

The charged stemmed from a vehicular accident which occurred on Mother’s Day, May 14, in Orange Hill.

Lavia, a Form 1 student of the Sandy Bay Secondary School at the time of his death, was reportedly struck by HV112 owned by Larnet Ballantyne of Sandy Bay, and driven by Holder, while Lavia was cycling at Orange Hill. He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he died.

Holder was not required to plea to the indictable charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. He was granted $30,000 bail with one surety.

As part of his bail conditions, Holder’s driver’s license was suspended by the Court pending the outcome of the matter, after Prosecutor Renrick Cato made the application.

Holder was also ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to Georgetown Police Station every Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or the High Court.

Attorney Grant Connell represented the accused.

The matter has been adjourned to July 31.

and assault, causing bodily harm, of an adult woman on May 2, 2019.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Karim Nelson led the case for the Crown.

Cato’s acquittal came following a short trial that started at the Criminal Assizes on May 15.

The Crown’s case

According to the case for the Crown, the complainant knew Cato by the alias ‘Savage’. On May 2, 2019, around 9am the complainant went to the river to wash clothes which she did for various persons. She was already at a river stone washing when Cato came from the direction of a road above where she was. She asked him for some bleach. He left, returned with the bleach, handed it to her, then went away. Three minutes later, Cato returned to the river with a bucket of clothes. He asked the complainant for sex, including oral sex but the woman refused.

Cato, not accepting ‘No’ for an answer, threw her on the ground and wrestled with her. The complainant wrestled back and managed to get up from the ground. But Cato held the complainant’s right hand, dragged her all the while squeezing her neck with his left hand to prevent her from screaming.

He then slammed her on the ground. She wrestled with him and screamed for help. He continued to drag her until he reached a spot in the river where there were some tall bushes, sand,

and a big stone. He removed his left hand from behind the complainant’s neck, and she tried to get away, but he pulled her back. He then pulled down her pants and panty to her feet, bent her over, performed cunnilingus and then had sex with her.

The complainant cried out for help, and people heard her cry and came to her assistance. She was advised to report the matter to the police.

Complainant’s evidence

The complainant in her evidence, told the Court that she went to the police station ‘bare buttocks’.

She recalled that when she first saw Cato at the river, they exchanged ‘good mornings’ and he gave her some bleach, but he later “passed his place”.

She said he ambushed and wrestled with her, removed her clothes and underwear, bent her over, performed cunnilingus and then had sex with her. She insisted that there was no arrangement to have sex; he forced himself on her.

According to the woman, Cato had what she described as ‘dominos’ on his penis. She said he bruised up her vagina, and she bled.

Urlon Fredericks told the Court he was passing in the area when he heard someone ‘bawling’ for rape, and saying ‘let me go’. He said when he checked he saw Cato behind a river stone holding the woman’s hand behind her back, and bending her over. He said Cato told him he gave the

woman $20 and bleach. According to Frederick, it looked as though Cato was in the act of having sex with her when he met them at the river.

Medical checks

According to the evidence of Dr. Ferdessa Alvis who examined the complainant at 6:34pm on the day of the incident, there were multiple superficial abrasions to her right shoulder, back, and left knees, which in her opinion, were consistent with the patient being dragged or rubbed against a hard or rough surface.

Dr. Alvis said the hymen was absent and there was no active bleeding, laceration, or abrasion of the vagina.

But, she said, that does not necessarily mean there was no sex.

Dr. Kishron Richards who examined the accused on May 4, 2019, around 5pm said there were two small nodules on the foreskin of the penis which were artificial implants. The penile nodules seen, according to the doctor, are usually spherical or ovoid foreign objects like glass, plastic, or ivory, and are implanted with a view to enhancing female sexual pleasure. His examination also showed a 3cm bruise to the left side of Cato’s neck which, in his opinion, could have been caused by a hard object being rubbed or moved against the skin, including a fingernail.

Cato gives no evidence at trial

Conductor bonded, ordered to compensate

WHILEmini-bus conductor Everard Jacobs escaped prison time on Monday for assaulting and causing bodily harm to another conductor, he will have to keep his slate clean for one year.

The 26-year-old Form 2 secondary school dropout of Ratho Mill was placed on a one-year bond for assaulting and causing bodily harm to De Quan Miller, 21, of Fair Hall.

If Jacobs breaches the bond he will have to pay the Court $2,500 forthwith or go to prison for one year.

Jacobs was also ordered to compensate Miller in the sum of $800 by June 9, 2023. In default, he will go to prison for two months.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne handed down the penalties at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday. Jacobs had returned to that Court after spending about six days behind bars, pending sentencing. He had pleaded guilty when he initially appeared in Court on May 16 to answer the charge, but the Magistrate remanded him until May 18 for sentencing. However, when Jacobs returned to Court on May 18, sentencing was further adjourned to

In an electronic interview conducted by the police, Cato insisted that he did not rape or assault the woman. In fact, he said he did not even have sex with her. He said they had an arrangement, and she asked him for bleach and a ‘little change’. He admitted to removing her underwear and ‘cocking her up’ but according to him, “every minute she just looking around saying people coming”, and he told her to give him back his bleach.

Cato opted not to give evidence at the trial, saying that he would stick to what he said in the electronic interview, but he called his grandmother to testify on his behalf. The elderly woman told the Court that the complainant told her that Cato never had sex with her.

In his address to the jury, Cato said the Crown’s evidence was weak, and the medical evidence did not support the complainant’s story. The matter was investigated by Constable 513 Juliette Pilgrim. Several other police officers gave evidence, including members of the Sexual Offences Unit (SOU).

However, after the jury returned the verdicts, Cato did not walk free, as he is currently serving sentences for wounding and burglary, stemming from two previous incidents. He had been sentenced to two years for wounding, and ten months for burglary, to run concurrently.

Monday, May 22, resulting in him having to spend another four days behind bars.

The facts revealed that Jacobs and Miller knew each other, but were not friends. Around 4:15 p.m. on May 13, Miller was at the bus stop next to the Peace Memorial Hall at Richmond Hill directing persons to seats in minibus H3014, on which he was the conductor, when he felt someone slap him on the right side of his face. He turned around and saw Miller running away in the direction of minibus H5024 on which Miller works.

Jacobs told the Court, during his initial appearance on May 16, that he slapped Miller because the bus Miller was conducting was blocking the one he (Jacobs) was conducting.

Everard Jacobs has to be on the straight and narrow for one year.

Florida Vincy Day Picnic full of nostalgia

The event was organized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Central Florida Organization (SVGCFO) and held, on Saturday, May 13, at the Bill Frederick Park in Orlando, Florida.

“The feeling at the event was that of a family reunion, where long time neighbours, past students, villagers, former work colleagues, school mates and other forms of broken or distant relationships grabbed the opportunity to rekindle that long lost togetherness,” added McIntosh.

“The picnic gave me that nostalgic feeling, the feeling we experienced as youth growing up in close knitted communities, where we would go to the neighbour’s house for food, and they would always welcome us with open arms.

“It was a manifestation of that type of energy and neighborly love, as people were moving around, mingling, reconnecting,

exchanging pleasantries and partaking in the food brought to the picnic by those present,” continued the Consul General, stating that he met many familiar and new faces, “who seemed eager” to meet him in person “to express their pride and satisfaction with the work done thus far” since his assumption of the position last August.

McIntosh said he was given the opportunity to address the gathering and outlined some of his plans, while urging Vincentians to return home at least once a year.

He also urged nationals, among other things, to “invest in our country; take advantage of the opportunities in the tourism sector; join a Vincy organization; get your Vincy passport, even if you are an American citizen; instill the values and disciplines that were instilled in us into our youths.”

SVGCFO – 10 years of service

Addressing the 6th Annual Vincy Family Day Picnic in Central Florida, Mark Lindsay, SVGCFO’s president and chief executive officer, said the group was “particularly delighted to have as our guest of honour today our US Council General Mr. Rondy McIntosh and his family.

“CG McIntosh, ‘Luta’, has been a friend of our organization for several years and has represented the SVGCFO as Goodwill Ambassador in SVG, as well as donating his time and talent to perform at our 2015 Annual Dinner and Dance,” said Lindsay about McIntosh, who is also a soca artiste.

“Now in our 10th year of operation, the SVGCFO continues to fulfill its mission of ‘increasing public awareness of Caribbean culture through arts, music and education, and providing charity to the needy directly and in cooperation with fellow charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, food banks and similar programs’”, he added.

Over the past 12 months, through its relationship with Marion House (SVG), Lindsay said SVGCFO shipped several large boxes of food and clothing supplies to SVG, with an

estimated value of US$4,000. 00. Marion House offers general counselling sessions and “tangible support” for survivors of domestic violence.

Under the banner of the Judge Alban Niles Scholarship Fund, Lindsay said SVGCFO also donated US$1,850 in scholarship funds to two students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and has supported fellow organizations in Central Florida to the tune of US$600.

In January, Lindsay said SVGCFO updated its bylaws “to reflect the changing environment and circumstances of the

SVGCFO,” and is currently working on updating the SVGCFO.Org website, “which we expect to relaunch within the next six months.”

“None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our members and Board of Directors, our sponsors, members of our community and the Caribbean Diaspora at large,” Lindsay said. “So, thank you for your generosity and support, and thank you all for being here today. May we all have a joyous and blessed day, today.”

by

NELSON A. KING US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

Photo credits: Raquel DaSilva, Member SVGFO. ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Consul General to the United States Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh says the recent Vincy Day Picnic in Central Florida brought back “nostalgic feeling.”

“Scores of Vincentians and other well-wishers came together for a day of camaraderie, fun, food and frolic, Vincy picnic style,” the New Yorkbased McIntosh told THE VINCENTIAN.

Consul general Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh addresses picnic patrons.

(L-R): Mark Lindsay, Consul General McIntosh and Ivor DeShong.

Section of the picnic-goers.

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com

Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Hooked on the spirit of resistance Of this and that

ONE HAS TO BE ‘STONE’ DEAF,thickskinned, totally indifferent to national concerns not to have been ‘touched’ by the many issues that abound and affect us… not to mention the extenuating circumstances that many of these issues are likely to create.

Utterances were all over the news here and far afield. At least two ardent readers of THE VINCENTIAN online called from their overseas places of abode, for verification of what they had heard on internet radio broadcasts from home, i.e. about SVG being hooked by the gill to Taiwan. (Lesson: The Diaspora’s eyes and ears are trained on us.)

As we have grown to expect, there was immediate local reaction to that utterance in particular, reactions flavoured as per the perceived political position/bias of the radio stations on which they were conveyed.

Our prime minister is on record as saying, not in these exact words, that all we do is complain; that there is a bunch of complainers who will jump on anything to complain about.

In an editorial at the time, this publication asked the question about whether the complaints as the prime minister assessed them, were in fact, not genuine expressions of concern.

(Complaints are, in fact, expressions of the democratic right of the people and institutions to voice opinions on issues that affect the national good, which is not the sole purview of a sitting government.)

So, when the prime minister was man enough to say that as a people we have been hooked like tuna by the Taiwanese, who will not release that hook prematurely or from which we cannot willy nilly detach ourselves, should we not complain about a government that has sold us up the river from which there might be no return?

It is well and good that the prime minister, for the first time if memory serves us correctly, quantified our loan indebtedness to Taiwan, but was he aware that his accompanying comments on disclosing such information, all but implied that we were going to be incarcerated for some time, if not for eternity?

If we didn’t know or felt it before, this crushing debt and other ‘licensed gifts‘ to Taiwan mean we have been sold to and are now subjects to the whims and fancies of a foreign state which, if the truth be told, is hanging on to dear life for its continued existence in the global

diplomatic community.

And maybe it is because of that reality why it would not be ‘imperialistic’ like their mainland colleagues have done across Africa and even in Jamaica, and look to establish ownership/control of state enterprises, public utilities and other public services.

Taiwan is now our largest single country creditor. There is no other country to whom we owe anything near to what Taiwan holds us indebted.

And given that this government seems intent on manipulating the relationship with Taiwan to what they would want to say is to the benefit of the national good, what is to prevent the government from increasing that debt, though, God forbid we hope, not exponentially.

No government should take it upon itself to even think that it has the right to lead this country into the barbed bosom of another.

All said, this is not in any way intended to denigrate or to be ungrateful for the assistance Taiwan has accorded the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the 42-year relationship between the countries. To the contrary we are mindful of, for example, the many tertiary level scholarships accorded our young people, to pursue studies in a range of disciplines, some old, some new.

But Taiwan must understand that it is not always when the Prime Minister opens his mouth that he pronounces on behalf of the majority of people, even though he is wont to say that his election victory accords him the privilege.

On this particular occasion, his utterance about (to paraphrase) ‘being hooked by the gill and unable to get loose’, is far from a statesmanlike framed assessment. In fact, it is an insult to the very people whom the prime minister would like to think he represents.

The people of this country are a sovereign people and when it comes to anyone attempting to lead us into an arrangement that makes us subservient for ‘life’, we will resist that effort and hope that the country to which we are apparently yoked for life, would respect our sovereignty and our right to free ourselves from any stranglehold in which someone, some people might want to lead us.

Lest the prime minister has forgotten: We are a people forged out of the courage and spirit of resistance of our National Hero - Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer.

THIS WEEK I WILL PICK ONa few things we do to ourselves or allow to be done to us that simply do not seem right. So many government policies and procedures seem to be communicated to us on a few local radio stations. Back in the 70s, early 80s, when we had only one radio station, that may have been ok. Today, with over a dozen radio stations, it is unfair for us to have to rely on getting official government positions from the radio appearance of key government personnel. Strangely, the government seems to think the parade of officials on these select radio stations is “Open Government.” This is why the ULP proclaims this “government the most transparent one ever.” After all, the Prime Minister (PM)/and other political surrogates are “always available on the radio.” Upon close examination of any of these sessions, you will find that we are getting trial runs on new policies or political spins on missteps by certain government officials. They very seldom answer any thoughtful questions.

By the way, the opposition party has confined itself to one radio station for the most part. I think that’s by design because I have heard on more than one occasion some radio hosts inviting them on-air to share their thoughts on various issues, to no avail. This makes me think they will do the same thing if they ever come into power.

Back to government policy communicated to us on selected radio station. The government’s new position of not allowing hard-courts at schools for business activities disguised as cultural events is admirable. This policy was announced on a radio programme a few Sundays ago. The general proclamation by the PM that he will not allow schools and hard-court facilities to be used for large public “fete” is a good one, one which I support fully. But I must ask myself if that is indeed the role of the Prime Minister. How about a bit of autonomy after providing guidelines to the school principals? Can we not trust the school principals to decide what is good for their community? Apparently not, since some of these guys do not live where they work. Or maybe we don’t have a system of accountability to hold the principal responsible for making the poor decision.

By the way, it is time we move away from the old policy of requiring a small amount of cash to be deposited to access public assets for business. It’s time we demand promoters, and other users of our public assets, to provide insurance to cover all possible damage. An insurance policy of one hundred thousand dollars is not unreasonable for some of our facilities. I can assure you this will guarantee responsible use.

Anyway, back to using school facilities for other activities outside of educating our kids. It’s time we redesign our schools to be more functional for our communities. Facilities like performing art centers, assembly halls, and hard courts should have separate public access from the rest of the school for responsible public use. Too often, the public cannot get use of these facilities for their design purposes because doing so will expose the school to random acts of vandalism. By way of example, one of the bestplanned hard court school facilities is the court at Girls High School. I hope that when the government completes the repair to the school, the various sporting groups will continue to have access to the courts without access to the rest of the school complex.

Another issue comes to mind. A few weeks ago, a news article outlined the high number of mentally ill people we currently have incarcerated. Dr. Thompson was asked to comment on his regular Monday morning appearance on a radio station. He spoke at length about the different kinds of possible mental illnesses and assured us we do not know what type of illness these prisoners suffer. He reluctantly acknowledged the “raw number” the Acting Superintendent of Prisons provided to the public. I learned nothing from him that day.

Now, this takes the cake. Dr. Friday, why do you think it’s appropriate to ask our Trade Unions, during a political rally, to join you to unseat the duly elected government in SVG (before a scheduled election)? So many things are wrong with your call to action, so I will just leave that alone. All I can hope for today is that unions realize their role and responsibilities to the workers before they get hooked.

Horatio.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

We are a lawlessness society

EDITOR,thanks for tolerating me two weeks on the trot.

The Vincentian society is in a state not far from lawlessness.

Our roads are populated with unruly and lawless drivers many of them, mini-bus drivers who don’t seem to accept that they “carry” the lives of citizens in their buses. I have checked with at least one traffic officer and he confirmed that many of the traffic offences are being committed by mini-bus drivers.

The fact that there are traffic laws but this

group of road users feel they can break them when they feel like, is enough to conclude that we are a lawless society.

But the bus drivers are not the only road users who feel that the roads are theirs. Those motorbike men are notorious for cutting ahead of you, using the middle line where there is one and creating one where there is none. And the rate at which they travel tells me the days of the speed limit is behind us. There go our laws again.

Then there is the settlement of

disagreement by the use of the gun. No longer are disagreements settled by dialogue and good sense, we seem to have resorted to the days of ‘an eye for an eye’. We don’t wait on the law to take its course; we take it into our own hands and take revenge on those who have crossed our paths.

The most recent Facebook posting of a stabbing in public tells us how far we have gone away from decency. We no longer care about where we do what; it is, perhaps, the norm (now) that the more people who see what we do and what

we are capable of doing, the more they would fear us. See why many persons don’t leave their homes after a certain hour?

Editor, we must accept that this lawlessness in our society is a grave matter. Is it that persons have no confidence in the system or they simple don’t care? Do people feel it makes no sense reporting some matter to the authorities so they take matters into their own hands?

It is also time, perhaps, that we review our laws; make them more punitive and

We have to be on guard

OVERthe past month or so, we have witnessed some troubling signs which go to the heart of how much we care for people.

This is in direct reference to Judge Esco Henry’s ruling in favour of the public servants who refused to accept the Covid-19 vaccine under the government’s Vaccine Mandate. For this stance, those public servants were dismissed from their jobs and lost all their benefits in the process. Our schools may have suffered the brunt of this unholy act by government because many of the replacement teachers,

we understand, did not live up/are not living up to expectations.

The ink ‘wasn’t dry on the judgement when the government declared its intention to appeal the ruling, thereby setting the sentencing for the public servants a further period of incarceration in limbo; not the most humane act by a government that blows its own trumpet about caring for the workers and the ’poor’.

Then, as if that was not enough, our prime minister took a look-in on the conduct of our magistrates and judges, accusing them of being ‘soft’

in their sentencing and even raising an eyebrow about how some lawyers find favour in some courts.

I don’t know about you, Mr. Editor, but I am worried about where we are going as a nation when things like these happen. There could well be more to come that will raise questions about our system — our democracy, as a select few assume more and more authority on to themselves.

We have to be vigilant.

Thomas.

Our obligation to the incapacitated

IN EVERYcommunity, there are persons who are incapacitated in one way or another. What is our responsibility towards them?

The elderly sick often needs care-giving. While it should be the responsibility of the family members to meet this obligation, sometimes this does not happen. Some say that they should be placed in the “Poor Home”. That is not the solution as the “Poor Home” may be

oversubscribed. In any case it is much better that they remain in familiar surroundings where they would have lived their lives and contributed. Churches and community groups sometimes provide some assistance. Another solution could be to make one-year home care experience a requirement to enter the medical professions.

A number of persons with addictions to alcohol and other substances live among us. Because of

their addiction, they are unable to manage their living. Many are hard workers yet their bills are not paid. How can they be assisted? Treatment for addiction could return them to normalcy. However, in the absence of this, those who control the finances need to do what is necessary to ensure that they use their resources for their sustenance. Public Assistance is not useful to a drunkard if it is not used to clothe, house, and

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* If the NDP is hungry for power is it reasonable to say the ULP is greedy for power?

* Is our Prime Minister waiting until the only way he can get to his office is in a wheelchair before he leaves the stage?

* Whether the Bureau of Standards can tell us if some bakeries are making genuine whole wheat bread while others are making white flour bread with a sprinkling of whole wheat flour and passing it off as whole wheat bread?

* Why are our young girls encouraged to expose their ‘private parts’ while parade themselves in front of a telephone company’s office?

* We take it that the company pays the girls but can money replace

morality? Is this the best way the company thinks it can promote itself?

* When are we going to witness the re-emerged St. Vincent Labour Party? Will it be soon as school children are saying?

* Is that track and field facility at Diamond officially named the Sir Vincent Beache Facility? If that is the case, how could Team Athletics SVG allow something like that in the face of a host of outstanding Vincentian athletes who are deserving of that honour?

* So we chose a song by Skinny Fabulous and a foreign artiste as our Carnival Song. How come we not seeing Skinny Fabulous in any official promotion of Vincymas 2023?

hopefully they would act as deterrents to those who feel they can literally take the law into their own hands.

Can we speak of nipping this lawlessness in the bud or has it gone beyond that stage?

Retiree.

Arnos Vale.

A leader must dance & wine

AFTERthe NDP ‘Hope Rally’ in Georgetown, there was much discussion on radio about the pros and cons of the event.

Would you believe it was said the Leader of the Opposition cannot dance/wine, hence he can’t lead SVG?

This truly is a ‘comedy country’ where comedy has been taken to another level. I no longer wonder why in recent times we have been having so many comedy shows here.

What I deduced from the utterances on the air waves is that to lead this country you got to be a dancer, a winer. I don’t know if that also applies to females.

And I don’t know if dancing and wining is the only requirement or if you have top take ‘smallies’ to your office at odd hours for interviews for jobs; and perfect the art of contradiction and deception among other ‘negatives’.

Those in authority have lost it. They are snatching at straws. The fear of losing power has side effects which are quite evident. Listen to their comical, trivial utterances, look at their actions. They are on radio and TV almost five (accumulated) hours daily, six days a week.

feed him. Why should the rum shop divert the assistance that the society intends?

Continued on Page 10.

People have stopped listening because they are not deaf. They heard them. Now to avoid hearing them, they are not listening to local radio/TV.

It is just too much talk. People are fed up. They bring every event live on radio. It they open a door it’s a big opening ceremony. And the national feature speaker must be there.

Keeping the faith

A new direction that brings healing and hope

(Excerpts of Dr. Godwin Friday’s Presentation at the Hope Rally Pt.2) Young people

Young people, I have a special message for you. You are here tonight in great numbers. I want you to realize that you have the power to change things in this country. You have that power! When you are motivated and decide to move together for change, you are an unstoppable force that no one can ignore. I believe that you have arrived at that point.

I met a young man recently. We spoke briefly, and I listened to him intently. At the end of our talk, as he turned to leave, he put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Friday, Leh we mek a change!” I was moved, for he did not say, as many do, ‘All yo’ must change the government. He did not merely say, as some do: ‘The country needs a change.’

Rather he said, “Leh we mek a change.” That means he would take part in making change happen. That is reason for Hope. And I believe in you, our young people, that you will realize your power and use it wisely to bring positive change in our country. Nice time is not the only time; there is also the time to work for what we want. It is my hope that you will decide to move together, as an unstoppable force for change. I need you! Our country needs you!

The NDP with me as political leader is the only vehicle to take us to that change. It pains my heart when young people say they don’t want anything to do with politics and say that government doesn’t help them so what is the point of voting; when they say politicians are all the same, meaning that they lie and break promises. I hear you. And I understand your doubt.

For too long, you have been let down by Gonsalves and the ULP. You see your former schoolmates leaving to go abroad to look for work, because nearly half of the young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are unemployed. Ten (10) CSEC subjects and there (3) CAPE passes or associate degrees and you can’t find work. But, don’t judge me by their bad leadership and poor representation; their bad example of governance. I am not like that. I am better than that. Let me show you that I will make things better!

Four pillars of the economy

For us to have a bright future we must have a strong economy. To create jobs, business opportunity and prosperity, I have a plan to build the four (4) essential pillars of our economy:

* Agriculture: support for farmers; credit; reliable markets; new technologies; stop praedial larceny.

* Tourism: help for local operators; improve air transport; improve sites; improve marketing.

* Blue Economy: focus on fishing; yachting; Ottley Hall dry-dock/ship repair.

* The New Economy: IT sector; sports, entertainment, handicraft etc. Our people must be at the center of

it and benefit most from it. Given the chance, our people can provide for their families and not be reduced to begging.

Vision of hope

Our country may be broken and divided now, but our spirit remains strong. We believe in God. We believe in ourselves. We have hope! Give me the chance to show you what our country can be; that it can be better. Doing better starts with an attitude of caring about people, with a true and loving heart.

You can’t grin and fake it. People will know that you are lying; that you are a fraud. I love my country; I love our people. That is genuine from my heart. From the warm smiles, many handshakes, and strong embraces I get from so many of you all over the country, I know you love me too. And I am grateful for that. But, as the song says, now that we’ve found love what do we do with it? I say, let it brings us together, to work together and do some real good for our country. That must be our mission.

Do you want a government that puts the people first and delivers what it says? Do you want a government to fight crime instead of blaming others? Do you want a government that will put money in your pocket to pay your bills? Do you want a government that will end the persecution of public sector workers? The answer always is yes! But it can only come after removing the ULP from office. So let us come together and get the job done.

Conclusion

Let us sustain and nourish Hope. From now on, let us agree we need to make a fresh start. And let us commit ourselves to doing it. With renewed energy and desire, let us bring about the much-needed, long-delayed change we need. I am willing and able to lead the way. And with God’s grace and your trust and help. I will.

We have roads, bridges, and jetties to repair; homes and communities to make safe; clinics and hospitals to equip and supply; a damaged society to heal; jobs to create and a dying economy to revive. In short, we have our country to build.

It has been my privilege and honour to serve you all these years. But I want to do more. Because more is needed. As Prime Minister, I will be able to do it. I invite you to embrace the opportunity and join me in changing the government so that we can start the process of transforming our country for the better.

This is not a time for fears and doubts; it is a time for courage and action; your action and mine. Each of us must take the responsibility to do what is required and make the change happen. As the young man said to me, “Leh We Mek a Change” for all of us.

V Power to pardon

“What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s follythat is the first law of nature.”Voltaire (1694-1778) – French enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher.

A TREMENDOUS AMOUNTof wisdom and knowledge can be gained by reading the biographies and autobiographies of great leaders and influential philosophers. This writer has been impressed by the thoughts shared by Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th president of the United States of America; Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), the first black president of South Africa; the famous American civil rights advocate and Nobel Laureate, Martin Luther King Jr. (19291968); and Dr. Maya Angelou (19282014), the American poet and civil rights activist, to mention a few. Thanks to websites like Wikipedia, it is now relatively easy to obtain useful summaries of the lives of individuals whose legacies resound today to encourage us to live better, more fulfilling, lives. Many such individuals remind us that being able to pardon others and ourselves for infractions enable us to enhance our mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.

It may be considered relatively easy and common to hold on to grudges. However, doing so can be so very damaging to an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Research confirms this to be true. Too many individuals succumb to illnesses because they refuse to pardon themselves and/or others for transgressions.

We all possess the power to pardon. A review of the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) remind us that just as we would like others to forgive us, we should be prepared to forgive others. However, it takes strength of character to forgive those whose words and/or actions have caused us pain. This is especially so when we conclude that they had done so intentionally. However, we are often called to be big enough to be small enough to extend pardon. It may not be easy but it will be the right thing to do. Holding on to grudges and a spirit of unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping that it will destroy someone else. Harbouring the spirit of unforgiveness is self-destructive. Reviewing and analysing the reason for retaining the animosity often reveal that, in the whole scheme of things, the matter was “insignificant”. It is often amazing and embarrassing to reflect on the “little things” in life that have resulted in creating and maintaining massive chasms in relationships in our homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. We often too readily hold on to grudges and feelings of unforgiveness.

William P. Young (born 1955), the Canadian author of the best-selling book titled “The Shack” (ISBN # 9780340979495) reminds us that, “Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person’s throat. Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone, you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established. Forgiveness in no way requires that

you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation. Forgiveness does not excuse anything. You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness.” His words are pregnant with wisdom. We are all challenged to kind enough to forgive … and move on. We have the power to pardon … and, in doing so, release others and ourselves from painful emotional and spiritual imprisonment.

The power to pardon often requires strength of character. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), the Indian lawyer, and anti-colonial nationalist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule in 1947, reminds us that, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” This is such a sobering though. It beckons us to strengthen our resolve to pardon even the unpardonable. In doing so we magnify and multiply our strength of character.

We also receive inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom” (ISBN# 9781447275541). This publication has numerous examples of this outstanding leader’s ability to forgive the unforgivable. His autobiography captures Mandela’s astonishing life story and clearly describes his struggles, setbacks, disappointments, unfair treatment, renewed hope, and ultimate triumph. His legacy in enshrined in South Africa’s history and continues to have positive reverberations around the world. Mandela was instrumental in charting and sustaining South Africa’s transition from the cruel government by apartheid (imposed racial segregation) to a democracy in 1994. He, along with South Africa’s Anglican Archbishop, Desmond Tutu (19312021), championed the need for the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (and its pursuit of truth, justice, and mercy). They offered redemption to those guilty of crimes committed during South Africa’s inhumane apartheide system if they were willing to publicly confess their crimes and seek to make restitution. As difficult as it was to practice restraint as the revelations were unearthed (with no punishment exerted), the battered poor citizens of that rich country were able to face the painful truth of the brutal and inhumane treatment that was meted out to their loved ones. As painful as it was to listen to the admissions of the crimes against humanity, this was considered absolutely necessary as the country sought to begin the lengthy healing process. Forgiveness had to be a prerequisite for the healing to take place. There is healing in forgiveness. And we have the power to pardon.

The Case for the CCJ

LAST APRIL,the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) marked its 17th year of existence. Established on April 16th, 2005, the court has long established its bonafide as an institution that delivers sound judgments that stand the test of time, contribute to the development of Caribbean jurisprudence and make justice much more accessible. Yet most Caricom countries continue to maintain the British Privy Council as their highest court.

Currently, the citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Guyana, whose governments delinked from the British Privy Council have the CCJ as their highest court. Soon, St Lucians, whose government cleared the constitutional path to join the CCJ, can access justice without travelling thousands of miles to the Londonbased Privy Council for justice.

Some influencers have frowned on the CCJ because they erroneously claim that regional leaders influence the court or can influence it. However, this very issue was on the minds of those who established the court. Before launching the Caribbean Court of Justice in 2005, Caribbean governments borrowed US$100 million from Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to insulate the CCJ from all forms of perceived or real pressures that may come from the executive branch of government.

It’s significant to note that in the United States, the sitting president selects judges to the US Supreme Court. The nominee indeed goes through the Senate confirmation process. However, court observers know this is a mere formality as votes for each judicial candidate breaks down along stridently partisan lines. Yet no one seriously questions the decision of the American supreme court. In fact, American justice is celebrated as one of the best in the world.

Those who prefer the Privy Counsel claim they do not trust Caribbean judges. They maintain that our judges went to school with the political elite; they come from the same towns and villages or are from the same class background and may even go to the same churches and frequent the identical social spaces. They like the remoteness of the Privy Councilors, who may seldom know the persons whose cases they decide.

At first glance, this argument seems attractive, but on reflection is rather offensive. Without evidence, the claim is that our judges lack standards, morals and ethics and are for sale. Ask any critic to offer proof that the CCJ is not a credible and independent bulwark for justice and they come up empty. They will not be able to come up with a single decision that lends credence to their view.

Other critics have maintained that before we accept the CCJ as our highest court, we must fix the

problems in the magistracy and the high court. This argument is really one of mixing oranges with apples. If our highest court, the Privy Council, is not blamed for these current problems, why burden the CCJ with problems it did not create?

The path to the Privy Council is akin to a long-distance run. The Court sits in London. The court does not understand our region’s cultural, social and economic realities. In addition, it is costly to access justice at the Privy Council. If you are rich, you get to litigate your case at our apex court. Those who lack financial resources get to accept justice on a special pass based on the legal importance of the matter involved.

The administrative fees may cost a fortune to litigate a matter before the Privy Council. Then there are attorney fees, the cost of travel, lodging etc. Justice is expensive but it’s much more so if you are poor.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. All countries that have acceded to the court’s jurisdiction have witnessed a dramatic increase in matters which go to the CCJ. Moreover, the CCJ has consistently ruled against those states that come under its jurisdiction. This clearly indicates that CCJ is not beholden to any politician or government. It is a model of judicial independence.

There is another important reason why all regional governments should delink from the Privy Council and make the CCJ our highest court. This issue relates to the return of our patrimony. Our sovereignty and independence were snatched from us in 1763 when France and England decided to divey up the world between them at the Treaty of Paris. Our Garifuna and Kalinago ancestors were so incensed by these European arrogance that they fought valiant wars to regain our patrimony. In this fight our sole national hero Joseph Chatoyer gave his life. We must remember not to forget.

It is palpably wrong for any civilized people to have a foreign sovereign. To reject the CCJ and retain the Privy Council as our highest court is a clear sign colonial, Eurocentric ideas continue to dominate our mental processes.

How could it be right and proper for our children to grow up with the knowledge that while they can become whatever they choose as a profession they will never be able to aspire to the position of member of or chief justice of our highest court? This is a stain that we need to erase soonest.

Tax exemptions causing malnutrition in SVG’s children

IT IS CONSERVATIVELYestimated that SVG has been losing over $500 million annually in tax and customs duty exemptions to Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan since 2001. Something is seriously wrong in our country.

The opportunity cost of the $500 million in revenue losses annually to our beloved country is catastrophic. The $500 million annually could have been used to build factories, a fish canning plant, new hospitals, a science university and much more, all of which together would have created wealth for our country and thousands of jobs for our people.

A mother of two children residing in Kingstown told the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, that neither she nor her husband can find a job. The consequence of this is that she can no longer send her children to school.

Her situation is so desperate that she is forced to beg for food to take home for the two children. She is very concerned that her children may be

suffering from malnutrition, because they only get one small meal a day. The mother said that the situation in SVG is rough and unbearable.

How can it be in 2023 that children are going hungry?

An envoy from the World Health Organisation should urgently visit SVG for on-site assessment of the pain and suffering our people must endure. In addition to malnutrition, we have so many people forced to sleep on the pavements of Kingstown, yet the ULP and NDP immorally give tax exemptions to the rich.

Gonsalves must be confused when it comes to finance: there is no benefit of these tax exemptions, but the costs . Malnutrition, children dropping out of school, mass unemployment and the disadvantaged forced to sleep on pavements - are nothing but oppression.

Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes that SVG is going through its most difficult

financial and economic period in our history. So many businesses say sales are low.

Unemployment is high and the poor are suffering, yet Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan continue to receive tax and customs exemptions. This Apartheid tax policy is a serious threat to the wellbeing of our people and the stability of our country.

Abolishing the tax and customs duty exemptions to Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan will bring the SVG Treasury over $500 million dollars every year in revenue. The opportunity cost of not collecting this $500 million dollars is staggering. We could build three science and

technology universities, create mass employment, put a science lab in every school, provide free wireless internet to every house and positively change the academic landscape of our beloved country, by making high quality education the engine of the SVG economy. We urgently need economic growth, but Gonsalves has shown he is utterly hopeless in stimulating economic growth in SVG. The ULP regime does not have the vision and academic ability to abolish the tax and customs duty exemptions given to Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan and create prosperity for our people.

Note: The views expressed above are not necessarily those of THE VINCENTIAN.

Taiwan and the WHA

AS A FORMERMinister of Health, I am calling for Taiwan to be allowed to participate in the upcoming 76th edition of the World Health Assembly (WHA) which is scheduled to start this Sunday as an Observer. Taiwan was shut out of this very important global health forum in 2017 for political reasons associated with its policy on its relationship with the People’s Republic of China. This is not right and it is not in the best interest of the WHA, health in Taiwan, global health, Universal Health Coverage or Health for All.

Taiwan is a nation of over 23 million people that is responsible for the administration of its own affairs. How can it be appropriate for the legitimate representatives of 23 million people to be shut out of this super significant annual public health conference?

Taiwan has an outstanding healthcare system. 98% of its citizens are covered by national health insurance (NHI) as a result of its implementation of WHO recommendations on universal health coverage. This East Asian health powerhouse received commendations from the international community for an exemplary response to the COVID19 pandemic that harnessed artificial intelligence and other modern capabilities as well as digital tools in the design and implementation of special anti-pandemic measures to manage the health situation within its borders. Taiwan was successful in minimising the adverse effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the health

and welfare of its population.

Importantly, Taiwan has been a model in terms of international cooperation for health, development and humanitarian assistance. How can we sustain the exclusion of a global healthcare leader from the World Health Assembly? This sounds crazy to me. I repeat that this is not in the best interest of the World Health Assembly, health in Taiwan, global health, Universal Health Coverage or Health for All.

Surely, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we cannot afford to have any gaps in the global health network. We must work together for best results. Our fate and fortunes are tied together.

In the language of the Constitution of the WHO, every human being has the fundamental right to enjoy the highest standard of health… without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” [emphasis added] The people who live in Taiwan must not be denied this right. The people who live in the world must not be denied this right.

I hope that good sense and judgment prevail and that Taiwan is invited to the World Health Assembly as an Observer. This would be a very good demonstration of our commitment to Health for All. The WHO needs Taiwan. Taiwan needs the WHO. We need each other in order to achieve our healthcare goals. Let Taiwan into the WHA.

R. T. Luke V. Browne lukebrowne@yahoo.com

Our obligation to the incapacitated

Continued from Page 7.

Our society has evolved to where the work that family, friends, neighbours, churches, and the state would usually cover, needs to be coordinated by a social worker. It does not mean that we renege on our traditional responsibility, but the social worker would coordinate to ensure that it is done. Professional training is always useful, but a mature caring individual can do this work to complement, and supplement the work.

The lifestyle diseases of Hypertension, Diabetes, and Kidney diseases are putting a strain on our country’s finances and health system. They cause strokes, paralysis, and the need for dialysis. The expenditure of

time and resources are disproportional to the rest of our budget. Consequently, prevention should be taught and enforced in our schools and food places. We need to experience the true effect of a wellness revolution. The money saved from prevention can be used in a productive way.

Money management is a skill that is useful to all and should be taught in all our institutions. How we manage ourselves, our homes, our farms, our workplaces, and our country financially will prove useful. Rather than being incapacitated, we would be empowered to rule our destiny.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

THE VINCENTIAN takes the liberty of using an extract from a tribute paid by Dr. Carl Ollivierre to his friend Garth Saunders, as the basis for this opinion.

THE EXTRACT

REFLECTING ON HIS LAST MOMENT with his friend, Dr. Ollivierre, who is renowned orthopedic surgeon practicing in Florida, said that two and a half weeks ago he returned to SVG after not visiting for a few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When he saw Saunders, he shared, he realized that his friend was painting a rosier picture of his health than what was reality, and that there was much more going on.

He told the congregation that he begged his friend to get another opinion.

“You know what Garth told me? Garth said that ‘I will do it but Carl, I don’t want to offend anybody’. Garth told me that he didn’t want to seek another opinion because he didn’t want to offend anybody,” Dr. Ollivierre repeated.

He said that before he left SVG he told Garth that he has to get better because he was not coming home to do any “bleep bleep” Eulogy for him.

“Garth looked at me and said, ‘Na, na na na, ah ah, don’t need to worry about that Carl. I promised you that you don’t need to worry about my eulogy’. What I didn’t know is that Garth had already contacted and contracted my godson Shaun (Saunders son) to do his Eulogy,” the doctor related.

Seeking a second

„I donÊt want to offend anybody‰

opinion

A former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Water and Sewage Authority, Saunders was laid to rest at the Kingstown Cemetery last Tuesday 23rd after a service at the Methodist Church in Kingstown.

Dr. Carl Ollivierre, a renowned orthopedic surgeon practising in Florida, had flown in specially to help ‘send his friend’ to a world of pure bliss.

Something he said might have slipped through unnoticed given his anecdotal and entertaining style of delivery.

The point of Saunders saying to him when he encouraged him to have a second opinion, that ‘I don’t want to offend anybody’, encapsulates an attitude that characterizes how we relate to the doctors who treat us when we are ill and who see generally to our health and wellbeing, and with whom we develop a special relationship.

That that attitude is clouded by a sense of unbridled reverence bordering on fear of not upsetting the doctor by giving indication that you would feel at ease if a second opinion was sought on a particular health matter, speaks to forfeiting a right that is ours, regardless of how much discomfort it might cause for you doctor.

If doctors are professionals and do not see themselves an islands unto themselves, they would gladly welcome a patient seeking a second opinion, that could result in corroboration of his/her (doctor’s) opinion or offer advice on how to procced with treatment.

The speculation about whether Saunders might have lived to fight another day if he had sought and received a second opinion and

treatment, is like flying in the face of God. We are in no way suggesting that; we

merely want to emphasise that in all endeavours of life there are rights that we enjoy

and should not forfeit simply to appease another.

The extract from Dr.

Ollivierre’s tribute, as personal as it sounds, bears testimony which can guide us accordingly.

Garth Saunders

David ‘Darkie’ Williams, workshop facilitator, recognizes now as a good time to examine how we can benefit from the performing arts.

NAM host another theatre workshop

Culture, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary year (2023) of NAM.

The second workshop focused on improvisation in drama and was facilitated by David Darkie Williams, NAM’s actor, playwright, director and stage manager. Those in attendance included NAM members, representative of the Department of Culture, actors, teachers, students and drama enthusiasts.

The session then moved to analysing the script for attitude and believability of the actors, stage directions and movement, and establishing the writer’s meaning.

raised concern about the extent to which writers are extending themselves.

by GLORIAH...

SATURDAY, 20TH MAY

SAW the second in the sixpoint development drama workshops hosted by the New Artist Movement (NAM), in collaboration with the Department of

Participants were taken through the elements of drama that significantly aided improvisation, with concentration on the actor’s believability for the audience; with the actor’s onstage movement, speech, body language, facial expressions and character roles being explored.

To cement these skills, a script was read by two participants while the others took note of features like the speakers’ volume, intonation and modulation of voice that brought the script alive.

Facilitator David ‘Darkie’ Williams explained the objective of the session. “It’s about actors learning how to prepare themselves, emphasizing their preparation in the character that they are going to present.” That preparation, he was clear, should not be taken for granted.

“In most dramas,” he expounded, “they tell you that ‘believability’ is something you must always aim for and if you do not prepare your character then your audience is not going to believe your performance.”

With confidence he said, “The objectives of this session were achieved. I think people have enough that they can use to make a serious attempt to present believable characters. That was the

aim and I think we have achieved it.”

In a more general comment, ‘Darkie’ suggested that now was the crucial time to start maximizing what benefit there is to be gained from the Performing Arts in St. Vincent, especially in the theatre.

Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, NAM’s founder and long-standing Director, also weighed in on the importance of the workshops, saying, “It is

extremely important because when we look at the direction in which theatre has been going recently, I think we need to do a lot more work in terms of getting actors and getting writers oriented in a particular way, because everything seems to be just slapstick these days.”

He was adamant that plays must “definitely tell basically the soul of the society”, pointing out that, “as writers we go

On Tour ready for takeoff

thinks this year will be “exceptional” for the Tent.

He is pleased with the variety and versatility the singers bring. He is satisfied that the accompanying music band, Nex Level with Brass, will deliver.

His main contribution for the season is entitled ‘Woman deserve better’.

Marvo Morgan is the lone female cast member. She stamped her authority last year with a semifinal spot and would be keen to “up” her place in the rankings.

Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey is never far from the monarch title he secured in 2002 and will be hoping for a return to royalty from ‘A real hard place’.

Alvin ‘Zion I’ Dennie is likely to continue the controversy he generated last year with this year’s song called ‘Raper man.’

Glenroy ‘Azara’ Charles is asking, ‘When will it end?’, Earl ‘Exposer’ Isles renders ‘Correct me if I am wrong’ and John ‘D Truth’ Dougan suggests that authorities ‘Go after the criminals’.

Elvis ‘Roots Gordon’ from Bequia, adds depth with his number, ‘It’s a trap’ and Bernard ‘Reality’ White reminds us that it is ‘Calypso’, a point he has been making since 1974.

beyond the immediate physical and social environment because as people of creative imagination, our ordinary surroundings do not really help us to go beyond a certain point.”

The series will continue tomorrow Saturday 27th May with ‘Directing — Theory and Practical’; Saturday 10th June — ‘Creative Writing’ and Saturday 17th June - ‘Scripting for Theatre/Stage’.

Derek ‘Man Sick’ Alexander has ‘Nothing to show’ after five in a row. Malcolm ‘Marshie’ Marshall takes a look at the ‘Cost of living,’ and Kirk ‘Ninja’ Knights is hoping that the ‘People’s power’ propels him.

Lance ‘Da Vincy’ Chapman adds to his repertoire with the number ‘Sting them Lance.’ Wendell ‘Ras I’ Lewis turns up the volume with ‘Covid 19 say bacchanal time’, and Sylvanus ‘Ras Simple’ Jacobs has ‘Ice-cream’.

Newcomer Winston Thomas, is known in the entertainment circles as ‘Tumpie’. A seasoned guitarist, ‘Tumpie’ hails from South Wood in Belmont, East St. George and he is looking to ‘Progress’ in the calypso art form.

William ‘Kojah’ Anthony with a number “Running over’, rounds off the cast along with the veteran Robert ’Patches’ King.

On Tour hits the Russell’s Auditorium Thursday June 1 for the first of three shows, to be followed by a repeat on June 8, and preliminaries on June 15.

Calypsonians from four other Tents are lined up for preliminary action. Twenty-two advance to the semifinals and ten will climb into the finals to challenge defending monarch - Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis. (WKA)

GRANTLEY ‘IPA’ CONSTANCE, leader of the On Tour Calypso Tent,

Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams

Participants reading a script while others look to apply the areas of concern shared by the facilitator.

Digicel launches Carnival promotion

IT’S CARNIVAL AT DIGICEL

SVG as Vincentians countdown the days until July 11 with the ‘Fete with $50,000 in 50 days’ promotion.

This promotion gives Vincentians across the country the chance to win a share of $50,000 every day from May 19 to July 11.

For current Digicel customers, all they have to do is activate a Prime plan and pay their postpaid and/or Digicel+ bill in full.

And, even non-Digicel customers can get in on the action and a chance to win, simply by switching to Digicel.

Senior Marketing Executive, Caricia Taylor said, “This carnival season we are feting with our customers and giving

them a chance to win big with their share of $50,000 in cash and prizes. From cold hard cash, to fete tickets to the hottest Vincymas events, discounts on costumes, free costumes and free Temperature Monday Jam packages, we’re giving our customers MORE!”

This year also marks the return of Digicel’s Monday Afternoon Jam band, ‘Temperature’ after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Revellers will be heating things up on the road on Carnival Monday under the theme ‘Like Yuh Self’. The band will have general, VIP and frontline sections, with four frontline options for women, including Fever, Fiery,

Steamy and Rogue.

Taylor continued, “We are so excited to be back on the road again so in the lead up to carnival, the Digicel team will be taking to the road visiting various communities throughout the season to build the vibes, interact with our customers and give them even more opportunities to win more rewards. We’re here to remind our customers that ‘Digicel x Vincy, Better Together’. (Source: Digicel SVG)

Nigel Durham popular employee of the Postal Corporation (centre) displays his share of the $50,000 in the company of the Digicel Girls and models in costumes for Vincymas 2023. (Photo Source: Digicel)

ECFM, NWM deepen partnership

THE UNIONIZEDworkers of the East Caribbean Flour Mill Ltd., (ECFM), as of Thursday, May 11, received new benefits under the new workers agreement.

This follows on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ECFM and the National Workers Movement (NWM).

As a result, the ECFM workers, covered under the agreement, now enjoy new benefits such as: birthday leave, with an employee being eligible shall be granted leave to celebrate their birthday annually; paid paternity leave for a period of three (3) consecutive weeks; and increased salaries and wages.

On signing the MOU, J. Robert Cato, CEO — ECGC, said: “We appreciate the

harmonious relationship with the Union over the years and this new agreement is testament to the company continuing to create better working environments, which foster greater productivity and better work-life balance.”

Noel Jackson, General Secretary of the NWM stated: “We are pleased to be here to sign this Collective Agreement, which represents weeks of discussion and negotiations. There is an established Industrial Relation between ECGC and the NWM that would have made it easier to reach this point. The Agreement is for a three-year period, and we look forward to continuing the relationship with ECGC.”

Labour Commissioner Raquel Lawrence congratulated the

(L-R): Raquel Lawrence, Labour Commissioner, Noel Jackson, General Secretary – National Workers Movement shaking hands with J. Robert Cato, CEO –ECGC, while Kenton Small – ECGC Union Delegate looks on.

(Source: ECFM)

ECFML and the NWM stating that it is important to uphold the International Labour standard of Freedom of Association, Collective Bargaining, and Industrial Relations.

The new MOU, signed at ECGC Headquarters by J. Robert Cato, CEO — East Caribbean Group of Companies, ECGC, Noel Jackson, NWM General Secretary, and Racquel Lawrence, Labour Commissioner, marks 30 years of a Corporate and Trade Union partnership between the ECFM and the NWM.

The terms of the MOU will be implemented

ÂEC GreenpreneursÊ opens new round of loans

Deadline for Applications is Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

The Eastern Caribbean Greenpreneurs Accelerator InterestFree Loan is designed to support green entrepreneurs by offering funding (USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 in the form of interestfree loans) and investor matching sup port. Under this programme, businesses only repay the original amount borrowed and are not required to provide collateral to qualify.

A green business is considered to be any business that is supporting the achievement of environmental/social goals in the country through the services and products they offer, while generating wealth. These include: selling products that offset or reduce imports; selling sustainable/renewable energy or energy efficiency products, services, or equipment; farms or food production businesses that use organic or regenerative agriculture techniques; businesses that reduce energy use or use renewable energy, reduce water use, reduce waste (such as recycling businesses or those that source re-

used or local materials), or protect or c onserve natural landscapes, address s ocial issues (support vulnerable populations like youth, women, persons with disabilities, reduce inequality/poverty etc.), or increase resilience to climate change (stormresistant buildings and infrastructure, increased ability recover from storms/flooding, etc).

The interest-free loan may be used to cover the operation and/or capital expenses of your high-growth green business. The disbursed funds may also serve as junior to other investments/loans thus acting as a first-loss buffer to leverage additional investments from private sector investors, development finance institutions and domestic financial institutions.

Interested green entrepreneurs should visit the website caribbeangreenpreneurs.com f or more information and to apply.

(Source: CED)

retroactively from January until December 2024.

due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. (Source: ECFM)

THE Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative (EC Greenpreneurs) is proud to announce the second call for applications for its Accelerator Interest-Free Loans, which offers up to US $50,000 to catalyse innovative green businesses that showcase Caribbean solutions to Caribbean problems on a national, regional and global scale. Apply now and join the movement towards a more sustainable future!

Beware of travelling to Florida

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLOURED PEOPLE

(NAACP), leading a civil rights organization in the United States, has issued a travel advisory for Florida.

In doing so over the weekend, the NAACP joined with two other civil rights groups in warning potential

tourists, that recent laws and policies championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”

The NAACP, long an advocate for black Americans, joined the League of United Latin American Citizens

(LULAC), a Latino civil rights organization, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group, in issuing travel advisories for the Sunshine State, where tourism is one of the state’s largest job sectors.

The warning tells tourists that, before traveling to Florida, they should understand the state of Florida “devalues

and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

An email was sent Sunday morning to DeSantis’ office seeking comment.

And in keeping with his known wider political ambitions, and even with the public relations that all in his favour, Gov. Ron DeSantis formally entered the Republican presidential primary contest on Wednesday.

As of now, he is considered former President Donald Trump’s strongest GOP rival in the crowded 2024 contest.

Florida is one of the most popular states in the US for tourists, and tourism is one of its biggest industries. More than 137.5 million tourists visited Florida last year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism promotion agency. Tourism supports 1.6 million fulltime and part-time jobs, and visitors spent $98.8 billion in Florida in 2019,

the last year figures are available.

The NAACP’s decision comes after the DeSantis’ administration in January rejected the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course. DeSantis and Republican lawmakers also have pressed forward with measures that ban state colleges from having programmes on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as critical race theory, and also passed the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain racebased conversations and analysis in schools and businesses.

In its warning for Hispanic travelers considering a visit to Florida, LULAC cited a new law that prohibits local governments from providing money to organisations that issue identification cards to people illegally in the country and invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses held by undocumented immigrants, among other things. The law also requires hospitals that accept Medicaid to

include a citizenship question on intake forms, which critics have said is intended to dissuade immigrants living in the US illegally from seeking medical care.

“The actions taken by Governor DeSantis have created a shadow of fear within communities across the state,” said Lydia Medrano, a LULAC vice president for the Southeast region. Recent efforts to limit discussion on LGBTQ topics in schools, the removal of books with gay characters from school libraries, a recent ban on gender-affirming care for minors, new restrictions on abortion access and a law allowing Floridians to carry concealed guns without a permit contributed to Equality Florida’s warning.

“Taken in their totality, Florida’s slate of laws and policies targeting basic freedoms and rights pose a serious risk to the health and safety of those traveling to the state,” Equality Florida’s advisory said.

(Sources: CNN, NBC, Jamaica Gleaner)

Gov. Ron DeSantis has even groveled with Disney which has, in the face of his shenanigans, halted all plans to build a new campus in central Florida and relocate 2,000 employees from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development. (Photo source: ABC)

Walters to replace Daniel in North Windward

A NEWcandidate is expected to contest the North Windward seat under a Unity Labour Party (ULP) ticket.

Hospital Administrator Dr. Grace Walters on Saturday 20th May was nominated by the ULP North Windward Constituency Council as the party’s candidate for North Windward in next general election,

constitutionally due by March 2026.

Dr. Walters served in a capacity as Family Nurse Practitioner and given her acquired expertise in Health/Health Care AdministrationManagement, was appointed Hospital Administrator in 2013. Her candidacy is expected to be approved at the party’s next

convention and by the executive, clearing the way for her to contest against the New Democratic Party’s Senator Shevern John, who was unsuccessful in her bid to remove the ULP’s Montgomery Daniel in the 2020 general election.

The news of Dr. Walters’s nomination was first posted on social media by ULP activist in

the constituency, Owen Baptiste, who went on to confirm that Dr. Walters’ nomination was endorsed by a Constituency Council meeting held at its office in Rabacca, on May 20.

Dr. Walters replaces Montgomery Daniel who was first elected as the ULP Member of Parliament for North Windward in 2001 and returned in the following

four elections.

Recently, Daniel has had health issues and this may have contributed to his decision to opt out of candidacy. (KH)

Dr. Grace Walters will be a first time candidate once approved by the appropriate party processes.

Tempted but he is related

Dear George:

MY CHILDHOODgirlfriend and I recently vacationed in Trinidad. While there, I ran into this really cute guy at a party. We hit it off immediately.

He went back to the hotel with us and we were about to get down and dirty but due to my half drunken state I fell asleep and left him with my girlfriend. She told me nothing happened between which I never believed.

However, I got to talking to him the very next day and he inquired of my family. In exchanging information, I discovered that this guy was related to me on my father’s side. I did not make him any wiser. I did not want that information to get between us and prevent me to have a taste of him. I pretended not to know the people he was talking about.

He is now inviting me back to Trinidad, and I know if I go what is going to happen. George, I really want this guy but I do not want him to find out that we are related. Our blood line is not very close but he is

blood none the same. Should I make the trip to Trinidad knowing how that is going to turn out?

Joy-X.

Dear Joy-X:

What we want to happen and what ought to happen are two separate things. In your case, getting sexually involved with someone you know is related to you is a definite “no-no”.

You need to tell this individual the truth. Do not follow through with your plan of deception because in the end feelings can get hurt and the damage done may be irreparable.

Focus on the bright side of this experience which is you have found a relative which is not a bad thing at all. Getting to know him better as a relative will have far more advantages than getting into bed with him and ending up in pain thereafter.

George.

Reward by ill-gain is no gain

Dear George:

ICONFIDEDin my coworker that I have been sleeping with my boss and that was the reason for my quick promotion. She promised to keep it between us.

I was surprised later to hear my name all over the company. When I confronted her, she implied she did no wrong and if I expected her to keep quiet while I was advancing and she was not. Talk about trust being betrayed. My boss’s wife got to hear about us and she is threatening to leave him. He said if his wife leaves him, I can kiss my position and employment with the company goodbye.

I am not a happy camper at the moment. I need to know what to do. The situation is getting to me.

Unhappy Worker.

Dear Unhappy Worker:

This is a classic case of playing with fire and getting burn. You made the decision to get ahead by using unprincipled means and now you have to deal with the consequences.

You may want to consider taking an early

exit from an environment that is tense and uncomfortable especially as you know if you stay, how it could end for you.

Let this be a lesson to

you to work your way to the top while maintaining your integrity and dignity. George.

Thanks, George!!

Dear George:

IDO NOTknow if you remember the lady who wrote to you about my husband meeting me in bed with three guys and two other women. He had threatened to finish me off but the advice you gave me when I reached out to you, kept me alive to the day. I wanted to kill myself but as you see, I am still here.

My husband did reach out to you as you asked him to do and because of you, we are still happily married today. Thank you George for saving my life and my marriage. You are doing a wonderful job and this country is lucky to have someone like you to be there for people like me. You never judged me or anything like that and that was what helped me mostly. Thank you, George.

Grateful.

Dear Grateful:

Thank you for your letter. It is always a rewarding feeling for me when someone can speak of how they were helped. I am happy to be of service to you and many others.

Continue to be the best wife you can be. You are not perfect and will continue to make mistakes but it is important how you deal with them. Where there is life there is always hope and when situations make it seem that life is unlivable, you just have to know that there is always hope, and reaching out to someone can be the way to go.

George.

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies. A residential move may be in order. Be innovative.

You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. Entertainment should include your whole family. Ignore colleagues who appear to be going in circles. You could overreact to emotional situations regarding your relationship.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Update and review your personal investments. Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. Control your anger. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You could be quite erratic regarding your personal relationship. Go on business trips if at all possible. Take time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may have worn you ragged. Exercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

You mustn't be so trusting. You will be in the doghouse if you are being. Children's needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Don't start a dispute unless you're prepared to accept irreversible results.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Hide your cards and learn to say no. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. You may find yourself in a romantic situation. You will be able to make financial gains.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to

another. Take time to visit someone who has been I confined due to illness. Correspondence may not clear up issues. Travel will be to your advantage; however, it might be expensive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Don't get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvements. Don't expect new acquaintances to be completely honest about themselves. You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Travel will lead you in new directions. Take special care in any home improvement project you work on this week, you'll be glad you did. Avoid any erratic behavior or it could cause isolation at home. Take a close look at any contracts you've signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

You must deal with an emotional problem with your loved one that you have been avoiding for some time now. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been well. Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. Don't overdo it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. If you have treated them equitably, you might be able to count on their loyalty. Don't let your emotions interfere with your professional integrity. Kick your shoes off and relax.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

1.

13.

1.

3. 35. Kind of deposit 36. Hoses down 37. Aggressively ambitious 38. Gorilla 39. In working order 42. Cut off 43. Superhero

4. accessory 44. x, y or z 46. Substantial 47. What the walls may have 48. Composer Ellington 51. Symbol of strength

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

SVG back in Nations League battle

Football team- Vincy Heat - will have Belize, Bermuda and French Guiana to contend with in Group C of League B of the 2023/2024 edition, which begins in September.

Theon Gordon, Director of Technical Matters/SVGFF, assured that he and his staff have been involved in analyses of Vincy Heat’s most recent performances.

the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Suffered losses to The Bahamas in The Bahamas (1-0) and Trinidad and Tobago, 2-0 at the Arnos Vale venue and 4-1 away to the Trinidadians.

FOLLOWING AN UNDER-PAR EFFORT in the 2022/2023

Concacaf Nations League( CNL), St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s

In their last outing, Vincy Heat mustered only two points and ended at the bottom of Group C. They were saved by a late change in the format, after organisers scrapped the demotion rule, otherwise a League C place would have been their destiny. The Vincentians’ points tally came from draws versus Nicaragua (2-2) and the Bahamas (1-1) here at

Three Vincies in Squash Masters

A SECOND PLACE,a third place and a consolation runner-up spot, were St.Vincent and the Grenadines’ spoils at the 14th edition of the BCQS Barbados Squash Masters, held at the Barbados Squash Club from May 17 to 21.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by an all men’s team - Andre John, Othniel Bailey and Ceron Padmore.

John, who won the SVG Masters title in February of this year, competed in the 55 to 64 age group, had to settle for second place after losing 8-11, 7-11, 3-11 to Barbados’ Mark Sealey in the final.

John was unblemished on his way to the final. He defeated Carlos Loo from Canada 11-6, 115, 11-3, recorded an 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 versus Tim Dunkley of England, before overcoming Barbadian- Paul Sealy 11-5, 11-8, 11-4.

Meanwhile, Bailey in the 35-44 age group, ousted Patrick Downie of Barbados 11-3, 11-1, 11-3, before stumbling against another Barbadian - Rhett Cumberbatch

6-11, 4-11, 10-12, in the semi-finals.

He rebounded to defeat Gavin Cumberbatch 1210, 7-11, 4-11, 4-11, in the third-place playoff.

Padmore suffered losses to Rhett Cumberbatch, 2-11, 0-11, 5-11 and went under to Jeremy Ali of Trinidad and Tobago, 8-11, 1012, 11-13. Padmore, though, got the better of Downie, 11-4, 11-2, 11-5.

Shawn Simpson of Barbados won the Men’s 35-44, and his fellow Barbadian secured the Men’s 45-54 age group.

Trinidadian John Holley took the Men’s 65 and Over title. Karen Meakins pouched the Women’s 35 -54 title. Other participating countries were Jamaica, Cayman Islands and the USA.

This was a far cry from their outing in 2019, when Vincy Heat was runner-up to Suriname. Then, they recorded three wins, two draws and a solitary 1-0 defeat to Dominica.

Reviewing the last campaign, Director of Technical MattersTheon Gordon, declared, “It wasn’t our best… The results were not what we hoped, however, in the last two matches (versus Nicaragua in Nicaragua and against The Bahamas here St. Vincent and the Grenadines), we saw some positives of things we can work with”.

According to Gordon, he and his technical staff have since set about making analyses of the past sojourn with a view towards designing a different approach.

“We made an analysis of the entire process and we found some things that we can be better at, which were both on and off the field aspects, where we looked at the technical, physical and mental aspects of the players, the coaching staff and there are a couple things that we are trying to see how we can improve”, Gordon related.

Gordon was able to get a bird’s eye view of the team when he took charge following the departure of former Head Coach- Kendale Mercury, who did not seek to renew his contract that terminated in January of this year.

While Vincy Heat will be battling for top honours in Group C, three other groups constitute League B.

In Group A

are Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Maarten, while making up Group B are Barbados, Dominican Republic, Montserrat, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. Lodged in Group D are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Guyana, and Puerto Rico.

In League C are: Anguilla, Bonaire and St. Martin in Group A; Aruba, Cayman Islands and US Virgin Islands in Group B; with the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands comprising Group C.

And League A comprises Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Curaçao, Martinique and Nicaragua in Group A; Jamaica, Honduras, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada and Suriname are drawn in Group B. The United States, Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica have automatic berths to the final eight.

Kendale Mercury’s contact as Head Coach came to an end in January but no replacement has been name to date.

(From left): Andre John, Othniel Bailey, Ceron Padmore.

Some members who were part of the Vincy Heat outfit that participated in the last CNL campaign.

Bailey completes IntÊl Coaching Programme

PRESIDENTof the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling UnionShimano Bailey, has successfully completed the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme (ICECP).

He received his certificate at a ceremony held April 24, 2023, at the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

With a course focus on a local BMX programme, Bailey has been awarded 35 continuing education credits from the

University of Delaware.

This number is based upon his participation in 350 contact hours in the form of lectures, group work, demonstrations, an apprenticeship with national-level coaches, and the development and implementation of a project.

The content areas covered were sports sciences, coaching leadership, group dynamics, professional preparation, and coaching methodology.

Commenting on his certification, Bailey

stated, “It was a phenomenal experience participating in the 2020 edition of the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme…The Covid19 pandemic delayed modules 2 and 3 significantly but was worth the wait”.

Bailey noted the hands-on interaction would serve him in good stead.

“I had the privilege to do my apprenticeship with Coach Daniel Matheny and Garry Sutton from USA

Cycling, where I was to gain valuable knowledge as cyclists and coaches in the disciplines of Track and Mountain biking (MTB)… I was even a volunteer at the Pikes Peak Apex, a 3-stage MTB event, which was exciting to experience”, Bailey related.

Bailey is hoping that his newly acquired knowledge can impact the Vincentian Cycling landscape.

“It is my hope through the knowledge gained, that SVGCU is able to have a pump track

Culzac upstages seasoned cyclists

GABRIEL CULZAC, in his first competitive event, won last Sunday’s 19 mile Keep Fit event put on by the SVG Cycling Union.

Culzac, a student of the Bishop’s College Kingstown and an accomplished youth footballer, clocked 58:42.62 to finish ahead of second place and seasoned rider- Lucky Antrobus in 58:45.31.

Additionally, Gabriel upstaged his father and coach - Deptor Culzac, whose time was 1:00.53.87.

Next was Steve Ollivierre who docked in fourth in a time of 1:00. 56.57. The other competitor was Rivas Young who timed 1:10.15.15.

All finishers were presented with two tyres compliments the SVG Cycling Union, while the winner was given a cash award, thanks to an

anonymous benevolent donor. Sunday’s race was a prelude to this weekend’s two-stage race.

It commenced in the vicinity of the Koskab building in Arnos Vale from where the cyclists rode to Diamond, turned around and headed for the Arnos Vale Round About then back to Diamond, before finishing in front of Rent and Drive.

The cyclists will repeat this route this Sunday, May 28, however, they will circuit the Diamond to Round About loop three times, spanning a total of 30 miles.

In the other weekend race, cyclists will face off in

Grenadines to benefit from VTTF

With the startup already underway on Bequia since January this year, Romano Spencer, the Head Coach/Administrator of the VTTF said, “We look now to kickstart the programme in Union (Island). Rodney Caruth, Level 2 ITTF Certified Coach, was sent to that Grenadine Island of Union on assignment

from Sunday, 7th May 2023 until Saturday 13th May.”

While there, Rodney: renewed contacts on the island; visited schools; assessed the interest in the sport; assessed the state of VTTF equipment; prepared a main coaching area; and carried out some coaching sessions.

Rodney is earmarked to be the main coordinator of the programme on the island.

Spencer added, “This is the first stage to restarting our Grassroots Table Tennis Coaching Programmes on the island. The target is as always during school and after school coaching sessions. We

sometime in the nottoo-distant future and to have BMX Cycling Championship yearly”, he projected.

Bailey joins Rosmund Griffith and Rawlson MorganAthletics, Eardley Martin and Nikita Campbell- Volleyball, Kallique Bailey- Table Tennis, Kyle DouganSwimming, along with Jenny Trumble — Sailing, as Vincentians who have successfully completed ICECP.

The ICECP is a joint undertaking of the

United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the University of Delaware, and Olympic Solidarity.

expect also to recruit possible programme time keepers and persons with the interest of table tennis at heart.”

Orville Haslam, President of the SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) acknowledged the effort and work the VTTF continues to do for table tennis development. He commented,

“This is fantastic for Table Tennis in SVG. SVGTTA is behind VTTF all the way, so continue the outstanding work. Any area that can be utilitied to advance TT development in the country will always be appreciated by SVGTTA.”

a Hill Sprint on Saturday, May 27, from the Sol Petrol Station, Arnos Vale to the Belmont Look Out. Both races ride off at 6am.

THEVincy Table Tennis Foundation (VTTF) is extending its coaching programmes in the Grenadines.

Shimano Bailey, buoyed by his enhanced knowledge is raring and ready to impact the local cycling scene.

Gabriel Culzac (left) receives his cash award from Secretary of the SVG Cycling Union- Sezevra Joseph.

Romano Spencer, Head Coach/ Administrator of VTTF, said that Union Island will be the next target as his programme looks to expand in the Grenadines.

The focus will be on the youth as the VTTF plays its part in the overall development of table tennis in the country.

Sports people beware

DON’T THINKthat you can beat the system. There are rules and regulations. As has been proven from as long as ever, mankind is prone to disobey. Or perhaps there is the thrill of being on the edge. Sometimes it pays dividends which in some instances may have been worth the adventure.

On other occasions, it will be complete waste of everything, just to tangle with an episode.

Devon Thomas knew the risk he was taking. But until June 6 to respond to allegations of “contriving to fix” matches.

He faces seven counts under the anticorruption code of the International Cricket Council, stemming from action in three franchise based tournaments.

Those were the Sri Lanka Premier League, Abu Dhabi T/10, and the Caribbean Premier League.

Thomas, aged 33 played 21 ODI for the West Indies and 12 T/20’s. His one Test appearance was in Australia December 2022.

Thomas forced a change to the West Indies squad for United Arab Emirates for that three match series which will provide match analysis for both teams as they head to the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Johnson Charles comes in as replacement for Thomas for the UAE sojourn. That will provide a foundation for the selection of a squad for the qualifiers.

West Indies are drawn in Group A and play USA June 18, Nepal, 22, Zimbabwe 24, and Netherlands 26. The three top teams from the Groups move into a Super Six for the countdown to the final Sunday, July 9.

The Devon Thomas incident serves as a reminder to would be West Indian cricketers, of what not to engage in.

There are signs all over the grounds and warnings given in numerous forms about the signs of sinister persons around the cricket circles. Some youngsters may be naïve to take a casual conversation for what it might appear to be. But these match fixers and gamblers are always on the alert for loopholes in the arena.

Players have to be warned. Thomas will have an opportunity to prove his innocence, but with certain matters, even after the issue has been decided, there is a stigma that overhangs the personality whether he is freed or not.

There are plans for the staging of another West Indies Under-19 tournament here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I found out about that the hard way. Access to certain facilities are not as predictable as one might have thought.

So while the suggestion is there that youngsters must play on the streets, but use up the facilities that have been provided, one experiences the usual situation of being denied access to facilities, or forbidden from using them because they are being prepared for whatever purpose.

That was the case at the Wilf Slack nets recently to a couple of enthusiastic cricket fans.

The Cricket Board or indeed the National Sports Council, along with communities and or districts where schools are located will have to cooperate to ensure that youngsters have grounds on which they can practice.

Barbados wins fifth Super50 Title

BARBADOSWomen, with a crushing seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands at Warner Park last week, added another winner’s title of the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Championship.

Their 2023 crown meant that they recorded a third consecutive title victory and in the process, have now accumulated five titles in the regional championship.

On the actual field of play, Leewards were riddled for 74 runs in 27.2, failing to negotiate the Barbadian pacers Shakera Selman (3-9), Allison Gordon (2-15) and Asabi Callender (2-17).

Aaliyah Alleyne, 21 not out, led the Barbadians chase which closed on 75-3 in 12 overs.

In her victory speech skipper Hayley Matthews said, inter alia: “We had high expectations so it was really good that we could have a good start to the tournament and finish it with a really good win. … The juniors were given an opportunity to come through and find their game and they did exactly

that. Very happy with the way the seniors and junior came together to win the title.”

In other matches that brought the 2023 Championship to a close, Trinidad and Tobago defeated Guyana and Jamaica just about got the better of the Windwards.

Hayley Matthews with champion trophy, was obviously happy with her team’s performance, especially the young players.

While skipper Anisa Mohammed played a captain’s knock, 54 not out, to pace T&T to 132 for 8 after being sent in, it was Steffie Soogrim, wielding her left-arm orthodox spin, who registered figures of 10-6-14-6 and made the victory that much easier, as the Guyanese were relegated to a low of 56-9 in 35.4 overs.

Meanwhile, Jamaica edged passed the Windward Islands with an eight-run victory. Jamaica posted 105 in 38.2 overs, Windwards skipper and West Indies leg spinner Afy Fletcher keeping them in check with figures of 6 for 29. The Windward Islands looked like they were cruising to victory at one stage but were eventually bowled out for 97, losing their last seven wickets for 20 runs. Malika Edwards hit a top score of 35 and Vanessa Watts took 4 for 20.

Barbados –Champions of the CG United Women’s Super50 Regional cricket.

CWI to review Regional Cricket Format

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the first class season consisted of each team playing ten games in a home and away format. As of 2021, the format became teams playing each other only once, significantly reducing the amount of first-class cricket in the region.

Addressing the dearth of first class cricket in the region, Adams indicated, “The format and structure of the first class regional tournament is something that is going to be reviewed coming out of this year. We do want to play more First-Class cricket but we also made a commitment to try to play a much higher standard firstclass cricket as possible, which is the reason behind the Headley Weekes concept,” he added.

The Headley Weekes Tri-Series was introduced this year, with the West Indies Academy coming out victorious.

“We will be reviewing that addition to the season to see if there’s merit in continuing with it. We’re also considering whether we can add more teams to our regional tournament …”, Adams said, adding that under consideration would be increasing the number of “A” team tours in the future.

“Already”, Adams added, “we have a commitment from CWI to adding regular “A” team series, home and away, for the next cycle which is about three to four years.” Adams said.

He reiterated, however, “… we are conscious of building up FirstClass cricket but the priority is to make sure the standard of it is as high as possible.”

Jimmy Adams, Director of Cricket (CWI), spoke with a degree of assurance, that changes in the current format would mean increased firsrt class crocket in the region.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

JIMMY ADAMS, Director of Cricket in the Cricket West Indies Inc. set-up, says the regional cricket format will be reviewed.

Classifieds V

Peto man awaits sentencing

James Francois, a Petit Bordel farmer who unlawfully caused the death of fellow villager Edward Lavia about three years ago, will be sentenced on June 30 for manslaughter.

The Crown represented by Crown Counsel Rose Ann Richardson, and the defense, led by attorney Michael Wyllie, are to file sentencing submissions by June 7.

Francois was initially charged with murder but a 12-member jury, at the Criminal Assizes on Monday, found him not guilty of murder but guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Lavia, who was 46, was stabbed in the side of his neck with a piece of broken bottle during an altercation at Petit Bordel around 4:15 p.m. on February 28, 2020.

Francois was 51 at the time of the incident. Wyllie led a case of self-defense.

Justice Rickie Burnett presided over the trial at High Court No. 2. (HH)

CXC confirms Exam leak

From Backpage.

in full support of the position taken by CXC to rule out Mathematic Paper 2 in the assessment of the candidates.

He also said otherwise that in light of the recent leak, the Ministry of Education was examining their security policies.

“Essentially, we’ve learned that we need to review our local protocols and security protocols as they relate to the collection, storage, and distribution of these examination papers so that a similar leakage does not occur here in St. Vincent,” Education Minister Curtis King said.

CLIDE DURRANT 2023

Church Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Dumbarton Cemetery

SOLOMON 2023

Evangelical Church Barrouallie

Viewing: 12:30 p.m.

Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment:

ARRINDELL

May, 2023

Canouan S.D.A Church

Viewing: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment: Canouan Cemetery

SHERLA LORAINE JACOBS

Saturday, 20th May, 2023

Viewing 12:00 p.m. Service 1:00 p.m.

New Creation

Interment: Biabou Cemetery

VERBINA DEAN

Saturday, 20th May, 2023

St. Patrick Anglican Church

Barrouallie

Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Bottle &

(Sources: Loop News, Jamaica Gleaner)

James Francois

CXC CONFIRMS EXAM LEAK

CARIBBEAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL (CXC) has identified that the examination breach originated in Jamaica, allaying the fear among a certain section of residents who had held on to a nudge that it had occurred in SVG.

Speaking to regional media last Friday, Registrar and CEO of CXC, Dr Wayne Wesley, confirmed the leak was confined to the 2023 Caribbean

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Mathematics Paper 02. Dr. Wesley also disclosed that instructions had been given that the compromised papers be removed from the centre with immediate effect. He also noted that the leak spanned across several Caribbean nations and that the information was disseminated across various social media platforms

APOLOGY

REFERENCEDis here made to an article headlined, ‘CXC Exam leaked: SVG Implicated’, as carried in THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 19th May, 2023.

We first and foremost apologise to Dr. Cleveland Sam for having misrepresented him in the article.

In fact, we admit that the inclusion of Dr. Sam as having spoken to the issue as advanced by the article was dated; dated to the extent that what was attributed to Dr. Sam by way of comments did not speak to the issue at hand but to an issue that attracted attention sometime in the past, while he worked with CXC.

We now know that Dr. Sam at the time of this breach had long left (in 2018) the employ of the Caribbean Examination Council

(CXC) and therefore, it was clearly an error on our part to have used what we now know to be a dated reference by him.

We apologise to Dr. Sam for misrepresenting him and for whatever discomfort or untold effect our inclusion of him in our article might have caused.

To our readers, we apologise for having embellished the pivotal issue of the article (CXC Exam leaked, etc.) with dated material. This obviously was a failing on our part, occasioned by our over-zealousness and trust in our sources.

For whatever misdirection we might have caused to you our treasured readers, we apologise and commit to continue to bring the real truth about issues affecting our country in particular and the world in general.

such as WhatsApp.

He said further investigations were required to gather more information regarding the number of countries affected.

In the meantime, students will no longer have to fear having to re-sit the examination as the CXC will use a different measure to determine their final math grades, he reassured.

The final results will now be calculated using the scores from the CSEC Mathematics Paper 1 and marks from the School-Based Assessment (SBAs) or CSEC Mathematics Paper 3 (2) — an alternative to the SBA research requirements. The decision which has been communicated to regional ministries of education.

“The news of the security breach of the examination has caused much anxiety and concern. As a result of the breach and the compromise of the examination, as well as, consideration for the mental health and wellbeing of our candidates and timely release of results along with matriculation requirements, CXC has determined that grades for this examination will be awarded using the modified approach,” Dr Wesley announced on Friday.

“The modified approach entails assessment of the school-based assessment (SBA), which includes Paper 3 (2), and Paper 1 which is the multiple choice paper.”

This decision was communicated to the regional ministries.

Going forward

And the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) says it is aiming to get the region ready for full electronic testing of digitised exams, a move it believes would assist in eliminating the recurring leaks of Caribbean

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) test papers.

Dr Wesley stated that the Council has been considering such a move since 2007.

He went on to outline that, since the beginning of the year, CXC has had the capability of doing all multiple-choice examinations electronically but was still working on digitising paper 2 assessments — a process he said he was hopeful would be completed quickly.

“However, given the vast difference among the region with respect to the IT (information technology) infrastructure that is required for the administration for electronic testing, we have to be working currently with the ministries on a particular schedule that will see us over a period of time implementing fully electronic testing,” Wesley told regional media.

SVG supports CXC action

Here in SVG, Education Minister Curtis King assured THE VINCENTIAN that his Ministry was

on

Dr. Cleveland Sam (Photo Credit: ©TNC.)

Dr. Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO of CXC, in addressing the recent exam leak also addressed the eventuality of full electronic testing of digitised exams.